Launched in 2005, the Ripple Effect Awards recognize individual women and girls among our grantee partners who are making a difference in their communities—and making the most of their opportunities.
With every gift given—of time, wisdom, and funds—a ripple effect begins and expands. The ripple widens as the Women's Fund invests in women- and girl-centered programs throughout the region. The individual women and girls whose lives improve create, in their turn, an impact on their community. As a result, entire communities are enriched, and countless lives are changed.
The honorees listed here represent our progress toward a shared goal—a world in which the voices and visions of all women and girls are fully valued and embraced.
The 2011 Ripple Effect Award Recipients are:
Lauren Payne-Riley —Railroad Street Youth Project, Berkshire County
Lauren Payne-Riley is a college junior at the Bard College at Simon’s Rock campus in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. A founding member, and currently serving as President of the newly formed Simon’s Rock student group on sexual health, she brings a sense of passion, vision and possibility to the multiple projects she is part of. Lauren, since arriving on campus, has been a leader actively engaged in creating initiatives and programs that have positively impacted her peers, the community and served as formidable bridges between all parties. Lauren continues to expand on her current projects around sexual education and health as well as serving as a mentor who is leading by example everyday.
Nikita Perez—NEARI Jump-Start, Hampden County
Positive energy, determination and commitment to her community have made Nikita “Niki” Perez an integral part of Neari Jump-Start for the past 10 years. Niki grew up in the program first joining as a teen, progressing to a Teen and Youth Counselor, and now currently serves as the Jump-Start Co-Site Supervisor and Women’s Group Leader. As a student, mother to a young daughter, and an educator surrounded by youth , in particular young girls in her community, she serves as a role model to those around her. Niki is an example of how when given the opportunity, one’s vision can create an encouraging environment that changes the lives of individuals and in turn, the lives of those in a community.
Past Ripple Effect Award Recipients
2010
Analiz Garcia —Girls Inc. of Holyoke
Savannah Mariont—Girls Inc. of the Berkshires
Erica Nason—Step Forward/Step Ahead
Arlene Sanchez—HAP Housing
Lisa Cole—Community Action
Roxanne Roman—Care Center
2009
Marianne Bullock—MotherWoman
Bessie Jones—MotherWoman
2008
Champagne Eurquhart—Girls Inc. of the Berkshires
Moana Rawlins—Voices from Inside
Talya Taliferro—Youth Alive
2007
Yasmin Ahmed— New WORLD Theater
Julianna Brunnell—Helen Berube Teen Parent Program
Rachel Chandler-Worth—CISA
Rachel Farber—Youth Action Coalition
Amy Holmes—Voices From Inside
Chantal Johnson—Helen Berube Teen Parent Program
Robin Lane—Montague Catholic Social Ministries
Diana Nunez—United Arc of Franklin & Hampshire Counties
Dalein Rivera—Solutions CDC
Jessica Scott—Step Forward/Step Ahead (Elms College)
Linny Son—Girls Inc. of Holyoke
Laura Stranlund—Veterans Education Project
2006
Jihan Ali—Step Forward/Step Ahead (Elms College)
Laura Farron—Girls Inc. of the Berkshires
Lindy-Ann Marcel—Flying Cloud Institute
Khonari Mor—Girls Inc. of Holyoke
Sandra Rivera—Solutions CDC
2005
Misty Corio—Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center
Rachel Jackson—Youth Action Coalition
Ashley Laramie—FCAC Youth Programs
Lysette Navarro—Voices From Inside
Emily Owens—Youth Action Coalition
Vonetta Smith—Step Forward/Step Ahead (Elms College)
Morgan Taggart-Hampton—Youth Action Coalition
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