Congratulations to the 2025 SOAR Scholars! We are very excited to get to celebrate them on June 7th at Summer Celebration at the Oasis with our Community!

Meet the 2025 SOAR Scholars

  • Daphne Uribe - McGovern Medical School/UT Health Science Center

    Daphne is a first-year medical student pursuing a dual degree MD/MPH curriculum. Daphne currently serves as the Medical Spanish Director for her school's Medical Spanish elective class, as President of her school's Catholic Medical Student Association chapter, and is on the leadership board for her school's Gardening Club. She volunteers to organize Mass for retired residents at St. Dominic's Village and gathers medical histories for under-insured, Spanish-speaking patients at Casa Maria, a free clinic for a local underserved population in Houston. Daphne's goal is to reduce barriers to access in medicine, including linguistic and financial barriers, and promote public health in underserved communities. After graduation, she plans to work alongside public health organizations to provide a representative voice for the patients in her community who have been impacted by chronic diseases. 

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  • Tiffany Tran - UT School of Dentistry at Houston

    Tiffany Tran will continue her studies as a third year Doctoral student at The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. She is the current ASDA Advocacy Chair and as such has organized and held events promoting the ADA advocacy goals and represented UTSD at Lobby Day in Washington, DC. Tiffany plans to pursue the distinction of Academy of General Dentistry Fellow as part of her effort to provide the highest quality of care for others. She hopes beyond her career to donate time and energy to giving away free dental hygiene packages, hosting presentations at local elementary schools, and partnering with nonprofit organizations in order to provide free oral healthcare for those who face financial insecurity.

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  • Taryn Dia - Baylor Law School

    Taryn is a first-generation law student and rising 2L at Baylor Law School, where she serves as treasurer of the Business Law Society. She earned both her MBA and her Bachelor's degree in Political Science and History from the University of Oklahoma, graduating with special distinction and participating in the Graduate Women in Business Association. At Baylor, Taryn has found deep purpose through her work with the Public Interest Legal Society, serving the Waco community and furthering her commitment to public service. She is especially passionate about transactional and public interest law, believing these areas will empower her to make meaningful contributions to her profession and expand access to legal services for women and underrepresented minorities through pro bono consultation and advocacy.

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  • Amelia Mercado - Baylor College of Medicine

    Amelia Mercado is a third-year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine and the first in her family to pursue a career in medicine. She has led national firearm injury prevention initiatives, including establishing gun lock distribution programs in hospitals across the Texas Medical Center, and integrating firearm safety counseling into undergraduate medical education. She is a board member of Lock Arms for Life and has authored work published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the British Medical Journal, STAT News, and Psychology Today.

    Amelia was selected as the 2025 medical student intern for the American College of Physicians in Washington, D.C. and is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a 4.0 GPA, graduated with highest honors, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. As a first-generation physician-in-training, her contributions span public health, psychiatry, and the ethical integration of technology in medicine. She aspires to become an interventional psychiatrist and leader at the intersection of mental health, data science, and policy reform.

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  • Grace Zuo - SMU Law

    Grace Zuo is a second-year law student at SMU Dedman School of Law, where she serves as the Diversity and Inclusion Chair for the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association. Before immigrating to the U.S., she served as a Deputy General Counsel at a publicly listed company in China. She chose to pursue a legal education in Dallas for its dynamic business environment and welcoming culture. She has dedicated efforts to personally and actively mentor other diverse and first-generation students, offering guidance and support throughout their journeys. Her long-term goal is to help underrepresented individuals pursue higher education and create pathways to leadership and advancement.

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  • Chloe Lynch - UT Southwestern Medical School

    Chloe is a recent University of Texas graduate and incoming Physician Assistant student at UT Southwestern, where she will begin her studies in May 2025. She has three years experience assisting in general dermatology and Mohs surgery as a medical assistant. These experiences have deepened her passion and patient care confirmed her desire to pursue a career in medicine. Her goal is to serve medically underserved communities, inspired by providers she’s worked with who bring care to rural areas.

    Having overcome personal and academic challenges, she brings resilience, empathy, and deep commitment to growth. Through SOAR, she looks forward to mentorship that will support her journey to becoming a compassionate and community-focused physician assistant. She says she is is very passionate about working out, spending quality time with her husband, and celebrating her faith in God.

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  • Kelly Araujo - UTD Masters

    Kelly is a first-generation Mexican-American graduate student at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders. She previously earned her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Child Learning and Development from UTD. Kelly currently works in a research lab studying language development in bilingual English and Spanish-speaking children. With a deep passion for art, mental health, and early childhood development, she aspires to become an early childhood interventionist, providing direct support to children with disabilities and developmental delays while empowering families to better connect and access critical resources. In the future, Kelly also hopes to write and illustrate children’s books that promote mental wellness and healthy parenting in ways that are inclusive, engaging, and culturally resonant.

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  • Zeljka Mijic - UT Arlington Masters

    Zeljka is an accomplished social work professional with over 25 years of experience serving vulnerable and marginalized communities. After earning her Associate’s degree in just seven months—while attending three colleges simultaneously and maintaining a 4.0 GPA—she went on to complete her Bachelor's degree in under a year, once again achieving a perfect academic record. Zeljka will begin her Master of Social Work program this summer and plans to complete it in two semesters before pursuing clinical supervision to earn her LCSW. Her career has been dedicated to supporting homeless veterans, refugees, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ individuals through community-based programs focused on housing, mental health, and social services. Guided by compassion and a deep commitment to equity and social justice, Zeljka aims to continue building inclusive systems of care that uplift and empower underserved populations.

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  • Isabella Herrera - UT

    Isabella Herrera is currently an undergrad at the University of Texas at Austin, where she is pursuing a degree in International Relations & Global Studies on a Pre-Law Track. Her goal is to gain exposure and experience through research efforts, legal internships, and leadership roles to gain an understanding of what field of law she would like to pursue a career in. She is currently involved in UT Austin's Election Supervisory Board where she organized and aided in the spring semester student elections and is a part of a pre-law organization that is dedicated to minority women. Ultimately, she hopes to transfer her knowledge of cultural diversity and advocacy into her future to help others. 

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  • Olivia Rhoades - Texas A&M

    Olivia is a first-generation college student and sophomore at Texas A&M University, majoring in Kinesiology and a member of the Aggie Dance Team. Passionate about healthcare and service, she has volunteered over 250 hours in her community while gaining work experience as a lifeguard, dance instructor, and intern in both dental and veterinary clinics. After exploring several healthcare fields, Olivia discovered a strong calling to pediatric dentistry.

    She completed a year-long Dental Assisting program in high school, earned her Registered Dental Assistant certification, and now works in a dental office during college breaks. Olivia plans to join a dental society on campus and pursue internships near Texas A&M to continue building her clinical experience. Her goal is to become a pediatric dentist who provides compassionate, high-quality care and creates a positive impact on children and families, particularly those in underserved communities.

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  • Addison McKenna Goncalo - UT

    Addison is a first-generation college student continuing her studies as a sophomore at The University of Texas at Austin, where she is majoring in Communication and Leadership. She plans to pursue a law degree and a career advocating for individuals with disabilities and families navigating the special education system—an interest inspired by her own experiences as a special education student.

    Addison has served as a student panelist on anti-bullying initiatives, including at the World Anti-Bullying Forum, where she was personally encouraged by Queen Mary of Denmark to continue her advocacy. She hopes to eventually work in policy or international human rights through organizations like the United Nations. Despite significant medical and financial challenges in her family, Addison has remained committed to her goals. As a student with autism, she is determined to overcome adversity and use her voice to make a lasting impact on education, accessibility, and justice.

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  • Israa Wadif - University of Houston

    Israa Wadif is a Business student at the University of Houston, double majoring in Finance and Management Information Systems. She graduated as Valedictorian with 72 college credit hours and finished high school a year early. As a first-generation college student and the first woman in her family to pursue higher education, she’s passionate about breaking barriers especially for women in tech and business. Outside the classroom, she’s involved in leadership roles across community and academic initiatives, leading volunteer projects through her local mosque and food banks. Israa hopes to earn a Master’s in MIS, start her own IT consulting firm, and build a mentorship and scholarship program to help young women from underrepresented backgrounds succeed in tech. Her ultimate goal is to create spaces where women can lead, grow, and thrive with confidence.

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  • Aretha CC-Okeke - Baylor

    Aretha CC-Okeke is an incoming freshman deciding between the United States Military Academy at West Point, Colorado State University, and Tulane University, where she plans to pursue a pre-veterinary track with a focus on wildlife and conservation medicine. A dedicated leader and advocate, Aretha currently serves as captain of her high school basketball team, president of the African Student Association, and a cabinet member for multiple student-led organizations. She has volunteered with the Houston SPCA, the Empty Shelter Project, and worked to support her summer studies abroad in Mexico and her participation in West Point’s Summer Leaders Experience. As a Nigerian immigrant and first-generation college student, Aretha is passionate about bridging gaps in access—whether for animals without voices or communities facing systemic barriers. Her goal is to become a veterinary surgeon who protects endangered species, promotes global sustainability, and serves in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. Aretha hopes to use her education to represent the underserved, serve her country, and be a role model for the next generation.

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  • Zara Kamorudeen - Baylor

    Zara Kamorudeen is a Nigerian-born first-generation college student and aspiring neurosurgeon. She is currently starting her undergraduate studies on the pre-med track with a minor in Spanish, driven by a desire to serve diverse communities in healthcare. Zara is a Certified Nursing Assistant and an active hospital volunteer at Baylor Scott & White, where she supports both patients and staff. Her dedication to service extends beyond healthcare—she co-founded her school’s Black Student Union and participates in a crochet club that donates handmade items to hospital patients. Zara’s passion for medicine began with early childhood inspiration and was solidified by personal experiences with the healthcare system after a family accident. She is particularly interested in addressing cross-cultural communication barriers and implicit bias in patient care. Her long-term goal is to become a neurosurgeon and provide culturally competent care to underserved populations.

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  • Dhrumi Shah - Texas A&M

    Dhrumi is headed to Texas A&M University at College Station, where she’ll begin her studies in biomedical engineering this fall. She graduates as a National Merit Finalist and 4th in her class at Clear Lake High School, but her accomplishments extend far beyond academics.

    A passionate advocate for women in STEM and accessible STEM education, Dhrumi launched her own Girls in STEM newsletter to empower young girls and motivate them to pursue STEM careers—before stereotypes have a chance to discourage them. She also leads an organization called STEM Siblings, which is dedicated to spreading free, equitable STEM education to 3rd to 5th graders in her community. Through mentorship, curriculum development, and outreach, she’s helping support build an inclusive future in science and engineering.

    Looking ahead, Dhrumi plans to use her biomedical engineering degree to design affordable, accessible medical devices for surgery and post-surgical care—ensuring that a person’s socioeconomic status never determines whether they live or die. Her commitment to innovation, equity, and impact is already shaping a better world. 

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  • Elizabeth Tran - Texas A&M International

    Elizabeth is a first-generation college student and valedictorian, graduating with a 4.0 GPA, 82 college credit hours, and an Associate of Science in Biology. She will enter Texas A&M International University as a junior, pursuing a reverse bachelor’s degree with the goal of entering pharmacy school by age 19. Elizabeth serves as Secretary of the Pre-Health Society and Treasurer and Public Relations Manager of Rotaract, where she has led supply drives and community volunteer efforts to support underserved populations. Having personally experienced healthcare barriers, she developed a deep commitment to health equity and has contributed over 1,300 volunteer hours through medical outreach programs, health fairs, and international service in Laredo and Vietnam. Elizabeth aspires to become a bilingual pharmacist who not only provides critical medications but also ensures patients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their healthcare journey.

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  • Audrey McCann - Baylor

    Audrey is an incoming freshman at Baylor University and a record-setting athlete, having broken the 100 Breaststroke school record at Guyer High. Ranked in the top 5% of her graduating class, she completed 12 AP courses and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction. Passionate about economics and data, Audrey plans to become a data scientist—a field where she hopes to close the gender gap in STEM by using data to drive meaningful insights and innovation.

    As co-captain of her high school water polo team, Audrey co-created the Guyer Aquatics Buddies Program, which paired upperclassmen with underclassmen to foster stronger team connection. Her leadership helped transform the team into a more unified and supportive group. Audrey believes that true leadership brings people together, and through SOAR, she looks forward to growing as a confident leader who uplifts others and advances inclusive impact in every space she enters.

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  • Vivian Uribe - UT RGV

    Vivian is a senior at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with a 4.0 GPA and recognition on the President’s List. A first-generation college student and former English language learner, she discovered her passion for law while translating legal documents for her family—a responsibility that ignited her desire to make the law more accessible for underserved and non-native English-speaking communities.

    At UTRGV, Vivian has served as a Peer Dialogue Leader and currently volunteers as a Child Advocate with the Young Center, supporting undocumented children through compassionate advocacy. Her academic achievements include top honors in upper-division philosophy courses and the Professor Potempa Prize for best undergraduate paper on law and social justice.

    Through SOAR, Vivian hopes to continue developing as a leader grounded in justice, empathy, and equity, and to one day become an attorney who uses the law as a bridge to opportunity for those too often unheard.

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  • Mariah Weston - LSU

    Mariah is an incoming freshman at Louisiana State University, where she plans to major in actuarial science. A first-generation college student and the eldest of six siblings, Mariah is graduating from Shadow Creek High School with her Associate of Arts degree through the dual enrollment program at Alvin Community College. She serves as Color Guard Captain, Senior Class Treasurer, and a member of the National Honor Society.

    Mariah’s goal is to become a certified actuary specializing in banking and finance and eventually earn a doctorate to teach at the collegiate level. With a deep love for math and a commitment to showing her siblings that college is possible, Mariah combines academic excellence, leadership, and service. Through SOAR, she hopes to gain mentorship and support as she pursues her dream of making an impact in both business and education.

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  • Juana Leon - UT San Antonio

    Juana is an incoming aerospace engineering student at the University of Texas at San Antonio and the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college. Ranked second in her class at Comfort High School, she maintained a top 3% academic standing while balancing AP, dual credit, and OnRamps courses. Juana is Vice President of the National Honor Society, Treasurer of Student Council, and a BigFuture Ambassador helping underclassmen on their college journey.

    Her dream is to become an aerospace engineer and astronaut, with the goal of becoming the first Mexican-American woman to walk on the moon. She hopes to inspire future generations—especially women in STEM—through her passion for exploration and discovery. Juana has also worked part-time, volunteered for local nonprofits, and remained active in her church. Through SOAR, she looks forward to growing as a leader and making an impact on Earth and beyond.

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Meet the 2024 SOAR Scholars

  • Daphne Uribe - McGovern Medical School/UT Health Science Center

    Daphne will be continuing her studies as a MD/MPH student at the McGovern Medical School. Daphne maintains a 4.0 GPA while also working as a Graduate Research Assistant with UT Health's Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Diabetes Prevention Program. Her bilingual skills have helped her translate documents and posters to recruit Spanish-speaking, low-income, and underserved community members and interact with participants to conduct health screenings. After graduation, she intends to work alongside public health organizations to provide a representative voice for the patients in her community who have been impacted by chronic diseases.

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  • Maria Isabel Ramos Martinez - UT RGV

    Maria Isabel Ramos Martinez is a single mother and a first-generation alumna of the University of California, Irvine (UCI). She is currently enrolled in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Spanish bilingual program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and is actively involved in the Family Violence Lab. Additionally, she serves as a Student Parent Advisor for Ascend at the Aspen Institute. Maria's dedication as a helping professional is driven by the need for more Spanish-speaking professionals who can empathize with the experiences of the community, including immigration, domestic violence, sexual assault, trauma, resilience, and racial discrimination. She emphasizes the importance of cultural humility in both research and practice. Her research interests focus on strength-based approaches to understanding how Latinx students persevere academically in the face of adversity, trauma, and resilience. She also explores the academic persistence of parenting students and survivors of sexual assault. Maria's ultimate goal is to become a Professor and Licensed Psychologist in her hometown in California's Central Valley.

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  • Samantha Delgado - SMU School of Law

    Samantha Delgado is a first-generation incoming second-year law student at SMU Dedman School of Law where she serves as the Vice President of SMUs Air & Space Law Society. Originally from Miami, Florida, she chose to pursue a legal education in the DFW area for its abundance of air and space operations. Her mission is to inspire others to implement their passions into their career goals. She is also an activist for first-generation professionals, serving as a Research Assistant for Allies Against Slavery and a Pre-Law Mentor at Uplift Williams High School. She has 2.5 years of Accounting and Project Management experience as well as a BS in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida where she graduated with high honors.

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  • Taryn Dia - Baylor Law School

    Taryn, a first-generation law student, is set to begin her legal studies at Baylor Law after completing her MBA at the University of Oklahoma as a member of the Graduate Women in Business Association. Taryn also holds a Bachelor's in Political Science and history from the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated with special distinction status. She is thrilled about the opportunity to engage with Baylor's community-oriented legal aid programs, which resonates deeply with her commitment to public service. With her unique combination of business and legal education, Taryn is particularly drawn to the fields of transactional and intellectual property law, believing that these areas will allow her to offer substantial contributions to both her profession and her community. Determined to make legal services more accessible, she will spend her time providing pro bono consultations for women and under-represented minorities, ensuring they have the legal support they need.

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  • Tiffany Tran - UT School of Dentistry at Houston

    Tiffany Tran will continue her studies as a third year Doctoral student at The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. She is the current ASDA Advocacy Chair and as such has organized and held events promoting the ADA advocacy goals and represented UTSD at Lobby Day in Washington, DC. Tiffany plans to pursue the distinction of Academy of General Dentistry Fellow as part of her effort to provide the highest quality of care for others. She hopes beyond her career to donate time and energy to giving away free dental hygiene packages, hosting presentations at local elementary schools, and partnering with nonprofit organizations in order to provide free oral healthcare for those who face financial insecurity.

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  • Alondra Salinas - Texas A&M

    Alondra will continue her studies as a second year student at Texas A&M. She has been given the opportunity to graduate early in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, with a minor in Sociology. She graduated from Ball High School in the top 10% of her class as well as earning an Associate’s Degree in General Studies. Alondra has been a leader as President of the Band, Captain of her Hispanic Dance team and Secretary in the National Honor Society. Her plans for the future include pursuing her law degree to tackle complex political and legal issues surrounding immigration reform.

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  • Anjali Ganesh Iyer - UT

    Anjali will continue her studies as a Sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin and will obtain a dual degree studying in the Computer Science and Business Honors Program. Ultimately, she wants to pursue an MBA and venture into the corporate world working within a tech company -- working towards a high level, management position that combines technical knowledge and entrepreneurship. She has been active with programs (Girls Who Code, DigiGirlz, AWS DeepRacer and the Governor’s Science and Technology Champions Academy); internships (UT Southwestern’s STARS internship program in Computational Biology where she won the Thomas and Libby Mathai Scholarship for Women in STEM and Stanford’s Harris Internship in Computational Neuroscience); and related clubs (Girls in STEM, Environmental Club and Science Fair). She has a passion for teaching Computer Science to young girls and ultimately wants to spread her knowledge to girls from her family's city of origin, Chennai, encouraging them to venture into the world of STEM and business.

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  • Mia Simmons - Baylor

    Mia will continue her studies as a Sophomore at Baylor University and will study Health Sciences while on the Pre-Physician Assistant Professional Track with a minor in Medical Humanities. Mia graduated from Richardson High School with a 4.0 GPA and in the Top 2% of her class. Some of her accomplishments include being named on the Dean’s List, the Drum Major of her school’s band for 2 years, a Texas All-State Band member, and the 2023 Richardson Rotary Club’s Helping Hands Service Award recipient all while she teaches in the Kids Ministry at her church in Dallas. She plans to become a Pediatric PA and currently spends her time volunteering at a daycare for at-risk youth and rebuilding homes for the community. Mia seeks to love Jesus and serve those around her!

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  • Addison McKenna Goncalo - UT

    Addison will begin her studies as a freshman at The University of Texas at Austin and will study Communication and Leadership. Addison will be graduating from the Liberal Arts and Science Academy with a 4.04 unweighted GPA, a 4.0 GPA for 29 hours of completed college credit, and an ASL Certification. She hopes to ultimately pursue a law degree and a career as a lawyer. She specifically has a passion for providing support for families in special education or in legislation to help guide policy to benefit individuals with disabilities. .

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  • Alexa Tovar - UT

    Alexa will begin her studies as a freshman at The University of Texas at Austin and will study Business Administration. Alexa will be graduating from Mission High School with a 4.0 GPA, ranked third in her high school class, and will leave high school having earned an associate degree. Outside of the classroom, Alexa enjoys taking on leadership roles and served as Class President for two of her high school years. She ultimately wants to pursue a law degree and find a career that combines her interest in both business and law. She believes a key way she can impact her community is to give others a voice on important issues where that voice for a variety of reasons may have been marginalized.

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  • Andrea Nwaokolo - UT

    Andrea will begin her studies as a freshman at The University of Texas at Austin and will study Data Science. She will be graduating from John Horn High School in Mesquite and is currently ranked second in her class. Outside of academics, Andrea is also involved in extracurricular activities such as being an active member of the National Honor Society. Her change platform is grounded as a Black woman in STEM giving her a platform to challenge subconscious bias and subvert expectations. She plans on a career as a data scientist where she can apply this knowledge to help drive advancements that make everyday life more efficient.

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  • Ashley Shtaih - TCU

    Ashley will begin her studies as a freshman at Texas Christian University and will study Nursing. Ashley will be graduating from Lake Travis High School with an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Outside of the classroom, Ashley is very active including leadership contributions to National Honor Society member, Health Occupations Students of America, Lake Travis Tennis, and a wide range of volunteer activities. She also plays the piano and is fluent in Arabic. She has had lifelong certainty in her desire to pursue a career in healthcare, as she believes that the ability to provide aid to those who are at their most vulnerable is not only intrinsically rewarding, but a privilege as well.

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  • Bre Andrews - Texas A&M International University

    Brianna will continue her studies in Biology as a junior at Texas A&M International University. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts and Science degree, she plans on getting her master’s degree to start a career as a physician assistant in gynecology. She serves as the Vice President for her university's NSLS Chapter. She is driven by a passion for inclusivity and women's health, highlighting studies showing black women and immigrants are not treated the same by doctors and medical staff as others when it comes to health. She believes a start to inclusive women’s health is by representing her culture in the healthcare system and adding to the 9% of Hispanic physician assistants. She also believes having more bilingual workers in healthcare is important for inclusivity. Brianna is graduating high school with a 3.7 GPA and an Associate of Science degree. She also owns a small business that sells ecofriendly items and educates others on environmentalism.

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  • Danielle Gonzales - Texas A&M

    Danielle will begin her studies as a freshman at Texas A&M University and will study Animal Sciences. She will be graduating from AC Jones High School and is currently ranked second in her high school class. In addition to playing varsity basketball, volleyball, and softball, Danielle is active in the National Honor Society, Interact Club, FCA, NSHSS, FFA, and in her church as an altar server. She plans on pursuing her education to attain a Veterinarian Degree and a career providing animals with the best medical support available.

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  • Isabella Herrera - UT

    Isabella will begin her studies as a freshman at The University of Texas at Austin and will study International Relations. She will be graduating from Clear Creek High School Summa Cum Laude with a 5.15 weighted GPA. In addition to serving her classmates through her roles as President of the National Hispanic Honor Society and leadership in Peer Assistance and Leadership, she has been recognized as a Superintendent Scholar, AP Scholar, and honored with the AP National Hispanic Recognition Award. Isabella plans on continuing her education through law school to become an immigration lawyer. She is eager to pursue research in areas of immigration, specifically women’s treatment and governmental reform.

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  • Ivana Kiage - University of Houston

    Ivana will begin her studies as a freshman at The University of Texas At Dallas and will study Computer Science. She will be graduating from Fulshear High School in Richmond. Ivana established and was President of the International Club to cultivate a community that actively works towards uplifting diversity. She organized a volunteer event alongside the organization “Houston Welcomes Refugees”, motivated 30 volunteers to we spend the weekend taking in donations and organizing into several starter packages: kitchen starter packs in con.tainers, school supplies ready to go inside backpacks, and self-care products to help these children and families who need it most. She plans to continue her education through graduate school specializing in artificial intelligence or machine learning. She plans to use this education to work in the machine learning field as a regulator, ensuring safety in the software while also promoting AI policies and regulations on local, state, and federal levels.

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  • Jocelynn Gonzales - Texas A&M

    Jocelynn will begin her studies as a freshman at Texas A&M and will study Biology. She will be graduating from Mathis High School with a 4.25 GPA and in the Top 10% of her class. She serves as President of the Mathis FFA chapter and the Treasurer of the Coastal Bend District FFA where she has lead efforts, such as jacket and blanket drives, to provide for the homelessness and poverty during an unusual stretch of cold weather. She is focused on pursuing the academic and professional steps needed for a career as an obstetrician gynecologist. She is motivated by personal experiences witnessing the reproductive health challenges faced by women in her community and is passionate about providing compassionate and comprehensive care to women. Her goal is to offer quality healthcare services that empower women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and overall well-being.

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  • Julia Norton - Texas A&M

    Julia will begin her studies as a freshman at Texas A&M University-College Station and will study Public Health- Pre-Nursing. Julia will be graduating from Lake Travis High School with a 3.9. Outside of the classroom, Julia plays varsity soccer, volunteers at a local hospital in the Hospice care department. and works with elementary children at an after school program. Julia is motivated by her personal experiences and plans to pursue a career as an Oncology Nurse with pediatric specialization.

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  • Madelyn Garcia - Texas A&M

    Madelyn will begin her studies as a freshman at Texas A&M and will study Computer Science. Madelyn will be graduating from Jack E. Singley Academy with a 3.7 GPA and 54 hours of college credit earned. She has been very active outside of the classroom where she is Collegiate Class President, member of National Honor Society, and Camp Invention Leadership. She is an insatiable learner achieving certifications in CPR and Python Programming. She is excited to become one of the three percent of Hispanic women in the STEM field. She will carry her passion for computer science looking for opportunities to bring technology to those less fortunate around the world.

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  • Olivia Rhoades - Texas A&M

    Olivia will begin her studies as a freshman at Texas A&M University and will study Kinesiology. She will be graduating from Clear Creek High School with a 5.04 weighted GPA and graduating Summa Cum Laude. She has devoted an extensive amount of time within her community; well over 250 cumulative volunteer hours through P.A.L.S. weekly mentorship of adolescent students, Maranatha Missions in the Dominican Republic, Vacation Bible School through church, Feijoo Ballet School as a Student Teacher and other opportunities at First Baptist Community-Wide Service and local Nursing Homes. She has done this while working various jobs such as a Lifeguard, Dance Instructor and Dental and Veterinarian Intern. Olivia is the Captain of the Clear Creek Cavaliers Dance Team and was the Junior Lieutenant last year and has been invited to participate with the Aggie Dance Team as a potential recruit. She is passionate about working with children, specifically in pediatric dentistry, and anticipates graduating as a registered Dental Assistant prior to graduation.

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  • Olivia Reyna - UT

    Olivia will begin her studies as a freshman at The University of Texas at Austin and will study Human Development and Family Sciences. She will be graduating from AC Jones High School with a 4.0 Unweighted GPA in the top 5% of her class. Outside of the classroom, Olivia is a Barnhart Student Ambassador, on Varsity Women's Choir, a member of National Honor Society, the Interact Club and serves as her Class Treasurer. She is a certified CNA, CPR and IV certified, and will soon be a certified PCT with over 100 hospital clinical hours, Olivia has always had a passion for healthcare and will continue her studies on the Pre-Med track with the goal is to become an OB/GYN with her desire to support women when bringing new life into the world. She wants to serve as a role model demonstrating how hard work can open many opportunities for other small-town girls.

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  • Sekinah Okunnu - University of Houston

    Sekinah will begin her studies as a freshman at The University of Houston and will study Political Science. She will be graduating from Kipp Houston High School with a 3.6 GPA. Beyond her academic pursuits, Sekinah has been active throughout high school including; participating in the Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) at her school holding leadership roles within the organization to foster a safe and inclusive space within the campus. Her involvement in the Drama Club highlights her creativity and strong commitment to the fine arts. She volunteers her time at the Houston food bank as she finds service to others rewarding and fulfilling while building leadership skills and teamwork skills.

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  • Vivianna Noyola - Baylor University

    Vivianna will continue her studies as a senior at Baylor University studying Health Science. In addition to her academic pursuits, Vivianna actively engages in extracurricular activities such as the Baylor Student Physical and Occupational Therapy Association (SPOTA) and the Latinx Association of Science and Health (LASH). Outside of Baylor, Vivianna's involvement in volunteer work at Shepherd's Heart, Talitha Koum, La Puerta, show a dedication to serving others and making a positive difference in the lives of those in need. After graduation, she plans to join a Physical Therapy clinic in a high-need area where she can help those injured or facing adversity from accidents, natural causes, military service, or other challenges to recover.

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Meet the 2023 SOAR Scholars

  • Lisa Lozano - Texas A&M PhD

    Lisa will begin her second year in Counseling Psychology PhD program in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University in the fall. Lisa graduated with her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and she also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her career goal is to become a psychologist in a university setting so she can provide psychotherapy, research the intersection of college student mental health and academic persistence, and develop and promote campus interventions that cultivate systemic change for at-risk students. Linked In

  • Tran Le Abraham - UT Law

    Tran will be continuing her studies as a third-year student at University of Texas Law School in pursuit of her Juris Doctor degree. Tran holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Yale University and a Master’s in Education Policy Studies from George Washington University. Her career goal is to become an education lawyer, working in federal or state government to help enforce all students’ civil rights and ensure they are receiving the quality of education to which they are entitled. Linked In

  • Arielle Allen - UT Law

    Arielle is a third-year law student at the University of Texas School of Law with a bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Maryland. Before entering law school, Arielle worked as an ABA therapist with children with developmental disabilities and completed a program year of AmeriCorps service. During her first year of law school, Arielle volunteered as a Lovebox Leader with Austin Angels, a program designed to support the foster care community in central Texas. She also assumed the role of program coordinator for the Explore Law program, which focused on empowering diverse pre-law students by providing them with a strong foundation and a robust network. Through her involvement in legal clinics, Arielle has gained hands-on experience in disability rights and children's rights work. Driven by her fervor for litigation, Arielle aspires to become an unwavering advocate for individuals in pursuit of justice. Linked In

  • Karla Galvan Cabrera - UT RGV PhD

    Karla is a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. student at the University of Texas Rio Grand Valley and a first-generation college graduate. She attained her B.A. in Criminology, Law, and Society and Psychological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine. Her research interests center on childhood trauma, psychological resilience, parent-adolescent relationships, and juvenile justice. Karla aims to become a bilingual licensed psychologist and utilize her education and skills to help bridge the gap between the justice system and the academic community. Her ultimate goal is to improve the well-being and quality of life for justice-involved youth through her program's impact and beyond.

  • Maria Isabel Ramos Martinez - UT RGV PhD

    Maria Isabel Ramos Martinez is first-generation alumni from the University of California, Irvine (UCI). She worked in California’s Central Valley as a Support Counselor & Youth Specialist for two non-profit organizations. She is currently a second year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Spanish bilingual program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Her commitment as a helping professional is motivated by the need for more Spanish-speaking professionals that understand experiences in the community such as, immigration, domestic violence, sexual assault, trauma and resilience, and racial discrimination as a start while engaging in cultural humility that is much needed in the field. Linked In

  • Madison Ang - UT

    Madison will be continuing her studies as a senior at the University of Texas at Austin in pursuit of her B.S. degree in Honors in Advanced Nutritional Sciences. She graduated from Dulles High School located in Sugar Land, Texas, and currently works as a cancer research assistant at Dell Pediatrics. Her career goal is to attend dental school and utilize her background in nutritional sciences to combat health disparities and work as an advocate for oral health and wellness.

  • Alejandra De La O - UT

    Alejandra will be a senior at the University of Texas pursuing her degree in Public Relations. As part of her development as a well-rounded student, Alejandra has chosen to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland, and study for a semester in New York City. While maintaining an active schedule and a high GPA, she continues to give back to the Austin and San Antonio communities despite being a full-time student. Alejandra is a proud second-generation American and native of the Southside of San Antonio. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she plans on pursuing a graduate or law degree with a career goal of helping open doors for other Latinas and Latinos in higher education. Linked In

  • Vanessa Noyola - Baylor

    Vanessa will continue her studies as a rising junior at Baylor University, pursuing her Bachelor of Business in Finance. After completing her undergraduate degree, Vanessa is interested in pursuing her Law Degree at Baylor University Law School. Her primary goal is to end the student loan debt crisis by becoming a Financial Advisor and Estate Planning lawyer, working to develop a non-profit financial literacy program to assist the upcoming generations with ways to finance higher education and retirement planning. Linked In

  • Valeria Morales - UT

    Valeria will continue her studies as a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a career in Physical Therapy in the fall. Valeria graduated from Castleberry High School in Fort Worth, Texas in the Top 5% of her class. Her career goal is to become a physical therapist where she can answer her call to help through rehabilitation and close connections with her patients.

  • Ugonna Chidi-Ubani - UT

    Crystal will begin her studies as a freshman at University of Texas and will pursue dual degree of a Bachelors of Science in Biology and Plan II Honors. She attends Carl Wunsche Sr. High School where she will graduate in top 10% of her class and Associates Degree of Science with Lone Star College. Her accomplishments include being the President of the Wunsche Pre-Law pathway, Campus Ambassador across the Spring ISD district in elementary to middle-school visits, and Texas State Title award winner in the Texas Public Safety Association “Closing Argument” events. She was also awarded the National African American Recognition Award from College Board. Crystal has had a passion for both the law and medicine since she was a child, and she has a future focus on developing a healthier future for ethnic communities where she hopes to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Health and advance innovative advocacy policies for disadvantaged communities. Linked In

  • Amelia Simmons - Baylor

    Amelia will begin her studies as a freshman at Baylor University and will study Health Sciences while on the Pre-Physician Assistant Professional Track. Amelia will be graduating from Richardson High School with a 4.0 and in the Top 2% of her class. Some of her accomplishments include being named the Drum Major of her school’s band for 2 years, a Texas All-State Band member, and the 2023 Richardson Rotary Club’s Helping Hands Service Award recipient all while she teaches in the Kids Ministry at her church in Dallas.

  • Vicky Nguyen - UT

    Vicky will be a freshman at University of Texas with a major in Biochemistry and minoring in global studies hoping to one day become a physician scientist. She is graduating from Clear Brook High School in Friendswood, Texas where she is expected to graduate number 5 in her class. Among her many volunteer activities included co-founding a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Strive2Thrive Edu that reached 5,000+ students in 35 countries and culminated 600+ volunteers. She looks forward to further researching how different proteins can be modified through CRISPR and CAR constructs, as part of cancer immunotherapy treatments. She would like to advance cancer immunotherapy, making treatment more accessible to all cancer patients, especially those from marginalized communities. Linked In

  • Victoria Bowman - Texas A&M

    Victoria will be a freshman at Texas A&M University with a major in Biochemistry, and planning on double majoring in Genetics as well. She is graduating from Oak Ridge High School in Conroe, Texas where she is expected to graduate in the top 10% of her class. Her ultimate goal is to achieve a PhD heavily inspired by the Golden Rice Project, she wants to research and develop the genetic modification of plants to combat malnutrition. She will be as involved as possible in undergraduate research at Texas A&M, and is very excited to make a positive change in the world.

  • Anjali Ganesh Iyer - UT

    Anjali will begin her studies as a freshman at University of Texas at Austin and will obtain a dual degree studying in the Computer Science and Business Honors Program. Ultimately, she wants to pursue a Ph.D. in computational neuroscience and venture into the corporate world working within a tech company -- working towards a high level, management position that combines technical knowledge and entrepreneurship. She has been active with programs (Girls Who Code, DigiGirlz, AWS DeepRacer and the Governor’s Science and Technology Champions Academy); internships (UT Southwestern’s STARS internship program in Computational Biology where she won the Thomas and Libby Mathai Scholarship for Women in STEM and Stanford’s Harris Internship in Computational Neuroscience); and related clubs (Girls in STEM, Environmental Club and Science Fair). She has a passion for teaching Computer Science to girls and ultimately wants to spread her knowledge to girls from her family's city of origin, Chennai, encouraging them to venture into the world of STEM and business. See Linked In Bio.

  • Alondra Salinas - Texas A&M

    Alondra will begin her studies as a freshman at Texas A&M University and will pursue a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. She will be graduating from Ball High School in the top 10% of her class as well as with an Associate’s Degree in General Studies. Alondra has been a leader as president of the Band, Captain in her Hispanic Dance team and Secretary in the National Honor Society. Her plans for the future include pursuing her law degree to tackle complex political and legal issues surrounding immigration reform.

  • Sabrina Ye - UT

    Sabrina will be a freshman at the University of Texas with a major in English. She is graduating from Prosper High School in the top 10% of her class. She speaks 3 languages and found English was a bridge across her different communities, fueling her interest in pursuing a career as an English teacher. Motivated to help those around her from an early age, she launched her own tutoring program called “Above and Beyond” which offers free virtual tutoring to elementary, middle, and high school students. At UT Austin, she is looking forward to joining Texas Sweethearts to continue her mission of service. Among her many goals, she also wants to be an author. Sabrina believes that the written word can convey themes such as finding one's identity and coming of age.

  • Sarah Wilburn - Baylor

    Sarah will begin her studies as a freshman at Baylor University pursuing a Bachelor in Business Administration. Sarah will be graduating from Mansfield Lake Ridge High School with a 98.75/100 GPA. Among her many accomplishments and activities was being named Captain of the Dynasty Step Team, Supply and Logistics Officer of the Junior ROTC, Captain of the Taskforce Unarmed Drill Team, National African American Recognition Award (College Board) 2022, Teacher’s Choice Award(2) 2021/2022, National Honor Society member, and The Potter’s House Debutante (2023). Sarah is interested in pursuing her Law Degree and a career in corporate or family law.

  • Camaryn Williams - Texas A&M

    Camaryn will begin her studies as a freshman at Texas A&M University and will pursue a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Camaryn will be graduating from Mabank High School in the top 10% of her class. Camaryn's passion for healthcare led her toward becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, and a CPR certification while in High School.

  • Caroline Helsel - UNT

    Caroline will begin her studies as a freshman at University of North Texas and will pursue a Bachelor of Business. Caroline will be graduating from Lebanon Trail High School. Caroline became part of the first girls doubles tennis team from her school to reach state. She has navigated her years of education with severe hearing impairment as well as arthritis. Caroline would like to leverage her passion for art, business and sign language to help inspire others to reach and lift those in need.

  • Briana Davis - Texas A&M

    Briana will be a freshman at Texas A&M University and will be a part of the Forensic and Investigative Science program. She is graduating from Dekaney High School in Houston, Texas where she is expected to graduate number 12 in her class. She is a member of the City of Houston Youth Police Advisory Committee where she was able to develop practical experience in her area of interest. Briana has always felt a pull to help others and developed an interest in the complexities of criminal behavior, from the psychology of criminals to the history of crime. She wants to use her education at Texas A&M to pursue a career in Criminal Justice to make a difference for her community.

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2022 SOAR Scholars

  • Tran Le

    Tran will be continuing her studies as a second-year student at University of Texas Law School in pursuit of her Juris Doctor degree. Tran holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Yale University and a Master’s in Education Policy Studies from George Washington University. Her career goal is to become an education lawyer, working in federal or state government to help enforce all students’ civil rights and ensure they are receiving the quality of education to which they are entitled.

  • Lisa Lozano

    Lisa will begin the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University in the fall. Lisa will graduate this summer with her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and she also holds a bachelor's degree in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her career goal is to become a psychologist in a university setting so she can provide psychotherapy, research the intersection of college student mental health and academic persistence, and develop and promote campus interventions that cultivate systemic change for at-risk students.

  • Sydney Hannah

    Sydney will be continuing her studies in the fall as a first year student at the University of Texas Law School. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor's in Sociology and a minor in general business. Sydney aspires to use her law degree with a potential focus on Health Law or Corporate Law.

  • Arielle Dutton

    Arielle will be continuing her studies as a second-year student at University of Texas Law School. Arielle earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Diversity Awareness from the University of Maryland. Prior to law school, was certified as a Registered Behavior Technician providing applied behavioral analysis services to children with developmental disabilities. Her goal is to have a career in legal advocacy to offer services to disadvantaged groups.

  • Mylah Childress

    Mylah will be continuing her studies as a 1st year student at Baylor University Law School. Mylah graduated with a Bachelor’s in Applied Behavioral Analysis with a minor in Criminal Justice and a Legal Studies Certificate from the University of North Texas. She is a UNT Terry Scholar and also served as Secretary of her undergraduate chapter of the National Black Law Student Association. Her career goal is to use her law degree to make positive changes in our communities with a potential focus on Juvenile Justice or Intellectual Property. Linked In

  • Madison Ang

    Madison will be continuing her studies as a rising junior at the University of Texas at Austin in pursuit of her B.S. degree in Honors in Advanced Nutritional Sciences. She graduated from Dulles High School located in Sugar Land, Texas, and currently works as a cancer research assistant at Dell Pediatrics. Her career goal is to attend dental school and utilize her background in nutritional sciences to combat health disparities and work as an advocate for oral health and wellness.

  • Marionne Valles

    Marionne is a third-year student at The University of Texas at Austin pursuing a double major in Sociology and Psychology with a minor in Social Work and Business Spanish Certificate. Marionne graduated high school from Cypress Ridge High School in Houston, TX. Currently Marionne works at Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP as she completes her studies. In addition she is dedicated to serving and helping fellow students as a Transition and Success Coach at The University of Texas at Austin. Her career goal is to attend law school to become an Immigration Attorney. Her goal is to give other immigrant families an opportunity to not live in the shadows of others and fulfill the American Dream they came to pursue in this country. Linked In

  • Arlene Ramirez

    Arlene will begin her studies as a freshman at the University of Texas and will pursue a degree in Sports Management. Arlene is expected to graduate from Mesquite High School in Mesquite, Texas where she is ranked 3rd in her class. Her career goal is to work in the finance and marketing sides of the sports industry. Linked In

  • Valeria Morales

    Valeria will begin her studies as a freshman at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a career in Physical Therapy in the fall. Valeria will be graduating from Castleberry High School in Fort Worth, Texas where she is expected to graduate in the Top 5% of her class. Her career goal is to become a physical therapist where she can answer her call to help through rehabilitation and close connections with her patients.

  • Kimberly Guerra

    Kimberly will begin her studies as a freshman at Texas A&M University in the fall with a plan to major in Civil Engineering. Kimberly will be graduating from James Pace High School in Brownsville, Texas where she is expected to graduate in the top 5% of her class. Her career goal is to own a construction business where she could use her skills and knowledge to construct affordable and sustainable housing for lower income families.