Esperanza: Kerry Leavitt Memorial Scholarship:
Esperanza means “hope” in Spanish. So many teenagers in Washington DC grow up without hope that they can go to college and pursue a profession that is both personally and financially satisfying. I aim to spread the hope that all children can succeed and that all children deserve a college education if that’s the road they choose. I also want to give children the message that the world is full of caring people who want to help them succeed.
Kerry Leavitt was a dear friend of mine who died at age 53. A highly successful social worker educated at Stanford University and Smith College, Kerry greatly valued higher education. Among her numerous accomplishments, she taught at the University of Virginia Medical School's Center for the Study of Mind and Human Interaction; traveled with a delegation to the Republic of Georgia to help train trauma therapists treating torture victims; and taught mindfulness practices to female inmates at the maximum security facility in Fluvanna County. About 23 years ago, Kerry became aware of a child trafficking problem in Nepal. She singlehandedly raised many thousands of dollars for a program to teach young Nepalese women and girls work skills and protect them from being sold. Kerry’s life’s work and eagerness to help others are an inspiration to me. I am excited to honor her memory with this scholarship program.
The Esperanza scholarship recipient will receive funds to support his/her pursuit of a college education to be used for college related expenses such as fees, books and materials, transportation and dormitory necessities. Please call Sheryl Frank if you have any questions about this scholarship program (301 455-8825).