“At the highly selective Girls Garage program in Berkeley, Women’s Design and Building Institute, we were given the task to build a simple wooden chair…I remember skipping sleep and built a seat-activated musical swan throne in just under 4 days. That experience strengthened my pride as a young woman tech maker, because when girls set their minds to it, we can definitely exceed society’s expectations in engineering.

As I pursue my education in college, I want to be part of the drive behind advancing robotics as the interface between humans and technology gets closer until they merge as one. I firmly believe kindness in engineering is what will turn these science-fiction dreams into reality.”

TALIYAH HUANG
PBWC CHARLES SCHWAB SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

“When I was on a male-dominated LEGO robotics team, I was pushed to poster design rather than code. Fortunately, I was given a second chance on a Girl Scout FIRST robotics team. I started Full STEAM Ahead, an organization to help minorities start and run their own STEM teams through a networking app.

With the [PBWC scholarship], I plan to earn a dual-degree in engineering and business. XR [extended reality] can transport students anywhere or “any when.” With such endless possibilities, I plan to lead a company that invents more affordable and accessible XR devices so that every student will have a chance to fully engage with the curriculum like never before. ”

ALYSSA HO
PBWC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

“My goal is to become a California legislator in order to represent and include the voices of marginalized communities I identify with. My goal in becoming a California legislator is rooted in my love of history and my passion for social justice.

I will develop my historical understanding at Stanford University, where I will work toward a Bachelor’s degree in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity. The PBWC Scholarship will eliminate the need for me to work a part-time job alongside these other obligations, which will help me focus entirely on my goal. Additionally…networking with PBWC will allow me to connect with other passionate women who will help me navigate college and career life.”

ALANA OKONKWO
PBWC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

“I was one of few black people swimming on the city team. Out of 10,000 students in my school district, about 138 are Black/African-American. I still pursued my interests. I joined the robotics team. I mentored our youth robotics camps. UC Davis…offered me an internship, where I have simulated peptides to understand prostate cancer.

I hope to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. since I have always been interested in research and medicine. I plan to use artificial intelligence to develop solutions for issues such as antibiotic resistance and neurological conditions. By awarding me this scholarship, you are investing in my potential, and I am committed to making this investment well worth your time and money.”

AYANTU TAMENE
PBWC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

“When we shut our mouths and close the cover to our unique histories, we permit our stories to be rewritten by the pen of injustice. Through using my words to mobilize hundreds in the fight against racism and misogyny, I’ve reclaimed a voice deemed not mine from the moment I was born.

I’m excited to further my fight for social justice in college, where I’ll pursue Asian studies, political science, and gender studies to realize my dreams of becoming a political journalist and foreign correspondent. Through learning and illuminating diverse communities’ stories, I’ll continue doing what makes me most happy: using storytelling to effect change.”

GRACE XIA
PBWC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

“Despite getting the highest Linux score from my school in the National CyberPatriot Competition, I was repeatedly rejected by boys [on the cybersecurity team] because they refused to believe my accomplishments. So, I founded G-TEC, an organization teaching biweekly lessons in technology, engineering, and cybersecurity to middle school and high school girls.

My future goal [is] to use AI and neuroscience to advance the field of medicine through better diagnoses and treatments. PBWC’s mission aligns with my own: to pass on the gift of the education I have received to other women so we can rise together.”

ASHMITA KUMAR
PBWC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

“I am passionate about mental health, a serious issue that is ignored in predominantly Asian-American communities like my own. I believe major corporations have the potential to create mutually beneficial relationships with the communities they influence, rather than having a detrimental impact to prioritize profit. I hope to work in social corporate responsibility and business management to help international corporations realize that profit and public good are not mutually exclusive.

PBWC focuses on creating an impact, something I hope to do with my college education and career, cultivating positive change at the edge of the private and public sectors.”

GRACE ZHANG
PBWC SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

“Georgetown Professor Eric Koester offered me the opportunity to write a book under his mentorship. This book, Cage of Bias, is my protest and remedy to the status quo, offering researched initiatives for cultural and organizational reform in law firms. I hope to be a voice for women with similar experiences, engaging in advocacy that can prompt real change.

I strive to embody the same dedication to equality and social justice that the Professional BusinessWomen of California demonstrate. With a PBWC Scholarship, I would fight each day for a dream of true gender equality and a more just nation for all, with a track record of advocating for real-world change.”

HETVA JOSHI
LOREN MAHON BOOK SCHOLARSHIP

“At 7-years-old, I became the spokesperson of the household. Although I became the voice of my household, my voice remained low when I was in school, fearing if I spoke up people would notice I wasn’t born here. My voice was confined but in my head, I was raging with thoughts wanting to express themselves.

I have ambitions to be an entrepreneur to a sustainable business because of my values in starting from the ground-up and environmental beliefs to reduce our carbon footprint. PBWC’s scholarship will not only relieve my financial burden but allow me to pursue my ambitions as a sustainable entrepreneur so I can go on to be a Professional BusinessWomen of California.”

KAYLIE (MEIQI) LI
LOREN MAHON BOOK SCHOLARSHIP

“My goal is to create an assistive medical technology research company that develops rehabilitative haptic technology and brain-interface computers. I plan to study computer science and gender studies to tackle systems that perpetuate power and gender bias in technology and the workplace. It’s necessary to change societal perceptions around math, particularly for those with marginalized identities, because STEM confidence translates to confidence in other areas.

As the first generation in my family to attend college in the US, the mentorship, skill development, and support from PBWC would be invaluable in navigating my studies and career in computer science.”

MIRIAM BRODY
LOREN MAHON BOOK SCHOLARSHIP