SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (May 27, 2026) – Twenty Arizona residents were awarded the Empowering Diversity Scholarship ahead of the 2026-27 academic year through a partnership between Fiesta Sports Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue). Scholarship funds will provide financial support for recipients pursuing post-secondary education or completing their GED (General Educational Development).
 
Over the program's seven years, the scholarship has been awarded to 164 Arizonans, including this year's recipients. The 20 individuals received a total of $87,500 in financial awards and wraparound support.

"One of the most transformative investments we can make is in people, and this year's Empowering Diversity Scholarship recipients remind us why," said Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director and CEO Erik Moses. "This year's recipients include future physicians, engineers, nurses and tradespeople, each breaking barriers and carrying a vision for how they will give back to their communities. Fiesta Sports Foundation is proud to be a part of these students' journeys and aid them as they take the next steps toward achieving their goals."
 
This year's $87,500 of funding increases the scholarship's cumulative total to $627,000 in seven years. With support from AZ Blue, the Empowering Diversity Scholarship debuted in 2020 as a way for both organizations to support Arizonans in their educational journeys.
 
On the post-secondary track, 15 high school graduating seniors and current college students received $5,500 each in scholarship awards and wraparound support services provided by Be A Leader Foundation or Education Forward Arizona. Five additional Arizona residents received assistance in obtaining their GED through a $1,000 award geared towards fees associated with their GED assessment, education-related resources and program support services provided by College Depot.
 
"We are honored to support these incredible students as they take the next step in their educational journeys," said Paul Penzone, Chief Community Relations Officer at AZ Blue. "These scholars have shown a deep commitment to their education, their future, and the communities around them. We're proud to celebrate their achievements and assist them as they pursue what's ahead."
 
Six scholarship recipients will be or are currently attending Arizona State University, with five planning to or currently attending the University of Arizona and two recipients each at Northern Arizona University and Grand Canyon University. The remaining five are pursuing their GEDs.
 
Showcasing statewide impact, this year's 20 recipients are spread across four Arizona counties: Apache, Maricopa, Pima and Yuma.
 
The scholarship plays a vital role in ensuring that Arizona's underrepresented residents, who make up the 10th most diverse state in the U.S., do not face barriers to education and can position themselves to achieve their life dreams and goals.
 
The 2026-27 winners are listed below, alphabetically, with biographies and quotes. More information about the Empowering Diversity Scholarship may be found at FiestaSportsFoundation.org/DiversityScholarship.
 
 Ameen Abdul-Jawad | University of Arizona | Electrical Engineering
 
Abdul-Jawad graduated as valedictorian of his class at Mountain View High School and moved on to study electrical engineering at the University of Arizona. Motivated by a commitment to use technology in service to marginalized communities, he has been actively involved in the Arizona Palestine Solidarity Alliance, the Middle Eastern Student Association and the Muslim Community Center of Tucson. He also serves as a Youth Policy Intern at All4Ed. He plans to combine engineering expertise with nonprofit and advocacy work to build systems of economic empowerment and community support.
 
"Academic awards like the Empowering Diversity Scholarship directly affect whether I can pursue higher education without violating my faith, which prohibits interest-bearing loans. Without this support, college would place a significant financial burden on my family and limit my ability to fully focus on my studies. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to attend the University of Arizona without relying on traditional student loans, reducing financial stress and uncertainty about the future."
 
 Alaina Andrews | Arizona State University | Chemical Engineering
 
Andrews is a chemical engineering student at Arizona State University with a passion for combining engineering, advocacy and community impact. Inspired by her own experience undergoing spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis, she founded Stand Tall: Scoliosis Education & Awareness, an initiative dedicated to educating others about the condition and supporting individuals through treatment and recovery. Through this work, she has mentored students via Scolios-us and contributed to broader advocacy efforts. Andrews is also a co-founder of a Thirst Project chapter, through which she helped raise funds for the construction of a freshwater well in Eswatini. At ASU, she plans to pursue research and hands-on engineering solutions in water purification to improve clean water access in underserved communities.
 
"As a chemical engineering student, balancing coursework, lab projects and community involvement requires a lot of time and dedication. This scholarship will help ease the financial pressure that comes with higher education, allowing me to focus more fully on my dreams and aspirations. With this support, I will be able to pursue opportunities that align with my long-term goals, including engineering projects that focus on sustainability and clean water access. Beyond the financial aspect, receiving this scholarship is incredibly encouraging because it reinforces that my experiences, goals and commitment to serving others are valued and supported."
 
 Isabella Duenas | University of Arizona | Physiology and Medical Sciences
 
Duenas is a physiology and medical sciences student at the University of Arizona, minoring in Spanish and participating in the Accelerated Pathway to Medical Education (APME), a selective seven-year B.S./M.D. program that includes early acceptance to the UA College of Medicine. A proud Hispanic student from Yuma, she is driven by a deep commitment to serving rural and border communities. Duenas is a W.A. Franke Honors Ambassador and fundraising board member, an intern at SPARCC Sports Medicine and a SAFER epidemiology case investigator for the College of Public Health. She aspires to one day become an oncologist who combines patient care with advocacy for underserved communities.
 
"Receiving the Empowering Diversity Scholarship will greatly support my educational journey by helping reduce the financial stress that comes with pursuing a career in medicine. Much of my time is dedicated to academics, volunteering, clinical experiences and leadership opportunities that are preparing me for a future in healthcare. Being recognized by organizations like Fiesta Sports Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona reminds me that students from all backgrounds can succeed and make a difference in their communities."
 
Kimberly F. | GED Track
 
Kimberly is a GED candidate whose educational journey has been shaped by circumstances largely outside her control, including the disruption of her adult GED coursework when COVID-19 shut down classes. Rather than let those setbacks define her, she has continued to pursue her diploma as a step toward a future she is passionate about: animal and pet care. Driven by a deep love for animals and a desire to better understand their health and nutrition, she hopes that earning her GED will open doors into the pet care field and allow her to be an example to her nieces that it is never too late to pursue your goals.
 
"Not only will I be proud of completing this in my life, but I can move toward a better, brighter future. I feel that doors will open more for me. Do not be afraid of how much time has passed, because there are still programs out there to help you reach your goals."
 
 Bonnibelle Gishie | GED Track
 
Gishie's determination to build a better future for her children has been the driving force behind her educational journey. After making the difficult decision to leave the reservation in search of greater opportunity, she has navigated significant hardships while continuing to push forward for the sake of her family. Through perseverance, strength and faith, she has remained focused on pursuing her education as a path to stability, growth and the ability to give back to her community. She hopes to serve as a living example to her children that hard work and determination can lead to success.
 
"This scholarship will have a meaningful impact on my educational journey as a single mother living with epilepsy, while overcoming many difficult experiences in life with my children. Despite the challenges and obstacles I have faced, I continue to stay strong and focus on creating a better future for myself and my family. Receiving this scholarship helps me continue my education, reach my goals and become a better role model for my kids. Giving back to my community is one thing I've always looked forward to doing."
 
 Melanie Huguet | University of Arizona | Data Science
 
Huguet is an incoming data science student at the University of Arizona with a passion for technology, entrepreneurship and community impact. A first-generation college student, her academic interests span machine learning, automation, finance and business, with a particular focus on developing tools that simplify repetitive tasks and free people to focus on what matters most. Outside of academics, she works as a swim instructor, where she helps children build confidence and develop new skills — an experience that has strengthened her patience, communication and belief in the power of encouragement.
 
"The Empowering Diversity Scholarship will have a meaningful impact on my educational journey, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and support. As a first-generation college student, pursuing higher education has always come with challenges. Receiving unconditional support from my family is comforting and motivating, but I am responsible for covering my college expenses independently. This scholarship will reduce the financial pressure of tuition, allowing me to focus on internships and my personal academic development at the University of Arizona. More than anything, this scholarship is a reminder that my journey, hard work and goals are being recognized and supported."
 
 Alyssa Jackson | GED Track
 
Jackson is a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community currently living in Phoenix and working toward earning her GED. She is passionate about personal growth, mental health advocacy and giving back to her community — motivations deepened by her desire to set an example for her three nieces and nephew. Jackson's long-term goal is to pursue a career in psychology, with a path in counseling, clinical work or research, focusing on supporting individuals battling mental health challenges, and serving her community close to home.
 
"This support brings me one step closer to achieving my goal of understanding the human mind and helping others through mental health support and advocacy. Beyond the financial assistance, this scholarship will motivate me to continue working hard, stay committed to my education and make the most of every opportunity available to me."
 
 Olivia Kesner | Grand Canyon University | Digital Film & Production
 
Kesner, a Mesa native, is an incoming digital film student at Grand Canyon University with a lifelong passion for photography and visual storytelling. She is drawn to the power of images to express emotion, capture meaningful moments and connect with people in lasting ways. Kesner comes from a large family of five sisters, and her drive to pursue higher education reflects her personal ambition and a desire to build a future doing what she loves. Her long-term goal is to own her own production business, with a particular dream of becoming a wedding videographer, capturing the beginning of couples' journeys together through film.
 
"Receiving this scholarship will have a tremendous impact on my journey and I am incredibly grateful to have been chosen. I have four sisters who also hope to attend college, so the financial responsibility for my parents is significant. My parents have always supported us wholeheartedly and encouraged us to pursue our dreams without limitations. This scholarship will help make college more attainable for me and provide the opportunity to gain the skills, resources and experiences needed to become an exceptional photographer. It brings me one step closer to achieving my goals and building a future doing what I love."
 
 Raoul LeLevier | University of Arizona | Neuroscience
 
Lelevier is an incoming neuroscience student at the University of Arizona and the valedictorian of his graduating class at Shadow Ridge High School. Growing up with a speech delay and chronic illness, and spending significant time in medical settings while also helping provide daily care for family members, he developed a deep appreciation for compassionate, steady healthcare and a clear goal of becoming a physician. At Shadow Ridge, he serves as Treasurer of Best Buddies, competes in varsity volleyball and soccer, works as a lifeguard and volunteers at food bank events and mentoring programs for students with developmental disabilities. Lelevier plans to pursue a career in surgery, with a focus on neurology or orthopedics, and hopes to expand access to quality healthcare in rural and underserved communities while mentoring the next generation of physicians.
 
"Receiving this scholarship takes a real weight off my family and me. We are stretching to cover my sister's college costs while also helping with my grandmothers' medical expenses. With this support, I can spend less time worrying about tuition and working extra hours, and more time doing what will move me forward: studying, building strong relationships with professors and preparing for the clinical path ahead. Most importantly, the scholarship makes it possible for me to pursue opportunities that fit my goals, such as rural healthcare internships and service projects, without having to choose between experience and paying bills."
 
 Linda Luna | GED Track
 
Luna is an aspiring healthcare field professional, with a particular interest in revenue cycle management and the intersection of technology and patient services. She is working toward roles in medical billing and data entry, with plans to pursue certifications and specialized training for long-term career growth. Luna is committed to supporting philanthropic efforts in underserved communities and bridging the gap between technical expertise and community impact.
 
"This scholarship allows me to dedicate my full energy to rigorous coursework and research. This stability enables me to seek out unpaid internships and specialized training that are crucial for hands-on mastery but often inaccessible due to financial constraints. This will allow me to focus on what I've always wanted to do and become what I've worked so hard for."
 
 Maya Morales | Grand Canyon University | Justice Studies
 
Morales is an incoming justice studies student at Grand Canyon University and a proud first-generation college student. As a student-athlete throughout high school, she developed leadership, discipline and resilience — qualities further strengthened by her experience navigating a chronic illness while continuing to pursue her academic and athletic goals. Drawn to justice and public service from a young age, she was inspired by personal experiences of feeling underheard during difficult situations and by a deep admiration for those who advocate for others when it matters most. Morales hopes to focus on creating fairer systems and ensuring that people from all backgrounds feel heard, supported and respected.
 
"Receiving the Empowering Diversity Scholarship will have a major impact on my educational journey. Over the past year, I have faced personal and academic challenges while balancing school, athletics and managing a chronic illness. Those experiences taught me resilience, adaptability and how to advocate for myself during difficult situations. Knowing that others believe in my potential encourages me to continue working hard and pushing myself to succeed."
 
 Cruz Monreal | Arizona State University | Mechanical Engineering
 
Monreal is a mechanical engineering student at Arizona State University – Barrett, The Honors College. Originally from Chandler, Monreal comes from a proud Sun Devils family and is drawn to engineering for its emphasis on creativity, problem-solving and building practical solutions that improve everyday life. Throughout high school, he balanced rigorous coursework and dual enrollment classes with varsity basketball, leadership organizations and community service. Monreal's long-term goals include working on energy-efficient systems and transportation infrastructure and mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.
 
"Throughout high school, I worked hard to balance my coursework and all my extracurriculars. This scholarship honors the hard work and dedication behind those efforts while motivating me to continue striving for excellence in college. Most importantly, this scholarship brings me one step closer to achieving my long-term goals of serving my community through engineering, leadership and mentorship while making my family and supporters proud."
 
 Thanish Palanivel | Arizona State University | Data Analytics
 
Palanivel is a business data analytics student at Arizona State University after growing up in both India and the United States, constantly adapting to new environments and cultures. He has a deep passion for finance and a long-term goal of building a career in high-level financial decision-making, with aspirations of working in private equity or corporate finance. A devoted soccer fan, he dreams of combining his financial expertise with his love of sports by one day working in a financial role within a major sports organization.
 
"Receiving this scholarship has a significant impact on my educational journey as it lifts the financial pressure put on me and especially my parents, allowing me to focus more on learning, growth and taking advantage of opportunities around me. Instead of worrying about costs, I can fully focus my time and energy into academics, internships and other opportunities that build real-world experience. It also gives me flexibility to explore my interests and challenge myself without limitations. Receiving this scholarship feels like recognition for my hard work and motivates me to continue pushing myself, making the most of every opportunity that comes next."
 
 Madison Presmyk | Northern Arizona University | Biomedical Science
 
Presmyk is a biomedical sciences student at Northern Arizona University, pursuing minors in Spanish and psychology. She is passionate about advancing health equity, promoting diversity in STEM and creating supportive environments where others can thrive. A study abroad experience in Quito deepened her interest in culturally responsive healthcare and global perspectives in medicine. Inspired by personal experiences with family health challenges, she hopes to pursue a career in occupational therapy focused on improving access, representation and patient-centered care, with a particular focus on children with special needs.
 
"Since I've been in college, I have had to work 2-3 jobs at a time to support myself while saving for graduate school. This has forced me to sacrifice extracurricular organizations and sometimes even the time I have available to study. With this incredibly generous scholarship, I will have a much smaller financial burden as I enter my senior year. With this extra time, I look forward to joining a research lab on campus to grow my professional skills and intellectual expertise. I also will have time to shadow therapists in my community to gain exposure in my field and earn the necessary observation hours to attend graduate school."
 
 Zan Saleem | Arizona State University | Electrical Engineering
 
Saleem is an electrical engineering student at Arizona State University with a focus on sustainable technology and community-driven innovation. On campus, he is involved in Engineering Projects in Community Service and Engineering Without Borders, where he works to develop educational resources for students in rural areas of South America. Saleem's academic interests include power systems, renewable energy and microchip design, and he hopes to one day launch a startup that advances sustainable infrastructure while mentoring future engineers through service-focused programs.
 
"This scholarship will have a major impact on my educational journey by allowing me to fully commit to my studies and long-term goals at Arizona State University. As I enter my sophomore year studying electrical engineering, this support helps ease the financial burden of tuition and educational expenses, which gives me greater freedom to pursue research opportunities and hands-on engineering projects. With less financial stress, I can continue participating in programs at ASU and exploring sustainable infrastructure and power systems through organizations such as the ASU Solar Power Laboratory."
 Elianna Swatts | Northern Arizona University | Biology
 
Swatts is a biology student at NAU from Sanders, Arizona, a small town in Apache County near the New Mexico border. A member of the Navajo Nation, she grew up witnessing the physical toll placed on student-athletes at reservation schools without on-site athletic training support, an experience that shaped her commitment to improving sports medicine access. During high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society, HOSA and Student Council, and competed in volleyball, basketball and softball. Swatts hopes to develop athletic training programs tailored to reservation schools, promote healthy lifestyles and injury prevention for student-athletes and ultimately pursue research in muscle and tissue repair to explore new approaches to physical and mental healing.
 
"I know my family is a resource in my ongoing path to success, but it is incredible to know that there are people and organizations that provide aid for students to succeed. This scholarship is amazing because it helps alleviate some anxiety and stress to finish college without the shadow of debt creeping from behind. The Empowering Diversity Scholarship is an opportunity that I am glad to be a part of. I thank Fiesta Sports Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona for their belief in my dreams."
 
 Michelle Truong | Arizona State University | Nursing
 
Truong is a nursing student at Arizona State University pursuing her BSN with a passion for critical care and patient-centered medicine. Her path to healthcare was deeply personal, as losing her mother to breast cancer gave her firsthand understanding of how compassionate, attentive care matters during a patient's most vulnerable moments. She balances the demands of nursing school, clinicals and raising her son, who serves as her greatest motivation. Truong hopes to work in critical care after graduation and eventually advance her education to become a nurse practitioner, driven by a commitment to making patients feel safe, heard and cared for.
 
"As a single mom, balancing school, clinicals, studying and raising my son can be overwhelming at times. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my education and less on worrying about expenses like tuition, books, supplies and everyday living costs. Nursing school requires so much time and dedication, and having this support reminds me that my hard work and sacrifices are being recognized. It motivates me to keep pushing forward, even during the difficult moments."
 
 Damien Vasquez | GED Track
 
Vasquez is a Phoenix-area resident working toward his GED and preparing to enroll in an HVAC trade school program. An only child raised by a single mother, he credits her work ethic and resilience as the driving force behind his own determination to build a better future. Vasquez's long-term ambition is to become fully trained across multiple areas of the construction industry, including welding, framing and electrical, with the ultimate goal of owning his own contracting company.
 
"This scholarship will impact my educational journey in the biggest way, because it gives me the opportunity to start HVAC trade school and get my foot in the door. Receiving this scholarship also gives me a sense of pride and recognition that someone believes in my future as much as I do. I am working part time and my mother is a single mom, so money is very tight, but we make it work. This scholarship gives me the ability to start trade school and learn the skills to begin a career."
 
 Jaime Vergara | Arizona State University | Business
 
Vergara is a sports business and business law student at Arizona State University with aspirations of becoming a sports agent. As a Hispanic and first-generation college student, he desires to advocate for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in the sports industry. He is actively involved in sports business organizations and his college ministry at City Chapel with the Salt Company, where he has built a strong sense of community. He aims to earn his Juris Doctor degree and build a career in commercial law and contract negotiations with a focus on empowering first-generation and minority athletes.
 
"With reduced financial stress, I will be able to focus more fully on my academic performance and dedicate time to extracurricular activities that will strengthen my path toward law school. Opportunities such as internships, student organizations and networking events are essential for building the skills and connections needed in the legal field, and this support will allow me to pursue them without limitation. Additionally, this scholarship enables me to invest more time in giving back to my community through service and mentorship, particularly for students from minority and first-generation backgrounds."
 
 Aliyah Watkins | University of Arizona | Nursing
 
Watkins is a nursing student at the University of Arizona, pursuing her BSN-RN degree with a dedication to serving patients with empathy and care. Born in Indianapolis and raised in Tempe, she is a first-generation college student. On campus, Watkins serves as treasurer for PAIN (Professional Achievements in Nursing) and participates in Letters of Love, a program through which students create cards for chronically ill children in hospitals. She hopes to advance her career to become a nurse practitioner, providing trusted, compassionate care during patients' most vulnerable moments.
 
"Receiving this scholarship has a major impact on my educational journey because it will allow me to continue to attend the University of Arizona and focus more on my education instead of worrying about finances. Since I live two hours away from Tucson, housing is one of my biggest expenses while attending school. This scholarship makes it possible for me to continue living on campus instead of having to commute long distances to class every day. Receiving this support reassures me that my goals, hard work and dedication to becoming a nurse are being recognized and believed in."
 
 
ABOUT FIESTA SPORTS FOUNDATION
Since its inception in 1971, the Fiesta Sports Foundation has been a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision to create unforgettable experiences through world-class sporting events, unparalleled hospitality and life-changing community impact. Through the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Rate Bowl and its year-round events, including the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the Foundation provides charitable resources to support Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through a focus on youth, sports and education. Learn more at www.FiestaSportsFoundation.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on X/Instagram. 
 
ABOUT BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ARIZONA
Blue Cross ® Blue Shield ® of Arizona (AZ Blue) is committed to helping Arizonans get healthier faster and stay healthier longer. With a mission to inspire health and make it easy, AZ Blue offers health insurance and related services to more than 2 million customers. AZ Blue, a non-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company and its subsidiaries employ more than 3,200 people in its Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson offices. To learn more, visit azblue.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.