2026 Michelene (Micki) Weisbarth
Memorial Award Recipient
Kathleen Huffman
Kathleen Huffman is our 2026 Michelene (Micki) Weisbarth Scholarship winner!
Currently pursuing a degree in Behavioral Health with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis through Spokane Falls Community College, Kathleen's long-term goal is to become a school counselor and family counselor, supporting children and families through life’s challenges while advocating for youth mental health and emotional well-being.
Her professional experiences, combined with her own personal journey, inspired Kathleen to pursue a career in behavioral health and counseling. She hopes to one day provide children and families with the support systems she understands are essential to healing and long-term success.
Balancing work, higher education, and raising her family, Kathleen remains focused on completing her degree and expanding opportunities for youth in rural communities. She views education not only as a pathway for personal growth, but also as a way to give back and strengthen the community she calls home.
Congratulations Kathleen!
Micki O'Neill Weisbarth Memorial Award
The Micki O’Neill Weisbarth Memorial Award was established in 2022 to support women pursuing their education with financial need. Through generous donations, this annual award will provide assistance to recipients by helping offset tuition costs or to assist with day to day expenses so they can focus on reaching their dreams.The Micki O’Neill Weisbarth Memorial Award honors the late Michelene “Micki’ Weisbarth by investing in the education of women. Micki joined our local Newport chapter in December of 1990 and quickly was elected president, then district officer, and eventually Northwestern Region Secretary. Micki touched and impacted so many lives around her. Her favorite projects were the Live Your Dream Scholarship program and the local annual crab feed fundraiser. She served as local chairperson of the Live Your Dream award for multiple years as well as serving at the region level.Micki was involved in many areas of the community she loved. Her dedication to Soroptimist International of the Americas and the Newport chapter is a wonderful example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of so many.
For information on how you can donate to the Micki O’Neill Weisbarth Memorial Award fund or apply for the Award, contact Terri Miller, Treasurer, siofnewport@gmail.com.