Featherstone College Scholarships – The University of Baltimore
Maricruz Abarca, a native of Mexico, is a graduate student at The University of Baltimore where she is pursuing a degree in Legal Studies. In 2021, she graduated from The University of Baltimore with a major in Philosophy, Law, and Ethics and a “Magna Cum Laude” academic distinction. She is a co-founder of the first LatinX Student Clubat Baltimore City Community College, where her passion for advocacy drove me to become a member of the Board of Trustees of Baltimore City Community College(2018-2019). Her involvement in various organizations in the Hispanic/Latino Community being invited to speak at the Women’s March in 2018. She plans to attend Law School and aspires to become a Criminal Lawyer in Baltimore.
Crisaly De Los Santos, a native of the Dominican Republic, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration at The University of Baltimore, Merrick School of Business. She graduated from the National Academy Foundation with the highest GPA in the Finance Academy. While in high school, she competed among other students from Baltimore City Public Schools in a business competition through the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, where she won several awards and became a national competitor with her idea for an app that helps English language learners improve in school. At Baltimore City Community College, Crisaly helped found the Latinx Uni2 Student Club and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community colleges. She has interned in Baltimore agencies and nonprofits, including the Baltimore City Health Department and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. Crisaly is now working with Baltimore City Schools as an ESOL paraeducator. She is passionate about advocating for education, immigrant rights, and police reform.
Manisha Gurung, a native of Nepal, is a senior at The University of Baltimore pursuing a career in software development. She has been an active member of the StudentGovernment Association and serves as Publicity Chair for the University of Baltimore’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). In this position, she worked with other NSLS executive board members to provide assistance to people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Manisha also competed in the NASA S.U.I.T. challenge, where she worked for system teams and received experience in backend development of computer technology. She hopes that as a software developer she will be able to make a positive impact in her community and the world.
Daniel Khoshkepazi, a native of Ukraine, is a graduate student at The University of Baltimore pursuing an M.A. in Global Affairs and Human Security. He is the president of the school’s Student Government Association. While in this role, he led the Rainbow Alley initiative, which allowed for UBSGA to paint a campus alley with the Philadelphia Pride flag in support of the LGBTQ+ community on campus. Additionally, under his leadership, UBSGA passed a record number of twenty-six resolutions before March 2021. Among many other things, these resolutions advocated for the diversification and decolonization of the school calendar, resulting in UBalt officially recognizing Juneteenth, International Women’s Day, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day as observance days. Daniel also served as the Graduate Assistant for Student Activities, Community Development Fellow, Community Development Fellowship Coordinator, UNA-UNCA Graduate Fellow, and Newman Civic Fellow.
Lalla Ndiaye, a native of Mali, West Africa, is a senior studying accounting at The University of Baltimore. She graduated with honors from the Community College of Baltimore County and is currently an accelerated master’s program candidate. Lalla is the president of Beta Alpha Psi and the treasurer of the National Society of Leadership and Success. She is also a member of the Helen P. Denit Honors Program and Account Honors Program. She is a data science intern at Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance (BINA) and serves as a Level II College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) certified tutor at the university. Lalla aspires to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and become a partner in a big public accounting firm within the next 10 years.
Loren E. Nelson is a senior in the human services administration program at The University of Baltimore. She is a member of multiple honor societies, including the Helen P. Denit Honors Program and the National Society for Leadership and Success. Along with her academic achievements, Loren is an intern with a local nonprofit organization that mentors youth in Baltimore City. She is the marketing coordinator and Board Member for UBalt’s Student Events Board. Loren maintains her educational involvements, while also balancing being a single mom to an amazing 12-year-old son and full-time employment with the City of Baltimore. After graduation, she will pursue a M.S. in Human Services Administration at UBalt. Loren aspires to use her education and personal experience to develop a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of motivated young and single mothers through advocacy, education, and life skills.
Liz Etouke is a senior at the University of Baltimore pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance. Originally from Cameroon, Liz has an extensive background in finance. She was a compliance officer in her home country and graduated from Frederick Community College with an A.A.S. in Business Administration. Liz serves as a board director in the finance committee for the Students Homeless Initiative Partnership (SHIP) of Frederick County. She is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the vice president of Gamma Iota Sigma. After graduation, she intends to pursue a career in the insurance and financial industry, as she is passionate about risk management. Liz holds a Life and Health Insurance License in all 50 States and is currently working as a Benefits Counselor with Mercer.
Tharma Philogene is a senior currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business from The University of Baltimore. Originally from Haiti, Tharma moved to the United States in 2016 to start her higher education journey. She graduated from Montgomery College in December 2020, where she was a Renaissance scholar and a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Beta Gamma. She co-founded a career club to provide Montgomery College students with the opportunity to learn from professionals in various fields. In addition, she was awarded the Spirit of Service Certificate by Montgomery College. Tharma aspires to become a management analyst and establish a non-profit organization that creates accessible and reliable transportation in Haiti.
Nafeesat Rabiu-Adebayo is a graduate student in the Global Affairs and Human Security Program at University of Baltimore. She also serves as a graduate research assistant and senator in the Student Government Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Agriculture from University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Recently, she completed a Graduate Fellows Program with the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area, where she learned about the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development. With her interests in sustainable development, food security, and international development, Nafeesat looks forward to doing great work on the global scene and making a difference in the world.
Ruth Robinson is a senior at The University of Baltimore majoring in business administration. She has demonstrated high academic achievement as a member of the Helen P. Denit Honors Program. Additionally, she is working on her master’s level College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) tutoring certification through UBalt’s Math and Statistic Center. For the past two years, she has been committed to serving the school community as an orientation leader. Ruth has also spent a year working as a Data Science Corp Fellow through the National Science Foundation and intends on going to graduate school to study applied mathematics.
Jayla Waters is a senior in her final semester at the University of Baltimore studying business administration. While she aims to become a real estate business owner, her passions lie in music and education. Her biggest musical platform was singing in a choir for Jennifer Hudson in the March for Our Lives concert in 2018. Her belief in the importance of young minority children obtaining a proper and fulfilling education in order to break boundaries and stereotypes that confine African American and other minority youth led her to starting her business. She releases coloring and activity books that tell stories about culture, geography, respect, language, and more.
Featherstone HBCU Awards: MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Bukola Omotayo Daramola is a doctoral public health student at Morgan State University. She is a registered nurse and a compassionate public health professional with a strong work history in maternal and child health among disparity populations. She obtained her bachelors’ and master’s degrees in health education from Nigeria. Her notable achievements include collaborating with health agencies and organizations, such as World Health Organization (WHO), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO), to execute maternal and child survival interventions across Nigeria, which led to a sharp decline in the maternal mortality rate. She has also been an examiner with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria since 2014. Bukola strives to use her knowledge in public health to improve the quality of life for individuals in her community.
Jose A. Dominguez Cortez is a graduate student at Morgan State University where he studies Electrical Engineering. He was born and raised in Puebla, Mexico, and has been living in Baltimore for 13 years. Growing up, he was fascinated by technology and developed a deep interest in learning as much as possible about technology, which motivated him to become an engineer. Thanks to the Maryland Dream Act, Jose attended Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) and obtained an Associates’ degree in Computer Information Systems. After transferring to Morgan State University where he majored in Electrical & Computer Engineering with a minor in Computer Science, Jose earned his Bachelor’s degree in spring 2021. As a graduate student, he is eager to continue to expand my skills and knowledge as an engineer.
Da’Jha Kyler is a transfer student in her junior year at Morgan State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biology with a pre-med track. Da’Jha has received many academic awards, including making the Honor Roll and the Dean’s List for multiple years in a row. She is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Since the age of seven, she has shown a strong interest in the healthcare field, specifically working with women and children. Her passion to help others and for women’s health inspired her to become an OB/GYN. From working in a hospital to shadowing doctors, watching surgeries, and interacting with patients, she continues to learn, grow, and prosper as she works towards becoming an OB/GYN.
Kesharra Meadows is a senior at Morgan State University majoring in social work. She is an honors student, community servant, and student researcher. She is also a member of various organizations on campus. She served as the Junior class secretary for the Student Government Association and the Chief of Staff for the Student Social Work Organization during the 2020-2021 school year. She enjoys dedicating her time to her studies and helping out her peers as a Peer B.E.A.R.S. mentor. Kesharra is passionate about advocating for policy that protects human rights and aspires to become a licensed social worker working in hospitals and with children.
Francisco A. Molas Rodriguez, a native of Paraguay, is a senior pursuing his bachelor’s degree in business marketing at Morgan State University. He obtained his A.A. in businessadministration from Baltimore City Community College. He received several honors, including being on the National Dean’s List for two consecutive years. He was also inducted into the Clara I. Adams Honor College and Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. Francisco is a member of the American Marketing Association, the National Society of Leadership and Success, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the LatinX Unidos club. As an international student, Rodriguez is motivated by contributing to building cross-cultural diversity. He interns at the Southeast Community Development Corporation, where he aims to cultivate his business marketing skills and contribute to social development
Angela Patterson is a senior at Morgan State University studying social work. She has a demonstrated history of high academic achievement and has made the Dean’s List for four consecutive semesters. She is an active member of the National Council of Negro Women and has completed numerous volunteer projects with this organization. She also has a variety of experience working on humanitarian projects and in the mental health field. She currently works as a rehabilitation coordinator. Angela aspires to impact the lives of many adolescents, young adults, and families by becoming a licensed clinical school social worker.
Jesscarly Ramos is a sophomore at Morgan State University studying architecture and environmental design. Born and raised in Venezuela, Jesscarly moved to the United States just before her 16th birthday due to the socioeconomic crisis in Venezuela. In one year, she learned English perfectly, passed the WIDA exam to get out of ESOL, and was accepted into five universities. She has received a Certificate of Merit and championship awards for swimming and tennis. Additionally, she is involved in the Jonathan Ogden club, where she held charity events for children and adults in need. She also volunteered in the Peer Group Connection program, mentoring younger students. Jesscarly aspires to become an architect and inspire people with her designs and creations.
Ijeoma Uzohois a master’s student at Morgan State University School of Community Health and Policy hailing from Nigeria. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland School of Nursing and graduated with honors (cum laude). She previously has worked in several local hospitals in Baltimore City, providing nursing care to the adult population, and at the National Institute of Health. In the Fall 2020 semester, Ijeoma was a research assistant at Morgan State University conducting COVID-19 vaccine research. In the Spring 2021 semester, she was an Association of Public Health Nutritionist (ASPHN) intern at the Center for Minority Health Services, Illinois Department of Public Health, working to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake among migrant refugees and communities of color in the Illinois area. She is currently the campus liaison for the American Public Health Association-Student Assembly and volunteers with the Grassroot Day Resource Center to provide healthcare for disadvantaged populations. She has received several awards and honors, including National Dean’s List, the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Award, the Sigma Theta Kappa Honors Award, the Distinguished Scholar Award, and an essay award. In her work, Ijeoma hopes to help decrease the healthcare gap and disparities that exist among disadvantaged populations.
FEATHERSTONE HBCU SCHOLARSHIPS: COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY WINNERS
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Dayson Brooks is a junior at Coppin State University studying political science. In his first two years of college, he has consistently made the Dean’s List and has been inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and The National Society for Leadership and Success. Dayson is a published author, a community activist, and a political advocate. In 2020, he published “The Talk: Discussing Black America,” a children’s book which seeks to explain the systematic discrimination and victimization of Black people in America. In 2020, he also organized a voting campaign called #BaltimoreGoVote, which sought to explain the importance of voting and educate citizens in Baltimore on how to participate in the 2020 election. He currently volunteers in his community through Baltimore Power Fest and Kreative Influence.
Desiree Carrizosa is a senior at Coppin State University where she majors in English and is a member of Coppin State University’s Collegiate softball team. She is a Dean’s List student who is a member of the Honors College where she was named 2019 Student Athlete of the Year. She is a 2021 All-Academic Honoree and part of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. She is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma and Sigma Tau Delta. Carrizosa represented Coppin State University in SLAM Magazine’s HBCU Capsule
Cathryn Lane is a Coppin State University senior who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is the team captain of the Coppin State Track and Field team and a member of multiple honor societies, including Alpha Lambda Delta and the Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Society for College Athletes. Cathryn was accepted as a Student Nurse Extern in the Adult Emergency Department at the University of Maryland Medical Center during the summer of her first year of nursing school, where she was able to improve her clinical experience as well as provide care for patients in a critical care setting. She plans to continue her study in nursing after graduation, with the goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Michael Junior Michael is an international student in his junior year at Coppin State University, where he is majoring in business management and minoring in criminal justice. He was born in Kaduna, Nigeria and came to the United States to play tennis at the college level. He has been playing tennis since he was eight years old and has represented his country in several tennis competitions. Throughout his academic career, he has received multiple honors, including being on the honor roll throughout high school and making the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester. Michael aspires to obtain a master’s degree and launch a variety of small businesses in
Nigeria.
Joseph Manu is an international student in his senior year at Coppin State University, where he is majoring in computer science and minoring in mathematics. He was born in a small town in Ghana and was inspired by his father to pursue a career in computer science. Joseph is a member of the Chi Alpha Sigma National Honors Society for College Athletes and a member of the Coppin State Track and Field team. He is a two time All-American and represented his country in the 2021 summer Olympics for Track and Field. He intends to obtain a master’s degree in cyber security, so he can improve the ever-changing field of information technology and contribute to the amazing technical advancements that occur in our digital age.
2021 EUODIAS E. PARKER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Devin Harris is a graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and will be attending the University of Maryland, College Park in the fall. He graduated as a Principal Honor Roll student and has received several awards, including the Princeton Book Award, a Recognition for Research Excellence for “The Connection Between PTSD in African Americans in Baltimore and Trauma,” and a Debate Team Performance Award. He was part of several clubs, including serving as the debate team captain, the Student Government Association vice president, a student ambassador, and a Building STEPS participant. He has participated in numerous internships relating to the healthcare field, such as The MERIT Health Leadership Academy, where he was Cohort ‘21 President, Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE), Johns Hopkins Brancati Center for Community Care, and iGEM. He has presented multiple research projects at Johns Hopkins annual symposium, worked with medical professionals in a lab and hospital setting, worked with Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) officials to discuss medical care and school improvement, and more all while maintaining a management position at Coldstone Creamery. He will be studying psychology in the fall and aspires to become a surgeon.
Kayla Terrelonge is a graduate of Baltimore City College and will be attending Northwestern University in the fall. She graduated as an Honor Roll student and placed third in the Baltimore City Public School’s Science Olympiad event. She was accepted to 14 schools, including two Ivy Leagues. She was the manager of Baltimore City College’s undefeated baseball team and a student ambassador. Additionally, she is a visual artist and sold her first piece of art this year. She will be studying both biology and chemistry in the fall and aspires to attend medical school to become a pediatric oncologist and a neonatologist.
Kimberly Vasquez is a graduate of Baltimore City College and will be attending Goucher College in the fall. She is an Honor Roll student with a number of advocacy recognitions, including pressuring Comcast to double their Internet Essentials speeds for low-income subscribers, which impacted over 1 million people nationwide, and giving a public testimony that resulted in 3 million dollars being transferred to Baltimore City Public Schools for devices and internet access. She has also championed fights for fair academic opportunities for ESOL students, a safe reopening of schools, a moratorium on standardized testing, and more. She is a powerful leader of Students Organizing a Multicultural and Open Society (SOMOS), a student-led advocacy organization that tackles injustice in schools, in the greater Baltimore community, and across the nation. Kimberly’s work during this unprecedented crisis has been nationally recognized in the New York Times, Buzzfeed, Reuters, The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, and beyond. She will be studying political science in the fall and aspires to work on projects in Baltimore and Latin America.
Featherstone College Scholarships: Towson University
Nancy Hernandez is a senior at Towson University, majoring in Early Childhood and Special Education dualcertificate program after transferring from Carroll Community College. She was born in Florencia de Benito Juárez, Mexico. She was selected to become a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was chosen for Carroll Community College’s Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow in May 2018. She participated in the National Association for the Education of Young Children International Conference in November 2018. Hernandez also completed a service-learning internship where she was able to use her language skill to assist ELL students. At Towson University, she is a member of the Latin American Student Organization. Nancy hopes to get involved in her local community as an educator once she attains her Bachelor’s degree.
Featherstone College Scholarships:
Mount St. Mary’s University
Sarai Hernandez is a graduate of Baltimore City College and will be attending Mount St. Mary’s University in the fall where she plans to study political science. She was an active member of Adelante Latina, the photography club and SOMOS. She also completed an internship at the Esperanza Center where she mentored children by teaching them English vocabulary, how to play the keyboard, and how to be a community leader.
