For more than seven decades, the Sausalito Woman’s Club Scholarship Recognition Fund has been helping local students turn possibility into reality. What began as a simple idea—to recognize and support the promise of young people in Sausalito and Marin City—has grown into a powerful community tradition of generosity, belief, and belonging.
Each scholarship awarded is more than financial aid—it’s a message of encouragement that says, “We believe in you.” From first-generation college students to adults returning to school, our scholars go on to pursue careers, give back to their communities, and inspire the next generation to dream bigger.
This is the ripple effect of education—and it’s what your support makes possible every single year.
Celebrating 70 Years of Supporting Local Scholars
By the Numbers
1,000+
Scholarships given to local scholars over the course of seven decades.
$1.7 M
Awarded to our Scholars to pursue their educational goals.
87.5%
Graduation rate for SRF scholars who pursue 4-year degrees—more than double the national average.*
>75%
Of our scholars are from low-to-mid-income families (LMI).
1 in 4
Have gone onto earn graduate degrees—well above the 14.4% national average.**
2x
Higher per scholar amount received, than most community-based scholarships.
*Pell Institute’s Indicators of Higher Education Equity in the US: 2022 Historical Trend Report
**U..S. Census Bureau, 2023
In Our Scholar’s Words
Empowered by Support,
Driven to Give Back
Jose Ordonez
San Francisco State University
SRF Scholarship Recipient, 2022-2025
The SRF scholarship positively impacted my ability to stay in school. It allowed me to leave work, cover school expenses like textbooks and courses, and even pay for meals, parking, and bridge tolls.
“
Beyond the financial support, Jose says the scholarship inspired him to give back.
I hope to help other hungry students and find ways to support my community—just like SRF supported me.
.”
Alumni Spotlight
Though SRF is rooted in Sausalito, the influence of our scholars reaches far beyond. Alumni have gone on to become educators, health professionals, engineers, public servants, and artists—serving communities across the Bay Area and around the world. Each story is a testament to resilience, achievement, and the power of educational equity.
Perseverance, Purpose, and Ph.D.:
Malachia’s Story
“
The financial and personal support I received from SWCSRF alleviated many of the challenges I faced as a prospering scientist from a socioeconomically disadvantaged background and empowered me to pursue my aspirations to become the woman I am today.
.”
Malachia Hoover first applied for a scholarship from the Sausalito Woman’s Club Scholarship Recognition Fund (SWCSRF) as a senior at Tamalpais High School. Even then, she had a clear sense of purpose—but her journey since has exceeded expectations in remarkable ways.
A 13-year scholarship recipient, including the prestigious Sausalito Woman’s Club Memorial Scholarship and the Lobo Family and Brandon Yates Scholarship, Malachia charted a focused and inspiring academic path. After earning her Master’s Degree in Biology from California State University, Northridge in 2017, she began a PhD in Biomedical Sciences at Stanford University, where her research focused on stem-cell development, regeneration, and disease mechanisms.
Today, Malachia holds a PhD and is conducting postdoctoral research at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., continuing her commitment to advancing biomedical science. Along the way, she has authored multiple scientific publications, including in prestigious journals such as Nature Protocols, and received numerous accolades in her field. Her story is a powerful testament to perseverance, excellence, and the impact of community support. We are proud to count Dr. Hoover among our alumni and look forward to her continued leadership in science and in life.
Malachia Hoover, Ph.D.
Post-Doc Fellow, BioMarin Pharmaceutical
Cal State Northridge, BS 2014
Cal State Northridge, MS 2017
Stanford University, Ph.D. 2024
Piper Elliott: First Recipient of the Trade Grant to Spaulding Boatworks 101 (2023–2024)
“
I’m honored to be the first woman recognized in the trades—and I won’t be the last.
.”
In 2023–2024, Piper Elliott became the first recipient of SWCSRF’s trade grant with Spaulding Boatworks 101, completing the Marine Service Technician Apprenticeship in Sausalito. With the Club’s encouragement, she launched a marine wood-varnishing/brightwork business and now works as an independent contractor in Santa Cruz. Piper says the Women’s Club’s support “uplifts women in education at a time when it’s greatly needed.”
“SWC’s support helped me launch my own marine service business straight out of apprenticeship.”
Support A Student, Celebrate A Legacy,
Shape A Future
The success of our scholars begins with the generosity of people like you. Every contribution—large or small—helps a local student take one step closer to their dreams. When you give, you’re not just funding education; you’re investing in ambition, resilience, and the bright future of our community.
Join us in continuing this legacy of opportunity and support.