TCC Women’s Center celebrates 25 years with a “25 for 25” matching gift challenge
Tidewater Community College’s Women’s Center marked its 25th anniversary by sponsoring a matching gift challenge to support programs and students in need.
MaryAnne Dukas, a Women’s Center advisory council member, challenged donors with a dollar-for-dollar matching gift up to $25,000 at the Women’s Leadership breakfast held at the Slover Library in downtown Norfolk on Wednesday morning. The campaign will be called “25 for 25.”
“Many women in our community would not reach their goals without the support of the Women’s Center,” said Dukas, director of CONCOA Precision Gas Controls. “Through the center, they get support in every area of their lives. I’m proud to do my part to support this work.”
“We are humbled by the generosity shown by MaryAnne today,” said TCC President Gregory DeCinque. “Because of her generosity, the Women’s Center will continue providing quality programs as well as emergency support services for students in need.”
The event included a keynote address by Corynne Arnett, vice president of customer service with Dominion Energy. Arnett talked about her personal and professional journey, encouraging students to be confident, willing to try something new, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
“Your actions will speak louder than your words in your career,” said Arnett. “Be sure to stay focused on excellence and doing the best job you can.”
Arnett added, “As you move through your career, continue to leverage the great work of organizations like the Women’s Center. Be open to new opportunities and be prepared, and remember, ‘You’ve got this!’ Reach out and help other women and future leaders along the way, and we will collectively continue to make great strides.”
Student Tiffany Warren received this year’s Mary Pat Liggio Student Leadership Award, named for the founding coordinator of the Women’s Center.
Warren, pursuing an Associate of Science in Business Administration, maintains a 3.7 GPA. She is a senator for the Virginia Beach Campus Student Government Association and the youngest member of the Women’s Center’s Women Inspiring Self Empowerment Leadership Development program.
Dominion Energy was the presenting sponsor for the breakfast with Bonita Billingsley Harris serving as the event host.
The Women’s Center, established in 1993, serves as a resource on women’s issues and works to promote an atmosphere of diversity. The center offers comprehensive, specialized services to educate, empower, and engage women so they can define, pursue and achieve their academic and personal goals.
To donate to the “25 for 25” campaign, click here or contact Jeanne Natali, director of the Women’s Center, at jnatali@tcc.edu.