Some people leave a mark that words can barely capture. Nyla Nguyen was one of them, remembered as an ambitious young woman, a bright student, and a cherished family member.

Nyla attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where she discovered a passion for the world of risk and insurance. After Shanna Sweeney, SVP of Upland Specialty Insurance, spoke at her class, students lined up afterward to introduce themselves, but Nyla walked right up and said, "I want to work for you, how do I get a job?" It was so direct, so unprompted; the company wasn't hiring at the time. But rather than turn her away, Shanna invited Nyla in for a shadow day to show her the unique niche corner of the industry that Upland resides in.

What was meant to be a few hours in the office turned into something more. Nyla ended up spending the evening cooking at Shanna's house, helping prepare for a party for coworkers who were about to run a relay race around Lake Tahoe. She won people over instantly and by the end of the night, coworkers were telling Shanna, "You need to hire her." So, she did. Shanna created a role for Nyla and asked if she'd be willing to move to Chicago with her in a few months to help scale the business. Nyla said yes without hesitation.

That was what made Nyla so remarkable: she didn't wait for an opportunity to be offered. She asked for it, and when it came, she jumped without hesitation.

Nyla was preparing for that move to Chicago when she passed away suddenly, just one month before the transition.

Grief is an impossible emotion, and it's not one we want to run from. Grief doesn't mean Nyla is gone, it means she mattered, and it means we carry her forward. That's why this foundation is called Nyla's Name: because we will never stop saying it, never stop telling her story, and never stop making sure the world knows who she was.

This scholarship aims to honor her memory by supporting students who share her ambition, passion, and academic experiences.

Any undergraduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno may apply for this scholarship if they are pursuing a risk management education. Preference will be given to first-generation college students and students from underrepresented backgrounds.

To apply, write a short essay telling us what your "why" is. Additionally, upload images of something you're passionate about and of something you're proud of.

Donor Profile: Shanna Sweeney

Shanna Sweeney

Donor since Aug, 2026

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Nyla's Name Scholarship

Deadline: Nov 30, 2026