The Women’s Opportunity Fund – Linda H. Culp Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to working women living in select counties in West Virginia and Ohio who are pursuing education or training to advance their careers. Designed to support women already in the workforce, rather than recent high school graduates, the scholarship honors Linda H. Culp’s legacy by supporting educational and professional growth.

The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) recognized the 2026 scholarship recipients during the Mid-Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual Women in Leadership Conference.

“We get to celebrate women who have made the courageous decision to invest in themselves and their futures,” said Jennifer Randolph, PACF’s Scholarship Officer. “Recognizing Jessica and Mary Kate at the Women in Leadership Conference made the moment even more meaningful. Being surrounded by so many accomplished female leaders served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when women support and inspire one another.”

Jessica Waggoner was selected as a scholarship recipient for the second consecutive year. She is enrolled in the Registered Nursing (RN) program at West Virginia University at Parkersburg while working part-time at Camden Clark Medical Center. Waggoner also serves as a tutor at the college, helping fellow students succeed. After completing her RN program, she plans to continue her education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

“I believe that healthcare is a continuous and rewarding career with no limits,” said Waggoner. “I am excited for the journey ahead and confident that my education and experiences will prepare me to make a positive and lasting impact in healthcare.” 

The second recipient, Mary Kate Lawless, is a speech-language pathologist at Camden Clark Medical Center and an officer in the United States Army Reserve. She is pursuing a Physician Assistant degree at Marietta College and hopes to use her education to address healthcare needs in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“Ultimately, my goal is to practice as a physician assistant in Parkersburg, where I can improve access to care—particularly in ENT-related services—and contribute meaningfully to the health of the community I already serve,” stated Lawless.

For more than 20 years, the Women’s Opportunity Fund – Linda H. Culp Memorial Scholarship, made possible through the generosity of its donors, has helped more than 70 local women advance their education, strengthen the regional workforce, and build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.