TEstimonials

Angelina Nediyathu, Senior, University of Arizona

Receiving a Phoenix Union Foundation for Education scholarship was more than financial support for this student—it was a reminder that others believed in their dreams and potential. They have always viewed higher education as a meaningful opportunity to honor their family’s sacrifices and create a future built on purpose and service. The scholarship helped make attending the University of Arizona more attainable, allowing them to focus on their education, pursue meaningful experiences, and grow as a student, leader, and community member.

Now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Biotechnology with a minor in Public Health, they are dedicated to building a future in healthcare that combines science, compassion, and service. Through leadership with the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association, they created mentorship opportunities that helped other students feel supported and represented. Their commitment to caring for others extends through experiences as a NICU Care Cuddler, caregiver, public health participant, and researcher studying areas such as maternal health, healthcare equity, and developmental language disorders. As they prepare for medical school and a future career focused on improving maternal and infant health, they continue to carry forward the impact of scholarship support by using their education to serve others and create opportunities for the next generation.

Deborah Palomino Lopez, Senior, Arizona State University

Receiving a Phoenix Union Foundation for Education scholarship gave this student the opportunity to pursue their college goals with greater confidence and focus. Growing up in a low-income household, they understood that earning a degree would represent more than academic achievement—it would open doors to new opportunities and create a path toward financial stability. Scholarship support helped ease the cost of tuition, books, and other educational expenses, allowing them to dedicate more time to their studies, become involved on campus, and pursue experiences that brought them closer to their goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

At Arizona State University, they have transformed opportunities into meaningful achievements through leadership, professional growth, and service. As an active member of Beta Alpha Psi, they have participated in career development opportunities, served on the Internal Audit Committee, and were elected Director of National Reporting. They also served as Vice President of External Outreach for Capital Advisory Group, helping connect students with finance professionals and career opportunities. Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, they gave back by preparing tax returns for low-income individuals and families, using their knowledge to support members of the community. With a passion for public accounting and a commitment to helping others, they continue to build a future where their education can create opportunities not only for themselves, but for those around them.

Kamal Asadov, Junior, Arizona State University

Receiving two Phoenix Union Foundation for Education scholarships during senior year at North High School was a meaningful moment for this student and a reminder that others believed in their potential. As a recipient of the Maria Gomez Dream Scholarship and the Andrew Aranda No Place for Hate Scholarship, they received support that helped make the transition to college possible by easing the cost of textbooks, transportation, and other essential expenses. That support allowed them to focus more fully on their education and embrace the opportunities available at Arizona State University.

Now a junior studying business, they continue to make the most of their college experience by balancing a full course load, three jobs, and valuable professional experiences, including two marketing internships. Through their work as a stylist at J. Crew and Alo Yoga, as well as their role at a fitness studio, they have developed strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills. They are also an active member of Tau Psi Omega Fraternity, Inc., where they have participated in service initiatives such as Sin Fronteras, a community outreach project that provided toys, school supplies, and hygiene items to children in Hermosillo, Mexico. Grateful for the support that helped begin their college journey, they continue to work hard, serve others, and pursue their goal of earning an MBA and building a career where they can make a positive impact.

Lydia Lutake, Junior, Northeastern University

Receiving the Phoenix Union Black Excellence Award and being named a previous recipient of the Avanzando Scholarship have been meaningful sources of support for this Northeastern University student as they continue pursuing their education and goals. These awards have helped ease the financial challenges of college by supporting essential needs such as textbooks, food, and health insurance. More importantly, they have served as a reminder that their hard work, potential, and commitment to their community are recognized and valued.

Now studying Data Science and Design, they are using their education to create meaningful change through technology, mentorship, and service. Through DREAM Madison Park, they mentor a student in the Roxbury community, helping build confidence and encouraging them to explore new opportunities. As a product designer with Code4Community, they apply their classroom knowledge to real-world projects, including helping design a dashboard for Securing Safe Food, a nonprofit working to address food insecurity among individuals with allergies. They also support fellow first-generation and low-income students through their involvement with Northeastern’s U-first club. Through each of these experiences, they demonstrate a commitment to using their skills and education to uplift others and create a lasting impact in their community.

Natalie Rivera Mendez, Senior, Arizona State University

Receiving the SPS Plus Architects and Bristol Myers scholarships through the Phoenix Union Foundation for Education changed the way this student viewed her college journey. As a first-generation college student, she knew earning a degree was an important goal, but the financial challenges of commuting to campus, working part-time, and covering everyday expenses often felt overwhelming. Scholarship support helped ease those challenges by providing assistance with textbooks, lab supplies, transportation costs, and other essentials, allowing her to focus less on financial stress and more on becoming the student and community member she hoped to be.

Now a senior at Arizona State University studying Speech and Hearing Science, she has embraced every opportunity to grow through academics, leadership, and service. As a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc., the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, and AllWalks at ASU, she has built lasting connections and strengthened her commitment to supporting others. Her experiences have inspired her goal of becoming a pediatric speech-language pathologist, where she hopes to help children find their voices and feel empowered. The support she received from the Phoenix Union Foundation for Education gave her the confidence and resources to fully engage in her college experience, and she hopes to continue that legacy by serving the same communities that have supported her along the way.