Loyola University ’19 & Marquette University ’17 | $2,000 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY INTERVARSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Jessica is a graduate student at Loyola University in Chicago pursuing a master’s degree in Secondary Education. She hopes to become a high school Biology teacher and motivate and inspire her students. In 2017, she graduated from Marquette University with a BS in Biological Sciences. There, she was actively involved in the Bayanihan Student Organization, where she served as Cultural Events Coordinator and Historian. She also led the first Filipino bible study group through Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. Jessica enjoys singing, dancing, watching Youtube, traveling, and spending time with family and loved ones. Her goal is to get rid of the stigma of pursuing a teaching career and to inspire more Asian Americans to pursue a profession in teaching.

Northeastern University ’21 | $500 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: PHILIPPINE ART FOUNDATION

Safia is a sophomore pursuing a degree in Political Science and International Affairs at Northeastern University in Boston. On campus, she is a violist in the Northeastern Symphony Orchestra, as well as an executive board member of the Interrobang Slam Poets—an organization that seeks to promote diverse and otherwise marginalized voices through slam poetry. Off campus, she celebrates her Filipino heritage by dancing with the Philippine Arts Foundation and working as an organizer in the St. Louis, Missouri branch of Gawad Kalinga, a nonprofit that works to eliminate poverty in the Philippines. Through these opportunities, Safia hopes to create communities and spaces where diverse voices can be heard and supported.

Marquette University ’19 | $300 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: BAYANIHAN STUDENT ORGANIZATION

Brianne is a senior majoring in Biomedical Sciences and minoring in Psychology at Marquette University with the intention of going on to medical school. She is involved with the Bayanihan Student Organization, the American Medical Student Association, Biomedical Sciences Student Association, the Pre-Student Osteopathic Medical Association, and KAPWA—the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship’s witnessing community. Brianne is passionate about working with under-served communities, and has been volunteering as a Hospital Elder Life Program caregiver for over a year. She likes to listen to different types of music, read short stories, eat good food with good friends, draw digitally, play video games, and make people laugh.

Marquette University ’20 | $250 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: BAYANIHAN STUDENT ORGANIZATION

Alyssa is a junior studying Nursing at Marquette University. She is an executive board member of the Bayanihan Student Organization—the school’s Filipino American organization. Last fall, Alyssa helped to write and coordinate the spring Cultural Show which featured a storyline, traditional Filipino folk dance, and non-Filipino dances. She has volunteered at a crisis nursery and safe haven called La Causa where, she helped to keep kids engaged and make their temporary stay at the safe haven as comfortable as possible. Alyssa uses the phrase cura personalis meaning “care for the whole person.” Alyssa believes that these experiences will contribute to who she is, as a nurse. She enjoys playing instruments, singing, dancing, and petting dogs.

University of Missouri ’18 (December) | $200 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: ASIAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

Gina is a senior at the University of Missouri-Columbia studying Nursing with a goal of pursuing a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM). She has served as secretary for the Asian American Association and Co-Diversity Chair for the Student Nurses Association. Compassionate about the human experience, Gina, whose focus includes health, diversity, and individualization has volunteered for the American Red Cross, Preferred Hospice of Columbia, and the Sinclair School of Nursing. She also likes to emphasize the importance of community during times of hardship. Gina enjoys choreographed dance, anything coffee-related, and studying—as she considers herself a lifelong learner.