Scholarship Awardees

INCOMING FRESHMAN

Current Major:

Undecided Business in McCombs for Freshman year, major will be declared in Sophomore year of College

What I hope this scholarship will help me achieve:

This scholarship provides an amazing opportunity to be able to fund my education at the University of Texas at Austin. I hope to continue various leadership positions and community-oriented projects as I enter college as a freshman, and with this scholarship funding me and backing my education I will be able to make a difference in the Austin community.

How I found out about this Scholarship:

I was researching local Texas scholarships pertaining to the major I wanted to go into when I came across the Texas Women in Public Finance Scholarship! I felt as though the message of community service and public community help resonated with projects I have completed, and I ended up applying in Spring 2024!

My Current Hobbies:

My current hobbies include playing Volleyball, running my small businesses, continuing leadership roles in a college setting (such as recently taking on the role of Associate Director of Outreach on the UT Student Government Executive Board), and running!

My Future Goals:

My goal is to push myself to experience life beyond my comfort zone while establishing meaningful relationships. I intend to say ‘yes’ to studying and working abroad, adopting a rescue dog, exploring the non-profit space, improving my less-than-stellar baking skills, and hiking the Appalachian trail.

Interest in Mentorship Program:

I would love to take part in the mentorship program offered! I believe that mentorship coaching would allow me to further boost my education and career objectives as I enter college this upcoming year.

INCOMING FRESHMAN

Current Major:

Finance

What I hope this scholarship will help me achieve:

This scholarship means the world to me as it will allow me to focus on my studies without worrying about my financial stress.

How I found out about this Scholarship:

I found out about this scholarship through a google search while looking for organizations that support women in finance.

My Current Hobbies:

I love playing volleyball with my friends and getting lost in a good book in my free time.

My Future Goals:

My future goals are to finish my degree in finance and gain as much practical experience as possible through internships. Ultimately, I dream of working with top companies like Goldman Sachs or JP Morgan as an investment banker or in private equity.

Interest in Mentorship Program:

I am most excited ab out the opportunity to connect with other women who share my passion for finance and to learn more about public finance through your mentorship program.

Current Major:

Finance, Risk Management & Insurance 

What you hope this scholarship will help you achieve: 

Receiving the 2024 Kate Bechtold Undergraduate Scholarship will empower me to serve younger generations in the Hispanic community by promoting financial literacy. As a Latina aspiring financial advisor, I aim to provide financial freedom for families and help eliminate the student loan debt crisis. This scholarship will enable me to focus on my education and gain the necessary skills to educate others. I will create programs to assist first-generation students in achieving their dream of attending university without incurring debt. The scholarship will not only support my academic and professional growth but also help me make a lasting impact on my community.

How you found out about this scholarship:

I discovered this scholarship through Baylor University.

Your current hobbies:

I have many hobbies. In my spare time, I like investing in the stock market, traveling to Europe and performing Broadway musicals to my audience of dogs. 

Your future goals:

Looking ahead, my future goals include establishing a financial advisory firm dedicated to serving the Hispanic community, creating educational resources on financial literacy, and advocating for policies that make higher education more accessible and affordable for all students.

Note your interest level in our mentorship program:

I am very interested in your mentorship program due to my passion for helping others. As a first-generation college student, I know firsthand the challenges of navigating the college application and scholarship processes without guidance. I wish I had someone to advise me on adjusting to the college environment and getting involved on campus. As a mentor, I want to be that person someone can look up to when they feel confused about school or simply need a friend. I believe I can be incredibly helpful to others by offering the support and guidance I wish I had received.

Current Major:

I will be majoring in Statistics and Data Science at the University of Texas at Austin.

What I hope this scholarship will help me achieve:

This scholarship will assist me in covering the expenses of a college education. Additionally, this scholarship provides me with a network of women who have navigated a field I am interested in pursuing, and I am extremely grateful to WPF for providing me this resource.

How I found this scholarship:

I found out about this scholarship through my high school’s college counselor.

Current hobbies:

My hobbies include nature photography, reading books, and hiking.

My future goals:

My goal is to become a data scientist and conduct statistical analyses in public sectors, such as finance, so that I am able to make discoveries that benefit the general public and create a positive difference in our world.

Current Major:

Master in Public Affairs | Graduate Portfolio in Critical Disability Studies

What you hope this scholarship will help you achieve:

Receiving this scholarship is immensely helpful in advancing my academic and professional goals. It has allowed me to deepen my expertise in policy specialization and dedicate myself to the study of disability rights and justice with greater focus. This financial support has enabled me to continue learning and pursuing opportunities that contribute meaningfully to my field and community. I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity this scholarship has provided me.

How you found out about this scholarship:

Word of mouth, prior recipient.

Your current hobbies: 

My hobbies include watching movies, attending live concerts, and traveling often, typically down to the Rio Grande Valley to visit my family and friends!

Your future goals:

My future goal is to become a recognized expert in public policy and advocacy, particularly focusing on issues affecting Texans with disabilities and their families. I aspire to contribute actively to the Texas legislature by providing informed insights and recommendations on policies that can improve the lives and rights of individuals with disabilities. By leveraging my knowledge and experience in this field, I aim to be a valuable resource, driving positive change and ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

Note your interest level in our mentorship program:

Interested.

Current Major: 

Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education

What you hope this scholarship will help you achieve:

This scholarship has opened an array of personal, professional, and academic pathways. One that includes helping me reach my most invaluable goal of earning a Doctoral degree. Furthermore, I am relieved of the financial hardship involved in funding my studies, in addition to expanding my networking relationship(s) with the support from Women in Public Finance - Texas Chapter.

How you found out about this scholarship:

I'm familiar with this spectacular opportunity because I am a former awardee of the Kate Bechtold Graduate Scholarship. Prior to my award, I first learned of this scholarship by a google search which led me to connect with TWPF members and apply.  

Your current hobbies: 

My hobbies consist of spending daily activities with my family, learn new things, and travel.

Your future goals: 

One of my future goals is to become the United States Secretary of Education. Additionally, I plan to establish a non-profit program geared towards supporting students' academic aspirations by eradicating personal barriers.

Note your interest level in our mentorship program:

I am very interested in the TXWPF mentorship program and look forward to participating in the upcoming engagement sessions.

Current Major:

Master's degree in International Banking and Finance

What I hope this scholarship will help me achieve:

I am thrilled to have received this recognition and am grateful for the opportunity to further my education. Please know that I am committed to making the most of this scholarship and utilizing it to its fullest potential. The financial support will enable me to concentrate on my studies and make progress towards my goals without financial burden.

How I found out about this Scholarship:

I want to extend my thanks to my esteemed colleague and campus high school counselor, Mrs. Ana Laura Guajardo, who informed me about this prestigious scholarship. Her guidance and support have been invaluable, and I appreciate her encouragement to pursue my academic and professional goals.

My Current Hobbies:

When I'm not focused on my studies or professional development, you can find me exploring state and national parks, cooking, crafting, or spending quality time with my husband and our two beautiful children. Traveling with them is a particular joy, as we love discovering new places and experiencing different cultures together.

My Future Goals:

My ultimate goal is to use my knowledge and skills to help my husband start his own engineering company. We are eager to build a legacy for our children and create a better future for them. I believe that this Master's degree will equip me with the expertise needed to contribute significantly to our family's entrepreneurial endeavors.

Interest in Mentorship Program:

In addition to my academic pursuits, I am also interested in exploring opportunities with TX-WPF, including potential internships that will allow me to gain hands-on experience in the field. I am excited about the possibility of working with your organization and learning from the experts in the industry.