Sikora Drake Women in STEM Scholarship

My name is Leyla Bayramova, and I am a forty-two-year-old first-generation immigrant, mother of two, and a student at Central Piedmont Community College preparing for the Dental Hygiene program. When my family and I moved from Azerbaijan to the United States in 2024, everything familiar disappeared — my career, my professional identity, my community, even my language. Starting from zero at this stage of life is not easy, but it has given me a powerful sense of purpose: I want my second career to be one built on service, compassion, and the desire to improve people’s lives. Returning to school in a new country, in my third language, has required courage and sacrifice. I am not eligible for financial aid because of my previous foreign degree, so every class, textbook, and lab fee is paid completely out of pocket, taken directly from my family’s budget. My husband is the only one working, and we have two children, so every dollar truly matters. Still, I continue studying because education is the only way to rebuild a stable and meaningful future. I already earned my Dental Assisting certificate and passed my TEAS exam with a 94.7% — achievements that remind me that starting over does not mean starting from nothing. My goal is to become a compassionate dental hygienist who serves not only in the clinic but also in the community. Oral health is deeply connected to confidence, overall wellness, and quality of life. I have seen how people — especially immigrants and low-income families — avoid dental care because of fear, stigma, or cost. I want to change that. I want to educate patients, help them understand preventive care, and create an environment where no one feels ashamed of their smile. My plan is to volunteer at community events, participate in free dental clinics, and use my multilingual skills to support families who struggle with language barriers. I know what it feels like to enter a new system, be confused, and feel intimidated — which is why I want to be the kind of healthcare professional who makes every patient feel safe, respected, and understood. What drives me is simple: I want to build a career that gives back more than it takes. I want to show my children that new beginnings are powerful, and that strength is not measured by how easy your path is, but by how bravely you walk it. Education is helping me rebuild my life — and one day, I hope my work will help rebuild others’.

I am a motivated and curious student with a strong commitment to personal growth and academic excellence. Personally, education has been more than just something to check off a list, it is an opportunity for growth, development, and giving back. As I neared the end of my bachelor’s degree in December 2021, a sudden realization struck me - that many people around the globe would love to have the opportunity to receive a quality education to improve their chances of success and quality of life. As a dedicated student who values hardwork, commitment, discipline, perseverance and learning this scholarship would support my efforts in turning ambition into action. Ever since I was a little girl in elementary school, I knew I wanted to do something big and meaningful. I wanted to have a lasting impact on people’s lives. However, I was uncertain about what exactly I wanted to achieve. From a young age, it has been my dream to help people and brighten their daily lives. As I grew older, this desire to make a positive impact only grew stronger. Although I was unsure of the specific career path I wanted to pursue, my passion for helping others continued to drive me. As the years passed and I entered high school, I discovered my calling—to become a licensed social worker. I have always been passionate about human rights and social justice, and my dedication to these causes has only intensified over time. I am particularly interested in assisting homeless and hungry children, as well as individuals with disabilities who struggle to live independently. One day during my junior year of high school, I was called to the office, expecting trouble. Little did I know, I was about to meet my vocational rehabilitation counselor, who would profoundly impact my future. I vividly remember that day—- a cozy office with sofas, chairs, and a small table. The counselor, a young woman, with the same disability as mine, shared my journey. Her presence inspired me to pursue my dream of becoming a licensed social worker. After earning my master’s degree in social work, I aim to work in social services and positively impact lives one person at a time. This career aligns with my passion and abilities, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to helping others. My goal is to establish a program for the underprivileged, offering security, shelter, education and more. This initiative will empower young individuals to become self-sufficient, find stability, and achieve success in life. My inspiration to make a difference stems from firsthand experiences witnessing the struggles of those lacking resources and privileges. I am actively volunteering at various institutions to gain valuable experience and prepare for running my own organization in the future. Receiving the Sikora Drake Women in STEM scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies and gaining experience, rather than worrying about financing graduate school. After graduating, I plan to work in the Social Services department to maximize my impact and work towards establishing the organization I have long envisioned. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

I am the descendant of a long line of resilient and intelligent people, however I am not able to look back on any legacy of familial academic achievement. My father attended some or almost all his first semester at East Carolina University a few decades ago, but that’s as far as he was able to take his college career. I am proud of the dream, and soon to be fact, that I will be the first college graduate of my family. As a lifelong North Carolinian, I have a deep-rooted passion for my community and a string desire to play a role in making life better for myself and my fellow states-persons. Now that my young children are off to elementary school and need my care a little less, I am looking forward to continuing to serve and take care of people that I love by earning my degree as a Registered Nurse to work in the coastal Carolina community that I am proud to call home. I see the disparities of health care for low income and Spanish speaking people in my community, and I feel a strong call to use my skill and bilingual abilities to be the change that I wish to see. It is my goal to continue my education to the doctorate level in the future as a Doctor of Nursing Practice and I would be honored if the Sikora Drake Women in STEM Scholarship could be one of the important rungs of my ladder as I ascend towards this ambition. It is with great pleasure I find myself within the renowned Associate Degree Nursing Program at Cape Fear Community College, and I am thrilled to be on my way to making my dreams a reality with hard work and dedication. As a woman of color, I am in the minority of nursing students in my program; this makes me proud that I have the opportunity to inspire more women like me that they can also pursue this dream for themselves! Upon learning of the Sikora Drake Women in STEM Scholarship, I immediately knew that this would be a such perfect support for this academic journey I am on within this healthcare sciences as I strive to become a Registered Nurse. Receiving this scholarship would be a gust of inspiring winds within the sails of my career goals and a wonderful way to reignite the beacon of academic success my father once upheld as I continue forth to before my family’s first college graduate!

My name is Harmony Fulwood, and I am a first-generation college student studying speech pathology and audiology at North Carolina A&T. My passion for this field comes from my connection to the power of communication. As a neurodivergent individual, I’ve experienced firsthand how isolating it can feel to struggle with self-expression. These experiences have shaped my empathy for others who face similar challenges. I am committed to helping people develop the tools they need to communicate confidently, connect meaningfully, and navigate the world with a stronger sense of self. Speech pathology excites me because it combines science, empathy, and creativity to solve real problems that impact people’s lives. My goal is to work with children with disabilities or speech delays and support them in finding their voices. I want to create spaces where children feel safe and supported, where their individuality is celebrated, and where they can grow at their own pace. Helping a child learn to express their needs and emotions in ways that feel authentic to them is not only rewarding but also transformative for the child, their family, and their broader community. In addition to hands-on therapy, I am interested in research. Communication is incredibly diverse and influenced by factors like culture, identity, and access to resources. I want to explore these intersections, ensuring that speech therapy practices are inclusive and effective for individuals from all backgrounds. Research allows us to ask questions that can lead to real change, like how we can make interventions more accessible or how cultural nuances shape communication styles. Contributing to this field in a meaningful way would be a way to amplify the voices of those who are often overlooked. Unfortunately, my academic goals come with financial challenges. Paying for college has been a significant responsibility, and I’ve shouldered the cost entirely by myself. Tuition and related expenses have required me to rely primarily on student loans. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate some of that burden, allowing me to reduce my reliance on loans and focus more fully on my studies. It would also open up opportunities to participate in internships, research projects, and other learning experiences that would enrich my understanding of the field and better prepare me to serve others. My experiences as a Mental Health Peer Advocate in the Collegiate Recovery Community at NC A&T have also fueled my passion for helping others. In this role, I’ve worked with students navigating mental health challenges and recovery journeys, offering resources, encouragement, and a listening ear. This work has shown me how even small moments of understanding and connection can have a profound impact. Whether it’s creating outreach materials to inform students about available support or engaging in one-on-one conversations, I’ve seen how compassion and care can inspire others to move forward and believe in themselves. My ideal career blends clinical work with research, allowing me to make a difference on both individual and systemic levels. Through speech pathology, I hope to help children discover the confidence that comes with communication while contributing to research that makes therapy more effective and accessible for all. My own experiences have taught me how important it is to feel seen and supported, and I carry that understanding into everything I do. I want to help others find their strength, develop their potential, and feel empowered to overcome their obstacles.

Statement of Purpose I am not going to lie; nursing is challenging, but it is also a very rewarding job. Nursing has taught me so many good things and has also broken me for my growth as a nurse and as a person. Working in the hospital, I was a caregiver, which I love, but I always wanted to do more for my patients. Sometimes, nurses are so busy that they can’t advocate enough for their patients. One of the reasons I want to become a nurse practitioner is to become a provider who cares for patients and can do more by teaching and providing more resources. While studying to become a nurse, I always wanted to use my second language to help patients who could not communicate due to their language barrier. I am a native Spanish speaker, and I remember how difficult it was to speak and share my feelings with a stranger. I often felt ashamed and timid that I could not speak English correctly, but having someone who speaks the same language changes everything and improves patient outcomes; that is why I was certified as a Spanish-English interpreter for both hospitals where I worked. I know it would be fantastic if I could help my Hispanic community by becoming the provider they wish for. If a person uses a translator, things get missing or never said. I want to become a family nurse practitioner because I can have the flexibility to work in different areas, but I would like to specialize in adults and children. One of my dream jobs is to work in the health department and work for the minority community to help and provide education and care for them. I am an immigrant from Peru who came in her 20s and did not speak English. I am someone who did not have a degree and lacked education. I was once misunderstood as a patient when going to the hospital. I was offered a machine as an interpreter, and that was so uncomfortable. I know I did not get the care I wanted. I came to this country with nothing; I am now an American citizen, a registered nurse, and a mother of 2 beautiful kids who deserve the best of me, and by continuing my education and fulfilling my dreams, I will serve them as the best mother they could have. Where do I see myself in 10 years? I will work in a community hospital as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I will see myself more confident in my practice, which results in my patients' best care. I can help others in my community to prevent future diseases or to control their symptoms if they already have. I also see myself traveling and enjoying my time with family. I will be sacrificing time with my kids by going back to school, but I hope one day they will understand that I did what I needed to do for them and myself. Finally, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. It will be a significant step towards realizing my dream of becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. While I am prepared to rely on student loans, any financial assistance would greatly help. Thank you for your belief in students and for your support on this journey.

My name is Alicia Montejo. I am excited to share my story and aspirations with you. Growing up in rural North Carolina, I developed a deep appreciation for mental health early in my life. Now, as I stand at the threshold of higher education, I am eager to take the next step in my journey and make a lasting impact on the world around me. From an early age, I found myself captivated by the impact that mental health has on every aspect of life. I grew up witnessing the impact of mental illness on myself, my family and my community. Through witnessing the challenges of mental illness, I knew I wanted to improve my community's quality of life. This passion led me to pursue a bachelors degree in psychology. Throughout my academic journey, I have not only excelled in my coursework despite challenges, but also actively sought opportunities to apply my knowledge in real-life scenarios. Whether through research projects, community engagement, or shadowing at mental health clinics, I have consistently sought to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The Sikora Drake Women in STEM scholarship holds immense significance for me as it represents more than just financial support. If awarded this scholarship, I intend to utilize the funds judiciously to cover tuition, further research in the field of psychology, and assist my local community. This support will not only ease the financial burden on my family but will also provide me with the freedom to fully immerse myself in my studies and extracurricular activities, enabling me to make the most of my educational experience. Looking to the future, my ideal career envisions me as a licensed clinical therapist. I am drawn to the prospect of increasing mental health awareness among marginalized youth. Whether it's innovating new solutions to address rising mental illness rates among youth or contributing to groundbreaking research in psychology, I am committed to making a tangible and positive difference. Beyond personal fulfillment, my ultimate goal is to contribute to positive change on a global scale. I aspire to make mental health education accessible to all communities in America. By combining my passion for psychology with a commitment to social responsibility, I aim to be a catalyst for transformative change. Whether through sustainable initiatives, community outreach programs, or advancements in technology, my vision is to leave an indelible mark that resonates far beyond the confines of my professional endeavors. In conclusion, the Sikora Drake Women in STEM scholarship represents not just a financial boost but a pivotal stepping stone in my journey towards realizing my dreams and effecting meaningful change. I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship. I am eager to leverage this support to propel myself towards a future where I can contribute positively to the world around me. Thank you for considering my application.

I have been working towards a Ph.D. in Psychoneuroendoimmunology since the fall of 2020. It took me 22 years to be able to go to college, having to lose almost everything after a divorce and bankruptcy at the age of forty. I fell in love with the knowledge I was gaining and being able to find beauty in what most would consider not worth the time. As of right now, my studies are taking me deeper into understanding the human brain. A feat that until I began college, would have never thought twice about. My passion is understanding the disease of addiction, including substance abuse as my husband is terminally ill due to his own years of unchecked alcoholism. Being able to reach people, especially at the high school and adolescent age prior to them experiencing addiction is a life goal. Helping physicians, mental health providers, and communities understand the impact of early childhood trauma and how it plays a leading role into addictions even developing is the direction I am heading. They say knowledge is power, I choose to be the spark that helps ignite global social change so we stop needlessly losing our loved ones to their various vices. Currently, my work, schooling, and family keep me busy enough to not extend my time to extracurricular activities. Although my time is constricted at the moment, I am a Boy Scout Leader, having earned my Wood Badge, the highest leadership merit award they have. I have also taken the time to become a certified first responder for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Currently, I am one of two individuals certified to administer Narcan at Independence High School if a student or otherwise presents with opioid overdose symptoms. As a full-time employee with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, a full-time student at both the University of North Carolina Charlotte and Central Piedmont Community College, and a full-time mother and caregiver, receiving this scholarship will help relieve the burden of cost for my educational expenses. I was just informed that I no longer qualify for financial aid as my husband’s miniscule Social Security Disability payments count toward my yearly eligibility income. I will not be able to continue my educational journey without the help and support of scholarships such as this. It took me twenty-two years after I graduated high school to be able to attend college. I was just accepted into the highly competitive upper division of the Bachelor of Science Public Health program at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, I refuse to quit now