Congratulations to our 2018-2019 Chicana/o Scholarship Fund recipients!
Read about our students’ experience at the U so far and their favorite quote.
Adrian C. Pozernick
Ernesto Gonzalez Memorial Award
So far I’m only at the beginning of my journey being a Chicano scholar. Yet, I feel that I have learned so much about who I am and what I represent. I have learned to embrace my race instead of feeling disgraced towards it.
Favorite quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world” - Gandhi
Andrea Cazares Rosas
Rey Florez Memorial Award
I attended the summer Business Bridge program this summer, it has allowed me to be exposed to the business world, for that I am grateful.
Favorite Quote: “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today” - h. Jackson Brown Jr.
Brenda Garcia
Incoming New Student Chicana/o Scholarship Award
The Bridge Summer Program gave me a jump-start into college, which the Chicana/o Scholarship Fund contributed to.
Favorite Quote: "Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly" - Frida Kahlo
Bryan Banuelos Jara
Incoming New Student Chicana/o Scholarship Award
Daniela Gonzalez-Pureco
Incoming New Student Chicana/o Scholarship Award
Thalia K. Tran
Incoming New Student Chicana/o Scholarship Award
I have had an amazing experience at the U. CESA has made me feel accepted and like I have a place at the U.
Favorite Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Adilene Bernal-Muñoz
Undergraduate Chicana/o Scholarship Award
My experience at the U has been good so far. The committee has been a great help with answering any questions that I have about transferring and the different clubs that I can join.
Favorite Quote: “The future is Latina” - Unknown
Angie Camposano Meza
“Attending the University of Utah for about three years and being involved with student programs has helped me get out of my comfort zone. It has taught me to grow as a person and a leader.
Favorite Quote: “Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try” - Michael Jordan
Gerardo Hernandez-Perez
Vicente Villanueva Mayer Memorial Award
By majoring in Elementary Education, I plan to support students in low-income communities in providing accessible quality education.
Favorite Quote: “Echale ganas a la escuela hijo” - Dad
Miriam Flores
Attending the U has been a great experience. I have met many people who have become a huge support system and a second family. For example, M.E.Ch.A. Because of this group, I have been able to grow and find the inner leader I have in myself. I have also been able to give to my community and learn about my Latinx/Chicanx/identity.
Favorite Quote: “Caminante, no hay puentes, se hace puentes al andar” - Gloria E. Anzaldua
Valeria Escobar
Undergraduate Chicana/o Scholarship Award
My experience at the U has made me question myself, question my life, cry, laugh, and become a humble, more loving person. I’ve made friendships that I know for a fact will last a lifetime. Also, I’ve met some badass women.
Favorite Quote: “I am a Woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal Woman, that’s me.” - Maya Angelou
Yerania Contreras
Gilbert Martinez Scholarship Award
Alessandra Zamora Holt
Helen Papanikolas Scholarship Award
The Diversity Scholars was probably one of the best things I’ve done in college. It helped find my place at the U, and I would say it kept me here as it prevented me from feeling isolated. I found community and some of my dearest friends in that program.
Favorite Quote: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light” - Albus Dumbledore
Flor Martinez
Valencia Michelle Chavez Memorial Scholarship
My time at the U has been great. I have learned so many new things and have met so many amazing people here. People who have guided me and have helped through hard times. The Chicana/o Scholarship has helped in getting to know many of the people on this campus.
Favorite quote: “Of course I want to be successful but I don’t crave success for me I need to be successful to gain enough milk and honey to help those around me succeed” - Rupi Kaur
Jennifer Padilla
Undergraduate Chicana/o Scholarship Award
The U has been the place where I have learned to grow as I embrace my heritage as well as develop friendships and skills that will lead to life choices.
Favorite Quote: “Show me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are” - Unknown
Sinndy Rios
Valencia Michelle Chavez Memorial Scholarship
The U has allowed me to become aware of my passion to motivate more Latinx students to continue with higher education. The U has also allowed me to become aware of the need for more minorities to be a part of professional careers. The Chicana/o Scholarship has given me the opportunity to begin and continue my journey with higher education.
Favorite quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela
Yessenia T. Sontay-Ajanel
T.E. Castillo Scholarship Award
Having the privilege to be at the University of Utah is a reminder that I am here because of my family, my community, scholarships such as Chicana/o, and God. Their love and support has and continues to be my drive.
Favorite Quote: “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” - Matthew 17:20