With women representing nearly two-thirds of minimum-wage workers in the United States, higher education remains a key pathway to better paying jobs. But for many women who are first-generation Americans or the first in their families to seek education beyond high school, access to higher education or opportunities to hone job skills are especially challenging.

We’re changing that.

Goldie, the first person in her family to attend college, is a sophomore at Baruch College, studying business and art. One of her dreams was to one day combine those interests and curate an art exhibition. She set herself a 10-year time frame to achieve that goal.

Turns out, Goldie didn’t have to wait that long.

A scholarship from the Jewish Foundation for Education of Women — in collaboration with UJA-Federation and Central Queens Y, a UJA nonprofit partner — aims to assist female CUNY students from families in financial need and makes it possible for Goldie to receive three years of academic scholarship, academic and career advising, and a paid summer internship.

This past summer, after being placed in an internship with an organization that promotes contemporary Jewish visual artists, Goldie co-produced an exhibition at the Jerusalem Biennale 2017.

“It was an amazing experience,” says Goldie, who is a painter in her own right. “I’m naturally inclined to the arts, but business is my passion.”

Goldie learned about the internship through her participation in the UJA-funded CUNY Hillel Career Connect program that offers students career counseling, skill-building workshops, and mentors from UJA’s Emerging Leaders and Philanthropists.

Leading the Way for Others

When she was a freshman, Goldie taught private art lessons three times a week so she could earn money to cover expenses for textbooks, MetroCards, and art supplies.

Today, her scholarship allows Goldie more time to dedicate herself to a range of other activities that enable her to grow her leadership skills. She continues to be active with the arts organization where she interned. In addition to curating Sukkahwood at Inwood Hill Park this past fall, Goldie is currently co-curating an art exhibit about Jewish comic art. She’s also growing the Art Club at Baruch, which she founded last year, and that now has more than 40 student members.

How does she manage it all? “If I don’t do it, who will?,” Goldie confidently asks in return.