
Hobbies and interests
Tennis
Music Production
Anthropology
Arialis Ortiz
1x
Finalist
Arialis Ortiz
1x
FinalistBio
As a first-generation college student pursuing criminal justice, I am committed to building a career rooted in integrity, service, and growth. My professional experience has strengthened my ability to analyze data and support community programs, while my academic journey continues to shape my long-term goal of creating more just and effective systems. I strive to use every opportunity as a stepping stone toward lasting impact.
Education
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Accounting and Computer Science
Career
Dream career field:
- Accounting
Dream career goals:
Financial Associate
Mayor’s Office2025 – Present1 year
Arts
Independent
Music2014 – Present
Public services
Volunteering
Isabella Nursing Home — Caretaker2010 – 2013
Lyndsey Scott Coding+ Scholarship
My goals related to computer science are centered around developing strong skills in data analysis, systems evaluation, and the ethical use of technology. While my academic focus is in criminal justice with a minor in accounting, I have become increasingly interested in how technology and data shape decision making across industries. I want to build a foundation in areas such as data analytics, information systems, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, particularly as they relate to identifying patterns, detecting fraud, and improving system efficiency.
I am especially interested in how computer science can be applied to real world problems. In my professional experience working with financial data, I have seen how important it is to ensure accuracy, detect inconsistencies, and maintain accountability within systems. These experiences have motivated me to expand my technical skills so that I can work more effectively with data and contribute to systems that are both efficient and secure. My goal is not only to understand how technology works, but also how it can be used responsibly to support better outcomes.
Beyond my computer science related goals, my broader academic and professional aspirations are rooted in public service and system improvement. I am pursuing criminal justice because I want to contribute to systems that are fair, accountable, and effective. I am particularly interested in working as a fraud examiner or analyst within government, where I can help identify misuse of resources, improve processes, and support transparency in public programs. My non technical goals are focused on creating impact by ensuring that systems serve people in a way that is both accessible and equitable.
I see a strong connection between my computer science and non computer science goals. Technology is becoming increasingly integrated into systems that affect everyday life, from financial systems to public services. By combining my understanding of criminal justice with technical skills in data analysis and information systems, I can approach problems from both a human and analytical perspective. This allows me to not only identify issues, but also develop solutions that are informed by both data and real world impact.
In the future, I plan to combine these goals by working in roles that involve data driven decision making within government or public systems. I want to use technology to strengthen accountability, improve efficiency, and prevent fraud. At the same time, I want to ensure that these systems remain ethical, transparent, and focused on the needs of the community.
Ultimately, my goal is to build a career that integrates analytical skills with a commitment to public service. By combining computer science with my background in criminal justice and accounting, I aim to contribute to systems that are not only technologically advanced, but also fair and responsible.
Goobie-Ramlal Education Scholarship
Being a college-bound student from an immigrant family means carrying both pressure and purpose at the same time. I was raised in an environment where sacrifice was normal, where opportunities were not handed to you, and where success meant more than personal achievement. It meant stability, growth, and creating something better for the next generation.
Growing up, I watched my family navigate systems they were not always familiar with, whether it was education, work, or everyday processes that many people take for granted. There was no step-by-step guide for me to follow when it came to college. Everything I learned, I had to seek out on my own. That experience taught me independence early, but it also showed me how important access to information and guidance truly is.
As I worked toward higher education, I began to understand that my journey was not just about earning a degree. It was about breaking cycles, creating new opportunities, and becoming a resource not only for myself, but for my family and others in my community. Being in this position has shaped how I see responsibility. I am not only pursuing success for myself, but also to show others what is possible.
My education in criminal justice has allowed me to look deeper into how systems operate and how they impact different communities. I have become more aware of the inequalities that exist and the ways in which certain groups, including immigrant families, can be overlooked or underserved. This awareness has strengthened my commitment to making a positive impact through my career.
I plan to use my education and skills in data analysis and program evaluation to contribute to more transparent and effective systems. My goal is to work in a field such as fraud examination or public sector analysis, where I can help identify inefficiencies, uncover misconduct, and support better decision-making. By doing so, I hope to help build systems that are not only functional, but fair and accountable to the people they serve.
Beyond my career, I am committed to giving back in ways that reflect my own journey. I want to be a source of guidance for others who are navigating similar paths, especially first-generation and immigrant students who may not have access to the same resources. Whether it is through mentorship, sharing information, or simply being an example, I want to make the process less overwhelming for those coming after me.
My experience has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of purpose. It has shown me that challenges can be turned into motivation and that success is most meaningful when it creates opportunities for others. I carry my family’s sacrifices with me in everything I do, and they continue to drive me forward.
Ultimately, I plan to make a positive impact by using my education not just as a tool for personal advancement, but as a way to contribute to something greater. My goal is to be part of a generation that not only succeeds, but also builds systems and communities that are stronger, more inclusive, and more accessible for everyone.
Erase.com Scholarship
I have always been someone who looks for deeper meaning, whether through books, experiences, or the challenges I have faced. The books I gravitate toward, especially those focused on criminal justice, human behavior, and systems of power, have taught me that what we see on the surface is rarely the full story. I have learned to question systems, analyze patterns, and understand that data and decisions directly shape people’s lives. This has influenced my goals by pushing me toward a career where I can uncover truth, hold systems accountable, and contribute to more ethical and effective practices.
At the same time, my understanding of mental health has deeply shaped who I am. I have seen how stress, pressure, and unspoken struggles can impact not only individuals but also their relationships and decision-making. These experiences have made me more self-aware, more empathetic, and more intentional in how I interact with others. I value emotional intelligence just as much as analytical skills because I understand that both are necessary to create real change.
As a first-generation college student, I have had to navigate unfamiliar spaces while managing expectations, responsibilities, and personal growth all at once. That experience has strengthened my resilience and forced me to develop discipline, independence, and confidence. It has also made me realize how important access to information and support truly is. Not everyone starts with the same tools, and that is something I carry with me in everything I do.
My career goal is to work in fraud examination or analysis, where I can use my skills in data and critical thinking to detect misconduct, promote transparency, and protect resources. However, my impact goes beyond a job title. I plan to make a positive impact by helping build systems that are fair, accountable, and centered around real outcomes for people, especially those in underserved communities who are often the most affected by systemic failures.
I am already working to address social issues by being intentional in how I show up in my academic and professional spaces. Whether it is through analyzing programs, contributing to more efficient processes, or simply sharing knowledge with peers, I aim to be someone who adds value and creates clarity. I believe that change does not always come from large, visible actions, but from consistent efforts that improve systems over time.
Additionally, I make it a point to support those around me. I share resources, offer guidance when I can, and try to be a source of encouragement for others navigating similar paths. I understand what it feels like to figure things out on your own, and I want to help make that process easier for someone else.
Ultimately, my experiences, both academic and personal, have shaped me into someone who is not only driven but also intentional. I am committed to using what I have learned to create meaningful impact, whether through my career, my community, or the way I support others. My goal is not just to succeed, but to contribute to systems that work better for everyone
Trinity Lodge 127 PH Scott Heckstall Scholarship
eadership was never something I learned from a title. It was something I watched, felt, and eventually became because of someone who refused to let me see myself as anything less.
The person who shaped me most is someone who showed me what resilience looks like in real life, not just in words. I grew up watching them navigate challenges without ever allowing circumstances to define their worth. They carried responsibility, pressure, and sacrifice in a way that made it look almost invisible, but I saw it. I saw the long days, the constant giving, and the way they still found the strength to show up for others. That stayed with me.
As a first-generation college student, there were moments where I questioned if I truly belonged in the spaces I was stepping into. No roadmap, no clear guidance, just pressure to figure everything out on my own. But their voice became the one in my head reminding me that I am capable, that I am allowed to take up space, and that I have a responsibility not just to succeed, but to elevate others along the way.
Because of them, I don’t view leadership as being the loudest person in the room. I see it as being dependable, as showing up consistently, and as doing the work even when no one is watching. In my academic and professional life, I’ve carried that mindset into everything I do. Whether it’s supporting programs, analyzing data, or helping systems run more effectively, I approach my work with intention. I understand that behind every task is a real impact on people’s lives.
Their influence has also shaped how I give back. I don’t believe success is meant to be kept to yourself. I actively share resources, support my peers, and try to be the person I once needed when I was navigating things on my own. I understand what it feels like to not have clear direction, so I make it a point to guide others when I can. Even within my family, I carry a sense of responsibility to set a new standard, to show that higher education and professional growth are not only possible, but attainable.
What motivates me most is knowing that my journey is bigger than just me. Every step forward creates opportunity for someone else to believe they can do the same. That is the legacy I am building, one rooted in resilience, consistency, and impact.
The example that was set for me taught me that leadership is not about recognition, it is about responsibility. It is about how you show up for others, how you handle adversity, and how you use your experiences to create change. As I continue my journey, I carry those values with me, not just as lessons, but as actions. I am committed to building a future where I not only succeed, but bring others with me.
Jesus Baez-Santos Memorial Scholarship
eadership was never something I learned from a title. It was something I watched, felt, and eventually became because of someone who refused to let me see myself as anything less.
The person who shaped me most is someone who showed me what resilience looks like in real life, not just in words. I grew up watching them navigate challenges without ever allowing circumstances to define their worth. They carried responsibility, pressure, and sacrifice in a way that made it look almost invisible, but I saw it. I saw the long days, the constant giving, and the way they still found the strength to show up for others. That stayed with me.
As a first-generation college student, there were moments where I questioned if I truly belonged in the spaces I was stepping into. No roadmap, no clear guidance, just pressure to figure everything out on my own. But their voice became the one in my head reminding me that I am capable, that I am allowed to take up space, and that I have a responsibility not just to succeed, but to elevate others along the way.
Because of them, I don’t view leadership as being the loudest person in the room. I see it as being dependable, as showing up consistently, and as doing the work even when no one is watching. In my academic and professional life, I’ve carried that mindset into everything I do. Whether it’s supporting programs, analyzing data, or helping systems run more effectively, I approach my work with intention. I understand that behind every task is a real impact on people’s lives.
Their influence has also shaped how I give back. I don’t believe success is meant to be kept to yourself. I actively share resources, support my peers, and try to be the person I once needed when I was navigating things on my own. I understand what it feels like to not have clear direction, so I make it a point to guide others when I can. Even within my family, I carry a sense of responsibility to set a new standard, to show that higher education and professional growth are not only possible, but attainable.
What motivates me most is knowing that my journey is bigger than just me. Every step forward creates opportunity for someone else to believe they can do the same. That is the legacy I am building, one rooted in resilience, consistency, and impact.
The example that was set for me taught me that leadership is not about recognition, it is about responsibility. It is about how you show up for others, how you handle adversity, and how you use your experiences to create change. As I continue my journey, I carry those values with me, not just as lessons, but as actions. I am committed to building a future where I not only succeed, but bring others with me.
Women of Impact Education Scholarship
I decided to pursue a degree in criminal justice because I have always been drawn to understanding how systems work and more importantly, how they can fail people. My early professional experiences exposed me to the gaps that exist within institutions meant to serve the public. Rather than discouraging me, these experiences motivated me to become part of the solution.
Working in roles that involved administrative coordination and program evaluation, I began to see patterns in how resources were distributed, how decisions were made, and how data could either clarify or conceal important truths. I realized that behind every statistic is a real person, and behind every policy is a series of choices that can either uplift or disadvantage communities. This realization sparked my interest not just in criminal justice as a field, but in the deeper intersection of data, accountability, and public service.
My decision to pursue this path is rooted in both curiosity and purpose. I am driven to understand the systems that govern our society, but I am equally committed to improving them. I have developed strong skills in data analysis, organization, and critical thinking, which I plan to use to identify inefficiencies, detect patterns of misconduct, and support evidence based decision making. My long term goal is to become a fraud examiner or analyst, where I can play a role in uncovering financial crimes, ensuring transparency, and protecting both public and private resources.
Through my career, I intend to make a positive impact by promoting fairness, accountability, and integrity. Fraud and mismanagement not only harm institutions but also disproportionately affect vulnerable populations who rely on these systems the most. By helping to detect and prevent these issues, I hope to contribute to building systems that people can trust.
In addition, I want to be an advocate for ethical practices and continuous improvement within organizations. Whether through analyzing data, contributing to policy development, or supporting program evaluation, I aim to bring a mindset of responsibility and innovation to every role I take on. I believe that meaningful change does not always come from large, visible actions, but often from consistent, behind the scenes efforts that strengthen systems over time.
Ultimately, my pursuit of criminal justice is about more than a career. It is about impact. I want to be in a position where my work contributes to transparency, protects communities, and helps create systems that operate with both efficiency and fairness. This scholarship would not only support my education but also bring me one step closer to fulfilling that purpose.