Third Annual Women LEAD Scholarship Program Provides $25,000 To Four College-Bound Women

"Education is a key issue area supported by the League and Women LEAD directly reflects our mission to develop the potential of women," said JLD President Meredith Mosley. "We are honored that in collaboration with Mary Kay, we are able to award these young women with scholarships and hope the funds help the recipients further their education and move one step closer to pursuing their dreams."

Established in 2013, the scholarship program was inspired by Mary Kay Ash, founder of the iconic global beauty company more than 50 years ago that has led the way for millions of women worldwide to pursue their dreams. The 10 finalists from Emmett J. Conrad High School, South Oak Cliff High School, and Thomas Jefferson High School prepared a speech based on the essay topic, "How do you make a difference in your community and what drives you to give back?" which directly aligns with JLD's mission. A panel of judges selected four winners based on their scholarship application, community involvement, academic record and speech presentation. The 2016 judges included:  Meredith Mosley, President of JLD; Dr. Cynthia Wilson, Chief of Staff for Dallas ISD; Catrina Shead, Dallas Deputy Chief of Police; and Crayton Webb, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for Mary Kay Inc. WFAA News Ch. 8 Anchor Cynthia Izaguirre served as emcee and Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings made special remarks. 

First place winner Gianni Alexander, a senior at South Oak Cliff High School, will receive a one-time $10,000 scholarship. Homeless as a child, Alexander stressed that "education is freedom" and that through her acts of community service, she hopes to inspire Dallas youth. With this scholarship, she is one step closer to becoming an art director and plans to pursue a degree in advertising. Second place winner Renee Moreno, third place winner Yoga Karki and fourth place winner Anjana Ghaley will each receive a one-time $5,000 scholarship. Moreno, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, stated the importance of "doing everything with love" and plans to pursue a career that allows her to give back to her community. Karki, a senior at Conrad High School, plans to attend medical school in hopes of becoming a doctor. After growing up in Nepal, Ghaley, also a Conrad High School senior, plans to pursue a career in nursing and has dreams of educating rural communities in disease prevention.

"Mary Kay's mission of enriching women's lives vividly comes to life through the Women LEAD Scholarship Program by promoting the next generation of women leaders," said Crayton Webb, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for Mary Kay Inc. "In a longstanding partnership with the Junior League of Dallas, an outstanding organization with a legacy of empowering women throughout the city, we are thrilled to celebrate these young women as they develop into the future leaders of our community." 

About Junior League of Dallas
The Junior League of Dallas is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Founded in 1922, the Junior League of Dallas trains members for effective participation in the community and its dedicated to the belief that volunteer service is an essential part of responsible citizenship. Whether tutoring students, rocking infants, building homes or serving on non-profit boards or coalitions, the 5,000 Junior League members provide more than 130,000 hours of community service each year, while making sure that each donated dollar works it hardest to help those in Dallas who need it most. Active members range in age from 22 to 49 and 74 percent are employed outside of the home. For more information, please visit www.jld.net.

About Mary Kay
Irresistible products. Positive community impact. Rewarding opportunity. For more than 50 years, Mary Kay has offered it all. With 3.5 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants and $4 billion in global annual sales, Mary Kay is a top beauty brand and direct seller in more than 35 markets around the world. Discover what there is to love about Mary Kay by connecting with a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant at marykay.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160404/351021

SOURCE Mary Kay Inc.; Junior League of Dallas

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