2016 Scholars (Left to Right - Ines Torres, Judy Kang, Valeria Avila Guerrero, Nina Hill, Jessie Kaur, Dannesha Lewis)
Judy Kang Preferring brain models and animal encyclopedias over dolls as a child seemed natural to Judy, and both satisfied and inspired a curiosity for the sciences. A recent Dougherty Valley High School graduate, Judy will pursue a biology major at USC. Along the way she has found time to volunteer and interact with homeless individuals, intern at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital’s Research Institute, and volunteer at the Lawrence Science Hall Museum in Berkeley---all while maintaining a stellar grade point average. Congratulations from BWSF, Judy, on your many accomplishments.
Ines Torres Ines is enrolling at Sacramento State following the completion of nursing prerequisites at Los Medanos College. While at Los Medanos she served as Vice President of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honors Society and supported others as a peer mentor for Extended Opportunity and Programs Services ( EOPS). BWSF is pleased to support this incredible young woman who has overcome numerous obstacles over the years. Her belief in hard work and her sunny, calm disposition will certainly continue to contribute to future successes.
Dannesha Lewis As a child growing up in a single parent household, Dannesha used to think that obtaining a college education was something that only happened in the movies. Today, after much hard work, soul searching, and sacrifice she is on the verge of realizing a goal she did not know, much less dare, to dream. BWSF is thrilled to support her as she targets being the first in her family to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. Excelling in her work, Dannesha has successfully completed two Community College Associate’s Degrees and is headed to Sacramento State to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and Digital Forensics.
Jagjeet (Jessie) Kaur BWSF is honored to be helping Jagjeet (Jessie) Kaur head to the University of San Francisco following a successful high school experience at Pinole Valley High School where she excelled in numerous advanced classes. As vice-president of the Pinole Valley High School Forensics Team, Jessie received multiple trophies and accolades and chose to participate in Lincoln-Douglas style debates. During high school Jessie also volunteered as a team manager for several sports teams and plans on majoring in kinesiology with the ultimate goal of becoming a physician.
Valeria Avila Accepted into both UC Berkeley and Santa Clara University, Valeria is passionate about her chosen field of study in mechanical engineering. Her goal is to specialize in mechatronics which will involve designing robotics projects. Valeria was instrumental in initiating the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineering (SHPE) Chapter at Contra Costa College and served as the Society’s first president. A high achiever, Valeria has been on the Dean’s List for five straight semesters. BWSF is honored to contribute financially to help Valeria realize her dreams.
Nina Hill Nina Hill is about to realize a dream she has worked incredibly hard to achieve---attending a 4-year college to major in Social Work. BWSF is honored to help support her journey as she chooses between UC Berkeley and UC Davis . Nina excelled in her work at Contra Costa College where she served as a math assistant for one of her professors and, as a single mom, Nina still finds time to volunteer at the West Contra Costa Boys and Girls Club in Richmond. She has overcome numerous obstacles in her life and others describe her as a person who is persistent, passionate, and filled with empathy for others.