Grant Recipients Forum
Monday May 18, 12:00-2:00pm, J1-050

The 2009 MMMF scholarship recipients share their perspectives and
future goals of helping women and children in developing countries.

Don’t miss this unique chance to hear their stories!

 

You are invited to participate in the annual Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund scholarship recipients’ forum. The 2009 international scholarship winners studying in the United States or Canada will speak about their achievements and academic research on topics related to improving the lives of women and children in their home countries.

The Forum is an opportunity to meet these remarkable women who have just been selected in a rigorous selection process by WBFN volunteers to receive this prestigious award from among over 150 applicants from around the world. A short talk will be presented by a member of the World Bank staff on the role of women in development.

This annual forum is part of the three days of activities planned and organized by the MMMF Hospitality Committee, chaired by MMMF Board member Leonora Kimi Nyawata. All recipients are hosted by members of MMMF Board or the selection Committee in their homes. The first day of their visit, May 17, they meet the MMMF Board and their spouses at a potluck dinner at the home of Board President Caroline Berney.

The second day, May 18, they have an information session with the Alumnae Committee, have a luncheon meeting with the Selection Committee and Panel, and then present their research at the Forum. This is followed by an evening reception with Friends of MMMF at Pangea, the IFC artisan market, where their awards will be presented.

On the third day, May 19, local sightseeing and formal pictures precede their attendance, in their home country dress, at the annual WBFN reception and dinner, which is another opportunity for WBFN members to talk with these special guests of the MMMF.

After this whirlwind of activity, the recipients leave Washington to return to their universities or, in some cases, home for the summer before resuming study in the Fall. Please try to connect with these women while they are in Washington and see for yourself how volunteering for MMMF and shopping at the MMMF Fair can lead to significant results in the lives of these women and of others.