LORISSA CANDELARIO - Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College - Lorisa is earning her AA & AS in Pre-Radiologic Sciences and General Studies. She plans to transfer to the University of South Alabama for a B.S. in Radiologic Sciences (Radiation Therapy) with a minor in Health Informatics. She hopes to apply her expertise to offer answers and attention to patients who often are overlooked or unheard.

​

AIRINI McKENZIE - University of Hawaii-Maui College - Airini is working towards an associate’s degree in Human Services. She will go on to pursue further degree studies in social services to prepare her to work with and for communities that
lack resources, especially homeless communities on Maui.

​

VERENICE PATINO - University of California-Irvine - Verenice is completing her bachelor’s in microbiology and immunology. She plans to pursue an advanced degree in biomedical sciences focusing on diagnostics and treatment of infectious diseases that disproportionately impact underserved communities.

​

YASMINE PETERS - Northeastern State University - Yasmine is completing her bachelor’s program in Elementary Education. She aims to become a certified school counselor, a vocation she will enrich with first-hand understanding of how students’ progress can be thwarted by judgment and isolation. Her work will give back to her Indigenous community by supporting the next generation of students and helping them believe in their strengths and possibilities.

​

SHASTA WING - Portland State University - Shasta is studying Criminology & Criminal Justice with a Certificate in Criminal Law. She is preparing to work on reforming justice systems to better protect youth and underserved communities. Lived experience informs how she hopes to apply her academic expertise to real-world change.

​​

RECENT AWARDEES: 2025  2024  2023   2022   2021   2020   2019   2018   2017