University of Illinois @ Chicago ’18 | $2,000 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: CHINESE MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION

Stephanie is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago. As an electrical engineering student, she is a huge advocate of STEM education. She serves as collegiate section president of the Society of Women Engineers, where she partakes in several engineering outreach events to middle school and high school girls, and she is also a tutor in UIC’s Minority Engineering Retention and Recruitment Program. Stephanie values diversity both in higher education and everyday life because of these roles and the experiences they’ve granted her. Outside the scope of academia, she’s definitely still a nerd! She loves reading sci-fi novels, her YouTube History is primarily fan theories for Game of Thrones, and she may or may not be able to play Smash Mouth’s “All Star” on her ukulele (hint: she can!)

Loyola University ’15 & DePaul University ’20 | $500 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: STEP UP

Jane will begin her Master of Education program, in the fall of 2017, specializing in Social & Cultural Foundations in Education. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Loyola University Chicago. During her undergraduate studies, she worked with student organizations that empowered marginalized communities. She served as the President of Kapwa Filipino Organization and a Scholar for Loyola University Chicago Empowering Sisterhood (LUCES). As a LUCES Scholar, she supported Women of Color at a predominantly White institution by implementing a program aimed at cultivating Sistership, Scholarship, and Leadership. Currently, Jane works at Step Up, where she facilitates curriculum focused on empowering high school women, college preparation, and career exploration. In her free time, Jane is committed to self-reflection and holistic healing. Her favorite forms of self-care include making journals, writing poetry, and gardening.

University of Wisconsin-Madison ’18 | $300 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: FILIPINO AMERICAN STUDENT ORGANIZATION (FASO)

Cas is a senior majoring in Economics with a Certificate in Business. She was elected President of Filipinx-American Student Organization (FASO) at UW-Madison for the 2016-2017 school year. She is a Great People Scholar and a Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO) Scholar. She served as the Student Advisory Board Freshman and Sophomore Representative in CeO for two years. Cas loves listening to others and ensuring that diverse voices are heard within the community she serves. Last summer, she interned at BP as a Business Analyst Intern. This summer, she is the Marketing Intern for BDO in Chicago. On the side, she always roots for the Badgers (of course), the Blackhawks, and the Cubs! She is also a Marvel geek. She has a lot of spirit and never runs out of energy. She is known for her undying love for chicken nuggets.

Illinois State University ’19 | $250 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN COALITION

is a junior pursuing a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She plans to go to graduate school and earn a Master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She one day hopes to open her own clinic. In her free time, she enjoys cracking corny jokes and spending time with her family. Having been born in Tarlac, Philippines, Alison discovered a passion for learning about, and celebrating, her Filipino heritage. She seizes any opportunity that is presented to her in which she can show pride in her culture and advocate for her people. Alison is the newly-elected Diversity Director of the Asian Pacific American Coalition at ISU. Through this position, she hopes to connect with fellow Filipino Americans from surrounding universities and spread awareness of Asian-American culture and issues to the general population.

Marquette University ’19 | $200 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: BAYANIHAN STUDENT ORGANIZATION

Katherine is an ambitious student working towards completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and, also, become a Certified Athletic Trainer. She loves majoring in health sciences, but also has a passion for digital media, especially filming/editing videos. On campus, Katherine is an executive board member of the Bayanihan Student Organization, and involved in the Athletic Training Student Association, Physical Therapy Council, Adaptive Abilities Club, and KAPWA Intervarsity-Witcom. Off campus, Katherine really enjoys traveling, trying new foods and taking long naps. When she isn’t napping or enjoying a good show on Netflix, Katherine is more than likely spending time with her family and friends. They are her happiness in life and she is incredibly thankful to be surrounded by people that make her laugh until she can’t breathe but also inspire her to be the best version of herself.