With an ever-increasing number of people immigrating to the area, she sees the need to ease the burdens that can come with adjusting to life in a new country. Through her work with the Hispanic-American Women's Association, Wilkerson is incorporating the area's new residents into a force for change. The organization's current president, Nivia Toothman, said their purpose is twofold. The other focus is in raising money for college scholarships for young people of Hispanic descent. Wilkerson, who is a past president of the organization, said education takes the highest priority, benefiting both the students and the communities in which they live.
Education is the key.
For any culture, any race, any country, to be able to speak and communicate and to read is so important. America gives them opportunities to study. To advance the cause of education, the Hispanic-American Women's Association sponsors an International Gala each October that includes both Spanish and American music. The proceeds from last year's event will help three students to continue their college educations, according to Toothman. In addition to the fund-raising efforts, Wilkerson sees the association as an opportunity to remove barriers that may exist between Hispanic and American cultures and to help those who are less fortunate.