State Rep. Jones Announces New Members in the Women of Westlake

               In 2005, State Representative LaDawn “LBJ” B. Jones began a community service club at her alma mater Westlake High School called the Women of Westlake, more affectionately known as WOW.  Since 2005, more than 150 Westlake students have applied and completed the program that has now expanded into teaching life skills, conflict resolution, and career readiness.  This year WOW has accepted its newest members.  Twenty-six talented ladies completed the joining requirements which include an application, resume, interview and two weeks of life skills seminars. 

               For eight years, these students have strived toward their mission of “Unifying the ladies at Westlake High school by setting higher standards of intelligence and invoking the royalty of our ancestors.”  The mission of Unity, Intelligence, and Royalty as well as all the other founding guidelines of the organization were selected by the originating class of WOW and are still the basis of this growing group. 

               “What is amazing to me is that I was 26 years old, fresh out of law school when I first started WOW.  Now, some of the students who were in that first class of 8 are now 26 years old.  I didn’t know what I had when began the group but I am glad it has become a staple at Westlake” says Representative Jones.  Yet as a mother of two, a wife, a business owner and now a State Representative, many wonder how Representative Jones has time for it all.  “I didn’t know if I would be able to continue the group once elected to office.  But after this first session, I realized it is even more important to share with the ladies everything I am learning in my new role to help encourage them to move towards their future goals.” 

               WOW’s main purpose is community service.  Representative Jones teaches the students the importance of giving back to one’s community.  The group participates in monthly community service activities from trash pick-up to volunteering at homeless shelters.  WOW’s main community service initiative is a group called Sisters of Sandtown, where the high school students spend a few weeks mentoring eight grade students selected by teachers and staff from the neighboring middle school.  “By requiring the students to teach the life skills they have learned, they get a better chance to grasps the topics and begin to understand how important it is for them to act as role models.  Giving the students responsibility increases their leadership skills” says Jones.   

               Representative Jones believes Westlake High School was an important part of her “village” when she was a child and through WOW she hopes to expand the village of the students who join her group.  Representative Jones funds this group exclusively, with assistance from $20 student paid dues and fundraisers organized and hosted by the students.  More information about WOW can be found at www.WomenofWestlake.com or www.LaDawnJones.com.