School is out and FGHW hopes that the 2025 recipients of the Liza Farrow-Gillespie Intrepid Young Woman scholarship enjoy the summer before heading off to college. The scholarship is traditionally awarded to two scholars, but because of the generosity of donors, this year's scholarship was given to three students. Congratulations to Skyline High School’s Fritzi Ortega, and Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet students, Jordan Wesley (center) and Abygail Vargas.

Prior to the award announcement at the law magnet, FGHW paralegal Lesly Evans shared how Liza impacted her life and her hopes for the scholarship recipients.

· · · · · · · · · · · ·

Before working as a paralegal at Farrow-Gillespie Heath Wilmoth, I had a career as a receptionist in hair salons. I enjoyed it, but I always felt like something was missing. About ten years ago, a hairstylist approached me to talk about her favorite client, Liza Farrow-Gillespie. She told me Liza was adventurous, funny,

co-founded a woman-owned law firm, and that the law firm was looking for a receptionist.

I had zero office experience, but Liza and co-founder Julie Heath believed in me. After working as their receptionist for a while, I realized that I wanted to be a paralegal. And they believed in me. The firm paid for my school.

As it turns out, that’s what was missing. Being a paralegal is my dream. It is fascinating, and meaningful, and even the difficult days are still somehow fun.  My entire world changed because of that initial connection with Liza.

And even though she’s not here, Liza will help you through school, just like the firm helped me through school. But more important than that, whether it is the law, or another industry, or something entirely unrelated to work, I hope that your initial connection with Liza will put you on the path to your dream life, the way she put me on the path to mine.