Last year, the first annual She’s Speaking Scholarship was established to recognize and support a graduating senior at Valley Regional High School or Old Saybrook High School who exemplifies leadership potential through her involvement in community service and activities. The deadline to apply for this year’s award is May 15. Candidates are required to submit an application outlining their academic performance, extracurricular activities, and how they have demonstrated leadership and have supported or inspired other young women or girls. Application information and forms can be found in the schools’ counseling offices as well as online at shesspeaking.org.

She's Speaking is an all volunteer group with a shared vision of a society where women have an equal voice and value, and the belief that taking action at the local level can have great impact on large scale issues such as pay inequity and under representation in business and government leadership positions. Since its founding in 2017, She’s Speaking members have been busy raising awareness and helping girls and young women in Chester, Deep River, Essex and Old Saybrook to be self advocates through education, support and inspiration.The She’s Speaking Board of Advisors includes Lorrie Milton, President; Stacia Libby, Vice President; Emily Wrann, Secretary; Kelly Voss, Treasurer; Kris Thomas; Brett Hertzog Betkoski; and Liz Bartek. She’s Speaking is under the fiscal sponsorship of the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, and relies on the support of donors and sponsors to fund programs and offset operational costs. For more information, go to www.shesspeaking.org.