Previous Scholarship Recipients
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Join us in celebrating the 2025 Scholarship Recipients!
Destinee Betts
Destinee is a Kansas City Native and a 2010 graduate from Shawnee mission Northwest high school.
She is a mom of two and is attending Donnelly College pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Destinee is proud to show her children what perseverance looks like by setting a positive example showing them it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Rowena McSwain
Rowena is a dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant with over 10 years of experience in healthcare. She is a current nursing student at Donnelly College and is on track to graduate in the Fall 2025. She is a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and a nurse extern at Research Medical Center. Rowena is passionate about patient care and nursing education, with a long-term goal of teaching and mentoring the next generation of nurses.
Isabel Lauderdale
Isabel is a dedicated and emerging mental health professional -She is pursuing her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella University and is on track to earn her license by December 2025. She utilizes a trauma-informed, integrative, and multicultural approach in her work. Isabel is a mother of two and her journey as a student, parent, and future therapist reflects the core values this scholarship celebrates: commitment to community, personal growth, and transformative care.
Kristin Selby
Kristin is the director of New Roots, a four-year training program supporting refugees and immigrants with agricultural backgrounds in starting farm businesses in Kansas City. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Kansas State University and is currently earning her Master’s degree in Adult Education and Leadership through K-State. Her interests and skills include writing and communication, leadership, urban farming and gardening, language access, and adult education.
Emily Lopez
Emily is a proud mother of six and a dedicated student completing her electrical technology certification at KCKCC. She is excited to enter the electrical field and build a stable, fulfilling future for my family.
She loves being outdoors with her kids—taking time to slow down, listen to the birds, and feel the sun, grateful for each day. Emily is on track to complete her certification in 2025.
Aiesha Williams
Aiesha serves as a Recovery Room teacher, specializing in student support and behavior intervention through the BIST model. She holds certification in phlebotomy and takes great pride in her role as a wife and mother of six. Aiesha is attending Avila University pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. With a strong commitment to care, structure, and professionalism, Aiesha strives to make a meaningful impact in every environment she serves.
Asia Williams
Asia is a respiratory care student at Johnson County Community College
She is currently working toward a career in healthcare while also holding onto my passion for storytelling.
Before starting this journey, she spent seven years working in the mental health field and still kept her dream of writing screenplays alive. Asia has always been drawn to both science and creativity and is excited to build a future that blends both.
2024 Scholarship Recipients
Jasmine Payne-Julu
-Jasmine is attending Park University working towards a Master degree in Social Work.
Aime Tindle
-Ismara is attending Availa University working towards a Bachelor degree in Social Work.
Chelsea Turner
-Chelsea is attending the University of Missouri Kansas City working towards a Master degree in Social Work.
Shannon Gustafson
-Shannon is attending Baker University and working towards a Bachelor degree in Business Administration.
Corien Shaw
-Corien is attending the University of Missouri Kansas City working towards a Bachelor degree in Non-Profit Business Management.
LaShea Young
-LaShea is attending University of Kansas working towards a Master degree in Social Work.
Hope Thompson
-Hope is attending University of Missouri Kansas City working towards a Master degree in Public Administration.
