ACADEMIC STUDIES AWARDS(For Children of FAWCO and FAUSA members)
Arts Award $4,000
For undergraduate or graduate study in the history, theory and/or practice of the performing arts, visual arts, film and media arts, architecture and graphic arts.
Recipient: Pascal ShradyHis mother is a member of AIWC Cologne.
Pascal has always dreamed of a career in music. He not only sings but songwrites as well. He plays both the piano and guitar. He wishes to not only perform but produce music. He is in the process of applying to undergraduate programs in the U.S. where he can hone his music skills as well as learn the business of music to improve his technological skills.
Sciences Award $4,000 Sponsored in part by AIWC Genoa, in memory of Frieda Bacigalupo Natali
For undergraduate or graduate study of scientific subjects (e.g., biology, chemistry), mathematics, medicine, engineering, environmental studies, computer science, economics or business administration.
Recipient: Leo KuhnenHis mother is a member of AWC Brussels.
Leo lost his father five years ago to pancreatic cancer. It is this tragic event that inspired him to pursue a career in the field of cancer research. He is currently applying to natural science programs in The Netherlands with the further goal of achieving a Master's Degree in biomedical science.
Humanities Awards $4,000
For undergraduate or graduate study in the fields including, but not limited to, education, law, social studies, history and languages.
Due to generosity in sponsorship, there were two awards available which were given to the two highest-ranked applicants:
Humanities Award Sponsored in part by AAWE Paris, in memory of Gertrude de Gallaix
Recipient: Meaghan O'HearnHer mother is a member of AWC Zurich.
Meaghan has already received her Bachelor's Degree in Science from Georgetown University as well as her Master's from The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. After working for a year in Bangalore, India, she developed a keen interest in the importance of nutrition on the human body. She has now decided to pursue her Doctorate where her research will focus on the correlation of industry strategies and dietary patterns, especially in relation to processed food and obesity.
Caroline Newton Humanities Award
Recipient: Fintan ViebahnHer mother is a member of IWC Munich.
Fintan is in the process of finishing her dual Bachelor's Degrees in Law and Philosophy. She will then begin her Master's Degree with a particular focus on political philosophy and digitization. The ethical questions in this emerging digital world require answers. Which ethical aspects should be considered when programming artificial intelligence? Will artificial intelligence put humans out of work or threaten humanity? What focus has been given to digital privacy? It is her hope that with her continued education she will help in developing these answers.
DUAL CULTURAL AWARD(For Children/Grandchildren of FAWCO members - one Parent/Grandparent must be American)
Dual Cultural Award $4,000 Sponsored in part by AWC Bern and Donna Erismann, in memory of Suzanne Erismann
To be used to attend a semester of American high school or an academic or structured educational summer program in the United States.
Recipient: Laura WilhelmHer mother is a member of AIWC Cologne.
Laura will be participating in a program at Northwestern University this coming summer. Growing up in Germany, she has always experienced the world of a bicultural person. Through her parents' efforts of encouraging spoken English at home, and spending time every summer in the U.S. with her grandparents, she has grown up German but still retains her American roots. The Center for Talent Development program at Northwestern focuses on Calculus, Chemistry and Psychology. She very much looks forward to seeing how her performance compares to that of American students just like her.
MEMBER AWARDS(For FAWCO and FAUSA members)
These awards recognize the diverse lives of our members, their achievements and their neverending quest for knowledge and self-improvement.
FAUSA Skills Enhancement Award $4,000
This award is for acquiring new skills or enhancing already existing ones. This will allow a FAWCO or FAUSA member to become more capable, competent and confident by acquiring the skills to improve performance in any given field.
Recipient: Kristen Melia She is a member of AIWC Naples
Kristen is currently working on her Master's Degree in "Immigration and the Public Policy of Integration." It is her direct experience of living in Naples, Italy where she has seen the results of asylum seeker immigration and her prior experience of working immigration and identity management through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that has led to her to this field of study. As part of the process of obtaining her Master's Degree, she will be responsible for writing on the Migration Routes at Sea for the Brussels and Washington, D.C. based think tank "Migration Policy Institute."
Women in STEM $4000 In Honor of AWA Dubai's 21 years serving the international community of Dubai
This award is for the study of STEM disciplines including the study of chemistry, computer and information technology science, engineering, geosciences, life sciences, mathematical sciences, physics and astronomy.
Recipient: Melanie BaurShe is a member of AIWC Düsseldorf.
Melanie has decided to further her education by completing a certificate program in Marketing Analytics through Penn State University. Her goal is to enhance her digital marketing and communcation skills as well as improve her understanding of data analytics. She is driven to excel in communication and marketing strategies while being a leader in the nonprofit sector.
AWC Hamburg Continuing Education Award $4,000
In honor of the 60th Anniversary of the American Women's Club of Hamburg, this award is for a FAWCO or FAUSA member to further their education at university or an equivalent level through courses, workshops and certification programs. Subjects can encompass all areas of interest - inter alia, journalism, writing, the arts and philanthropy, however, excludes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Recipient: Tammy Sas-Mayaux She is a member of AAWE Paris.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals are what drive Tammy to further her education through a Master's Degree focused on the historic context of globalization and economic development, public policy theory, as well as corporate regulation, strategies for citizen action and sustainable development. A glaring example of her main motivation is a 2017 report that was published by Oxfam titled "Reward Work, Not Wealth." In it was the statement that billionaires in 2017 had earned the equivalent of what we would need to solve extreme world poverty, seven times over. The knowledge and skills she would learn through this Master's program will give her the advantage she needs to promote change on a local, national and international scale.
A very heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to all of our 2018 Education Award Recipients!
Thinking about applying for a 2019 Education Award? Consult the Timeline below for tips on efficient and timely completion of your application.
When FAWCO launched Target Project 6.0, Power Her Pathat the 2026 Interim Meeting in Malta, the visual identity of the project was introduced alongside it. These graphics were designed not simply to represent the project, but to reflect the journey at its core — one of growth, movement, and forward progress.
From the donor medallions to the fundraising thermometer to the Power Her Path logo, each element was created to feel connected and intentional. Together, they form a visual language that supports the story of a project centered on creating pathways to dignity and opportunity for survivors rebuilding their lives.
Donor Medallions
The donor medallions were designed to recognize participation in a way that feels symbolic rather than purely decorative. Each bird represents a stage in a broader journey — reflecting growth, movement, and expanding possibility.
Lark ($100-$1000) — The lark represents beginnings. Known for its upward song and early morning flight, it symbolizes hope, renewal, and the first spark of action. Every movement begins with lift-off.
Swallow ($1001-$3000) — Swallows migrate in community, traveling long distances together. They symbolize perseverance, safe return, and shared direction. Progress builds through connection.
Crane ($3001-$6000) — The crane is associated across cultures with longevity, dignity, and vigilance. Its steady, deliberate movement reflects sustained commitment. Endurance strengthens the cause.
Albatross ($6001-$9000) — With the longest wingspan of any bird, the albatross represents reach and resilience. It crosses vast oceans, sustained by strength and balance. Vision expands with courage.
Dove ($9001+) — The dove is an enduring symbol of peace and human rights. Echoing the UN’s hand-shaped bird emblem, it represents protection, advocacy, and shared humanity. The ultimate goal is freedom and dignity for all.
Together, these birds form a visual progression — one that mirrors the path from first opportunity to independence and stability.
Because the medallions appear on the Donor Wall, they do more than identify giving levels. They create a shared visual rhythm across the campaign and reinforce the idea that every contribution is part of something larger.
The Fundraising Thermometer
The fundraising thermometer was designed to feel like more than a simple progress indicator. Rather than only marking dollars raised, it visually follows a journey upward.
At the base, the imagery begins low and close to the ground. As the campaign grows, the flock rises, expands, and gains momentum, with birds gradually lifting higher into the open space above. By the top of the thermometer, the movement extends beyond the frame, suggesting not just reaching a goal, but creating something larger and farther-reaching than a single number.
This upward movement reflects the spirit of Power Her Path itself — the idea that support can create lift, and that collective effort can help open the way toward greater independence and opportunity.
The Power Her Path Logo
The final logo brings the project together in a single mark. At its center is a rising path, paired with a human figure moving upward and forward. The circular motion surrounding the figure suggests both momentum and connection, while the path itself gives visual form to the project name.
The surrounding blue arcs echo elements of Pacific Links Foundation’s visual identity, subtly reinforcing the partnership at the heart of the project. This connection grounds the design in collaboration while maintaining a distinct identity for Power Her Path.
The design was created to feel dynamic without being complex, and symbolic without becoming abstract. It reflects movement, partnership, and the idea of a future that can be shaped through support and opportunity.
The horizontal version of the title, used across the website and campaign materials, extends this visual language while maintaining a consistent and recognizable identity.
A Shared Visual Language
Taken together, these elements were designed to work as a cohesive system. The medallions, thermometer, and logo each serve a different purpose, but all reflect the same underlying idea: progress is built step by step, and collective support can help create real pathways forward.
As Target Project 6.0 continues, these visuals will appear across campaign materials, donor recognition, and project updates — helping create an identity that is both recognizable and meaningful within the FAWCO community.
Be Part of the Story
Power Her Path is more than a theme — it is a shared effort to support women rebuilding their futures with dignity, skills, and opportunity.
We invite you to follow the campaign, explore the Donor Wall, and be part of the collective effort behind Target Project 6.0.
We’re thrilled to share that the fundraising phase of Target Project 5.0: Awesome Blossoms has officially come to a close—and thanks to the incredible generosity and dedication of our FAWCO community, we’ve far exceeded our goals.
Our final total?
$211,095.98
That’s well beyond our second fundraising goal of $190,000—an extraordinary achievement made possible by this global network of changemakers.
This moment is the result of deep collaboration. We’re filled with gratitude for Amanda Drollinger, who led the Target Project with focus and heart; to Lauren Mescon and her fundraising team, whose energy and creativity kept the momentum going; to FAWCO clubs across the world, who organized events, ran campaigns, and collectively raised over $180,000; and to every individual donor, whose contribution helped us reach this milestone.
And of course, our deepest admiration goes to Peninah Musyimi, the visionary founder of Safe Spaces and the driving force behind Awesome Blossoms. Peninah’s story is one of strength, determination, and unwavering service. As the first woman from the Eastland slums to attend university and become an attorney—and the only one to become a Kenyan basketball star—she chose to return to her community to create Safe Spaces: a place where girls and young women could build a better future. Her mission to foster leadership, environmental stewardship, and opportunity has been the soul of this project.
In a recent note to us, Peninah shared: “By myself I can go fast, but together we can go far.”
Thanks to all of you, we have gone far—and helped ensure that the work of Awesome Blossoms will continue to grow.
Though FAWCO’s formal involvement with Awesome Blossoms concludes here, the impact will endure. These funds will help Safe Spaces acquire permanent farmland, expand their vertical farming systems, and provide sustainable support for young women entrepreneurs.
As we look ahead to the next Target Program, which will focus on Human Rights, we carry forward the same spirit of purpose, collaboration, and hope.
Thank you for standing beside us—and beside Peninah. You have helped turn a vision into something lasting.
Awesome Blossoms: Celebrating Our Success and Looking Forward to the Future
We are thrilled to share some fantastic news with you! Thanks to the incredible generosity and support from our FAWCO members and donors, we have reached our initial fundraising goal of $140,000 for the Target Project: Awesome Blossoms. This remarkable achievement comes eight months ahead of our timeline, and we couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you. Your commitment and enthusiasm have truly made a difference.
What’s Next: Sustainability and Growth
Now that we have reached this significant milestone, we are excited to announce the next phase of our journey: ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the Awesome Blossoms project. Our new goal is to raise an additional $50,000 to purchase permanent farmland, which will provide a stable foundation for our hydroponic urban farming initiatives.
Securing Permanent Land
One of the key challenges Awesome Blossoms faces is the uncertainty and limitation of leasing land. To address this, with the continuing support of the FAWCO community, Safe Spaces plans to acquire a plot of land (minimum 80 x 60 meters) in Kikuyu, Zambezi, or Uthiru. This land will be used to establish sustainable vertical farming systems that are crucial for the continued success of the Awesome Blossoms project. By owning the land, Safe Spaces can ensure accessibility, proximity to target communities, and the availability of necessary infrastructure.
Developing Infrastructure
Once the land is secured, the next step is to develop the necessary infrastructure. This involves uninstalling the current farm infrastructure from the existing leased farms and relocating the hydroponic equipment to the new site. These vertical farming structures will support optimal production efficiency and sustainability.
Long-Term Viability and Impact
Owning the land opens up new possibilities for growth and sustainability. The new farm will have the capacity to house additional vertical systems, allowing Safe Spaces to expand operations incrementally each year. The business model for Awesome Blossoms allocates 80% of the profits to fund Safe Spaces programs and 20% for expansion. This approach ensures that the project can continually grow, serving more communities and making a lasting impact.
How You Can Help
Our journey doesn’t end here. To make this vision a reality, we need your continued support. The cost of purchasing the land, preparing it, and relocating the existing farms is approximately $50,000. By reaching this goal, we can ensure the long-term sustainability of Awesome Blossoms, providing stable employment for micro-entrepreneurs and peer educators involved in the project.
We encourage all FAWCO members and supporters to keep the momentum going. Your donations, fundraising efforts, and enthusiasm have brought us this far, and with your help, we can achieve even greater heights. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to securing the future of Awesome Blossoms and making a profound difference in the lives of many.
Let’s continue to grow together and support this transformative project. Pledge your commitment to Target 5.0 and be part of this exciting journey. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.
