We Celebrate Educational Advancement through Scholarships!
The Thurmond family, Fullerton community philanthropists, established this college scholarship fund more than 20 years ago through the YWCA of Orange County to assist female students with their educational expenses. It was created to recognize and support women returning to college and more recently women majoring in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

The Thurmond Scholarship was established in 2003. To date over $145,000 has been distributed to adult reentry women, 24 years or older, attending Fullerton College or California State University.
Meet our 2021-2022 Thurmond Scholarship Recipients
FATIMA CORINA RAMIREZ
She is currently a full-time re-entry student at California State University, Fullerton majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. Fatima plans to graduate in May 2022 and work for an organization whose mission is to give back to the community, such as Project Hope Alliance and Community Action Partnership of Orange County. She wants to be a role model for her daughter by completing college and demonstrating that the things that women can do is limitless, even if you are a divorced mother.
JAYCEE LYNN SMITH
She is currently a full-time student at California State University, Fullerton majoring in Biological Sciences and hopes to graduate with Magna Cum Laude Honors in May 2022. She has been in the Dean's Honor List for all 6 semesters at CSUF. Jaycee plans to attend Optometry college to receive her Doctorate of Optometry. She will possibly specialize in Vision Therapy which helps children diagnosed with autism to improve their sensory-processing abilities. Jaycee is inspired to be a female who can contribute to the field of medicine in an area that is constantly evolving and improving the quality of life for people with special medical needs; wants to make a difference for future populations and to be a part of the solution.
COSSETTE SANQUI
She is currently a Full-Time student at California State University, Fullerton majoring in Biochemistry whose educational goal is to go to medical school and obtain an MD/PhD. Cossette plans to become a doctor of family medicine OB/GYN to assist those who are afraid to seek medical help. She was inspired by her mother's health issues and personal experiences with doctors to become a doctor who listens to her patients and never invalidate their feeling or symptoms.
DESTINY BONILLAS
She is currently completing her Bachelor's of Science at California State University, Fullerton with a major in civil engineering in May 2024. Destiny is a full-time student who was on the Dean's Honors List in 2020. She aspires to be a strong female representative in a field that currently has very few women. Destiny keeps a positive mindset in the face of adversity of disappointments and embraces new challenges to continue her personal growth.
CECILIA YULEM ZUNIGA HERNANDEZ
She is currently a full-time student at Fullerton College. Cecilia plans to finish her AA degree in Medical Technology in May 2022 and then enter the Radiology Technologist program at Cypress College. She envisions applying at the Radiation Therapist program at the City of Hope after completing 400 hours of practice and passing the national certification examination. Cecilia is a re-entry student who wants to move forward, have a career and give her young daughter a better life.
VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING
Join us to celebrate what we have accomplished this year and to welcome the new and returning members joining our 2021-2022 Board of Directors!

Help us support keeping the YWCA-OC programs open to serve women and families throughout Orange County during this challenging time. 

We would love to see you at our Virtual Annual Meeting on Saturday, July 31st at 11:00 AM via Zoom.

Zoom Meeting ID: 818 1034 0353
SAVE THE DATE: HerStory
August 21, 2021
11:30 AM -12:30 PM
YES Office is opening July 19, 2021 at the Downtown Anaheim Community Center including on-site and virtual appointment services. Appointments available Monday - Friday. Employers and job seekers can contact YES Program Assistant Mirta Vargas Morales at yesinfo@ywcanoc.org for additional information and assistance.

Address Downtown Community Center, 250 E. Center St. Anaheim CA 92805


With gratitude,
YWCA-OC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
YWCA OF ORANGE COUNTY | Website