The 2023 Sue Shelton White Scholarship
Congratulations to Misty Gordon of Jackson, TN, 2023 winner of the
$2,500 Sue Shelton White Scholarship!
Madison Area Democratic Women awarded its 3rd annual Sue Shelton White Scholarship to Misty Gordon of Jackson, TN, in a ceremony held on Monday, March 20th at Jackson State Community College as part of the 13th annual JSCC Women's History Month celebration.
The scholarship presentation preceded the keynote address by acclaimed author and investigative journalist Becca Andrews, author of No Choice: The Destruction of Roe v. Wade and the Fight to Protect a Fundamental American Right.
Misty Gordon is a student at JSCC in the Social Work pathway. She works full time at the Jackson Housing Authority and part time at Longhorn Steakhouse, in addition to raising her daughter.
Upon notification of the award, Gordon stated, “It is an honor to be chosen as the recipient of the Sue Shelton White Scholarship. This assistance will allow me to obtain my BA in Social Work, after which I plan to devote my career to promoting equality for all.”
The scholarship was established by MADW in honor of Sue Shelton White, the West Tennessee suffragist and lawyer who played a pivotal role in winning the equal right to vote for women. The theme of this year’s scholarship was Equal Justice Under Law, highlighting the importance of cherishing and protecting individual rights.
"Education is a vital component of our mission to empower the women and girls of West Tennessee," said MADW President Debbie Swacker. "We appreciate everyone who supports our fundraising efforts, ensuring that the scholarship will endure for years to come."
Ms. Gordon was chosen from a pool of applicants representing eight West Tennessee counties and six educational institutions. The scholarship is designed to assist women who want to complete their education while also managing the demands of work and family. Donations to the 2024 Sue Shelton White Scholarship Fund can be made at: www.madwomentn.org.
2020 marked the 100th anniversary of the passage of the historic 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which guarantees women the right to vote. MADW's Sue Shelton White Scholarship was established in August of 2019 to honor "Miss Sue", who played a pivotal role in that fight. After passage of the amendment, she returned to college, earned her law degree and became the first woman attorney to practice in Jackson, TN.
Funds for the scholarship have been raised from MADW members and through donations from caring individuals across West Tennessee. MADW is grateful to all who donated to this significant scholarship.
Please contact us at MADWomenTFDW@gmail.com to donate to our scholarship program.
MADWomen is a tax-exempt organization registered with the IRS and all of our work is accomplished with unpaid volunteers. Our needs are modest and a small donation goes a long way to help us support women in West Tennessee.