Honoring a WEV Hero: The Connie Bereny Memorial Scholarship

Connie Bereny was a valued WEV instructor and successful entrepreneur for several years. Since 2005, she had been teaching and coaching our students - and inspired countless women and men to reach their entrepreneurial potential.

The news of Connie's recent passing came as a shock to most of her former WEV students and to WEV staff. We all knew that Connie had been struggling with cervical cancer for some time, but it looked like she had started to turn things around.

If you were one of her students, friends, colleagues, or family members - then we don't need to tell you just how special Connie was. She always gave generously of herself to everything and everyone, and as WEV staff and former students, we are immensely grateful to have been a part of her life.

In the spirit of Connie's leadership and enthusiasm for learning and business, we created this campaign to honor her memory with a scholarship fund. A full scholarship is $2,500.  Your donations help ensure that tuition remains affordable to all and that many more will be able to reach their potential and become successful entrepreneurs.

Please also feel free to post your notes of praise and remembrance here.

Show your support for Women's Economic Ventures by signing the Guest Book. Your entry will appear in the list below.

Sign the Guest Book

• CEO

  I knew Connie had been struggling with this disease and it always amazed me that she never complained and always seemed to have enough stamina to put together events such as my open house for my going green hair salon.Connie was my mentor and supported my concept from the beginning with enthusiasm. She was my biggest fan and I'm certain that she made everyone feel that way. Our hope is to meet up with her again and carry her in our thoughts.We all miss you Connie. Thank you!

  Jessica Evrist CEO of California Styles Salon & Boutique about 1 month ago

• Life learner

  I spent a year in Oxnard and met some wonderful people, and Connie was by far one of the most inspirational and giving people I had the pleasure to meet. I knew her as the coach/teacher in WEV and she always made time for you - she was the heart of that organization at that time and I am saddened to hear she was struggling with that disease and it caused her untimely death.

  Sylvia Apodaca Vergara about 1 month ago

• Welder / Designer

  In all my contacts at WEV I was able to meet Connie; as I was plesantly surprised with her forward thinking and very positive out look in our discussion at the time, later thinking how much I could learn from her. Very inspirational and full of knowledge! Those that crossed her path are all the richer for it!

  Brian Tupy about 1 month ago