Fisher Family First-Generation Endowed Scholarship Fund

Kevin Chen is a rising junior at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, pursuing a double major in Finance and Accounting. His journey at the University of Maryland has been both challenging and rewarding, providing Kevin with numerous opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. Kevin has been actively involved in several student organizations, including Delta Sigma Pi, where he has served as the Brotherhood Chair and a member of the Recruitment Committee. Additionally, Kevin participated in the Consult Your Community program as a Business Analyst, where he worked on real-world consulting projects for local businesses. These experiences have sharpened his leadership skills and reinforced his commitment to making a positive impact in the business world.

Since a young age, Gifty Okrah has been drawn to service and leadership, recognizing that these qualities can be exhibited by anyone, regardless of their background or experience. Since transferring to the University of Maryland, she has had the privilege of interning at the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis, attending sessions, meetings, and bill hearings, and responding to constituents in her assigned district. As part of this experience, she worked to gather witnesses for one of the bills that her assigned delegate designed, utilizing her critical thinking and analytical skills to identify and analyze policies that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. Through this experience, she gained a deeper understanding of the challenges that vulnerable communities face, particularly immigrants, and is committed to designing solutions that prioritize their needs. As an aspiring Immigration Lawyer and Foreign Service Officer, pursuing degrees in Public Policy and Law will provide her with valuable tools and knowledge to prepare for a career in diplomacy. Gifty is grateful for this opportunity to pursue her passions and serve others, and she is confident that her proven leadership skills and commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive environment will serve her well in this pursuit.

Valentina Ortez is interested in government and how policies impact society, thus she is majoring in Public Policy. As an undergrad, she aims to obtain the fundamentals of law and political science, gaining essential skills to become an immigration advocate. She is part of One Thousand Schools, which is a nonprofit organization helping build schools in Honduras to empower the youth via education. Valentina employs her public speaking, writing, and leadership abilities to organize events and recruit and direct volunteers for the organization.

Angie Chan is currently a junior undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park pursuing a degree in Physiology and Neurobiology on a pre-medical track. She recently got accepted into the Research Associate Program in Emergency Medicine and Critical Care at the University of Maryland Medical Center where she is excited to gain valuable experience in clinical research, volunteering and shadowing, develop leadership skills, and work with other students in the program with similar interests and goals. On campus, Angie is the treasurer of the Operational Smiles organization, a non-profit international medical charity for children with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities.

Isaiah Griffith is a junior Public Health Science major pursuing a certificate in African American Studies. He currently works as a student assistant in the Public Health Science advising office and as a teaching assistant for the SPH STEP program. He is also the Vice President of College Mentors for Kids and the Policy Director for SSDP, as well as a member of several other clubs on campus.

Sophia D'Alonzo is pursuing a double major in Political/Public Advocacy Communication and Environmental Science & Policy. Sophia is involved in many advocacy organizations. She is the Conservations Projects and Recruitment coordinator for MaryPIRG, a campus organization that equips students with grassroots organizing skills. She also founded UMD Mutual Aid, which serves as a way to connect struggling students to the resources they need.

Edwin Arevalo is an upcoming junior graduating in May 2023 majoring in Aerospace Engineering. He is a first-generation college student who transferred to Maryland from Montgomery College after receiving his Associate's Degree in Aerospace Engineering. Edwin's parents are both from El Salvador; they met in Maryland for the first time in their late 20's and have lived here ever since. They have three boys and one girl, with Edwin being the youngest. Edwin was drawn to the engineering field through his passion for problem-solving and inquisitiveness for why things work. In March 2020, he was invited to a NASA onsite experience with the NCAS program where his team competed and placed first in a robotics competition against students from across the country. Edwin primarily works at his father's construction company but occasionally does freelance photography and other odd jobs. He hopes to find an internship in his chosen field for the summer or possibly a Co-op in the springtime. He has high hopes for what the future has in store for him and is dedicated to improving the world and giving back to his community.