Stephanie Sharp knows the pitfalls and hardships that await women starting their own business. That is why, as owner and president of Plexus Web Creations, she has sought avenues to support other women pursuing their dreams of owning their own business.

"As a female business owner I strongly support and encourage other women to follow their own path to a successful career," she explains. "I enjoy serving as a mentor to them and working with them to develop business fundamentals, like budgets, marketing strategies, and execution of their ideas."

Part of that commitment has been Plexus' support of the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. Since 1976, the Foundation has been dedicated to raising funds for, and awarding grants to, low-income women, age 35 and older to further their education.

Recently, the foundation held their 29th Annual Awards Dinner with featured speaker Deborah Roberts, ABC news correspondent and UGA alum. Over 500 guests attended the dinner, funding 65 grants for women to further their education. For one of the grants, Plexus teamed with MYM Marketing to fund the Deborah Roberts Award, to be given annually to a deserving candidate

"Mrs. Roberts' contribution to the communication field and this community are enormous and she is very deserving of this tribute," explains Sharp. "We are excited to have the opportunity to fund this award in her honor."

Receiving the Deborah Roberts Grant for 2005 will be Debra Stover. Debra earned her Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies and is progressing toward a BBA in business management. While splitting time between her work at a local law firm and caring for her disabled mother, Debra has managed to maintain a 4.0 grade point average. She hopes to use her experience and education in the non-profit field to help people living in poverty improve their quality of life.

"Debra is an amazing woman who will be incredibly successful in both business and life," says Sharp. "I know that the investment we’ve made as a company into this award will benefit the many lives she will impact throughout her career."