Meet the YUWO Scholars

With determination and hard work, Ashley earned an Associate of Science degree and a Human Services Certificate at community college, taking a significant step toward a career focused on helping others. Now, after 14 years, she is excited to return to college as a full-time student pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Social Work.

Through her dedication to her goals, Ashley is teaching her daughter that perseverance in the face of setbacks is truly the heart of success.

Amanda is multi-talented. She has worked as a teaching assistant in France and, more recently, as a research associate with veterans addressing substance use disorders and PTSD. She has also distinguished herself as a peer reviewer for several journals, including The Journal of Addiction Medicine. Truly, Amanda is a Renaissance woman!

Amanda’s life experiences, coupled with her strong academic skills and compassion, make her uniquely positioned to become a leader in her chosen field of psychiatric nursing.

Anne came from humble beginnings and developed a profound appreciation for the people and opportunities in her life. She plans to utilize her skills to connect patients with services and assist them in navigating the complex healthcare system. 

Anne’s heartfelt dream is to establish pediatric clinics that offer essential services — including preventive care and counseling — aimed at reducing hospital visits and improving the overall quality of life for both children and their parents.

After six years in obstetrics, she discovered her passion for midwifery. Cheryl is drawn to the complexities of managing high-risk pregnancies, believing that people with medically complex pregnancies deserve the opportunity to experience the nurturing care that midwifery provides.

Although her full-time academic and clinical work limits the number of shifts she can manage, Cheryl continues to work as a per-diem nurse. YUWO’s scholarship will help her focus her energy on learning during her final year of study.

Liz is working toward her DSW to enhance her expertise as a trauma therapist and to contribute to the education of future social workers. She is eager to finalize her significant research on strategies that help social workers mitigate burnout and improve retention in the field.

Making a positive impact in the community, Liz works full-time to support students who have experienced assault, intimate partner violence, harassment, and other forms of misconduct. Additionally, she volunteers at a community agency that helps families find referrals for services, educational programs, and cultural events.

Lilibeth has maintained a perfect 4.0 average in a master’s degree program while working full-time for a university alumni association. A master’s degree will help her develop the skills necessary to be effective in increasingly complex issues of higher education.

Lilibeth aspires to become a university cultural center director, organizing events that celebrate diversity. She aims to use research to address inequities, drive change, and support marginalized populations in colleges and universities.

We are confident that Lilibeth will thrive in her program and excel in her field. YUWO is proud to help Lilibeth earn her master’s in higher education and student affairs.

Yudilyn now works full time, focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use disorders in Spanish-speaking populations. Her dedication to making a difference for Latino and Spanish-speaking populations serves as an inspiration to her co-workers. 

YUWO is proud to assist Yudilyn in earning her doctoral degree in public health. Her research on health disparities will help ensure the Latino population has access to the healthcare they need.

Liz provides assistance to individuals dealing with trauma related to sexual misconduct, offering crisis support, advocacy, and referrals for ongoing care. Liz copes with workplace stress by finding personal fulfillment through volunteering for non-profit organizations.

With YUWO’s support, Liz will complete her doctorate in social work. Liz has ambitious plans to establish a private practice providing services to immigrant bilingual families who need trauma therapy.

Michelle is a single mother balancing full-time work and studying for an advanced degree while raising a child. She has shown resilience, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. Michelle aspires to be a trauma-informed specialist who can support individuals impacted by violence, betrayal, and abuse.

We are proud that YUWO can help make Michellle’s dream of being the first in her immediate family to pursue a graduate degree come true. With YUWO’s support, Michelle will pursue a master’s degree in clinical counseling.