Boulder Creek, CA – Kim Stacey, the founder of the Association of Women Funeral Professionals announced the name of the winner of the AWFP scholarship she created in memory of her mother, Rosemary.
“I am very proud to share the news that Monica Torres, Licensed Embalmer and Desairologist, is the very first woman to be awarded a scholarship provided by the Association. The scholarship committee was very impressed by her passion and commitment, and feels honored to provide her with this small stipend to further her studies.”
Monica will soon be attending the Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills, and requested that the scholarship check be sent directly to Vernie Fountain, the founder of the academy, to complete her tuition funding.
This is just one of the major stepping stones in her overall career plan – and yes, she does have a plan. In a recent phone interview with Kim, Monica spoke of her intention to serve military families as an embalmer and restorative artist at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, in Dover, Delaware. “Caring for military families is something very close to my heart,” Monica shared. And it’s not surprising that she has such dedication. Until recently, her husband, Edward Gamble, had 14 years of service in the United States Army, and served two tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He separated in 2010 as a Chief Warrant Officer II, having served as a pilot of the Kiowa Warrior scout helicopter (also known as 58 Delta).
The Rosemary C. Stacey Memorial Scholarship is currently the only scholarship offered by the Association of Women Funeral Professionals. Naturally, this scholarship is privately funded. “It is my intention,” said Kim, “to continue to offer this scholarship for as long as I am able to fund it – and, hopefully, I can grow the amount over the years to come.”
Kim’s long term goal is to have a variety of stipends and scholarships available to women entering the profession, or continuing their education. However, in this economy, it’s been challenging to find sponsors.
If you would like to fund a scholarship in honor of someone special to you, or simply contribute to the general scholarship fund, visit the related webpage, www.wfdconnect.com/awfp-scholarship-fund, to learn how to do that.
“Just think of the good we can do, together,” concluded Kim. “This is an opportunity to make a difference in a woman’s professional career, and in doing so, you’ll impact the lives of all the families she will serve over the years. What could be better?”
If you have questions about the Association of Women Funeral Professionals, you can reach Kim at kim@wfpconnect.com, or by phone, at 831-338-0220
admirable goal to work for AFMAO, however very much a longshot for her…..they are not hiring and if she doesn’t have Veteran’s or even spouse preference….she won’t be able to get her foot in the door