Soroptimist Wendy McGuire with Ruby Award winner Cynthia K. Nagura
On March 19 Coronado Soroptimists visited a unique program to listen to how lives are being transformed and to honor the program director. Cynthia K. Nagura, Program Director of Microenterprise Family Childcare Program, is 2012 winner of the Soroptimist International prestigious Ruby Award, which recognizes a woman in the community who has worked to improve the lives of women and girls through her work or volunteerism. The visitors who went to observe the program were treated to a firsthand look at a group of women who have overcome tremendous obstacles and are taking steps to immediately improve their lives and those around them.
Students from the Microenterprise Family Childcare Program
Located in the Southwestern College Higher Education Center in National City, the Microenterprise Family Childcare Program is the brainchild of Ms. Nagura, who in 2005 determined that women needed a program that would place entrepreneurship within their grasp. She built partnerships with over 20 community organizations to provide goods and services, then wrote and was awarded a HUD grant to start a program that teaches 30 students at a time how to become licensed to open a childcare center in the home.
The 14 week program is highly selective, and includes courses on finance, banking, and business, as well as CPR and First Aid. Visits from successful alumnae of the program encourage students to stay the course, in spite of the hardships for many of them to do this kind of work. In addition to being returning students, many of them lack transportation, limited educational background, little or no prior work experience, and self imposed barriers due to low self-esteem. At the end of the course, students are walked through the licensing paperwork which can be complex, and have an emotion-charged graduation ceremony. The course has an impressive record of 97% graduation, and many of the graduates of the previous 12 classes are now operating successful home businesses.
Fifteen students stood to share their stories with the visiting Soroptimists. The pride and emotion was evident as they spoke of their certainty that this program would allow them to support their family and better provide for their children. Maria was beaming as she spoke “I am so excited. I used to have no self-esteem, but now I am very proud to be here. I have a disabled little child who pushes me when I feel like giving up. It is my goal to keep learning.” Another student named Maria spoke for the group when she said “I have 8 children and 18 grandchildren. I am at an age where when I apply for a job, they don’t tell you it’s because you are old, they just don’t call you back. This is my opportunity to be with my family, make a living, and be at home. Please make sure this isn’t the last class that graduates. Many women need this opportunity.” Celia spoke from the heart when she said “This program teaches us a lot of skills for women who want to be successful. It is a lot of work, but worth it for the opportunity to own your own business, spend time with your kids. We will not only be providers, but better parents, good in business and better human beings.” Many spoke passionately of the pride at being chosen, feeling blessed, and all thanked Southwestern College for providing this course for free.
The program included a presentation of a plaque and a “Ruby Slippers” pin to Cynthia Nagura, who will receive a check for the program at a local Soroptimist Awards meeting and will be recognized at the annual Soroptimist Legends Luncheon on May 19. The students then got some words of inspiration and encouragement from the visitors, including Dr. Jean Roesch, member of the Southwestern College Board, Blossom Sanger, Genevieve Kynch-Rohan, and Nancy Baler. The presentation was also attended by the Dr. Melinda Nish, Superintendent/President of Southwestern College, Ms. Kathy Tyner, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Ms. Christine Perri, Dean, Higher Education Center, National City.
The original HUD grant is running out, so fundraising for the program is commencing immediately. For more information on the Microenterprise program, or for information about Soroptimists, contact Wendy McGuire at 619-823-4701 or [email protected].
Top Row left to right Ms. Kathy Tyner (VP Academic Affairs), Ms. Gen Kynch-Rohan (President, Soroptimist Coronado), Dr. Melinda Nish(President, Southwestern College), Wendy McGuire, Ms Christine Perri (Dean, Higher Ed. Center), Bottom Row Dr. Jean Roesch (Board, Southwestern College), Cynthia Nagura, Dr. Blossom Sanger
