What scholarship judges actually look for
Part 2 of a 7-part series on winning scholarships
Ever wonder what happens after you hit ‘submit’ on a scholarship application? Judges use a 3-step review: a 15–30 sec scan for eligibility, completeness, professionalism, and rule-following, then a deeper dive. Nail these basics to move from good to winning!”
Is your idea brilliant, or are you just really into it?
Part 2 of 6 on small business entrepreneurship
Is your idea brilliant or are you just really into it? Time for a reality check! Learn how to validate your business idea using free tools like the Business Model Canvas. We're ditching 40-page business plans for one-page strategy that actually works. Let's test that idea!
Become a Kindness Courier: Support women scholarship recipients in SW Washington
Become a Kindness Courier! Send monthly cards or emails to college women in our community. Encourage them through finals, celebrate their wins, and be the bright spot in their day. Work from home, commit just 15-20 minutes a month, and make a real difference with your words.
The $10 Tuesday giving challenge for Southwest Washington women's scholarships
Start the Ten Dollar Tuesday challenge! Save $10 each Tuesday for 5 weeks and you'll donate $50 by #GivingTuesday on Dec 2. Woman of Wonder scholarships create critical thinkers who build vibrant communities. Your coffee money changes lives.
Scholarships that spark possibilities for women in Southwest Washington
Part 1 of a 7-part series on winning scholarships
Apply for a Woman of Wonder scholarship—$1500 to $2200 for tuition. Open to women in SW Washington. Full or part-time students. No age limit. No GPA requirements. Apply starting Jan 1 with FAFSA, essay, letters of recommendation, etc. Start working on your application now. You’ll be cheered on all year.
Your business idea just went from “maybe someday” to “let's do this”
Part 1 of 6 on small business entrepreneurship
Got a business idea that won't leave you alone? Welcome to your roadmap! Over six weeks, we're breaking down Washington State's free StartUP 365 resources to take you from daydream to launch. No MBA required, just real talk about turning your wine-fueled dream into an actual business.
Why your vote matters more than your to-do list
Academic research shows women voters face distinct barriers, including time constraints, yet their turnout since 1984 exceeds men's. States restricting abortion access often limit voting rights, revealing systematic efforts to constrain women's civic power.
The Pat Stephens Scholarship for a legacy of kindness and service
The Pat Stephens Scholarship honors the legacy of a woman who lived with purpose, creativity, and compassion. Pat was known for her joyful spirit, dedication to volunteerism, and support of women’s empowerment through her work with Woman of Wonder. Pat’s family and the organization established a scholarship fund to continue her impact.
A mentor to help you start a business
Washington State’s GearUp program offers free mentorship to help women turn business ideas into reality. Woman of Wonder highlights this 6-week training program, which includes weekly sessions, collaborative problem-solving, and guidance from experienced mentors. The program empowers participants to test ideas & build strong foundations to run a business.
Unwrap the Magic! White Elephant Fantasy Book Exchange
Join the White Elephant Fantasy Book Exchange on March 14 at Doran Hall in Vancouver, WA! Bring a wrapped fantasy book labeled by genre, swap stories, enjoy snacks, guest speakers, and a grand prize giveaway. Suggested donation: $10 pre-event, $15 at the door. Support women’s education while discovering magical new reads.
Expanding our circle of insight, inclusion, and impact
Woman of Wonder explores how to build inclusive workplaces where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) thrive. Using the metaphor of a dance, the post explains how organizations move from representation to empowerment. It calls for authentic engagement, fair outcomes, and invites readers to help expand the board and mission.
Mental Health Day habits create resilience
Mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s a daily necessity. Woman of Wonder shares five simple habits to build resilience: be kind to your mind, create space for stillness, practice self-compassion, connect meaningfully, and use mindfulness as a support tool. These small steps help women nurture well-being with intention and consistency.
Food business academy: Launch your culinary dream in southwest Washington
Got a kitchen superpower? Washington State’s free online Food Business Academy helps turn tasty ideas into income. Courses cover cottage food basics, pricing, marketing, booths, trucks, pop-ups, and more. Whether you're dreaming of extra dough or Michelin stars, this is your recipe for success—no apron required.
What does college cost?
College costs vary widely, but for many women, the price can mean sacrificing dreams. Woman of Wonder highlights tuition-free programs at Emory, Wake Forest, and Ohio State for qualifying families, and urges early financial planning. Scholarships and support are key to making education accessible and empowering women.
The girl who opened schoolhouse doors for Latinos: A legacy of educational access
Sylvia Mendez’s fight for education equality led to the landmark case Mendez v. Westminster, ending school segregation in California. Woman of Wonder honors her legacy during Hispanic Heritage Month, showing how one girl’s courage helped pave the way for Brown v. Board of Education.
Every southwest Washington entrepreneur needs a website
A website is essential for any business—it’s your digital front door. Woman of Wonder shares free resources from Washington State to help entrepreneurs build sites that fit their goals, from e-commerce to AI integration. Courses cover budgeting, design, user experience, and launch strategies to help women succeed online.
Help us bring more to women’s lives, it’s Give More 24!
Woman of Wonder joins Give More 24, Southwest Washington’s biggest giving day, with a $5,000 goal and $2,200 in matching funds. Donations support scholarships for women in Southwest Washington. Every dollar given doubles in impact—uplifting women through education, entrepreneurship, and community care.
How to create a birthday fundraiser for Woman of Wonder
Turn your birthday into a gift for others! Woman of Wonder shows how to set up a Facebook fundraiser to support scholarships for women. Start two weeks early, invite friends, and share why you care. Every donation helps empower women through education—making your celebration a ripple of kindness.
Mentorship for small business in southwest Washington
StartUp Washington offers free mentorship to help entrepreneurs grow smarter. Woman of Wonder highlights local Startup Centers that provide one-on-one coaching, workshops, and networking—especially for rural and underserved communities. Virtual options make expert guidance accessible to all.lp
How our scholarship applicants shape our community
Woman of Wonder’s scholarship applicants aren’t just students—they’re changemakers. From tutoring and mentoring to organizing events, aiding clinics, and advocating for equity, their volunteer work strengthens communities. These stories show that a scholarship is more than support—it’s a seed of lasting impact.