University of Illinois-Chicago ’21 | $2,000 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: ALPHA KAPPA DELTA PHI SORORITY

Casey Bala is a sophomore majoring in Kinesiology. She is an aspiring Physical Therapist because of her passion for making a difference in others lives and creating a bond like no other. On campus, she is a leader in Alpha Kappa Delta Phi Sorority, and Filipinos in Alliance. These Asian interest organizations have helped her to make meaningful change within her community by volunteering and gaining leadership skills. Furthermore, she is known for the enthusiasm in empowering members and spreading positivity, by bringing warmth and liveliness. Aside from watching Filipino Teleseryes, listening to OPM, and traveling with family, modeling is one of Casey’s interests. Being Filipino, with the honor of Cum Laude in a predominantly Caucasian high school is something in which she will forever take pride. “Despite the challenges I have experienced, I take each and every opportunity to blossom into the preserving student I am today.”

University of Illinois-Chicago College of Pharmacy | $750 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: INSTITUTE FOR HEALTHCARE IMPROVEMENT

Crissel Maria Arban is a graduate student student pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree with a concentration in Urban Pharmacy Services. In pharmacy school, she volunteered for pediatric cancer patients through the Kythe Foundation, administered blood glucose tests at health fairs, served as a Health Professions Student Council (HPSC) Representative and APhA-ASP Operation Diabetes Vice Chair, and co-founded a new interprofessional organization called the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Open School Chapter at UIC. During undergrad, she conducted a research study to determine how enculturation and ageism impact young adult Filipino American preferences for elder care, and was involved with Filipinos in Alliance (FIA), and the Midwest Association of Filipino Americans (MAFA). “Once I earn my Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), I hope to complete a residency and work as a clinical pharmacist in underserved communities. I enjoy painting, singing pop songs, trying new food from different cultures, playing Disney hits on the piano, and making corny jokes. You can always find me with a smile.”

University of Illinois-Chicago | $500 Sampaguita Scholarship

Nominating Organization: FILIPINOS IN ALLIANCE (FIA)

Jomarie Arban is a junior at the University of Illinois-Chicago. She is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a minor in Spanish and aspires to become a pediatric dentist. At UIC, she actively serves as the Pre-Dentistry Representative of the UIC Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), an editor for the UIC Honors College JPHAS publication, and an Honors College Ambassador. She is also involved with Filipinos in Alliance (FIA), the Midwest Association of Filipino Americans (MAFA), Pre-Dentistry Club, Donate by Design, and Vietnamese Student Association. She has devoted her previous summers to volunteering in the pediatric and surgical recovery unit at her local hospital, and she cared for pediatric cancer patients in the Philippines as a Kythe Foundation volunteer.