The Democratic Women of Nevada County (DWNC) celebrated education, civic leadership and community spirit at its annual Scholarship Luncheon on May 9 at Bright Futures for Youth in Grass Valley.
The “Empower, Inspire & Ignite” fundraising event honored two local high school seniors, Baelen Carson and Viviana Velazquez, as this year’s scholarship recipients, recognizing their achievements and promise as young women preparing for the next chapter of their lives.
“These young women reflect the compassion, dedication, and global understanding that make them outstanding recipients for our scholarship award,” said Debbie Lindh, president of DWNC. “We are pleased to recognize their academic excellence and their commitment to making a positive difference in our community.”
Funds raised at the luncheon will help support the DWNC’s 2027 youth scholarships, ensuring that the luncheon’s impact continues well beyond a single afternoon.
“This event underscores how community support, generosity and shared purpose can help open doors for young people and women in Nevada County,” Lindh added.
The luncheon also featured a panel of elected women who shared their reflections, wisdom and experiences as political and civic leaders. During that panel discussion, Nevada City Councilmember Daniela Fernández, Grass Valley Mayor Hillary Hodge, and Nevada County Supervisors Heidi Hall and Lisa Swarthout talked about their top priorities and offered advice for women considering running for elected office.
Honoring Scholars
Scholarship recipients Carson and Velazquez, both members of the Class of 2026 earning 4.0 GPAs, have been leaders in their schools and in the community.
A senior at Nevada Union High School, Carson served as a Color Me Human youth liaison, working to support under-resourced communities and address racial injustices. She volunteered as a youth member of Citizens for Choice, to advocate for reproductive health care. Appointed as a Nevada County youth commissioner, Carson serves as chair for the Youth Employment Subcommittee. This fall, she will attend Santa Barbara City College before transferring to the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology.
Carson is interested in helping children realize their potential. “Alongside my studies, I plan to gain hands-on experience through internships or part-time work in schools, therapy centers, or community-based programs that serve children and families. I want to be in environments where I am learning directly from professionals while also building real relationships with kids and advocating for their emotional and mental well-being. I see myself working as a therapy intern, aide, or in a social work setting focused on youth.”
Co-enrolled at Bear River High School and Sierra College, Velazquez serves as vice president of Key Club and as chapter historian for the Bear River Chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA), working closely with the National FFA organization. She was honored recently with the Environmentalist of the Year Scholarship from the South Yuba River Citizens League. This fall, she will attend Chico State University as a recipient of the Bell Family Presidential Scholarship. Velazquez plans to become a bilingual agricultural educator.
In an essay for the DWNC, Velazquez noted that she is a first-generation Mexican student who moved frequently and has persevered. “My experiences overcoming discrimination, health challenges, and personal obstacles have prepared me to guide students through adversity while inspiring them to pursue their own dreams with confidence and courage,” she wrote. “I am committed to making a lasting impact on students’ lives while promoting agricultural literacy, sustainability, and a love of learning in communities where it is most needed.”
Highlighting Bright Futures for Youth
The DWNC chose Bright Futures for Youth as the event venue to raise awareness and support for the nonprofit organization’s work, which aligns with its own public service mission to empower young women. Among the services that Bright Futures for Youth provides the community is the SAFE program, which has assisted more than 500 children and young adults experiencing housing instability since 2020.
Emily Dunn, who serves on the Bright Future’s SAFE Youth Action Board, joined Carson and Velazquez for a panel discussion titled “Next Gen Justice: Young Women Leading Change.” With guidance and support from SAFE’s managers, Dunn will graduate from Northpoint Academy and will attend Sierra College this fall and plans to become an Emergency Medical Technician.
Jennifer Singer, executive director of Bright Futures for Youth, welcomed guests to explore the NEO Youth Center and emphasized the importance and impact of their work supporting youth, families and communities. Singer cofounded the Friendship Club with Mary Collier in 1995, an after-school program for middle- and high school girls that serves hundreds of children and teens daily. Singer noted that Bright Futures for Youth depends on volunteers who can share their time and talent with local youth.
Kitchen and Nutrition Program Manager Mielle Rose, who along with her staff prepared a gourmet meal at the event, oversees a fast-growing program that serves hundreds of meals to young people every week at Bright Futures for Youth. Offering hands-on training for interns in the kitchen, the program ensures children and young adults have access to at least one healthy meal every weekday, while also serving as a working classroom for those looking at a career in the food industry.
Sushila Mertens, vice president of the DWNC, served as event chair with support from the organization’s executive board: Debbie Lindh, Marlene Sharon, Sueann Gawel, Becki Walker, and Cricket Noyes, along with many community and member volunteers.
As the California primary election season is underway, Mertens noted in her welcome to guests that “Democracy is not just about voting or resisting oppression, it’s about participating in whatever you can do to help our community, country and world prosper.”