SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Continuing their commitment to support educational achievement as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion, Fiesta Bowl and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) have selected 30 Arizonans for the second annual Empowering Diversity Scholarship.
The Empowering Diversity Scholarship was created to support Arizona's minority residents with their educational goals, with a grand total of $93,000 in financial awards to the 30 individuals.
"I am inspired by this year's scholarship applicants and the stories they shared," said
Pam Kehaly, Chief Executive Officer and President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. "We congratulate each and every recipient and hope this scholarship propels them to even greater heights."
This year there were two tracks for the Empowering Diversity Scholarship. The 15 post-secondary recipients received $5,500 each for their pursuit of higher education while the 15 GED recipients each received $700 to cover GED-related fees and additional study resources
.
The GED (general education development) Track was open to Arizona residents interested in obtaining their GED. The scholarship will cover fees associated with the assessment and additional program support services provided by College Depot. The Post-Secondary Track was open to Arizona resident minority students in their senior year of high school or college students attending an Arizona post-secondary institution (including four-year colleges or universities, two-year colleges, vocational-technical schools and programs, and life skills programs).
"Championing diversity and inclusion is necessary to support and enhance our community. This program provides opportunities for our future leaders to take the next step in their journeys," said Fiesta Bowl Executive Director
Mike Nealy. "We are happy to partner with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona again for this important scholarship program because our organizations share the same commitment and values of enhancing the lives of Arizonans."
Since inception in 2020, the Empowering Diversity Scholarship has awarded $173,000 to Arizona minority students pursuing their educational goals.
The 30 scholarship winners for 2021 are listed below with capsules on their backgrounds.
POST-SECONDARY
Freya Abraham | University of Arizona | Neuroscience and Biochemistry
Abraham is a sophomore at the University of Arizona. She volunteers in health initiatives, works as a teaching assistant, and serves as the recruitment lead for Global Shapers Tucson, a chapter of the international youth leadership initiative backed by the World Economic Forum. Abraham co-launched Give a Book, Grow a Mind, a grant-funded childhood reading initiative. She is also a part of the summer undergraduate research program at Barrow Neurological Institute to study ALS.
"Particularly in the health and science field, so many internships and opportunities are underpaid, or not paid at all. Balancing internships and opportunities with the need to work and save is tough for any student to juggle, especially those planning for graduate school. This scholarship takes some of that weight off, because it allows me to invest in activities that benefit me and my community."
Peyton Belle | Arizona State University | Biological Sciences
Belle is entering her first year at Arizona State University and plans to explore new ideologies, philosophical teaching, and scientific and evidence-based approaches to achieve her goals. She plans to become a physician, practice medicine and offer specialized medical services to people residing in underserved communities with little or no access to health care services.
"The Empowering Diversity Scholarship will directly impact my college education because the award allows me to attend college and foster opportunities to become equipped with the critical thinking skills to prepare me to enter the medical profession. In my opinion, educational success is not measured by money but by one's contributions to society. The only way to live a life that displays humanitarian efforts is to care for the sick and serve those less fortunate."
Carl Douglas | Arizona State University | Community Advocacy and Social Policy
Douglas relocated to Glendale after 55 years working as a leader in the insurance industry and raising two daughters in Illinois. He plans to become involved in service work that uplifts members of his community and is interested in roles that focus on teaching children.
"Receiving this scholarship will allow me to take additional courses at Arizona State University that focus on information and the background of immigration in our nation. These courses will enable me to learn and possibly create policy that will lead to positive impacts within our country in this highly sensitive area of concern."
Madiana Duarte | Arizona State University | Nursing
Duarte is pursuing her BSN at Arizona State University with the goal of working as a traveling nurse and eventually moving up to become a nurse practitioner. She has been in the medical field for five years as a CNA and enjoys helping people live healthier lives.
"This scholarship allows me to continue chasing my dreams. It is giving me the opportunity to higher my education and become the most successful and hardworking version of myself. Thank you for this amazing opportunity."
Connor Fletcher | University of Arizona | Neuroscience and Cognitive Science
Fletcher is a senior at the University of Arizona and plans to study and specialize in radiology, pathology and neurology. He plans to successfully operate his own private practice while simultaneously researching and innovating in the fields of biomedical engineering and artificial intelligence.
"The Empowering Diversity Scholarship allows me the opportunity to complete my bachelor's degree and is necessary in allowing me to attend medical school to pursue my dream of becoming a successful doctor."
Trevonte McClain | Arizona State University | Internet and Web Development
McClain is a devoted father and is finishing up a Master of Science degree in Internet and Web Development. He operates Mighty Making, a nonprofit that assists low-socioeconomic individuals and families in becoming well versed in technological knowledge. McClain also assists the Arizona Supreme Court Foster Care Review Board as a board member and mentors individuals on the seriousness of domestic violence through the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
"I am incredibly appreciative of receiving assistance with my educational pursuits. Having individuals that believe in my goals and dreams gives me the necessary drive to continue the path to realize them. I have not had this type of support to this point in my life, and receiving this support is life-changing."
Jasmine Meza Torres | Arizona State University | Film and Media Production
Meza Torres is a film student at Arizona State University pursuing a career in cinematography and photography. She is an active volunteer in the community and has worked with local nonprofits to share their work and stories through film and storytelling.
"The Empowering Diversity Scholarship will have a huge impact on my educational journey because it will allow me to divert more of my attention on my studies, as opposed to worrying about finances. With only two years left until I receive my bachelor's degree, I'm determined to continue prioritizing my education as much as I can."
Khalifah Muhammad | Arizona State University | Computer Science (STEM)
Muhammed is a transfer student from Mesa Community College, a National Science Foundation member and is pursuing a Computer Science STEM degree at Arizona State University. During her first semester at ASU, Muhammed was named to the Dean's List and also spent free time designing clothes, volunteering and tutoring.
"There were hardships from the pandemic that I thought wouldn't let me continue with my education. I believe this scholarship will be impactful because it will help me complete my undergraduate degree and help in relieving the financial burden for my parents. I am grateful that this scholarship is assisting me to achieve this degree and providing a bright light at end of the tunnel with these difficult times."
Angel Palazuelos | Arizona State University | Biomedical Engineering
Palazuelos is attending Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. He was only five years old when he migrated to the United States with his mother and older brother for a chance at a better life. His mother left everything behind so the boys could grow up in a country where they could follow their dreams. He is studying biomedical engineering and plans to minor in political science, with a goal to attend law school. He hopes to repay his mother and this country for all it has given by following his dream without fear and giving back to his community.
"First of all, I would like to thank Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Fiesta Bowl. For most of my life, I have felt like all possible odds have been against me; I am a first-generation, Dreamer student. Receiving the Empowering Diversity Scholarship presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Fiesta Bowl is a true blessing. My dreams of becoming a biomedical engineer are no longer dreams because I know I will achieve them! Thank you for believing in me enough to invest in my future."
Jackie Phillips | Arizona State University | Family and Human Development
Phillips is a mother of two and the co-founder and COO of the nonprofit Onward Hope. She grew up in foster care and has dedicated her life to supporting the often underserved and disadvantaged foster population. Her goal is to eliminate the negative statistics that haunt the youth, young adults and families that she serves. She plans to finish her undergraduate in Family and Human Development and go on to obtain a Master's in Nonprofit and Business Management.
"Living paycheck-to-paycheck and having medical procedures that are too expensive to afford have been the biggest stressors on my life and now I am able to complete this journey I could not continue 12 years ago. The financial support is amazing and helpful, but the second chance I have received is invaluable to my faith and self-esteem."
Alondra Rangel Flores | Chandler-Gilbert Community College | Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Rangel Flores is a first-generation Mexican-American and a first-generation college student. A recent high school graduate and Medical Assistant, Rangel Flores has a passion for the medical field and patient care and plans to continue that path by obtaining a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
""The impact of the Empowering Diversity Scholarship is so special to me because it provides help to minority students like me to continue our college education. Not only does this scholarship impact me but also my parents. It is going to help me pave the way for me to better myself, have a career that I am proud of and enjoy doing, to continue helping younger generations about the importance of education and help support my family."
Sabrina Ross | Arizona State University | Civil Engineering
Ross is a first-generation, Mexican-American college student, attending Arizona State University for Civil Engineering. Ross is a native Spanish speaker and learned English later in life, allowing her to converse with a diverse percentage of people and help mediate conversations. Her language journey inspired her to learn sign language on her own and become the co-founder of the French club at her high school, to be more inclusive and speak to a wider range of community members.
Ruth Solano-Cardel | Arizona State University | Liberal Arts
Solano-Cardel is a first-generation college student whose family is from Mexico. After traveling back to her birthplace of Phoenix alone at age 15, she learned English to open new opportunities. Solano-Cardel plans to use her education and leverage her bilingual skills to pursue her passion for liberty and free markets.
"Financing my education has been hard, even though I work in addition to studying. The Empowering Diversity scholarship from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and the Fiesta Bowl will alleviate my extreme financial circumstances and allow me to complete my college degree on time."
Aaliyah Thompson-Mazzeo | University of Arizona | Dance and Engineering
Thompson-Mazzeo is a proud African-American and Italian woman. She graduated as co-salutatorian from Arizona School for the Arts. Thompson-Mazzeo has a passion for dance and STEM and plans to double-major at the University of Arizona to research the fascinating relationship between arts and STEM.
"The Empowering Diversity scholarship is part of the foundation supporting my educational journey. This generous donation will support me through countless performances, research projects and internships. This foundational support will help ensure success in my educational and professional goals."
Eugenia Trakal | Arizona State University | Finance
As a first-generation student and the daughter of Argentine immigrants, Trakal graduated as valedictorian from Gilbert Classical Academy. After serving as Finance Manager for ASU's Engineering Projects in Community Service Program and representing Arizona at the 2020 National Young Women's Business Institute, she is passionate about exploring the intersection between finance and sustainability. She is pursuing a degree in Finance at Arizona State University's Barrett Honors College.
"I am extremely grateful to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Fiesta Bowl and the Arizona Community Foundation for sponsoring the education of students.
This scholarship's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion empowers us future leaders of Arizona to pursue our educational and career pursuits. As a first-generation Latina pursuing higher education, my journey has been difficult. Receiving this scholarship will reduce my financial burden, and also your generosity inspires me to pay it forward to my community."
GED
Flor Cardenas
Cardenas is married with two kids and has a goal of finishing school and getting her GED.
Hilda Carrillo
Carrillo is a single mother of four children with special needs. She has faced many obstacles in life such as being a single mother, having no money and no place to live. She made the decision to go back to school and receive her diploma in 2017 but had to stop her pursuit. This year, when College Depot contacted her about the opportunity, she jumped at the chance to accomplish her goal of receiving her GED. Carrillo plans to become a registered nurse and help others with special needs children.
Dalia Chacon Jimenez
Chacon Jimenez was born and raised in Phoenix after her parents both came here from Mexico to pursue the American Dream. Her goal is to finish her high school education and provide her children with amazing memories all while not having to worry about financial situations.
"Receiving this scholarship is a blessing. I didn't continue high school because I became a mom at a young age. As time went on, I kept putting it aside and saying I'll do it eventually. Before I knew it, the opportunity passed me by and my financial situation hasn't been the greatest. The Empowering Diversity Scholarship will help me continue what I've always dreamed of finishing."
Corine Flores
Flores is a mother of four grown children and has been working in the medical field for 26 years. She believes in helping others and paying it forward. Flores loves her career and has a goal to be promoted to a supervisor so she can train future medical assistants to have an impact on patients' lives.
Fernanda Gil Romo
Gil Romo is a mother of three and plans to obtain her GED to pursue higher education. She would like to attend child development classes to understand her children in more ways than just as their mother, and has a goal to become a Speech Language Pathologist.
"The Empowering Diversity Scholarship will have a great impact on my life. I will be able to attend Zoom webinars, finish my classes and achieve my short- and long-term goals. Thank you so much for this opportunity."
Jevonni Hamer
Hamer grew up in the inner city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and moved to Phoenix four years ago to make a better life for his family. Hamer plans to obtain a GED and pursue a degree in broadcast and journalism while coaching youth sports. His biggest goal is to give his two sons a quality education and better opportunities in life.
Cristina Hernandez
Hernandez is a mother of four and came to the United States at the age of seven. After moving to Mexico with her husband's family at a young age and having her children, completing her GED always seemed like a dream. Now that she has the opportunity, she wants to work to make that dream a reality.
"One significant obstacle throughout my educational journey has always been financial instability; it was the reason why I had to drop out in the first place. As my own children have grown up and pursued their own higher educational goals, I invested in them. With the Empowering Diversity Scholarship, I can begin my own educational path."
Amanda Jose
Jose became a mother at the age of 16 and is now a mother of four. Putting her children first, she had to put her education on hold. Her children have since graduated high school and last year they bought her a laptop, telling her "It's your turn to finish school." Now she plans on obtaining her GED and graduating college.
"This is only the first step in the direction of furthering my education; something I have been wanting to do since my children were young."
Angelina Mejia
Meja is a case worker for the State of Arizona and plans to obtain her GED in order to apply for better paying jobs within her department.
Adriana Rivera
Rivera was born in Mexico and raised in Arizona. She is a working mother who hopes to further her education. Rivera aspires to become a homicide detective to help grieving families find consolation in the midst of their misfortune. Her biggest goal is to set an outstanding example for her daughter and to feel proud of herself.
"The great impact the Empowering Diversity Scholarship will bring to my life as a mother and as a person goes beyond words. When I am able to complete my GED there is no looking back, only forward. I will be able to complete my lifelong dream of continuing my education and strive for a better future for my daughter and me."
Karely Flores
Flores aims to gain her GED in order to better provide for her family. Finishing her schooling has been a life goal for Flores and she plans to look into college upon completion.
Arielle Torrez
Torrez is a mother of two who moved to Arizona at a young age. Her goal is to finish the education she started and set a foundation for her children. She plans to pursue business in order to help monetize her daughters' passions and help them become successful.
"The impact of the Empowering Diversity Scholarship was shocking in so many ways. It makes me believe I can do this. It makes me feel like I am not alone and that I truly have others believe that I can do it and will be with me on my journey. This opens doors on so many levels for me and my family. It gives me a sense of ease knowing I have help and if you just look hard enough or even ask for help you will find what you're looking for "
Rose Vasquez
Vasquez had to leave high school at an early age due to losing her father and having to work to help support her family. She went on to begin her career in nonprofits and worked to ensure her children went to college while stressing the importance of education. She plans to obtain her GED to accomplish her educational goals.
"The Empowering Diversity Scholarship will help me finally complete the GED exam. I'm currently enrolled in a GED class through my local library and this funding will help remove financial barriers for me."
Erica Walker
Walker is a mother of three and moved to Arizona to give her family a better life. She is a caregiver and has been in the healthcare industry for over 10 years. She is determined to finish school and continue her career as a nurse and eventually open her own caregiving facility.
"This scholarship is a great impact on my education journey because it is important to me to receive my high school diploma. It will open up more opportunities for my future and better my education. It will get me into college to finish my degrees and have a better career to take care of my family. I'm excited to start this journey and to finally finish what I've started. This scholarship is really a fresh start to my career."
Daomiani Williams
Williams is a mother of three and plans to obtain her GED with the goal of being the first in her family to obtain a college degree.
