Sponsoring True Advocacy For Challenged Youth

2025 Scholarship Recipient

Kate Searle

  • Kate graduated from West Campus College Preparatory High school in 2025 and is now pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology at UC Santa Cruz.
  • Kate was president of her Best Buddies chapter promoting inclusion and friendship at her high school. She helped her school’s special day class students feel more involved and welcomed in all campus activities.
  • Kate was awarded her school’s Best of the West award, given to the one student who excelled in all standards of a well-rounded student and participant in the community. She was acknowledged for her tireless efforts in creating friendships and awareness of the students in the special day class, as well as for her work as the Associate Student Body’s Head Rally Commissioner who puts on and plans school wide rallies that are at the heart of the campus culture.
  • In the future she plans to continue her work in advocacy of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and is interested in becoming a therapist for neurodivergent children.
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2025 Scholarship Recipient

Fatima Menjivar

  • Fatima is a motivated and aspiring educator with a strong passion for teaching and lifelong learning. She earned her bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Chicano Studies from California State University, Sacramento, in 2023.
  • After graduation, Fatima worked primarily with general education students before accepting a position for an extensive needs classroom. Within a few months, she discovered a strong passion for special education, confirming her commitment to supporting students with diverse learning needs.
  • Fatima is currently completing her Teacher Residency through Teachers College of San Joaquin, where she is gaining hands-on experience alongside dedicated educators. She is committed to creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments and continuously developing her skills to become an effective and compassionate teacher. Her goal is to ensure every student is given an equal opportunity to succeed academically and in life.
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2025 Scholarship Recipient

Sophie Boren

  • Sophie has attended Vista del Lago High School since 2022, where she founded the school’s first Forensic Science Club. She plans to pursue a career in criminal justice after graduation, driven by a strong interest in advocacy and justice.
  • Growing up, Sophie helped care for her younger siblings, who have unique needs due to neurodivergence. This experience shaped her compassion and commitment to service. She volunteers in the children’s ministry at her church in Folsom, working with children of all abilities, and has also supported her high school’s program for students with disabilities.
  • In her free time, Sophie enjoys spending time with family and friends and expressing herself creatively through drawing, painting, and crafting, often while listening to her favorite artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Radiohead, and The Cranberries.
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2024 Scholarship Recipient

Raja Adams

  • Throughout high school, Raja faced challenges living with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a heart condition that has significantly impacted her physical health and mental well-being. Inspired by the support of her school counselor, she turned her personal experiences into a passion for helping others by leading mental health advocacy initiatives. Currently, she is completing dual enrollment classes in psychology at American River College while finishing her senior year at Westlake Charter High School. In pursuing a degree in psychology, her goal is becoming a school psychologist.
  • Raja’s involvement in programs like Sisters of Nia, Escape Velocity, and the Black Student Union has deepened her commitment to empowering young people. These experiences have taught her the importance of resilience, empathy, and self-advocacy.
  • Raja aspires to create safe, inclusive spaces for young people, and she dreams of starting a nonprofit organization to support young adults as they transition into adulthood. Her vision includes providing mental health resources, mentorship, and guidance to help individuals navigate life’s challenges with confidence. She hopes to empower others to overcome their struggles and reach their full potential, contributing to a more supportive and understanding community.
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2023 Scholarship Recipient

Gabriela Perez Bustamante

  • Gabriela became interested in a career in Graphic Design during high school. She took honors classes and received her International Baccalaureate diploma in May of 2021.
  • She is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Graphic Design at Arizona State University as well as an Associates Degree in Computer Science.
  • She became interested in students with disabilities when she was hired at her former high school as a paraprofessional. She now wants to create Graphic Design that is inclusive to those with dyslexia, autism, and intellectual disabilities.
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2023 Scholarship Recipient

Kemuelle Sapigao

  • Kemuelle graduated from Mira Loma High School in 2020 from the International Baccalaureate program.
  • She is currently working towards receiving a Bachelors degree in Human Development with a minor in Education from the University of California, Davis. Kemuelle works as a clinic assistant at a pediatric therapy office in Davis that provides services in occupational, speech, physical, and Adapted Physical Education. She also has experience volunteering for children at other therapy clinics and local schools. Kemuelle is involved with children’s ministry and is on the music team at her church in Sacramento.
  • In the future, Kemulle wants to pursue an Occupational Therapy program to earn her master’s degree. She hopes to practice occupational therapy with individuals of all ages in her community.
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2023 Scholarship Recipient

Julia Lottes

  • In high school, Julia suffered from chronic health issues and was diagnosed with celiac disease. Julia decided to use her leadership skills to encourage others with chronic health conditions by creating “Grains of Truth,” her celiac disease support page on Instagram, and establishing a support group at school.
  • Julia has taken on leadership roles both on and off campus, becoming Yearbook Editor-in-Chief and Cheer Captain at school, and serving others through her church, and with Kids Helping Kids, Sacramento. During her summers, she has also worked as a classroom aide for special needs students.
  • Julia’s ongoing health journey has helped her to understand the importance of self-advocacy. She hopes to continue to advocate for herself and others though her art. Her goal is to use her Graphic Design degree to work in the health and wellness industry and continue to be a positive light for those with chronic health conditions.
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2023 Scholarship Recipient

Jovana Navarrete

  • Jovana attended Grant Union High School in Sacramento, California. She graduated in 2021 and was a member of several groups that assisted newcomers from different countries, and also worked as a tutor.
  • She currently works at a Senior Home for the Elderly. Jovana advocates for residents' health care requirements as well as their administrative needs. Jovana is a Health Science major at Sacramento State, where she is earning her undergraduate degree.
  • Her ideal occupation would be as a nurse, where she could provide everyone the greatest care possible.
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2023 Scholarship Recipient

Haley Solis

  • Haley graduated from Hercules High School in the California Bay Area in 2023, and now attends Stanford University to study environmental systems engineering, with long-term goals to build a career in the private and public sectors working towards global sustainable development.
  • She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and meeting new people, and some of her hobbies include research (loves environmental science in particular), studying in coffee shops, and biking with her friends.
  • She is passionate about environmental health and working towards a sustainable and equitable world.
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2023 Scholarship Recipient

Amelie Olivera

  • Born deaf and wearing hearing aids from the age of three, Amelie graduated from Woodland High School in 2022 where Amelie played soccer and flag football throughout high school along with participating in ways to help the community.
  • Amelie currently attends Sacramento State working towards becoming an Art Therapist. Amelia is passionate about helping others learn different useful techniques with art that can help them understand their emotions and how to express them.
  • Amelia enjoys reading books, drawing, painting, writing poetry and journals, and spending time with family.
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2023 Scholarship Recipient

Julissa Perez

  • Julissa Perez is a first-generation college student who graduated from Willits High School in 2021. She is an undergraduate student at Sacramento State with a major in Psychology and minor in Spanish.
  • Julissa currently works with the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at Sacramento State that helps serve first-generation students with farm-working backgrounds.
  • She plans to receive a Masters in Counseling and work with challenged youth in schools to help them overcome challenges while helping them reach their full potential.
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2022 Scholarship Recipient

Aitana Allen-Perez

  • In high school, Aitana became intrigued by her school’s 4-year Honors Biomedical Sciences Course and joined a competitive biotechnology program at Miramar College. She received two Honors Biotechnology certificates along with her diploma.
  • Her current major is in Physiological Sciences at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). She is open to any clinical career, such as a medical practitioner or even specialized careers involving oncology or genetics; she seeks to alleviate pain and find solutions for impairments in the human body through science.
  • As a caregiver to her severely autistic older brother and a dance partner to children with spina bifida, she has become intrigued by inclusivity and biological peculiarities and has grown to aid marginalized communities like the homeless, sick children, hospice members, and underrepresented COVID-19 workers through companionship and fundraisers. Her community service efforts are what sparked her interest in science and desire to assist others.
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2022 Scholarship Recipient

Adriana Martinez

  • Attending Cypress College Nursing Program with a 3.81 GPA and works as a Certified Nurse Assistant at a children's hospital in Orange County, CA where she cares for children with congenital disabilities and acquired disabilities.
  • Adriana plans to obtain her Bachelors degree at Cal State Fullerton where she is currently enrolled in a bridge program and would love to continue to take care of these children as a Registered Nurse.
  • Her motivation to pursue her educational and professional goals is her son who was born with a congenital heart defect that caused slow developmental delays due to a lack of oxygen to his brain.
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2022 Scholarship Recipient

Millie Medina

  • Millie graduated from Pioneer High School in 2013 and earned her Bachelors degree in Childhood Development at California State University, Chico in 2019.
  • She has experience as a lifeguard, swim instructor, paraprofessional, and a preschool teacher.
  • Currently a student at Stanbridge University working towards Occupational Therapy Assistant certification. She is passionate about helping people and cannot wait to continue this through her future career.
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2022 Scholarship Recipient

Eve Opeyany

  • Graduated from Clayton Valley Charter High School in 2022 where she participated on the school soccer team and volunteered at a local hospital and library.
  • Experience working with the elderly at nursing homes as a Certified Nursing Assistant where she advocates for the healthcare needs of her residents.
  • Pursuing her undergraduate education with a major in Psychobiology at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), she desires a career in the medical field as a doctor aiming to provide the best possible care to patients.
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2022 Scholarship Recipient

Michelle Montiel

  • Graduated from American River College with an Associates degree in Social Sciences in December 2021. Experienced in special education, college and career readiness, self-advocacy and employability skills.
  • Studying Career and Technical Studies at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). Currently employed in Adult Education assisting students in their pursuit of High School completion and Career and Technical Education.
  • Plans to obtain a Masters degree in School Counseling and help students with learning disabilities navigate their academic and careers goals to promote self-advocacy.
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2022 Scholarship Recipient

Ashley Korbonski

  • Ashley attended Dana Hills High School where she participated in Volleyball, Basketball, Student Government and other extracurricular activities until she graduated in 2022. She has volunteered for several organizations supporting children with special needs such as Wee Thrive, South Shores Church, Happiness Project and others.
  • She is a first-year undergraduate student at California State University, Fullerton pursuing a degree in Communication Disorders. She also currently works part-time as a Youth Developer for the Boys & Girls Club of America.
  • Ashley is very active in bringing awareness for the condition Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and she wants to become a speech pathologist and eventually open her own practice.
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2022 Scholarship Recipient

Paige Madison White

  • Paige completed her undergraduate education at Sacramento State University and is currently a graduate student in Sacramento State University's Communication Sciences and Disorders program.
  • She is passionate about serving the community of Sacramento and positively impacting the lives of others. Paige has an extensive history of volunteerism, supporting organizations such as 916 Ink! and the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Center.
  • Paige’s goal is to work as a Speech-Language Pathologist in early intervention or the medical setting. In her free time, she loves to travel, cook, and enjoy meals with her loved ones, and go on runs with her dog, Lola.
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