Dominican University ’18 | $2,000 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: HEARTLAND INSTITUTE

Nicole is a junior at Dominican University studying Finance and Marketing. She is a student worker at the Admissions Office helping counselors communicate with prospective students. Nicole found her true passion while in business with her mother. Today, she works with World Financial Group and the World System Builder organization to educate one million families about financial literacy. Nicole also works as a Certified College Planning Consultant with the nonprofit Heartland Institute of Financial Education. As a first-generation college student, she has experienced the complications of the college process. Through her work, Nicole hopes to bring awareness to the rising cost of college tuition and help provide solutions.

Loyola University ’18 | $500 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: KAPWA LOYOLA

Jennine is a junior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Psychology with a minor in Social Work. She is active with KAPWA, the university’s Filipino American student organization. Their goal is to educate and promote a deeper appreciation, understanding, and respect for Filipino and Filipino American cultures and traditions. She has been an Ate/Kuya/Bunso mentor/mentee and is currently the Cultural Branch C-Director. Jennine enjoys learning more about her Filipino roots through cultural dance. She strives to carry out the Filipino values that her parents have instilled in her and believes she would not be the person she is today without her Filipino identity, her family’s guidance, and God.

College of DuPage ’19 | $300 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: BIBBAK ILLINOIS

Alpha is a student at College of DuPage, currently working on her Associate Degree in Applied Science with a focus on Graphic Design. She discovered her love for graphic design in high school, where she was the Layout Editor, before becoming Head Editor in Publications. Alpha stays busy as a Youth President of BIBBAK, and as a volunteer with the Digital Co-Curation Team, where she helps digitize over 10,000 objects in the Field Museum’s Philippine Collection and facilitate monthly events. After finishing with my Associateʼs Degree she hopes to continue on with her Bachelorʼs Degree, or find work at Chicago design firms where she can establish her career in design, while still staying active in the Filipino Community.

Denison University ’18 | $250 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: BICOL ASSOCIATION OF THE MIDWEST

Trixie moved to Chicago, from Naga City, Philippines, when she was ten years old. A junior at Denison University, in Ohio, she is pursuing a bachelorʼs degree in Sociology/ Anthropology with the dream of working for the government to help improve the living conditions of immigrant families in the U.S. She is also a Studio Art minor with a photography concentration. Her passion for the arts has gained her the opportunity to be a Teaching Assistant for the Art Department at Denison, as well as a projector for the Denison Film Society. Trixie is a charter member of the Eta Colony/Chapter of Alpha Sigma Rho Sorority, Inc. which emphasizes sisterhood and Asian-Awareness within campus and the community.

University of Illinois @ Chicago ’17 | $200 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: FILIPINOS IN ALLIANCE (FIA) at University of Illinois, Chicago

Katrina is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Rehabilitation Sciences with a minor in Disability and Human Development. She aspires to become an occupational therapist. Katrina enjoys working out, reading, and writing. She spent her first two years at a community college where she was honored to have one of her essays published in the school’s book of essays after it was judged by professors. Katrina is active in the Chi Sigma Omega sorority and also spends time working on campus. She loves to spend time with friends and also enjoys helping others by volunteering and working as a caregiver. She appreciates school and being able to learn and experience new things.