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OCT. 25, 2023

Fresh Start congratulates graduates of the inaugural “Women in Finance” scholarship program in partnership with Unidos   

PHOENIX, AZ (October 25, 2023) – Fresh Start proudly offers congratulations to the women who have successfully completed the intensive, accelerated “Women in Finance” scholarship program. 

“We are so proud of the hard work, dedication, and resilience exemplified in each woman who completed this program,” says Sara Benét, program instructor. “Coming from a wide diversity of backgrounds, everyone in this cohort was committed to the betterment of themselves—to launching a bright, new future with this career training opportunity.” 

The Women in Finance program, made possible through the generous grant from UnidosUS, gives qualified women the tools, knowledge, and training necessary to begin a career in the finance and banking industry. The program also offers participants peer support through an all-women cohort model, giving them “a true, deep sense of sisterhood.” 

“A huge note of thanks to UnidosUS for their generous support! Having worked with each of these women one-on-one, I know lives have been changed for the better,” says Benét.  

 UnidosUS, a civil rights advocacy group, helps empower Latino/as to define and achieve economic, political, and social advancement, and selected Fresh Start as a partner organization to host this program. Like UnidosUS, Fresh Start is dedicated to supporting our community, providing women age 18 and up with the access and resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency and use their strength to thrive. 

Together, the two organizations have forged new opportunities for career advancement for Arizona’s women. 

“We celebrate each woman and her unique journey to self-sufficiency,” says Kim McWaters, President and CEO at Fresh Start. “We know that when you empower one woman to succeed, it not only changes the trajectory of her life, but goes on to transform generations and better our communities.”

Fresh Start is thrilled to continue supporting women in the greater Phoenix area alongside incredible partners like UnidosUS, helping make these opportunities possible. Graduates from the program went on to receive personalized career support from Fresh Start staff and completed interviews with key banking companies including BMO Harris, Arizona Bank and Trust, and Chase Bank. 

“In celebrating the inaugural cohort of graduates, we at Fresh Start look forward to a future of further inspiration and empowerment,” says McWaters. “Each of these graduates serve as an example of what is possible for other women—and we can’t wait to see what career milestones they achieve going forward!”

The next Women in Finance cohort is slated to launch in January 2024. To learn more about Fresh Start’s current and upcoming career training opportunities, visit our website at freshstartwomen.org/quick-start-career-training/ 

Interested in supporting career advancement for women on their journey to self-sufficiency? Donate today to make a difference.

About Fresh Start Women’s Foundation 

Fresh Start’s mission is to provide access and resources that help women achieve self-sufficiency and use their strength to thrive. Our ultimate vision is to create unlimited opportunities for women. Over three decades, Fresh Start has supported more than 50,000 Arizona women, serving approximately 3,000 women each year. 86% are mothers, 60% are single mothers and 64% are women of color. Fresh Start offers focused programs, services, access to training and education, as well as employment and career services to help women reach their personal and professional goals. For more information, visit freshstartwomen.org or connect with us on Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.