phenomenal spirit

This summer, I introduced you to Doretha Walker, a phenomenal woman who coined the term “sistergirlfriend” and is a sister and a girlfriend in the truest sense. Walker is also the founder of  The Walker Phenomenal Spirit award, a $1,000 grant, organized through the Center for Women.

“One year, I received a very nice bonus at work and decided to use that money to establish a resource that helps women 35 years and older fulfill their dreams. It’s as simple as that,” Walker says. The deadline to apply for this year’s award is October 30.

She adds, “My award is for women who dare to chase their dreams despite the odds and what others may think.”

Last year’s winner was Lynda Rock, a Charleston woman living with ovarian cancer. “I really wanted to make the USA Dragon Boat Team and compete in the World Championships in Prague, but I knew I could not afford all the costs the honor would incur. Qualifying for the team included trips to Philly to do a time trial and to practice with the team. We also participated in the Montreal Dragon Boat Race as our practice race for the World Competition. A friend sent me the link to the Center for Women and the Doretha Walker Phenomenal Spirit Award.”

“The dream was all about her, not about saving the world,” Walker says.

Rock says she’s not that philosophical, even with cancer. “I find that if I have goals, then I can focus on them and not so much on the medical drama side of my life. Reality sneaks through from time to time, but I maintain my focus on my goals and taking care of my son, and I find I can get through the tough times.”

In my humble opinion, you don’t have to be philosophical to be phenomenal.

If you’re a woman 35 years or older and have a dream, click here to apply for the Walker Phenomenal Spirit award. The deadline is October 30. If you’d like to make a donation to the Walker fund, click here.