The 25 scholarship winners for 2025 are listed below with capsules on their backgrounds.
Freya Abraham | University of Arizona | Medicine
Abraham is a medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson with a strong commitment to advancing equity in cancer care through research and advocacy. She earned her Bachelor of Science in neuroscience and cognitive science with honors from the University of Arizona and was awarded the 2024 Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award with research exploring the intersection of neuroscience, health disparities, and patient outcomes. Currently, she is engaged in oncology research with a focus on lymphoma and investigational therapies for head and neck cancers. Abraham also serves in leadership roles through the American Medical Association and American Society of Clinical Oncology and aims to integrate cultural understanding into future oncology practice.
"Receiving the Empowering Diversity Scholarship is deeply meaningful to me – as a medical student and as someone committed to building a more inclusive healthcare system. This support lightens the financial burden of medical school, allowing me to focus more fully on my passions: oncology and health equity. It enables me to pursue research and advocacy opportunities that align with my goal of addressing cancer disparities in underserved communities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Beyond the financial impact, this scholarship affirms that my values and vision belong in medicine. It reinforces my motivation to serve as a physician to treat disease and transform the conditions that shape health outcomes."
Cosette Baur | Arizona State University | Biology
After two years at Glendale Community College, Baur will be a junior at Arizona State University this fall to complete her bachelor's in biological sciences. Throughout high school, she was on the school pom and dance teams. Last summer, Baur volunteered in a turtle rescue program in Costa Rica where she went to a conservation for two weeks and learned about turtles and how to better protect the species from extinction. She has also volunteered at the Arizona Humane Society donating supplies including food, blankets and toys, and making homemade treats and toys for the animals. Baur would like to use her degree to pursue a career in cardio technology.
"Living independently while balancing full-time work and school can be quite challenging, both financially and mentally. With the constant juggle between earning enough to sustain oneself and focusing on academic pursuits, I am greatly appreciative to receive this scholarship to take some of the stress off. By alleviating financial constraints, I have the opportunity to pursue my educational aspirations, setting the stage for a fulfilling career path that will support me in the long term. With this support, I can focus wholeheartedly on my coursework, engage in extracurricular activities like volunteer work, and actively participate in academic endeavors that will enrich my learning experience."
Dailyn Breschini Avila | University of Arizona | Psychology
Breschini Avila, a graduating senior at Yuma Catholic High School, is entering the University of Arizona with her Associate of Science, which she has already earned through dual-enrollment courses. She chose the University of Arizona because of her work experience there as a researcher through the Summer Institute of Medical Ignorance program, which helps disadvantaged students from rural areas learn about biomedical research. During high school, she participated in the school choir as well as the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics organization in which she served as president of her team for three years. In Tucson, she plans to utilize the university's ceramic studios, join a club sports team and one of the many choirs to explore her other passions.
"I have many ambitious goals for my future and career, so I am appreciative and blessed to have received this scholarship. I grew up with strong, driven role models in my family, so I am immensely grateful to have the opportunity to continue their legacy through my education. By earning this scholarship, I'll be able to focus on my education and pursue my goals in the best way possible, being sure to make my mark as the first person in my mother's family to go to college while making my Hispanic heritage proud. I am forever thankful for how this scholarship will impact my future and how meaningful this is for my family and I, as this helps me accomplish my goal of pursuing my undergraduate degree debt-free."
Isabella Duenas | University of Arizona | Physiology and Medical Sciences
Duenas, the salutatorian of her graduating class at Cibola High School in Yuma, Arizona, is a proud Hispanic woman who was shaped by her family's values of hard work, resilience and community. Driven by a passion for academics and a desire to make a difference, Duenas serves as varsity tennis team captain and as Vice President of National Honor Society, Science Club and Renaissance Club. Her passion for healthcare led her to become involved in sports medicine as President of the school's HOSA Sports Medicine Club. Outside of school, Duenas gives back to her local hospital as Treasurer of the Kindness Project Committee.
"The Empowering Diversity Scholarship will greatly impact my educational journey by reducing the financial challenges of higher education. With this support, I will be able to focus more fully on my studies and engage in extracurricular activities that contribute to my academic and personal development. It will provide me with the freedom to actively participate in student organizations and volunteer efforts that give back to my Arizona community. Without the need to work, I can dedicate myself to achieving academic excellence. This scholarship will be a crucial step in helping me reach my goal of becoming a doctor and making a meaningful contribution to the medical field."
Ardyn Faith
Faith is graduating from Seton Catholic Preparatory in Chandler where she has balanced academics, athletics, work and service while learning the values of discipline, teamwork and perseverance. As a student-athlete, she has committed herself to pushing both her physical and mental limits while representing her school with pride. Outside of school and swimming, she has volunteered with organizations like the Chandler Service Club, Sunshine Acres Children's Home and St. Joseph Youth Camp.
"Receiving the Empowering Diversity Scholarship from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Fiesta Sports Foundation is an incredible honor that will have a lasting impact on my educational journey. This scholarship eases the financial burden of college and motivates me to keep striving for excellence in everything I do. I can focus more fully on my studies and less on the financial stress that often comes with higher education. It affirms that my hard work and dedication have been recognized and that I have a community behind me that believes in my potential. I plan to use my education to build a meaningful career and give back to the communities that have shaped me."
Jayden Hawley | Arizona State University | Psychology
Hawley is graduating from Boulder Creek High School where he was president of Broadway Bound, the top varsity show choir. Hawley has been performing since he was seven years old and was most recently seen on stage in "Hadestown," "Footloose," "The Prom" and "A Chorus Line." Hawley was also a member of the National Honors Society and completed over 200 hours of volunteer work. He plans on attending Arizona State University and hopes to pursue a career in psychology while also earning roles to perform around the country to continue his lifelong hobby. Knowing that he can impact others through music or psychology is important to him.
"This scholarship will have a great impact on my educational journey by reducing the financial burden of tuition and other academic expenses, allowing me to be able to focus more fully on my studies and research. It can also open opportunities for participation in internships, volunteer work and faculty-led research projects that will be essential experiences for building a strong foundation in psychology. Additionally, receiving this scholarship will boost my overall confidence and motivation, reinforcing my commitment to academic excellence and future contributions to the field."
Carter Henderson-Cole | University of Arizona | Nursing
Henderson-Cole is a senior at Brophy College Preparatory and intends to make the world a better place through community service and deep compassion towards others. This mindset of service has been consistent through his life, through food pantries where he has volunteered, turkey drives he has run, blood he has donated and much more. A mantra he believes in is "not to be served but to serve," and intends to do that with his degree in nursing to serve underrepresented communities in rural Latin America.
"This scholarship will have a great impact. The assistance through this scholarship for housing at University of Arizona will be helpful. Staying on campus prevents even more costs, so this is the best route to take. I will not take whatever I am graced with lightly. Working to balance my studies and work will strengthen my time management skills and deepen my appreciation for the education I am receiving. My aspirations are to serve underserved countries in Latin America. By giving to me, I can eventually give back to them. This scholarship is not just financial assistance, it is an investment in my future impact on others."
Alicia Hernandez | University of Arizona | Master of Public Health-Epidemiology
Born and raised in Central Phoenix, Hernandez is a first-generation Master of Public Health epidemiology student at the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona. She works as a Community Health Program Coordinator with the University's Mobile Health Unit and Ventanillas de Salud program. Her research focuses on community health and access to healthcare. Hernandez interns at Arizona State University working on a scientific research paper evaluating Community Health Worker (CHW) sustainability and allies profession with the CHW training program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in global health from Arizona State University.
"Receiving this scholarship has a meaningful impact on my educational journey. It decreases the financial burden associated with pursuing my master of public health degree and allows me to focus intently on my studies and research without the added stress of managing tuition costs and potentially needing to take on additional work hours. I can fully engage with the curriculum and give me the opportunity to connect with other students. Lastly, this scholarship will help me advance and graduate from graduate school which will give me the opportunity to meet my long-term goal of leading a community health project in Arizona. All in all, I am extremely thankful for this scholarship as it will greatly impact my educational journey in a positive manner."
Maria Madueno
Madueno is a young woman, mother, sister and friend who is closely attached to the values of faith and human kindness. These values have strengthened her to pursue her dreams for a happy life and a better future. Her goal is to obtain a high school certificate to find a better job and continue in her journey for professional jobs within the technical education field. As someone working to have a better life in a different country, she is building new and greater life possibilities as well as educational growth.
"The Empowering Diversity Scholarship will help pay for my GED exam and allow me to finish the GED program. I would like to continue my education at a college or university, so having structure and a foundation to prepare me for quality job requirements will provide me with better salary. I am happy and moved to finally be able to pursue my GED and continue my journey for a better future."
Siddharth Mehta | Arizona State University | Economics & Data Science
A rising senior at Arizona State University, Mehta holds a strong interest in the intersection of education, business and technology. He served as the director of education for the Arizona Microcredit Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports underserved entrepreneurs in the Valley. He also works as a RISE Tutor at ASU, mentoring and tutoring refugee K-12 students each week. In addition, he serves as an engagement manager for New Venture Group, a student-led consulting group that partners with nonprofits, Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups and has spent two years at RealmSpark, ASU's corporate venture capital wing.
"This extremely generous scholarship will have a tremendous impact on my educational journey at Arizona State University as I enter my final year. Currently, I am covering my tuition and other educational expenses entirely through scholarships and working part-time during the semester and full-time during breaks. Receiving this scholarship has given me the freedom to not work part-time this final year and finally pursue my passion of building a startup in the social entrepreneurship space. It has always been a goal of mine to build something from the ground up, but the risk always held me back from acting; this scholarship has helped alleviate that! I now have the opportunity to pursue more experiential learning and drive greater impact!"
Abhijay Murugesan | University of Arizona | Medicine
Murugesan is a first-generation American and a graduate of the University of Arizona Zuckerman College of Public Health and Eller College of Management. Clinically, he worked in 9-1-1 response as an Emergency Medical Technician and served in various EMS management roles. He was presented a Heroism Award from the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, Special Congressional Recognition from then-U.S. Senator Martha McSally and was selected as the 2020 EMS Provider of the Year by the National Collegiate EMS Foundation. He has also co-authored original research that was published in the peer-reviewed journal Prehospital Emergency Care and presented at the National Association of EMS Physicians.
"The Empowering Diversity Scholarship presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Fiesta Sports Foundation is a mission-driven award that I am incredibly honored to receive. This scholarship will help support my medical education as I pursue a career as an emergency medicine physician. This is a long and difficult path, and knowing I have the support of organizations like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Fiesta Sports Foundation is comforting and energizing. Furthermore, the Empowering Diversity Scholarship is not only recognition, it is an investment that will enable recipients like me to serve residents across Arizona in the years to come. We are truly appreciative of your kind generosity and support - thank you!"
Angelina Nediyathu | University of Arizona | Applied Biotechnology
Nediyathu, an undergraduate student at University of Arizona, is passionate about women's and infant health, healthcare equity and using science to drive meaningful change. Her academic and extracurricular experiences reflect her dedication to combining research, advocacy and clinical care to improve health outcomes in underserved communities. Nediyathu volunteers in the NICU and pediatric departments at Banner University Medical Center, where she supports vulnerable infants and families, and is a student leader in the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA). Her goal is to become a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology or neonatology and plans to integrate biotechnology, clinical innovation and public health to advocate for more inclusive, equitable healthcare systems.
"Receiving this scholarship means more than financial support, it represents belief in my potential and the goals I've set for myself. As the daughter of first-generation Indian immigrants, I've witnessed the sacrifices my family have made so I can pursue higher education. This award helps lighten their burden and allows me to focus more deeply on my growth as a student, researcher and future healthcare professional. It empowers me to say 'yes' to opportunities I might have otherwise declined due to cost, whether it's gaining hands-on experience in the NICU, participating in research that centers on women's health or pursuing additional certifications. This scholarship directly supports experiences that are shaping me into a compassionate, community-driven leader in healthcare."
Maria Palacios | Arizona State University | Biomedical Sciences
A proud Mexican-American who was born in the U.S. after her parents immigrated here, Palacios is graduating from Desert Edge High School. She has a passion for biology and anatomy and will attend Arizona State University to learn more about those fields. Her dream is to become a pediatrician and hopes to attend medical school to earn a doctorate degree. As part of her journey, Palacios also hopes to find an internship where she can observe a physician to gain insight in her intended career.
"This Empowering Diversity Scholarship is an answer to my prayers. This year, my family has struggled financially more than ever before. Thankfully, it is not extreme but it is still significant, and we notice how much we live paycheck-to-paycheck. We decided the best option for me is to house on campus at ASU, and this scholarship will cut the cost of housing in half. It lightens the worry a little and it gives my parents something to lean on."
Vivian Pelayo | Arizona State University | Master of Architecture
Pelayo, born and raised in Phoenix, is an architecture graduate student with a deep passion for sustainable and modular design that supports equitable community development. Continuing the family legacy of becoming a Sun Devil has been important to her and pursuing both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Arizona State University is meaningful. Pelayo is an active member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Organization of Minority Architects. She believes that design should respond to both human needs and environmental context, and her time outside continually inspires the work she does in studio.
"Receiving this scholarship has a meaningful impact on my educational journey by easing financial stress and allowing me to focus on my coursework, design research and studio work. I am deeply engaged in the academic and professional architecture community in Arizona and through my involvement with the American Institute of Architects and the National Organization of Minority Architects, I have gained valuable mentorship and leadership experience that directly enriches my education. This scholarship supports my continued growth as a designer and emerging professional, enabling me to make the most of every opportunity in graduate school. It also helps lay the foundation for my long-term goals of becoming a licensed architect and using my education to serve the broader community through thoughtful, inclusive design."
Isaiah Ricardo | Mohave Community College | Business
Ricardo is pursuing an associate's degree in business at Mohave Community College. He is passionate about leadership, customer service and building meaningful connections – qualities that have drawn him toward a career in the hospitality and business industries. He plans to transfer to a four-year university after completing his associate degree, where he plans to earn a bachelor's degree in business. His long-term goal is to use his education and skills to make a positive impact on the business world while contributing to the success of the organizations and people he serves.
"Receiving this scholarship has a significant impact on my educational journey by easing the financial burden of college expenses and allowing me to focus more fully on my studies. As a student pursuing an associate's degree in business at MCC with plans to transfer to a four-year university, financial support will help me stay on track toward achieving my academic and career goals. This scholarship will reduce the need for part-time work, giving me more time to dedicate to coursework and extracurricular involvement, and will serve as a source of motivation and encouragement. Knowing that others believe in my potential reinforces my determination to succeed in the hospitality and business industries."
Zan Saleem | Arizona State University | Electrical Engineering
A Chandler native, Saleem helps his local community and refugees worldwide through volunteer work and fundraising. He enjoys learning about complex topics like physics and development in the renewable energy sector. Saleem plans to gain knowledge to help build better and more sustainable infrastructure for all communities to help create a better and more inclusive society. He is motivated to pursue an electrical engineering degree, which he will use to develop solutions to combat climate change, while devoting time to the microchip and hardware development industry, focusing on power efficiency and sustainability.
"Receiving this scholarship is impactful for me, not just in terms of easing the financial burden of tuition, but also in allowing me to fully commit to my education and long-term career goals. As someone passionate about electrical engineering and sustainable technology, I want to immerse myself in research, hands-on projects and extracurricular opportunities that will help me grow as a student and as an innovator. The rising cost of higher education can sometimes make it difficult to take full advantage of these experiences without financial stress."
Caley Suarez | Arizona State University | Computer Science
Over the past three years, Suarez has dedicated her time to academics, community service and athletics. Suarez strives to support underserved families, a role that has helped deepen her passion for helping others. Her academic journey is motivated by her dream of becoming a software engineer and to become a first-generation college student in her family who studies computer science. She is enthusiastic to bring her background and experience as a Latina to the tech world and strives to inspire the next generation of women leaders in computer science.
"This scholarship has changed my life and shaped my achievements. It will help alleviate my financial burdens and be the key for me to attend higher education. Your support has brightened my future and motivated me to keep achieving my dreams regardless of the obstacles in my path. Your generosity reminds me that no matter how hard something is, there are always people and organizations that believe in your capability to achieve anything, and this is what has inspired me to surpass any expectations set. This scholarship will help me achieve a milestone my parents could never accomplish because of poverty, but with your support, my goals now have a chance to be accomplished. Thank you for helping me begin my college journey."
Arya Tailor | Arizona State University | Global Health & Economics
Tailor is a freshman at Arizona State University pursuing dual degrees in global health and economics with a 4.0 GPA. He is an early member at BreatheEV, a Wall Street Journal-featured EV charging startup, where he leads growth initiatives. He is involved with Arizona Microcredit Initiative, New Venture Group, IBIS and research at The Luminosity Lab. He was selected to represent ASU at the Villars Symposium in Switzerland, winning the NGA Student Case Competition and selected for the Forbes Business Today Conference. With experience in robotics, real estate, defense and nonprofits, Tailor brings a multidisciplinary perspective to his interests in artificial intelligence, sustainable development, startups and venture capital.
"This scholarship will make a huge difference in how I approach my education and early career. I'm often pulled toward safer options that help cover my expenses, even when they might not align perfectly with what I hope to do long term. With this financial support, I can consider opportunities at smaller social impact startups that can't offer competitive pay but provide incredible learning experiences. I'm curious how these organizations tackle complex problems with limited resources, and I'd love to contribute while learning from experienced founders. These untraditional roles teach me practical skills that complement what I'm learning in class. This scholarship gives me the freedom to make choices based on growth and impact rather than financial necessity."
Alona Thompson | Arizona State University | Social Work
Originally from St. Louis, Thompson is a passionate community advocate who believes in the power of service and second chances. Growing up in a city rich with culture and resilience shaped Thompson's love for giving back, which led to joining a community service-based fraternity over a decade ago. Thompson proudly serves veterans at Veterans Affairs, where her heart lies in advocating for those who have sacrificed so much for our country. She made the decision to return to college to pursue a degree in social work. Thompson is proof that it is never too late to chase your goals and make a difference in your community.
"Receiving this scholarship has a profound impact on my educational journey by alleviating some of the financial pressures that come with pursuing higher education. It allows me to dedicate more time and focus toward my studies, internships and community service initiatives without worries of financial strain. This support brings me closer to achieving my long-term goal of earning a doctorate in social work and using my education to advocate for marginalized communities, especially veterans and LGBTQ+ individuals. The scholarship also empowers me to continue giving back to the community through volunteer work and outreach programs. It serves as a financial resource and a source of motivation to create positive, lasting change in the lives of those I serve."
Ana Velazquez | Northern Arizona University | Biology
Velazquez is interested in animal care with a clear aspiration for becoming a veterinarian. In high school, she balanced school, part-time work and fulfilled the needs of several animals at home, including goats, dogs, chickens, ducks and turkeys. Having completed an externship at a veterinary clinic, Velazquez will attend Northern Arizona University working towards a degree in biology on her path to veterinary school. Her dream is to own her own veterinary clinic on a ranch where she can administer medical attention to pets and rescued farm animals, living a meaningful professional life serving animals.
"Receiving this scholarship will assist my academic career by relieving the financial burden of college life and allowing me to focus more intensely on my academic and career goals. This scholarship helps cover essential costs such as tuition, textbooks and lab fees that are central to my success. It also gives more time to devote to studying, internships and volunteer activities that will make me a better animal care professional. Besides financial assistance, this serves as an inspiration and motivation, showing me that others believe I am worthy and that they have faith in me to become a veterinarian. With such support, I will be better placed to achieve my dream of owning my own clinic and treating animals in need."
Veronica Villela
Villela is mother of three, the oldest of whom is graduating high school this year. Faced with the position of becoming guardian of her two younger brothers, Villela dropped out of high school. That never discouraged her from knowing that she would go back to school to further her career. She currently has a business doing eyelashes and she loves the beauty industry.
"This scholarship will help me get my GED and will also help me in my long-term goals to get additional schooling for the radiology tech degree that I'm looking to earn. I am a single mother and it's hard to go back to school yet have that financial burden on you. This scholarship will have an amazing impact financially for me and my family, and I appreciate it very much. Thank you to everybody involved for making this happen."
Also receiving the Empowering Diversity Scholarship are: Emily Coria Espinoza, Kara Hairston and Tiffany Osburn.
