History of the Soaring Dove Foundation, Incorporated

The Soaring Dove Foundation Scholarship began as the Cynthia Gayles Memorial Scholarship. Cynthia Elaine “Cindy” Gayles (pronounced GILES) was a graduate of Colorado State University and was employed as the Associate Director of Admissions at the University of Colorado at Denver’s Health Science’s Campus prior to her untimely passing in 2007. 

Ms. Gayles dedication, diligence and high energy made her well-respected in her field. She had a passion for helping people and was exceptionally gifted in her ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds. In her personal and professional life, she was a mentor and friend to many young people and helped students to realize their protentional through higher education. 

After giving out the Cynthia Gayles Memorial Scholarship. It was decided to change the name of the scholarship to the Soaring Dove Foundation, Incorporated. Although the formal name of the scholarship has changed, the spirit of this gift will always honor the legacy of Cindy Gayles.   

Soaring Dove Foundation is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization established on December 14, 2008. This scholarship is granted to graduating female high school seniors in the Colorado Springs Metro area, who plan to enter a four-year university or college and desire to further their education in Colorado.

In 2018, the Foundation gave two $1,100.00 scholarships to Ms. Re’Nesia Mills and Ms. Teyanna Norris. The Foundation Committee members at that time were: Dr. Detra Duncan, President; Wanda Foster, Secretary; and Jacqueline Williams, Treasurer. 

 In 2019, the Foundation gave three $1,000.00 scholarships to Ms. Aizana Hunt, Ms. Echo Crockett, and Ms. Addie Kuether. The Foundation Committee members at that time were: Christy Ball, President; Wanda Foster, Secretary; Jacqueline Williams, Treasurer. The Foundation brought in two additional board members that year. The dynamic duo of Dr. Mary Thurman & Mrs. Mary Rowan.  

One of the recipients wrote back to the Foundation expressing gratitude and I quote: “The scholarship I was awarded from the Soaring Dove Foundation was a tremendous help. I was able to attend the University of Denver without having to take out any loans. I hope this year has been kind to all of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority members and wish you the best. Thank you again for helping with my college journey. I will always be grateful” End of quote from 2019 recipient Ms. Echo Crockett. 

Additional comments have been received as the young ladies have expressed how the scholarship truly helped them.  

In 2022, the Foundation gave one $2,250.00 scholarship to Ms. Nia Price. The Foundation Committee members at that time were: Jacqueline Williams, President; Christy Ball, Immediate Past President; Dr. Mary Thurman, Secretary, and Mary Rowan, Treasurer. During this time the Foundation added two additional community board members: Ms. Phoebe Bailey, and Lt. Col. Angelique Simpson. Scholarship recipient Ms. Price has successfully completed her third year at UNC Greeley, CO majoring in Biology with a Pre-Med program and minor in Music Theory. She wishes to apply to medical school to become an OB/GYN. 

Our 2024 Foundation will presented a $1,000.00 scholarship to: Ms. Mariah Serrano-Walton, who attended Doherty High School. Mariah plans to attend Metropolitan State University of Denver, seeking a degree in Psychology. The 2024 Foundation committee are: Jacqueline Williams, President; Christy Ball, Immediate Past President; Dr. Mary Thurman, secretary; Mary Rowan, treasurer, Phoebe Bailey, and newest community Board member, Mrs. Debra Marks. 

The Soaring Dove Foundation, Incorporated an arm extension to our local Xi Kappa Zeta Chapter, Colorado Springs, Colorado of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated want to thank you for joining us, and allowing us to have a bigger extension, as we continue the legacy of Cindy Gayles, Xi Kappa Zeta Chapter, and the Soaring Dove Foundation, Incorporated. 

The Soaring Dove Foundation, Incorporated wishes to thank Cynthia Bell who started this great foundation and to all our past president's and board members since 2018: Detra Duncan, Wanda Foster, Jacqueline Williams, Phoebe Bailey, Christy Ball, Mary Rowan, Angelique Simpson, Mary Thurman, Deborah Marks, Cheryl Morrow, and Tifarrah Robinson; and to all the local members of Xi Kappa Zeta Chapter, Colorado Springs, Colorado of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. As we stand together on our first principle of Scholarship, we continue to serve our communities, give and help where we can, especially with continuing education for our graduating female seniors. 

We thank you the community and the circle of contributors/donors, that freely donate and give to the foundation for this worthy cause as we give back in scholarships equally distributed from the amount of donations/funds received from every generous donation.

~ President Jacqueline Williams