News

CEW+ awards over $1M in scholarship and fellowship funds to 132 U-M students

CEW+ is pleased to welcome the 2025-26 cohort of the CEW+ Scholar Community. The Center has identified 102 new scholarship recipients, 13 continuing scholars, and 17 graduate fellows. CEW+ awarded over $1,005,000 in scholarship and fellowship funds to these resilient and determined agents of change thanks to the generous support of individuals, organizations, clubs, and foundations.

Among the current class of scholarship recipients are student parents and primary caregivers, students returning to the classroom after a prolonged interruption, underrepresented students in STEM fields, first-generation students, international students, and those who have overcome significant obstacles to achieve their dream of earning a degree in higher education. CEW+ fellows are engaged in research of importance to women, researching or traveling abroad while completing a health degree, or working to remove barriers impacting advocates and allies striving for social change. These individuals were selected through a highly competitive process as leaders with great potential to make a significant impact in their field. Our 2025-26 CEW+ Scholar Community inductees include 32 doctoral students, 55 master’s students, and 32 undergraduate students, 98 of whom are studying on the Ann Arbor campus. We proudly support 16 additional students at UM-Dearborn and 5 scholars at UM-Flint. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $11,000 with a few larger awards, which can cover tuition, fees, and living expenses, and fellowships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 support research and travel. The average award amount for a 2025-26 CEW+ Scholar is over $8,800.

The 2025-26 CEW+ Scholars and Fellows will be honored at an award ceremony and luncheon on Sunday, November 2nd, in the Ballroom of the Michigan League. Please join us in congratulating these talented and promising students! RSVP to attend here.

Click here to view the 2025-26 CEW+ Scholarship book.

CEW+ FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENTS 2025

Menakka and Essel Bailey Graduate Fellows

Emma Baker, DNP, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Zoe Gurney, MPH in Global Health Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Eliza Steinberg, PhD in Human-Centered Design for Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Gutsy Broad Fellows

Francy Luna Diaz, PhD in Political Science, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Nadia Karizat, PhD in Information Science, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Farhia Mohamed, MPH in Nutritional Science, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Margarita Maria Rodriguez Morales, PhD in Public Policy and Sociology, jointly enrolled in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Eric Whitmer, PhD in Musicology, School of Music, Theater and Dance, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Riecker Graduate Student Research Fellows

Desireé Bewley Dallagiacomo, MFA in English and Creative Writing, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, Helen Zell Writers’ Program, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Catherine Goode, DMA in Performance, Voice, Department of Voice and Opera, School of Music, Theater and Dance, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Lewis Miles, PhD in Sociology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Lillian Nguyen, PhD in Psychology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Farida Bibi Mughal, DNP, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Kai Ngu, PhD in Anthropology and History, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Faith Imbiti Okaalo, Doctor of Philosophy in Health Behavior and Health Equity, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Fernando Valcheff-Garcia, PhD in Romance Languages and Literatures: Spanish, specializing in Latin American literature and culture, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Simson Family Graduate Fellow

Raksha Rajeshmohan, MPH in Global Health Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

CEW+ SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 2025-26

Gail Allen Scholars

Catherine Brist, PhD in English and Women’s and Gender Studies, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ayleen Correa, PhD in Anthropology and History, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

AAUW: Mary Elizabeth Bittman Memorial Scholar

Natalie Lopez, BA in Communications and Media, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

AAUW-Ann Arbor Branch: Used Book Sale Scholar

Nelson Oviedo, PhD in Economics, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Stuart Baggaley Scholar

Eklovya Jain, PhD in Strategy, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Christine Kahan Black Scholar

Yuliya Shyrokonis, PhD in Clinical Psychology and Social Work, with joint enrollment in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and the School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Jane and Bill Bloom Scholars

Cintia Brookins, BS in Dental Hygiene, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Sydney Parrinello, BA in Public Policy, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Grace A. and James D. Bruce Community Engagement Scholars

Talha Arshad, PhD in Climate and Space Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Garret Potter, MA in Educational Studies and MSI in Library Science, with joint enrollment in the Marsal Family School of Education and the School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ruth Jenette Buttrey Scholar

Milla Borrego, BA in Cognitive Science and Organizational Studies with a minor in Business, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Jean W. Campbell Scholar

My Tran, MA in Higher Education with a concentration in Management & Organization, Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

CEW+ Graduate Scholar

Adam Kaminsky, MLA in Landscape Architecture and MS in Ecosystem Science and Management, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Lucy Chin Scholar

Maelyn Sorenson, BA in International and Comparative Studies with a minor in Arabic and Middle East Studies, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Amy Mecozzi Cho and Lawrence Cho Family Scholar

Minkyong Yeon, MBA in the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Collegiate Sorosis Foundation Scholar

Kelz Cousins, MSW in the School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Lucile B. Conger Alumnae Group Scholar

Kamika Kaur, BA in Asian Studies with pre-med specialization, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Paula K. Cooper (Meyers) Scholar

Hala A., BBA in Finance and Accounting, College of Business, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Molly H. Dobson Scholars

Nora Ahmed, BA in Elementary Education, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Wafa Alsadi, BA in Elementary Education, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Sharnita Renee Harris, BS in Health and Human Services, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Liane Ross, BA in Elementary Education, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Robert Bruce Dunlap Memorial Scholar

Natosha Irwin, BSW in the College of Health Sciences, University of Michigan-Flint
Brittanni Sgriccia, BS in Health and Human Services, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Myron Wood, BS in Health and Human Services, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Elizabeth Dusseau and Margaret Dusseau Brevoort Scholar

Airiana Hamilton, MSW in the School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

The Christine DiFalco Euritt Scholar

Katharine Austin, DNP, specializing in Neonatal Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Flint

Margaret E. Gnegy Scholar

Gergana Milkova, PhD in Analytical Chemistry, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Susan and Richard Gutow Scholar

Jenna McIntire, BA in Criminal Justice and Sociology, College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, University of Michigan-Flint

Hall-McCannell Scholar

Tiffany M. Walsh, Master of Public Administration, Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan-Flint

Beth Halloran Scholar

Kelly Beharry, MPP in International Policy and MD, jointly enrolled in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Deodge Hill Scholar

Tuesday Dixon, BSN, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Flint

Everett B. Ireland Scholar

Sara Haycox, BSE in Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Joan P. Ireland Scholar

Shanita Keyes, MA in Educational Leadership and Policy, Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Beatrice Kahn Scholar

Laura Suprenant, MSW in the School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Caroline M. Lee Scholar

Bryn Murphy, MSW in the School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Elsie Choy Lee Scholars

Desireé Bewley Dallagiacomo, MFA in Creative Writing, Helen Zell Writers’ Program, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Navjeet Kaur, MFA in Art, Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Julianna Sanromán, MFA in Art, Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Luera-Apgar Sustainability Scholar

Tyler Bunday, MS in Environmental Justice and Ecosystem Science and Management, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Hillary Murt and Bruce Friedman Scholar

Alice Kinney, MPP in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Virginia Simson Nelson Scholar

Cheryl Hershey, MD in Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Sarah Winans Newman Scholar

Alya Alnaji, BS in Biological and Behavioral Science, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Wenwen Liu, MS in Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

110 % Scholars

Marcelo Felix Caballero, BA in Anthropology, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Robyn Han, BS in Data Science, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Yaire Lopez-Quiroz, BS in Computer Science, College of Literature, Science and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Potential Made Possible Scholar

Kyle Homer, MD in Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Susan E. Quackenbush Scholar

Rivka Manzura, MD in Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Nancy J. Quaife Scholar

Genevieve Ashymov, MSW in the School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Mary Lucille Randolph and Lea King Dean Memorial Scholar

Sumiyyah Zimami, DNP, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Mary Malcomson Raphael Scholars

Kelly Hartwell, PhD in English and Education, jointly enrolled in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ashley McDermott, PhD in Anthropology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Katherine Tapia, PhD in Comparative Literature, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Linda J. Rider Scholar

Lauren Verardi, MSW in the School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Helen Huff Shell Scholar

Alyssa Daum, MBA in the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Terry L. and Patricia A. Stanley Scholar

Michelle Thurmond, BS in Health and Human Services, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Margaret Dow Towsley Scholars

De’Anisha Alexander, BS in Children and Families with a minor in Human Services, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Rama Alhawasli, DDS, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Elinor Artsy Navon, MPH in the School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Sarah Backstrand, MS in Environment and Sustainability, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Kelsey Campana, MS in Ecosystem Science and Management and Environmental Policy and Planning, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Montala Carruthers, MPH in Population and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Nayomi Cawthorne, MS and MPH in Health Behavior and Health Equity, jointly enrolled in the School for Environment and Sustainability and the School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Laura Frazee-Sonsteng, MBA in the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Chiante’ Hamilton, MPA in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Aquilla Odera Igwe, MLA in Landscape Architecture, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Jenna James, MLA in Landscape Architecture and MS in Environmental Justice, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Whittney Logan, MS in Nursing, specializing in Primary Care Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Alexandra Maxwell, MBA and MS in Environmental Justice, jointly enrolled in the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Vanny Meitasari, MPP in the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Fatma Mohamed, MS in Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Afnan Mohy, MPH in Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Han Phung, MBA in the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Jessica Pike, MSW in the School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Deonquanic Pope-Dunlap, MSW in the School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Reneé Price, MSW in Management and Leadership, School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Hannah Shaw, DNP in Nursing Midwifery, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Sarya Shehadeh, MSW in the School of Social Work, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Tasia West, MS in Nursing–Family Nurse Practitioner, School of Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Breanna Wyrick, MA in Health Administration and Leadership, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Yajie (Echo) Xu, Master in International and Regional Studies (MIRS) – Chinese Studies, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Irma M. Wyman Scholars

Murtaza Ahmadi, BSI in Information Analysis, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Takreed Ali, MPH in Nutritional Sciences, specializing in Dietetics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Tigist Simachew Assefa, MSE in Construction Engineering and Management, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ramona Cheng, BSE in Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ishita Desai, BS in Economics and Computation, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Erin Amarachukwu Diran-Ojo, MSE in Electrical and Computer Engineering, specializing in applied electromagnetics and RF circuits, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Drew Ebner, BS in Public Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Meghana Kasturi, PhD in Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Gloria Charles Mazinga, MPH in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Tien Nguyen, PhD in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, specializing in operations research and decision science, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Adriana C. Nieto, MS in Environment and Sustainability, School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Sarah Nyaanga, BSI in User Experience Design, School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Andrea Ricci, Master of Applied Data Science (MADS), School of Information, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Bruna Osako Rocha, BSE in Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Nesa Shamdasani, BSE in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Naomi Uponi, MSE in Energy Systems and Sustainability Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Han Zhang, BSE in Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Petar and Zdravka Zdravkovski Scholar

Idman Gabayre, MSE in Neural Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Thanks to the generosity of CEW+ Sponsors, continuing support is available to limited scholars selected in a prior year.

Keturah Abdullah, Paula K. Cooper (Meyers) Scholar (2024-25), PhD in Educational Studies, Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Tega Ejughemre, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2024-25), MSE in Artificial Intelligence, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn
Keyla Garcia-Rodriguez, Jane and Bill Bloom Scholar (2024-25), BA in Sociology with a minor in Urban Studies, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Sadiya Ghadai, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2024-25), BS in Computer Science, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Lynle Hayes, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2024-25), MPH in Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Alisha Keshwani, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2024-25), BS in Biology, Health and Society, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Gabriela Lopez-Salgado, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2022-23) BSE in Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Anthony Preston, AAUW: Mary Elizabeth Bittman Scholar (2024-25), BS in Physics, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Hunter Richards, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2024-25), MSE in Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Elida Sensoy, Everett B. Ireland Scholar (2024-25), BSE in Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ashley Sutter, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2024-25), BS, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Andrea Valenzuela, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2024-25), PhD in Chemical Biology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Gloria Zhou, Irma M. Wyman Scholar (2024-25), Master of Science in Survey and Data Science (MPSDS), Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor