Tabitha McWilliams

Tabitha is a divorced mother of three children, ages 11, 10, and 8. She is currently attending Alabama A&M University studying Office Systems Management. She works as a Records Specialist with Randstad and her contract is currently at Alabama A&M. She sees much value in the mentoring process and understands it because her children attend the Richard Showers Center every day after school. Her long-term goal is to find a good place to work and to take good care of her children. Her mentor is Mary Spann. Mary is a Senior Business Consultant at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Tabitha's award of $1,000 is being given in honor of Alice Arrington.

Detra Campbell

Detra Campbell is pursuing her degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice at Alabama A&M and is employed with the Limestone Correctional Facility. Detra would like to work with adolescents when she finishes her degree. The Foundation will help Detra by pairing her with a strong mentor and assisting her through our development programs. Detra's mentor is Jan Ross. Jan is the Corporate Relations Director at Oakwood College. $2,500 is in honor of Diane Weston.

Heather Farrell

Heather is a 21 year old single parent and sole provider for twins, age 5. She has some college and is still a freshman. Her goal is to receive a degree in marketing and management from UAH. She works as a sales representative for advertising at the Huntsville Times. Because she is working while attending school, it will take approximately five years for her to complete her degree. Heather learned about the Foundation scholarship in 2001, but was too late to apply. However, she did request a mentor and has been in a very rewarding relationship with Linda Spalla. She embraced the concept of mentorship and has been diligent to make it work. Her life goals currently include "to always continue moving toward something better than the place I am at in my life, no matter how great the place I am may be. I want to continue pushing on toward excellence, even if it appears I have already achieved it." Heather's mentor is Linda Spalla. Linda has recently retired as the General Manager of WHNT Channel 19. Heather's award of $1,000 is given in honor of Alice Arrington.

LaToya Walker

LaToya is the single mother of a 4-year-old daughter. She is a former scholarship recipient, having graduated from Virginia College in October 2001 in medical transcription. While LaToya did not qualify for financial assistance this year, the Foundation will support her through our mentoring and development programs. LaToya's mentor is Suzanne Thames Whatley. Suzanne has served many years in the Marketing and Public Relations industry. Her Award of $2,500 is in honor of Diane Weston.

Monique Given

Monique is a single mother of an 11 year old son. She attends UAH where she is majoring in art. She is a work-study student in the marketing and promotions office of UAH and is an honors scholar. She previously attended the University of Georgia for two years, where she had a GPA of 3.5. Her prior work experience includes having been a partner in a film production company in Washington State. The company not only produced marketing and educational films, but also movies for entertainment. She returned to Huntsville four years ago to be near her parents. Her goals include graduate school and then becoming a university professor and studio artist. Monique's mentor is Nikki Robbins. Nikki is owner of Francis Communications. Monique's award of $1,000 is given in honor of Jean Wessel Templeton.

Norma Crutcher

Norma is a four-time recipient through the WEDC Foundation. She is employed at Hibbett Sports and has been for seven years. She has two children, ages 14 and 11, and is attending Calhoun before transferring to Athens State for her business accounting degree. She uses the Foundation's assistance for books, supplies, internet service and transportation. She is able to take internet or video-based courses, which allows her to spend more time at home with her children. She is steadily moving toward her goals and has remained very consistent in her goal strategy. Norma's mentor is Leigh Gonterman Christian. Leigh is a Vice President at AmSouth Bank. Norma's award of $900 is given in honor of Jean Wessel Templeton.

Vanessa Stafford

Vanessa has been attending school part-time to study accounting while working full-time at Teledyne Brown, and is due to graduate summer or fall 2002. While juggling single motherhood, she is working toward her undergraduate degree in human resources. Between her commute for childcare, work and school, she can drive up to 100 miles per day. She has completed two years of coursework, and says "although the obstacles have been long and difficult, she continues to persevere." She is interested in finding a mentor in human resources.

Mentor: Christine Starnes, Crabtree, Snellgrove and Rowe