2019 Scholarship Recipient

Rowan Woodward

Rowan always had a hard time answering “what do you want to be when you grow up?” because she overflowed with answers covering careers from astronaut to sociologist. But recently, she discovered computer programming and realized she could do work she loved while also helping others. Her references predict Rowan will excel in this competitive …

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Emely Vazquez

Emely is spurred to success by an understanding of the opportunity she has to advance through education, an opportunity her parents were denied but have striven to provide. Her references praise the determination and motivation evident in Emely’s refusal to be limited by a chronic health condition and participation in two varsity sports. They go …

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Maria Tapia

Maria knows too well the indignity of societal indifference and is determined to shelter others from the challenges she faced in the foster system. References from Maria’s work with foster youth highlight the value of her experience and insights which allow her to act as a credible “voice of reason and wisdom.” That perspective drove …

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Nicole Silliman

Nicole found her calling through forced circumstance, as a former foster youth she aspires to be a social worker to “help change lives just like my social worker changed mine.” References note Nicole’s passion for supporting peers and perspective in working with foster youth. Armed with clear goals and a support system, Nicole wants to …

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Dian Rodriguez

Dian hopes to inspire fellow foster youth by showing what is possible through education and plans a career working with this community as a Social Worker. An advocate for foster youth on local advisory boards and in schools, Dian refused to let her dreams be limited by status. References highlighted her resilience, motivation, and initiative …

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Isabella Marinos

Isabella is a passionate advocate for mental health and mentorship in her school and community. As someone who faced the challenges of finding the silver lining in difficult circumstances, she has found serving others to be the best form of self-care. References from her work in tutoring and creating safe spaces describe Isabella as conscientious …

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