05/18/2026
Last week we celebrated the culmination of another incredible year of WOWU and honored the Class of 2026.
Ten remarkable young women, along with their families, mentors, volunteers, and supporters, gathered to celebrate the completion of a program rooted in mentorship, education through the arts, leadership, and empowerment.
This year’s graduates received certificates of completion, $1,500 scholarships toward the schools they will attend this fall, laptops provided with support from , $300 Amazon gift cards, personalized luggage tags, and a copy of “She Persisted” by Chelsea Clinton as a reminder that persistence, courage, and determination can carry them through every chapter ahead.
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was hearing from our guest speaker, Benavides, a WOWU graduate from 2004. In addition to her full time career, Zyania now hosts a podcast dedicated to inspiring and empowering women. Watching her pour back into the next generation was a beautiful reminder that the seeds planted through this organization continue to grow for years to come.
I am also deeply grateful for our volunteer Board Members whose dedication, time, and belief in these young women make this program possible year after year.
Twenty four years ago, Joan Karff created a vision to mentor intellectually curious young women through the fine arts. I have been honored to help carry that vision forward for the past nine years, and I cannot wait to see where life takes these extraordinary graduates next.
Congratulations to the WOWU Class of 2026. Your future is bright.
