Lee Cortez Donor Profile

Donor Profile: Lee Cortez

Scholarships, grants, and award winners for Lee's causes.

Lee Cortez

New York

I grew up in Manila with the spirit of kapwa and immigrated to the US as a teenager. As a first-generation student, scholarships and work helped make UC Berkeley possible and showed me the arc of what’s possible. That journey led me to Columbia, Cambridge and a career with some of the world’s most reputable companies. But this journey has never been mine alone. This scholarship is my way of giving back, helping another student see beyond what’s in front of them.

filamscholarship.org

Donor since Oct, 2021

Contributions

Angela Daniels

$100

Kayla

$55

Stephen

$100

Jennie

$25

Jennie

$25

Scholarship

Winners

Mission

I immigrated to the US from the Philippines at age 15 with my parents. Three years later, I started at Berkeley, realizing a dream yet burdened by its financial obligations. I was surprised to learn that there were little scholarships offered to the general Filipino American community. Since then, I have made it a personal goal to begin a fund such as this to hold the door open for future generations of Fil-Am change makers. Please consider donating — I’d love your help to ensure the sustainability and longevity of this scholarship fund. Questions? Contact mabuhay@filamscholarship.org.

Letters from winners

Taylor Campbell
Although I did not win this scholarship, I am blessed to be a finalist. I am still pursuing my undergraduate degree, and recently graduated top of my class at certified nursing assistant (CNA) school! I am passionate about medicine and am still pursuing that route toward medical school. Being Filipino American creates a huge drive within me to make a difference in our underrepresented community. I aim to be the trailblazer and go-getter in my family and to one day make a difference. I aim to be the change in my community and be the reason there is a push and drive to be better every day!
Caitlin Tongson
Hello, Thank you so much for choosing me as a finalist for this award. Carrying the legacy of my Filipino heritage and ancestors is something that I hold very close to me whenever I pursue any personal or career-focused endeavors. Since applying for this scholarship, I have gotten more involved with the Filipino community at my school as the new Career Development VP for the Pilipinx-Americans in Social Studies organization at UCI. I hope to continue pursuing a path that can honor and give back to those who came before me. The hardships they faced to provide a life for me and my siblings here in the US are something I never take for granted. Thank you so much for your consideration for this scholarship and for providing this amazing opportunity for Filipino-American students just like me. Thank you so much, again.
Gabriel Delos Santos
As a finalist for this scholarship application, I am proud to be a Phil-Am knowing that a lot of us have the same ambition and drive to push towards success. Having a strong willed generation can truly show how big of an impact we can make within all fields for the future.