JMK

2025 Women in Business Award

Casey McDermott from District 1 was one of the 10 exceptional applicants selected for a 2025 Zonta Women in Business Leadership International Award.

Thirty–five (35) exceptional applicants from 26 countries were considered in the selection for the 10 international awards. The recipients will receive a complimentary one-year supporting membership in Zonta International starting in the next fiscal year (1 June 2026) and US $10,000 award. A biographical description of each recipient will be posted on the Zonta International website by the end of January 2026.

Casey McDermott was the applicant from the Quaboag Club selected by the District 1 WBLA evaluation committee to have her application/materials submitted to ZI. This is exciting for our District as it represents what collaboration and communication between District 1 Clubs can result in. Casey is from Nova Scotia and at the request of the Amherst Club, an ask was made of District 1 Clubs to accept her application as the Nova Scotia Clubs were not offering the WBL award this year. The Quaboag Club stepped up and agreed to accept Casey’s application and ultimately determined they would submit her name/application to District 1.
AND here she is the recipient of one of ten awards… such an accomplishment.
The Women in Business Leadership Award honors exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, ethical conduct and significant contributions while addressing global or local issues affecting women and girls or climate change. We believe Casey McDermott’s application exemplifies her commitment to these things and that she has and is taking action to build a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy.

Read more about Casey, including her essay, on ZontaQV.org/scholarships. Scroll to the bottom of the page.… Read the rest

JMK

2025 Understanding the Women in Business Leadership Award

The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship was discontinued in 2024. Moving forward for 2025 and in the future, it is now known as the “Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award”.

It is imperative that Club Presidents and/or Club Members responsible for oversight of submission of applications to these awards to their club, and subsequent submission of an applicant’s name/application to District 1, carefully review read and review the description and guidelines for each of these awards. Eligibility requirements and guidelines have significantly changed.

Here are some key elements to be aware of:

Applicants for the 2025 “Zonta Women in Business Award”, aged 18-35 at the time of application, who demonstrate evidence of exceptional leadership in a business-related field of study or industry; entrepreneurial spirit; ethical conduct and significant contributions to addressing global or local issues affecting women and girls or climate justice are eligible to apply.… Read the rest

JMK

2024 JMK Women in Business Procedures

The application and guidelines for the 2024 JMK Women in Business is posted to the Zonta International Website and at www.zontadistrict1.org/resources/jmk.

A couple of important things to remember when selecting a candidate. One, they must assure that references submit a signed & dated recommendation form with their signed & dated reference letter. Secondly, they must assure that the updated verification of current enrollment, or an official statement from the university/college registrar stating enrollment and graduation information is signed/dated AND includes a legible school seal. Thirdly, according to ZI rules, the applicant must confirm that they are not a family member (ancestor, descendant, adoptee, sibling, niece or cousin) of a classified member (club member or individual with direct membership with Zonta International) or a family member of a classified member’s spouse or cohabiting partner, and/or employee of Zonta International. It is my understanding ZI is being very strict about this particular requirement.

In addition, it is imperative that when the Club President submits an application/materials to District 1 for consideration of moving on to the ZI level, they assure all of the required application documents are sent to me as the District 1 JMK Evaluation Committee Chair, along with the signed/dated Club- Application Cover Sheet. The email address for submission of JMK applications from District 1 Clubs is: JMK@districtI.org or directly to Lorraine Bartlett at 454tequila@gmail.com

This is a lot of information to digest so if any of you have any questions or need clarification about the application process, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Individual Zonta Clubs determine their own deadline for submission of JMK applications to their Club.
Please be aware that the deadline to submit an application to District 1 for review by the District 1 JMK Evaluation Committee is August 15, 2024.

I hope you find the above information and the attached documents to be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Lorraine Bartlett, Chair
District 1 YWPA Evaluation Committee
Member, Zonta Club of Concord, NH

… Read the rest

JMK

2023 JMK Women in Business Winner

District 1 winner for the JMK Women in Business 2023 award at the ZI level was Natalie Rais (UMass). Her application nwas submitted by the Zonta Club of Medford.

… Read the rest