Women's Opportunity Award - Previous Winners

Our 2011 Women's Opportunity Award Winner: Pilar Fontenla

At the time she received this award, Pilar Fontenla was pursuing her Associate's Degree in Business at Glendale Community College (GCC), where she maintained a 4.0 GPA.  This was no small feat, considering that she was responsible for her three year-old son and her elderly parents.  Pilar had to overcome many obstacles to get to this point in her life.  Sabine Esmaili, a Mathematics Instructor at GCC, said of Pilar:

"She has what it takes to be successful in school and in life - a strong work ethic and perseverance."

Shant Shahoian, another of Pilar's Instructors at GCC, said:

"In my fifteen years of teaching, I've had only a handful of students whose enthusiasm and dedication rival Pilar's.  Her desire to excel is her greatest strength."

As of September 2011, Pilar was enrolled at the Leventhall Accounting School at the University of Southern California, where she was pursuing her Bachelor Degree in Accounting.  Congratulations, Pilar!

Our 2010 Women's Opportunity Award Winner: Sonia Yeghkian

At the time she received this award, Sonia Yeghkian was a full-time student at Glendale Community College. Her goal is to eventually enter nursing school and become a Registered Nurse. Sonia is a single mother who works three jobs in order to provide for herself and her son. Sonia was in an abusive marriage for fifteen years. About three years ago, her family moved to the United States, where she was able to end that damaging relationshsip and to seek a better life for her and her son. Melina Sardar, M.A., who knows Sonia throught the Ark Family Center, says,

"Sonia's story and the courage it took for her to overcome the obstacles in her life inspires me."

Congratulations, Sonia!

Our 2009 Women's Opportunity Award Winner: Roxanne Cooperstone

At the time she received this award, Roxanne Cooperstone was a student at Glendale Community College. Roxanne struggled with several abusive relationships with men, as well as her own addiction to drugs and alcohol. She hit rock bottom after her son was born, when due to her addiction, he was not released to her custody when she left the hospital. This motivated her to enter a homeless shelter with a year-long substance abuse program. She became sober, and gained custody of her son – a wonderful victory. Now, she is working towards her degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, so that she can help other women and families who struggle with the same difficulties. Roxanne said at the Luncheon, “In a society where my story could have produced judgment and fear, you have chosen to embrace me instead. Thank you with all my heart.” Congratulations, Roxanne!

Our 2008 Women's Opportunity Award Winner: Laura Butler

After leaving an abusive husband, Laura raised three children on her own. She decided to go to college at age 45, despite having rheumatoid arthritis, and is the first person in her family to attend college. Ms. Butler is described by one of her professors as "honest, dedicated and persistent," and by another as having "determination and persistence to reach her educational goals." Her goal is to become a psychologist, so she can help other women overcome the obstacles they face. Congratulations, Laura!