2018 Scholarship Cycle
Shattering Glass Ceilings Scholarship is pleased to announce the winners of our 2018 scholarships. We awarded scholarships to 10 women who are all first-generation college students. Of these women, 70% live in economically distressed areas and 30% have immigrated to America. Each recipient is receiving up to a $1000 scholarship, which is sent directly to the institution of higher learning to offset loans or direct tuition payments made by the student.
Shattering Glass Ceilings Scholarship’s 2018 Recipients
Cristal Arguello
Age: 18
Where Cristal grew up: New Haven, CT
Where Cristal now lives: Storrs, CT
Cristal’s college and academic year: University of Connecticut, Freshman
Area of study: Elementary Education
Why Cristal is pursuing a post-secondary education: “I’m pursuing a post-secondary education to gain new knowledge and experiences that might not be as accessible to me in my hometown. This is an opportunity for me to branch out and make connections as well as a chance to better myself. As the first person in my family to go to college, it gives me great pleasure to be an example for other students who are in the same situation as I was. If you believe in yourself, you are destined for great things.”
Zaidimary Barreto
Age: 21
Where Zaidimary grew up: Worcester, MA
Where Zaidimary now lives: Worcester, MA
Zaidimary’s college and academic year: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Junior
Area of study: Classics – Ancient Greek and Latin Languages
Why Zaidimary is pursuing a post-secondary education: “I am pursuing a post-secondary education because I want to be a teacher. Some of the most influencial and encouraging people in my life have been teachers. I would not be where I am now without them. I want to be able to encourage the next generation in the same way my teachers encouraged me.”
Victoria Basulto
Age: 20
Where Victoria grew up: Houston, TX
Where Victoria now lives: Houston, TX (studies in Hamilton, NY)
Victoria’s college and academic year: Colgate University, Sophomore
Area of study: English & History
Why Victoria is pursuing a post-secondary education: “I believe education is one of the many vehicles that empower us to change the world. I am an avid environmentalist and desire to devote my career to the cause of establishing policies that will protect our environment for years to come. My undergraduate career is preparing me for when I eventually pursue law in graduate school with the aim of becoming and environmental lawyer. “
Madilyn Castillo
Age: 20
Where Madilyn grew up: Colorado
Where Madilyn now lives: Centennial, CO
Madilyn’s college and academic year: Arapahoe Community College, Junior
Area of study: Nursing
Why Madilyn is pursuing a post-secondary education: “My father passed away of cancer when I was in high school. He had so many incredible nurses throughout his fight against cancer that it inspired me to become a nurse. I cannot wait to make a difference in the lives of my future patients and their families.”
Ashli Hunter
Age: 21
Where Ashli grew up: Kansas City, MO
Where Ashli now lives: Conway, AR
Ashli’s college and academic year: University of Central Arkansas, Junior
Area of study: Physical Therapy
Why Ashli is pursuing a post-secondary education: “I am pursuing a post-secondary so I can gain the skills and education to pursue a career as a Pediatric Physical Therapist.”
Maria Ibarra Rodriguez
Age: 25
Where Maria grew up: Texas
Where Maria now lives: Washington, DC
Maria’s college and academic year: Carnegie Mellon University, 2nd yr. master student
Area of study: Public Policy and Management
Why Maria is pursuing a post-secondary education: “I am pursuing a post-secondary education to better equip myself with the tools necessary create a positive change in the communities I find myself in.”
Alondra Martinez Osorno
Age: 20
Where Alondra grew up: Toluca, Mexico and Cannonsburg, PA
Where Alondra now lives: Strabane, PA
Alondra’s college and academic year: Washington and Jefferson College, Sophomore
Area of study: Biophysics and French
Why Alondra is pursuing a post-secondary education: “Education is our passport for the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” (Quote by Malcom X)
Tori Roy
Age: 20
Where Tori grew up: Houston, TX
Where Tori now lives : Houston, TX and Hamilton, NY (during the school year)
Tori’s college and academic year: Colgate University, Sophomore
Area of study: Asian Studies and Pre-med track
Why Tori is pursuing a post-secondary education: “I want to provide for my family; hopefully I will be able to do that while helping people.”
Ilsi Saca-Chinchilla
Age: 21
Where Ilsi grew up: Tela Atlántida, Honduras
Where Ilsi now lives: Naugatuck, CT
Ilsi’s college and academic year: Housatonic Community College, Freshman
Area of study: Criminal Justice
Why Ilsi is pursuing a post-secondary education: “I am pursuing a post-secondary education because I want a good future for my life and I want to become part for the new changing world.”
Alize Strickland
Age: 21
Where Alize grew up: Moon Township, PA
Where Alize now lives: Pittsburgh, PA
Alize’s college and academic year: Carlow University, Junior
Area of study: Social Work
Why Alize is pursuing a post-secondary education: “I’m the first person in my family to go off to college so it inspired me to make my parents proud. I also knew that I wanted to work with people, specifically children and a lot of jobs require a degree.”