Jo Ann Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship
This Scholarship was established to invest in those identifying as women who can benefit from this assistance to help achieve their educational goals in the field of accounting
The Jo Ann Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship is named for an extraordinary member of the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) who passed away in 2019 following a brave fight with COPD. Jo Ann was passionate about her chosen profession of accounting. She did not attend college, but she took advantage of invaluable opportunities after graduating high school which enabled her to learn through experience. From the youngest years, she demonstrated a natural gift with numbers and cash management; and, coupled with her innate organizational skills, Jo Ann quickly moved up the corporate ladder to serve as CFO, and the only woman on the Klune Industries’ executive team. She joined Zonta SCV in 1999 when she graced the club with her natural leadership talents as a two-time president, parliamentarian, District 9 Treasurer, volunteer, and chair of the Healthy Kids Club for many years, and more.
Not every young woman with a talent for numbers has the resources or contacts to “learn through experience” as Jo Ann did. Her family has generously funded a Zonta scholarship for a deserving female student studying Accounting, so that she might create a lucrative career for herself and achieve success despite her economic or social situation. Jo Ann’s name will be remembered for many years, and the recipients of her scholarship will flourish through its assistance.
Award Description
The Jo Ann Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship was established by the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) in 2021, funded by the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley Foundation, to invest in those identifying as women who can benefit from this assistance to help achieve their educational goals in the field of accounting.
Jo Ann left behind a legacy of encouraging women to achieve their full potential. She was hard working, elegant, thoughtful and had a sharp sense of humor; she spoke with kindness and intelligence and sincerely listened. Recognized for her abilities to bring out the best in others, Jo Ann’s talents and warm personality will be memorialized through recipients of this scholarship.
The Jo Ann Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship is awarded to women pursuing accounting studies who meet the eligibility requirements, demonstrate a connection to the SCV, communicate clear goals related to their career choice, show a commitment service and demonstrate financial need to achieve their educational goals in the field of accounting. Scholarships of up to $3,000 each will be offered to selected students.
Eligibility to Apply
- Do you identify as female?
- Is your academic focus centered around accounting?
- Do you feel a connection to the Santa Clarita Valley?
- Are you in good academic standing?
- Will you have completed a minimum of 12 units by the time you receive this award?
What are the requirements?
Please complete the Application in its entirety, including the attachment of an unofficial transcript. Only typed applications will be accepted and considered.
Applications are accepted by email only (jrmscholarship@scvzonta.org).
Applications will be reviewed as received on a rolling deadline basis. All applicants will receive an acknowledgement of receipt and decision of the scholarship committee within a reasonable timeframe of receipt.
2025 Scholarship winners announced
Ruth Mendez
Lt. to rt: Nicole Miller, Chair JoAnn Rodriguez Scholarship Committee; Ruth Mendez, Cherise Moore, President Zonta Club of SCV and Jennifer Aston-Abbott, Awards Committee
Ruth currently attends Antelope Valley College. Ruth aims to develop a firm foundation in key areas of finance, marketing, management and accounting to obtain her educational objective of a degree in Business Administration. Through her varied volunteer work she has taught children about investments and positive money management, served as a church treasurer and coordinated back to school backpack drives. Ruth specifically noted that the SCV is an important part of her life’s journey – hoping to seek internship and employment opportunities to gain experience in her field. This scholarship will help to provide some financial relief and give Ruth a boost of confidence and motivation to keep striving towards her goals.
Lt to Rt: Nicole Miller; Carolyn Olson accepting for Shay; Cherise Moore and Jennifer Aston-Abbott
Shay Anderson-Morgan
Shay is actively involved in the Fostering Youth Independence program, which has helped her to build a community here in the SCV. After receiving her AA degree and certificate in Accounting from College of the Canyons, she transferred to Cal State University, Long Beach where she is currently studying to obtain a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Shay’s impressive leadership includes such things as leading her business communications class group in creating TED talks and group presentations; and leading her business 101 group in creating business plans and case studies. Receiving this scholarship will help Shay be the first in her family to graduate college and to achieve her educational and career goals.
Monserrat Tolentino
Lt to rt: Nicole Miller, Tressa Lacy accepting for Monserrat Tolentino; Jennifer Aston-Abbot
Monserrat has been drawn to accounting due to its structure and the problem-solving that goes into accounting. She enjoys solving accounting problems, and looks forward to pursuing a degree in accounting by learning all she can while she completes her educational goals. While studying at Antelope Valley Community College, Monserrat has been employed as a cashier at Smart and Final and has enjoyed the depth of experience it has given her. This scholarship will help her gain more financial stability to move forward in life and achieve her educational goals.
Awards previously given at Business Meeting on February 13, 2025
Feb 2025 Award Winners
Katerina Astardijieva
Katerina came to the US alone at 20, and decided to stay here due to the lack of safety in her home country of Macedonia. She is married and has a new daughter. She took a break from College of the Canyons in the last months of her pregnancy and ended up going back to work to support her family since her husband was laid off from Lockheed Martin. She plans to return to COC full time. Katerina has a passion for accounting and wants to become a CPA. She would be the first in her family to have a college degree. This scholarship will allow her to finish her schooling at COC and not have to decide between school and paying her bills. In her application, she notes that she would “feel proud for being chosen by such a great organization and would do her best to obtain her college degree with honors” as is her goal. Join me in congratulating Katerina!
Nancy Mora
Nancy moved to the SCV with her husband and two children, due to the safety of the community and prestige of the schools and it also allowed them to join family here in the area. Obtaining a B.S. in Accountancy/Business Administration is her academic focus and dream. She would like to build a career in finance and make a positive impact in the community. Receiving this scholarship will greatly impact her life and alleviate “some of the financial burdens so that she can focus on her coursework, make the most of her college experience, and work towards a successful career. Join me in congratulating Nancy!
Eunice Rivera
Eunice joins us on Zoom tonight. Eunice graduated from Golden Valley HS in 2023, and while there she was active in Circle of Friends, Faith Club and National Honor Society. Her goals and plans include finishing her Bachelor’s of Business Administration at the University of San Diego, and then pursuing a master’s degree in accounting. As the first one in her family to attend college, and through her desire to put in hard work, this support will cover educational expenses so that she can allocate appropriate time towards her studies and “be successful with the hard work” she puts in. Join me in congratulating Eunice!