2026 Scholar Seminar and Brunch

The 2026 WEAA Winter Scholar Seminar and Brunch was held on January 17, 2026 at the Evanston Corner Bistro - The Lighthouse Room in Evanston, IL. These events give board members and scholars an opportunity to spend some time together and reinforce relationships.

A heartfelt thank‑you to Tiffany Wartman (Founder) and Lisa Ford of Educating Our Community for leading an engaging Mocktail Networking Preparation session. Their presentation centered on mental health and offered valuable insights on building confidence, managing anxiety, and practicing self‑advocacy in professional settings.

Seminar and Brunch

Upcoming 2026 Event

WEAA is delighted to announce that our Spring Dinner will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

We can’t wait to bring together our scholars and board members for an evening of connection, celebration, and community.

Scholar Spotlight

Anita Bassey

Anita Bassey, a senior in the McCormick School of Engineering, has been named a 2026 Schwarzman Scholar.

One of the world’s most prestigious graduate fellowship opportunities, Schwarzman Scholars receive full funding to pursue a one-year master’s degree program in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Read the full article here: Northwestern senior named Schwarzman Scholar - Northwestern Now

Anita is also currently interning at Abbott Laboratories and has had an amazing time so far. She works on the formulation and diluent team under Research and Development. Her project is testing the bulk stability of immunoassay diluents and determining which properties of formulations are more stable to mechanical stress than others.

Scholars on the Move

Isabella Socci

"Studying abroad last fall in Madrid was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had. Getting to explore the country with friends from both Northwestern and different schools gave those friendships a different kind of depth. Spanish is my first language, but most of what I know was learned informally at home, so being immersed in a different dialect and studying it formally for the first time was invaluable. Beyond Spain, I also had the opportunity to travel to a few other countries, which deepened my appreciation for different cultures in a way I hadn’t experienced before."

Isabella studied abroad in Madrid last fall.

Nicole Radchenko

"My time studying psychology at the University of Queensland in Brisbane immersed me in a completely different rhythm of daily life, one that challenged my assumptions about productivity and presence. From everyday routines to weekend trips along the coast, I was pushed to step outside the usual pace of campus life. I saw beauty I could only dream of, made memories I'll never forget, and met people I'll always cherish for the experience. Above all, Australia taught me to slow down, sit in moments a little longer, and truly appreciate them as they’re happening."

Nicole studied abroad in Australia last fall.

Alumni News

Chelsea Franklin - Class of 2022

This year, Chelsea officially launched Cajun Flare, a licensed home-based kitchen in Los Angeles offering Cajun seafood boils, handmade beignets, and a rotating menu of Southern plate lunches. Chelsea shared that "It has been a meaningful and rewarding journey, and I’m excited to see how it continues to grow."

Let us Hear From You...

WEAA looks forward to hearing from past board members and alumnae.

Mentor From Anywhere

You can be helpful to our current scholars and recent graduates by becoming an alumnae mentor. What does this require? Simply email us at weaa1871@gmail.com with your degree and/or career area. Your information will be made available to scholars who may be interested in contacting you with questions about your career area.

WEAA Fundraising Campaign

For most of its first 100 years, the WEAA operated a residence for women students at Northwestern University. Since 1968, the association has provided tuition grants to women students at Northwestern who meet the WEAA criteria of superior academic ability, personal potential, and financial need.

Your gift continues the support of Women Investing in Women for current and future scholars.

DONATE

WEAA at Northwestern University

weaa1871@gmail.com

weaa-northwestern.org/

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