Soroptimist International of Whittier, a local chapter of the global volunteer organization committed to providing women and girls access to education and economic empowerment, has recognized three Whittier College students with the Ruth White Memorial Scholarship.
Ella Calder ’26, Paige Meyer-Draffen ’26, and Malika Tadesse ’27 were celebrated for their achievements at an awards ceremony held earlier this month with President Kristine E. Dillon ’73 and other local leaders in attendance.
“I am absolutely honored to receive the Ruth White Scholarship,” said Calder, a biology major with minors in chemistry and public health from York, Pennsylvania. “It has empowered me to continue pursuing my degree and to uplift other intelligent, hardworking women in my community.”
For Meyer-Draffen, who hails from Huntington Beach and designed her own major in radio and television broadcasting through the Whittier Scholars Program, the grant is especially meaningful given the organization’s mission.
"The Soroptimists are such wonderful people and I am proud to be a part of their community," she said.
Tadesse is an international student from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, double majoring in economics and business administration, with concentrations in international economics and international business.
She added that the award “not only lightens my financial burden but also motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my academic and leadership journey. I’m truly honored to be supported by a community that uplifts women and believes in our potential.”
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