In the Spotlight

Articles about Bessie Morris Foundation alumnae, inspiring women, and friends.

NEW eMagazine Available!

We received such a great response to our Inspiring Women articles that we compiled them into digital magazine format. Read and share all articles more easily! Go to this page to request your copy. There is no charge for the magazine, but donations are gratefully accepted to support our mission.

May 2024

From Pillar to Post to Becoming a Social Justice Warrior: Fran Jemmott

For Women's History Month: Fran Jemmott is the owner and principal of Jemmott Rollins Group, Inc., a management consulting firm that helps clients create positive social change through strategic planning, capacity building, policy advocacy, curriculum development, and more. She is an award-winning and recognized leader and influencer.

March 2024

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From Two Pounds to Commissioner: Honorable Sharonda P Bradford, Commissioner, California Superior Court

National Women's History Month Spotlight: Sharonda Bradford reflects on her life growing up in Compton and events that led her to becoming Commissioner.

March 2024

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Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling: Maria McKee

The Bessie Morris Foundation proudly highlights Maria McKee in celebration of National Women's History Month. Maria was sworn in as Marshal of Fulton County, Georgia, becoming the second female to hold this position.

March 2024

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Happenstance and Moxie: Lisa Lovaglio

To celebrate National Women's History Month, Bessie Morris Foundation is spotlighting inspiring women who have faced challenges and pursued their dreams. Our first spotlight highlights Lisa Lovaglio, movie producer and production manager.

March 2024

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Dani Stadelmann: Sprinkling Contagious Kindness

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, The Bessie Morris Foundation is proud to present the story of survivor Dani Stadelmann who made it her personal mission to raise awareness, support searching for a cure, and to do good.

October 2023

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Flying High - Mia Hutcherson

The Bessie Morris Foundation proudly highlights Mia Hutcherson in honor of 2023 International Women’s Day, celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world.

March 2023

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Not Knowing the Color of Her Parachute - Denise Shiozawa

The Bessie Morris Foundation proudly highlights Denise Shiozawa in honor of 2023 International Women’s Day, celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world.

March 2023

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Meeting You Where You Are - Wendy Betancourt

The Bessie Morris Foundation proudly highlights Wendy Betancourt in honor of 2023 International Women’s Day, celebrating   the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world.

March 2023

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Being True to Yourself - Judge Karen Gauff

The Bessie Morris Foundation is proud to highlight Judge Karen Gauff, honoring 2023 International Women’s Day and celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world.

March 2023

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There Are No Obstacles, Only Opportunites and Challenges to Overcome - Margarita Perez

The Bessie Morris Foundation is proud to highlight Margarita Perez in honor of the 2023 International Women’s Day, which celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world.

March 2023

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Knowing Her Own Worth - Marsha Reed

The Bessie Morris Foundation is proud to highlight Marsha Reed in honor of the 2023 International Women’s Day, which celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world.

March 2023

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Prom Dreams Alumna Letisia Alvarado Helping Others

Almost 16 years ago, I was one of the luckiest recipients of the 2006 Prom Dreams Program. A lot has happened since then, including graduating valedictorian on Thomas Jefferson High School.

March 2022

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Prom Dreams Alumna Update: Catching Up with Jazzminn Henry

Jazzmin graduated from Cabrillo High School and then California State University, Fresno where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She then earned her Master of Social Work at California State University, Northridge. For the past five years, Jazzmin has worked as a Children’s Social Worker for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.

November 2021

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Prom Dreams Alumna Earns Her Doctorate Degree

Congratulations to Patricia Gonzalez! She just received her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Change. She was able to obtain her degree online from the University of Southern California while living in New York. I am so proud of Patty.

November 2021

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Elsa Brizzi: Book Fair Inspiration

Elsa Brizzi and her work energized me to pursue my vision to encourage children's confidence through a literacy program. She wrote and illustrated a wonderful children’s book You are a Very Special You. Her book was designed to deliver a simple yet profound message: Each person is special.

October 2021

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Patricia Gonzalez Giving Back: Someone Believing in You Makes All the Difference

2010 Prom Dreams Alumna earns her Masters from Columbia University, and Gives back to the Community.

November 2017

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Graduation Congratulations to the 2010 Prom Dream Alumnae

The Bessie Morris Foundation is so happy to announce the graduation of Letisia Alvarado from University of California, Berkeley with a bachelor's degree in social welfare and psychology. Letisia is continuing her studies for a master's degree at University of Southern California.

2011

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2010 Prom Dream Alumnae Get Together During Holiday Break

We were able to hear about the girls' college experiences. They shared many stories and quotes that they wanted to pass on to other young ladies...

2011

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Powerful Women

Bessie Morris Foundation celebrates phenomenal women and their accomplishments. Each share a bit about themselves and their perspectives on four questions.

2010

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Words by 100 Positive Women

Daily affirmation by Deidra Blanton

2011

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Spotlight on Mercedes Cook and Letisia Alvarado

Congratulations to Mercedes Cook for graduating from USC with a bachelor's degree and to Letisia Alvarado, a Bill Gates Scholarship recipeint.

2010

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