Editorial Policy

About Fiza

Fiza is a dedicated writer and researcher with expertise in internships, scholarships, career opportunities, and financial aid. Her skills enable her to craft engaging and insightful content that guides students through the complex processes of applying for financial aid and pursuing career opportunities.

She graduated from Boston College, majoring in Applied Psychology and Human Development and Computer Science.

Experience

Fiza has experience in writing blog posts, SEO content, and creative storytelling. On her personal blog, she shares engaging narratives through personal anecdotes. Her international experiences have given her a global perspective, enabling her to connect with a diverse audience. Fiza is committed to making a meaningful impact through her writing, always considering the perspectives and experiences of others.

Since joining the Bold.org team in 2022, Fiza has channeled her passion for guiding students through pivotal stages of their academic journeys. She understands the challenges associated with college life and is dedicated to helping students adjust to their degree programs and manage their finances. Motivated by her own experiences, Fiza is passionate about empowering students by providing guidance and support that she wished she had during her undergraduate years.

Quote from Fiza

“To educate is to empower.”

About Elizabeth

As the Donor Publications Lead, Elizabeth specializes in drafting and managing scholarship proposal drafts for donors at Bold.org. She leverages her firsthand experience applying for and winning scholarships and has navigated the process of taking out and paying back student loans.

Elizabeth graduated from Georgetown University with a major in English and Government with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies and is now a J.D. candidate at New York University School of Law. 

Experience

At Georgetown University, Elizabeth was a news reporter for The Hoya, where she pitched articles, conducted interviews, attended local events, and drafted content. Through college, she also worked as a tutor and served as a mentor for high school students as they applied for college. Elizabeth currently engages in legal and research writing at the New York University School of Law.

Since joining the Bold.org team in 2021, Elizabeth started as a Content Writer and has since become the Donor Publications Lead. She is an avid writer with a passion for creating scholarships for donors and crafting content that informs and assists students and young professionals. Motivated by her firsthand experience as a student, Elizabeth is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and the resources she’s discovered to help the next generation of students succeed.

Quote from Elizabeth

“Change is possible. The more people, organizations, schools, and companies talk about the student debt crisis, the easier it will be for students to find the help they need and for college to be made more accessible.”

About Jasmine

Jasmine is a dynamic writer and researcher with experience in college essay and personal statement writing, standardized testing (SAT), and building resumes for college applications. Her diverse skill set and dedication to helping students succeed make her an invaluable resource for those navigating the college admissions process.

Jasmine is currently a student at New York University majoring in Politics and Online/Print Journalism. She has been honored with the NYU Expository Writing Program Josh Goldfaden award for her efforts in fostering a positive community of peer writers. 

She is also a contributing writer for the New York University Paper, Washington Square News and specializes in "The Science of Reading" as a tutor educator as well.

Jasmine is no longer with the Bold.org Writing Team, but we continue to value and appreciate her contributions.

About Kate

Kate is passionate about using writing to educate and help others. Her research and writing skills allow her to create expert content for Bold.org. Nearing the completion of her degrees in both Journalism and Astrophysics at Michigan State University, she has experience with advanced research as well as factual reporting. 

She has done professional freelance writing for Hour Detroit Magazine and is both a writer and editor for the online publication Her Campus, geared towards college students. Additionally, her background working in a public school district gives her a unique perspective that can serve students on their journey to higher education. Following her education, Kate plans to pursue a career as a scientific writer.

Kate is no longer with the Bold.org Writing Team, but we continue to value and appreciate her contributions.

About Elise

Elise is a skilled and knowledgeable writer. Her understanding of scholarships and internships enables her to craft insightful and informative content that resonates with students, helping them navigate the often complex processes of applying for financial aid and career opportunities.

Elise graduated from New York University with a double major in English and Psychology, as well as a minor in Creative Writing.

Experience

Through challenging university coursework and corporate experience, Elise has become an expert in several different types of writing, including literary analysis, content pieces, formal scientific writing, SEO editing, and more. Elise expanded on her knowledge while interning in marketing, using her understanding of SEO to boost website traffic and customer engagement.

She’s published a short story in The Foundationalist literary magazine and has also won several short story writing awards at the regional and international levels. Elise loves to craft content that helps students navigate college life and scholarship applications. She makes use of syntax and tone to write readable, engaging pieces. Elise has a solid understanding of linguistics and grammatical structures across multiple languages thanks to her fluency in English and proficiency in Mandarin and Cantonese. 

Elise first joined Bold.org in 2022 during her undergraduate studies, explored other pursuits in 2023, and happily returned in 2024 as a Content Writer. Motivated by her writing skills, she aims to make educational resources more accessible for students of all backgrounds. Additionally, she believes it's important to add to the available information on student loans and student finances in a way that's user-friendly and easy to understand.

Quote from Elise

“I try to create content that would have helped my younger self— stuff I wish I knew when I was starting college.”

About Ellie

Ellie is an exceptional writer and researcher with expertise in financial aid, scholarship applications, and aid negotiation. Throughout high school, she applied for scholarships and was able to win enough to cover all of her external scholarship limit.

Ellie is a freshman at Brown University, majoring in Classics and Literary Arts with a focus on fiction. She’s currently a research assistant for the American Sign Language department at Brown University where she fulfills many different roles to promote ASL's presence on campus and in the local community.

Experience

Despite being a recent high school graduate, Ellie has already built a strong foundation as a writer. She volunteered with an online nonprofit to launch their pilot blog program, excelling as both a writer and editor. Her role as the editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper further honed her editorial skills, while her participation in international Debate & Forensics competitions enhanced her ability to craft compelling arguments and narratives. These experiences showcase her initiative, leadership, and dedication to the craft of writing.

Since joining the Bold.org team in 2024 as a Content Writer, Ellie has leveraged her extensive background as a scholarship applicant and recipient to help others navigate the scholarship application process. Her expertise also includes crafting resumes, writing cover letters, and preparing for interviews.

As a student who will invariably graduate with debt, she is increasingly sensitive to the financial pressures college students face. Motivated by her desire to make a meaningful impact, she aims to advocate for accessible financial resources and support systems that can help alleviate the burden of higher education costs for future students.

Ellie is driven by her passion to make a meaningful impact. Through her creative and engaging writing, she addresses relevant issues with the powerful art of storytelling. Ellie strives to make information accessible, helping students understand the nuances of college life.

Quote from Ellie

 "There is a defiance in being a dreamer." 

About Safa

Safa is a great writer and researcher. She brings a unique blend of creativity and analytical skills to our writing team, honed through her diverse experiences in both literary and media fields.

Safa is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan majoring in English and Creative Writing with a minor in User Experience Design.

Experience

Safa has always loved writing and reading. She loves to write poetry and informational articles. She was an English summer intern at Michigan News where she assisted in planning, researching, and writing news articles. With the knowledge she gained at this internship, she became a skilled article writer. 

She now works for Michigan News as a media assistant, focusing on graphics and social media writing. Safa’s poetry collection, “Let Us Get Lost in the Valleys,” was a first-place winner of the Hopwood program's Keith Taylor Award for Excellence in Poetry by the University of Michigan in 2023. She also won the Seham Elasmar Memorial Scholarship for writing and media from the Islamic Scholarship Fund to support her English education. Safa's experience and passion for writing allow her to provide students with valuable information and insights.

Safa is no longer with the Bold.org Writing Team, but we continue to value and appreciate her contributions.

About Bold.org Editorial Team

Welcome to the creative minds behind Bold.org! Our dedicated Editorial Team is passionate about empowering students on their academic journey by providing valuable insights into scholarships, student loans, finances, and college life. We believe in the influential power of education and strive to make the path to success a bit smoother for every student. College is more than just classes and exams; it's a transformative experience. Our articles explore various aspects of college life, from choosing the right major to balancing academics and extracurricular activities. Our objective is to help students and graduates receive more information about scholarships, grants, and all sorts of financial aid.

Our team is made up of expert college students and graduates with personal experience funding their education, using a voice catered to students to provide informational content through accessible means. With this student-centric voice, the team is able to serve a wide range of audiences, from high school users and college students to adult learners and graduates looking to pay off student loans.

Here at Bold.org, we work with expert Content Writers and Editors to create the most compelling and informative blog articles. The content found on Bold.org is original and published after an extensive research process. With our commitment to providing accurate, timely, and relevant information, we aim to be your go-to resource for all your academic and financial needs.

Empowering students through knowledge, we are the Bold.org Editorial Team – your trusted source for all things scholarships, student loans, finances, and college life. Join us on this exciting journey of learning, growth, and success!

About Adren

Adren has always loved writing both fiction and nonfiction, always with the intention to help other people. At Bold.org, she loves being a specialist who works to help students reduce their student debt and make financially wise decisions about the future of their education. 

Past experience that informs Adren’s expertise includes working with the Education and Employment Team of Catholic Social Services Refugee Assistance and Immigration Services. Being a research assistant analyzing data for research projects at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Several years as the Assistant Manager of an Equine Education program where responsibilities included creating and developing curriculums. Time spent volunteering as the Vice President and Senior Graphic Designer for the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Psychology Club and Psi Chi Honor Society chapter with the goal of furthering students’ professional skills and knowledge of the field of Psychology and building a sense of community.

Adren would like to end her introduction with a land acknowledgement relevant to Anchorage, Alaska, her hometown and place of residence: “Dena'inaq ełnen'aq' gheshtnu ch'q'u yeshdu. (Dena'ina)” [I live and work on the land of the Dena’ina. (English)] — Translated by Joel Isaak and Sondra Stuart

Adren is no longer with the Bold.org Writing Team, but we continue to value and appreciate her contributions.

About Caio

Caio is a dedicated content writer and researcher with a strong focus on psychology, education, and social justice. He has extensive experience in topics such as work-study, financial aid, internships, and scholarships. 

Caio holds a B.A. in Psychology from Columbia University in the City of New York. He has explored various topics, including educational bilingualism, social psychology, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience. 

Experience

Caio's journey in writing and research began at LaGuardia Community College in 2019. He explored educational bilingualism in New York, analyzing how bilingualism is prioritized in specific areas and its impact on children's cognitive abilities compared to monolingual education. He also investigated social psychology topics, focusing on the discrimination faced by African Americans, from microaggressions to mass incarceration, and the resulting mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

After transferring to Columbia University in 2021, Caio further honed his writing and research skills. His work included examining the portrayal of Latinos as criminals in Hollywood and the societal biases this image perpetuates. He also researched cognitive psychology topics, such as the effects of work-life balance on mental health and the interplay between work identity and life identity. Additionally, Caio participated in neuroscience research, assisting with MRI studies to understand spatial behavioral navigation, the hippocampus's role in memory and orientation, and evaluating treatments for Ideomotor Apraxia.

Since joining the Bold.org team in 2024 as a Content Writer, Caio has leveraged his extensive background to help students navigate their educational journeys. His personal experiences as an immigrant navigating the U.S. educational system, from paying student loans to winning scholarships, and his work with a nonprofit supporting low-income adults in pursuing higher education have fueled his passion for education and social equity.

Caio is driven by his desire to make a meaningful impact. Through his creative and engaging writing, he addresses relevant issues with the powerful art of storytelling. He aims to provide valuable insights and resources to students, helping them understand the nuances of college life and the support available to them.

Quote from Caio

"The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one." -Malcolm S. Forbes

"My interpretation of this quote is that our minds can be fulfilled by 'empty' ideas, which means that we are not looking for further sources to fulfill our minds but those in our comfort zone. However, when we educate ourselves, we dive into a world of complexities beyond our imagination. It is like taking a trip to a very different country. We become members of a continuous legacy created by beings like us in which we have developed our ability to use a wonderful human tool: language. Sharing educated theories through language is how humans can easily contribute to one another's successes. Why not be open to education?"

About Gabrielle

Gabrielle is currently studying English with a focus on Professional Writing at the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities & Social Sciences at Kennesaw State University. It was at KSU that she also earned her Creative Writing Certificate from the College of Professional Education in 2020. 

She also works with the KSU English Department as an Accessibility Assistant to help faculty make teaching materials accessible for online learning. With her credentials, she has written and edited numerous articles and blogs over the years. On her path to become a well-rounded writer, Gabrielle has had essays and scholarly research published in both book anthologies and institutional repositories with works such as Love Yourself: Essays on self-love, care and healing and the KSU Symposium of Student Scholars. 

She has built a writing portfolio with other exemplary works throughout her professional career. She shares expert knowledge and creates articles on scholarships, education, and personal finance for both college students and graduates alike. As a current student herself, she takes pride in sharing important information that can also help others in their own academic and financial journeys. In her free time, she enjoys writing and reading stories, cooking, filming vlogs, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.

Gabrielle is no longer with the Bold.org Writing Team, but we continue to value and appreciate her contributions.

About Jaeme

Jaeme Velez is an exceptionally dynamic writer, researcher, and avid enthusiast for science and technology. He brings a deep understanding of securing scholarships, obtaining student loans, and navigating the transition from community college to university.

As a first-generation college student, Jaeme began pursuing the dramatic arts and made a significant transition to pursuing academic studies at L.A. Valley College, focusing on Communication and English. He graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Creative Writing at Columbia University in the city of New York. His academic excellence has been recognized through the Casdin Family Scholarship Award and his membership in the Columbia University Honor Society.

Jaeme's academic path is marked by a profound passion for literature and storytelling, particularly in exploring the confluence of diverse cultures and languages while addressing social disparities. Alongside his literary interests, Jaeme maintains a keen curiosity for science and technology, actively engaging in research and projects related to Artificial Intelligence, Design, and human-computer interaction.

Experience

Balancing work and full-time studies as a first-generation college student has endowed Jaeme with a wealth of experience and insights. In his role as a Content Writer at Bold.org, Jaeme shares invaluable wisdom and advice, drawing from his personal journey to provide the guidance he wishes he had received at the start of his academic journey. 

His work is fueled by the desire to equip the next generations of students with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate their unique academic paths. From financial literacy to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Jaeme strives to contribute to the ongoing discourse on education and support the next generations of scholars, regardless of their age, background, or current stage in life, as they traverse the complexities of higher learning.

Since joining the Bold.org team in 2023 as a Content Writer, Jaeme has employed his distinctive background as a first-generation student alongside his familiarity with scholarships and student loans to guide students through the intricacies of academic life, emphasizing that every student's journey is distinct and worthy of recognition. 

Through his writing and advocacy, Jaeme leverages his personal and professional experiences to provide comprehensive support to students. He is dedicated to empowering students and addressing the challenges they encounter in their pursuit of higher education. 

Quote from Jaeme

“Who is the person? What's their problem? Do your research. Offer solutions.”

About Chanelle

Chanelle is a dedicated and seasoned writer, editor, and researcher. She’s familiar with college admissions, finding and applying for scholarships, and the financial aid process.

She graduated from the University of South Florida with a major in English, Creative Writing with a specialization in Technical Writing.

Experience

Chanelle has over a decade of experience in the writing industry, specializing in blog writing, SEO writing, editing, translations, corporate writing, and various forms of creative writing. She founded and operated Femme Feature Magazine, an online and print publication dedicated to celebrating women in all corners of the creative field. An avid reader, Chanelle is constantly seeking refined and innovative ways to tell her stories. Writing is her foremost passion, and she is always on the lookout for her next narrative adventure.

Since joining the Bold.org team as a Content Writer in 2023, Chanelle has brought her enthusiasm for merging the writing and digital worlds. She is dedicated to assisting students and young adults in navigating their educational and professional journeys.

Chanelle's unwavering commitment to her craft and her dedication to helping others shine through in her work. Leveraging her personal and professional experiences, she provides invaluable support to students, empowering them to achieve their goals and realize their potential.

Quote from Chanelle

“There is always a way to say the same thing over and over again. You just have to be creative and think outside the box.”

About Halle

Halle Young is a Bay Area-based writer and Medical Anthropology Ph.D. student at UCSF-UC Berkeley. She studies stigmatized chronic pain, therapeutics, and pleasure.

About Annika

Annika is a talented and versatile writer and researcher. She has extensive expertise in researching and applying for scholarships and grants, as well as the process of navigating financial aid. 

As a senior at NYU, Annika is pursuing an interdisciplinary degree at the intersection of film, psychology, philosophy, writing, and visual arts, with a minor in film production. During her time at NYU, she completed a number of interdisciplinary research projects and is currently working on her thesis film.

Experience

Through Annika’s coursework, she has engaged in a number of writing workshops and intensive seminars, honing her writing craft under the guidance of acclaimed authors and poets. Within the entertainment industry, she has fulfilled a range of diverse roles, working in film and TV development, production and distribution, sustainability consulting, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She also has experience working in educational services, tutoring, and libraries.

Since joining the Bold.org team in 2023 as a Content Writer, Annika has utilized her extensive background as a scholarship recipient to guide others through the complexities of financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Her expertise also extends to securing internships in the creative arts and entertainment fields.

Motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact, Annika's work at Bold.org is driven by her passion for assisting fellow students and combatting the student debt crisis. Through her compelling writing and advocacy for educational and financial empowerment, Annika is dedicated to uncovering funding opportunities and providing students with the resources they need.

Annika is no longer with the Bold.org Writing Team, but we continue to value and appreciate her contributions.

Quote from Annika

“Knowledge is power.”

About Hailey

Hailey is adept at writing about financial aid and scholarships. Hailey has spent the majority of her high school and college career crafting her writing skills. In high school, Hailey’s writing experience included writing for her school’s yearbook as well as writing some articles for Redefy, an international non-profit whose goals are to fight stereotypes and promote positive perspectives. Hailey began studying Literary Arts and Africana Studies at Brown University after high school. In her studies, she has taken a variety of writing workshops that have helped her hone her craft as a writer. She will earn her bachelor's degree, which includes an honors degree in Creative Writing from Brown. 

Hailey is also passionate about scholarships and financial aid, as she was a scholarship recipient through high school and college. Through the generosity of others, Hailey has been able to receive a quality education and would love to pass this gift on to others. As a current senior in college, Hailey has become well-versed in the ins and outs of scholarships, student debt, and college spending. With this experience and knowledge, she is readily prepared to help others as a Content Writer for Bold.org. 

Hailey is no longer with the Bold.org Writing Team, but we continue to value and appreciate her contributions.

About Tori

As the VP of Donors at Bold.org, Tori brings over a decade of fundraising experience and donor stewardship to the platform. Prior to joining Bold.org in 2024, Tori was a Product leader at GoFundMe and the Director of Customer Success at Givebutter, a top fundraising platform for nonprofits. She also volunteers as a Strategic Advisor for two all-female-led national nonprofit organizations. 

Tori graduated cum laude with dual degrees in Marketing & Supply Chain Management, with additional focuses in Data Analytics and Leadership & Ethics. 

Experience

Tori’s upbringing in a family-owned blue-collar business instilled in her a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education, thoughtful customer service, and financial independence. Her commitment to bridging technology and social impact underscores her mission to foster a brighter future for all. 

Since joining Bold.org in 2024 as the VP of Donors, Tori has focused on donor stewardship and emphasizing the transformative impact of legacy through scholarships. She understands the profound influence that education has on individuals and communities and is driven by the desire to craft compelling narratives that highlight the importance of each donor's contribution and articulate the lasting legacy that scholarships can create.

Quote from Tori

"Help others live and work better."

About Dom

Dom DiFurio is a staff writer covering money, the economy, business trends, real estate, and more.

He previously wrote for The Dallas Morning News and his work has been published in The Washington Post, USA Today, and ESPN Magazine as well as local and regional newsrooms across the country. He has been recognized by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors, and Columbia University.

About Nicole

Nicole is a freelance writer based in Brooklyn, New York, who specializes in science and health writing, social justice issues, and nonprofit writing. Nicole graduated from Brown University with Bachelor’s degrees in English Literature and Ethnic Studies, receiving Honors in Ethnic Studies for her senior thesis on contemporary poet Ocean Vuong. During her time at Brown, Nicole served as a staff writer and section editor for The College Hill Independent (“The Indy”), New England’s largest alt-weekly publication. Notably, their contributions to the publication include news pieces analyzing complex social justice issues. 

Her piece Imagining Indigenous Futures: The Fight to Save the West Berkeley Shellmound received the Barbara Banks Brodsky Prize in Real World Writing from the Department of English. Nicole is also an experienced writing instructor, having served as a Writing Fellow at Brown University for three years, and is trained in anti-racist and accessible pedagogies of teaching writing. She currently works as a writing tutor and executive function coach with ConnectToLearn Tutors.

Nicole is no longer with the Bold.org Writing Team, but we continue to value and appreciate her contributions.

About Candace

As the Managing Editor at Bold.org, Candace oversees the creation of valuable, well-crafted content and supports the Writing Team in delivering accurate and relevant information to assist students in navigating their academic and financial paths. She brings years of experience in writing and editing to the platform.

Candace graduated cum laude from Columbia University in the City of New York with a major in Creative Writing and a minor in English, focusing on nonfiction writing and Russian language studies. 

Experience

Candace has participated in a variety of writing workshops and seminars, including those focused on nonfiction and fiction writing, novel writing, technical writing, poetry, and editing. She has managed multiple blogs, overseeing their editorial work and SEO optimization, along with content creation, management, writing, and publications. Candace has also written multiple short stories, personal essays, and a children's book.

With a passion for uncovering opportunities and combating student debt, Candace is dedicated to informing students about financial support and resources. She possesses in-depth knowledge of private and federal student loans, institutional scholarships, grants, and fellowships. She leverages this knowledge alongside her editorial expertise and love for storytelling to create engaging and informative content that empowers students. 

Since joining the Bold.org team in 2022, Candace has worked as a Content Writer and has since become a Managing Editor. She leads the Writing Team, guiding them to produce high-quality content that informs and empowers students. 

Her firsthand experience with the challenges of student debt gives her a unique perspective and a strong commitment to helping others navigate similar situations. This background fuels her dedication to identifying funding opportunities and offering valuable resources to students seeking financial aid and college insights.

Quote from Candace

“To attune co-creatively with our ever-transforming natural neighborhood, we must learn to re-learn. ”