A few months into my role as a Master Data Analyst at Joerns Healthcare, I encountered a challenge that reminded me why I chose a career in data. Our systems were filled with inaccurate and incomplete records related to product lifecycle and inventory management. These data issues were causing delays in delivering essential medical equipment to long-term care and hospice patients. For many of these individuals, timely access to equipment directly affected their comfort, dignity, and even survival. Although I was not in a formal leadership position, I knew I had the skills and perspective to make a difference. I took the initiative to lead a cross-functional effort that involved teams from supply chain, procurement, and IT. My goal was to rebuild trust in the data and create processes that would prevent these issues from recurring. Using SQL, I developed scripts to clean and validate the data at scale. I also introduced Tableau dashboards that allowed teams to track inventory trends, identify bottlenecks, and make better decisions based on real-time information. While the technical work was essential, the true leadership came in building buy-in from the teams involved. Many of my colleagues were used to the old systems and skeptical of change. I organized collaborative sessions to explain the problems and walked them through how the solutions would help not only the company but also the clients we serve. The impact was clear. Within three months, we had improved on-time delivery of medical equipment by nearly 30 percent. More importantly, the organization began to recognize the role accurate data plays in supporting patient care. This experience taught me that leadership often starts with taking responsibility, even when you are not asked to. It means seeing a bigger picture and motivating others to work together toward a meaningful outcome. As a first-generation graduate student from the Caribbean, I understand what it means to face challenges without a clear roadmap. I have worked hard to build a career in STEM while navigating cultural transitions, financial obstacles, and new environments. These experiences have made me more resilient and more passionate about using my skills to create positive change. I plan to use my background in data analytics and project management to support emergency preparedness and response efforts, particularly in vulnerable communities like those I grew up in. Having experienced the impact of hurricanes and natural disasters firsthand, I know how important it is to have systems that respond quickly and efficiently. I believe data can play a powerful role in strengthening these systems by helping organizations anticipate needs, allocate resources, and make informed decisions during crises. Beyond my professional goals, I am committed to mentoring the next generation of international and underrepresented students in STEM. I want to create opportunities for others to gain exposure to data tools and technologies, especially those who may not see themselves represented in these fields. By sharing my journey and creating access to hands-on learning experiences, I hope to inspire more young people to pursue careers in science and technology. This scholarship would support me not only in continuing my graduate education but also in building the skills and network I need to expand my impact. It would allow me to focus more fully on my academic and professional development while continuing to give back to my community through service and mentorship. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply and hope to continue growing into a leader who uses data, compassion, and collaboration to make lasting contributions in both local and global communities.

Pursuing this journey with faith and intentionality has not only shaped my career but has transformed my identity. My name is Julie Peter, and I am an international student, a data analyst, and a future project management executive who is committed to redefining what leadership looks like in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Information Technology and Project Management. What truly defines me, however, is not my degree or title. It is my mission. I am working toward building intelligent systems and social structures that create space for women of color and students from international and underserved communities to thrive in technology. I come from a background where dreams were more often influenced by survival than by possibility. As a first-generation college student, I left my home country with little more than drive, discipline, and a firm belief that I was meant for something greater than what I saw around me. I have since earned a bachelor’s degree in Business, a master’s degree in Accounting, and now stand at the threshold of a meaningful and advanced career in STEM. None of this has come easily but I have chosen to face each challenge as an opportunity to gain experience, lead, and build a foundation not only for myself but also for others who follow behind me. At the core of everything I do is a commitment to equity. This is not just a vague ideal. I am focused on equity that is real, practical, and embedded within systems. I want to create access points where none currently exist. I want to remove the hidden barriers that hold back talented students and professionals simply because they come from marginalized backgrounds or hold foreign credentials. I believe data can be used not just to report on inequality, but to solve it. My career is focused on combining technical expertise with leadership that prioritizes inclusion and long-term impact. The issue that moves me most deeply is the persistent lack of access and representation in STEM, especially for international students and women of color. I have lived the reality of these barriers. I have faced visa restrictions, a lack of sponsorship opportunities, cultural misunderstandings, and limited professional guidance. Even with a solid education and work experience, I have had to constantly prove my value in spaces that often overlook the unique strengths of those with different backgrounds. This issue is not just isolated to my personal journey but known to be widespread and systemic. Many students from underserved communities enter STEM programs full of hope and ambition, only to discover that they lack mentors, role models, and support structures. As a result, their potential is limited or redirected. Entire industries miss their ideas, insights, and contributions. The problem is not talent. It is access. It is visibility. It is the lack of systems that support people who do not fit a traditional mold. Representation in STEM is more about who gets into the room. It is about who leads, who gets heard, and who influences the future. We need more women of color and international professionals not just doing the work, but leading teams, shaping innovation, and building organizations. In my work as a master data analyst across healthcare and technology, I have seen that the strongest teams are those with diverse perspectives. I have also seen how much more effective and fair decision-making becomes when all voices are included. If I had the ability to bring change in this area, and I believe I do, I would begin by building a global online platform that empowers underserved STEM students. This would be a space that provides affordable certification training, mentorship from professionals with similar life experiences, and direct connections to employers who are open to hiring diverse talents. The platform would focus on three areas: making education more accessible, building confidence through community support, and connecting students with real employment pathways. It would also provide clear, step-by-step guidance on navigating job sponsorship, immigration, and professional development. This is not only a dream. It is something I am actively planning and prototyping. I envision partnerships with universities, companies, and nonprofits to support a model that allows students from low-income or international backgrounds to learn, grow, and succeed. I would like to apply data analytics to track outcomes, improve learning experiences, and build a more equitable hiring pipeline. In this way, I hope to turn individual success stories into a collective movement. The decision to study STEM was rooted in a desire to build practical and lasting solutions. I have always enjoyed solving problems and thinking strategically. When I discovered how data can uncover patterns, tell stories, and drive progress, I knew I had found my calling. While working at companies like Samsung Research America and Joerns Healthcare, I developed systems that improved operational performance, identified inefficiencies, and enhanced decision-making processes. These were not just assignments. They were opportunities to make a real difference by combining technical knowledge with a deep understanding of business and people. My work at Joerns Healthcare involved critical contributions to process improvements and organizational realignment. For instance, I was instrumental in analyzing data that led to a successful restructuring of representative territories and pricing models. These changes helped the company save resources and better serve its clients. In these moments, I saw that data is not just about numbers. It is about impact. I understood that I wanted to do more than interpret information. I wanted to use it to lead teams, shape strategy, and create systems that include more people in the conversation. I chose to pursue a master’s in Information Technology and Project Management because I wanted to gain the tools to lead innovation from both a technical and managerial perspective. I wanted to understand how complex systems are designed and how they are delivered. This degree is helping me strengthen my foundation in both technology and leadership, and it aligns with my vision for the future. In the next five years, I have set three primary goals for myself. The first is to become a certified Project Management Professional. I am currently preparing for the exam and applying what I learn to the projects I work on in real-time. The second is to grow into a senior-level technology project management role, preferably within a mission-driven organization that values equity and innovation. In this role, I want to lead projects that touch lives and contribute to long-term societal benefit. The third goal is to begin developing and piloting the mentorship and upskilling platform I described. I want to test it with small groups, refine it based on feedback, and scale it through collaboration. Education has shaped me far beyond academics. It has helped me grow in confidence, sharpen my values, and refine my sense of purpose. Studying in different disciplines, from business and accounting to information systems, has given me a broad and adaptable skill set. More importantly, it has shown me how to take initiative, manage pressure, and remain resilient in unfamiliar environments. I have become a better leader and thinker through my commitment to learning. Being a woman in STEM has brought both challenges and strength. There have been moments when I was overlooked or underestimated, especially when I was the only woman in a room or the only person from a different country. But I have also seen how my unique voice brings value. I have learned to speak with confidence, ask the hard questions, and support others who are navigating the same path. I take pride in being a mentor to younger students and a leader in the spaces I occupy. To me, leadership is not just about managing tasks or holding a title. It is about creating clarity, taking responsibility, and building trust. In my work, I have led data migration projects, guided new employees through onboarding, and coordinated with cross-functional teams to complete urgent deliverables. I have also taken the time to mentor peers, advocate for international student inclusion, and build resources that improve how others experience learning and work. I believe leadership is measured by the value you bring to others and the solutions you are willing to build when something is broken. One of the hardest moments in my journey at this time is financial hardship, meeting academic deadlines, and the uncertainty of visa status all at once. It would have been easy to step back or give up. But I chose to keep moving. I reorganized my schedule, focused my energy on what I could control, and found alternative ways to continue developing my skills. My experience has taught me that true resilience is not about hiding from hardship. It is about continuing to create value in the face of it. If I receive this scholarship, the financial support will allow me to focus more fully on my certification, academic advancement, and platform development. Given the opportunity would be a recognition of my potential and a vote of confidence in the work I am doing to drive meaningful change. I am not pursuing this path for myself alone. Every skill I gain, every milestone I reach, is part of a larger mission. I want to build a world where talented students do not have to question whether they belong. I want to see more women and more students from underserved communities in leadership roles, building companies, and solving problems that matter. I am using my journey to open doors for others. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I will continue to build, lead, and serve. I will not only reach the next level of my professional journey, but I will also make sure others rise with me.

One technology that inspires me deeply is cloud computing. Although it is not a brand-new invention, it continues to develop and reshape how we work, learn, and solve real-world problems. What makes cloud computing so impactful is its ability to remove many of the traditional barriers that have kept individuals and organizations from accessing advanced technology. It eliminates the need for expensive hardware and physical infrastructure, making it possible for people around the world to access data, tools, and resources in ways that were once out of reach. As a graduate student in Information Technology and Project Management and a data science professional, I have always been fascinated by how cloud computing is being used to expand opportunity and drive innovation. I see it as a tool that supports inclusion, collaboration, and growth. It allows small businesses to compete with larger companies, it gives nonprofit organizations the ability to reach wider audiences, and it enables governments and institutions to respond more quickly in times of crisis. What was once complex and costly is now flexible and available to almost anyone with internet access. One area where cloud computing is making a noticeable difference is healthcare. Hospitals and clinics can now share patient data more easily, support telehealth services in rural communities, and use data analytics to improve outcomes. Cloud-based systems in education, allows schools to connect students with quality content and personalized learning experiences. It is bridging digital divides and creating new pathways for achievement. What inspires me most about this technology is the sense of shared progress it makes possible as a tool for efficiency, cost savings and empowerment. It helps people from different parts of the world work together on common goals, removing many of the limitations that once held projects back. As an aspiring project manager, who will work on data-driven projects cloud computing represents both the foundation and the future. I believe technology should not only be innovative, but also equitable. Cloud computing moves us in that direction by making technology more available and more useful to more people. It encourages problem solving that is rooted in collaboration and built on the idea that everyone should have a chance to contribute. That idea continues to guide me as I work toward completing my graduate degree and stepping into roles that will allow me to lead and serve with purpose.

As a first-generation international student, pursuing higher education in the United States has been a life-changing experience filled with both opportunities and challenges. I came here with a deep desire to learn, grow, and eventually give back, not just to my family, but to others who share a similar story of resilience, hope, and determination. Each degree I have pursued has been rooted in the belief that education is a gateway to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am currently pursuing a master’s in information technology and project management, a degree that directly aligns with my goal of becoming a certified Project Manager by mid-2025. Receiving this scholarship would play a critical role in helping me meet that goal. It would allow me to clear my current outstanding balance and register for the upcoming Fall 2025 semester. Without financial support, my academic progress is at risk of being delayed and is now a possibility that weighs heavily on me as I continue balancing work, school, and living expenses. Professionally, I aspire to transition from my current role as a Master Data Analyst into a project management position where I can lead data-driven initiatives, especially within healthcare and technology. I believe that project management is more than managing timelines, it’s about coordinating people, processes, and technologies to improve outcomes that truly matter. In the healthcare space, efficient project execution can directly impact patient care, community health, and access to essential services. I want to contribute to that kind of impact where my technical skills can improve human-centered outcomes. Beyond career advancement, I carry a vision much bigger than myself. I know firsthand how difficult it can be for international and low-income students to navigate higher education without proper support. From limited access to financial aid to the emotional burden of being far from home, the barriers are real and often isolating. My goal after school is t to establish a program that helps students like me gain access to project management and STEM certifications, career guidance, and mentorship opportunities. I want to offer the kind of help I once wished was available to me. This scholarship represents more than just financial relief. It represents belief in my goals, in my purpose, and in the ripple effect I hope to create. Your support would give me the breathing room to focus entirely on finishing my degree, earning my PMP certification, and stepping into a leadership role where I can be of service to others through my work. I have always believed in the power of education to change lives. Your investment in mine would help ensure that I complete what I started, not only for my own success, but to make sure others have a pathway to follow. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students who are striving to build a better future for themselves and others.

My decision to pursue a master's degree in information technology and project management derives from a great enthusiasm for technology and leadership, as well as a desire to close the gender gap in STEM fields.Growing up as a first-generation student, I recognized early on the transformative power of education and mentorship.These experiences impacted my goal to not only succeed in my area but also to inspire and empower other women and girls to pursue their aspirations. Information technology provides endless opportunities for addressing global concerns, streamlining operations, and enhancing innovation. When combined with project management, this profession will promote leadership in challenging initiatives, establish efficient processes, and bring transformative ideas to life. As I enhance my expertise in IT and project management, I hope to leverage these talents to develop technology-driven solutions that address cultural demands while fostering diverse and inclusive teams. As a woman in STEM, I've been motivated to help others identify their own potential and seize opportunities for growth. This perspective has inspired my involvement in community activities targeted at empowering women in technology. By engaging with groups and employing technology, I hope to create scalable solutions that break down barriers and raise the voices of women in this industry. The impact I aspire to have extends beyond individual successes. It is about building a movement to ensure that the next generation of female leaders is not only represented but recognized in STEM professions. With this scholarship, I will be able to further my education, obtain certifications, and continue to advocate for systemic changes that allow women to thrive in technology and leadership positions. To the Cochener Family, Thank you for honoring John Young’s inspiring legacy and for your generosity in establishing this scholarship. His story of resilience and innovation encourages me to pursue my professional dreams with purpose. Your support for high-achieving students motivates us to pursue our dreams with purpose and determination, and I am grateful for your commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. Sincerely, Julie

Hello, My name is Julie, and I am a first-generation international student from Antigua currently pursuing a master’s degree in Information Technology and Project Management. As a STEM professional in training, I am driven by a passion to become a certified project manager and an advocate for women and girls aspiring to enter STEM fields. My journey has been defined by resilience, a commitment to service, and a vision of creating opportunities for others. Growing up, access to advanced education and career opportunities in technology was limited in my home country. Pursuing a degree in the United States was a dream fueled by determination to overcome these barriers. However, this decision also came with challenges, particularly as an international student while adjusting to a new culture, balancing academic rigor, and managing financial constraints that required unwavering focus and persistence. These obstacles have shaped me into a stronger, more resourceful individual, and they have deepened my commitment to making the most of every opportunity. One of the most significant challenges I face at this time is the financial hardship to continue my studies. Despite these struggles, I remain committed to achieving my academic and career goals. I see this as an opportunity not only to build a better future for myself but also to inspire others facing similar difficulties. My perseverance reflects my belief that education and hard work can break cycles of limitation and open doors to new possibilities. Over the course of my academic and professional journey, I have been actively involved in community initiatives aimed at supporting and uplifting women, particularly in technology and leadership roles. Through my work with organizations such as ILeadinSTEM – DFW Alliance of Technology and Women, I have mentored young girls interested in STEM fields, organized workshops, and helped create opportunities for women to build their skills and confidence. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the importance of representation and mentorship in transforming lives. My long-term goal is to use my education and career as a platform to empower others. As a future certified project manager, I hope to lead initiatives that bridge the gap for underrepresented groups in technology. I aim to create mentorship programs, scholarships, and training workshops that equip women and girls with the resources that I wish I had to help them succeed. By sharing my knowledge and resources, I hope to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation that enables others to achieve their dreams. Pursuing my studies in the United States is not just about personal achievement—it is about making a positive impact on the world. The skills and experiences I am gaining will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the tech industry while addressing systemic barriers that hold others back. I am determined to use my journey as an example of what is possible with dedication, resilience, and support. In conclusion, my story is one of perseverance, service, and purpose. Despite the challenges I face, I remain steadfast in my commitment to create pathways for future generations.

The American Dream holds a unique meaning for everyone who seeks it, shaped by personal experiences and aspirations. For me, the American Dream represents the chance to gain independence, break barriers, explore new opportunities, and make a lasting impact on others. It is a vision of education, career success, and empowerment that begins with personal growth and extends to helping others achieve their own dreams. As a first-generation college student, leaving my home country to pursue opportunities in the United States was a monumental step. With limited access to resources and pathways to higher education in technology, making the dream of a brighter future felt distant. However, the United States offered a landscape where education and hard work could redefine the trajectory of my life. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and being away from my family, I embraced the opportunity, determined to make the most of it. For me, the American Dream began with doing exceptionally in college. Education was more than a stepping stone; it was the foundation of my aspirations. As the first in my family to attend college, I felt a responsibility not only to excel academically but also to inspire those back home who might feel limited by their circumstances. Pursuing a degree in Information Technology has been transformative, equipping me with the skills and knowledge to enter a field I had always dreamed of but seemed unattainable. Beyond academics, building meaningful connections has been a crucial part of my journey. In college and professional settings, I’ve met mentors, peers, and industry leaders who have broadened my perspective and guided me toward success. These relationships have taught me the value of collaboration and support, lessons I aim to pass on to others. The connections I’ve made have not only enhanced my education but have also set the stage for launching my career in the tech industry. Starting a career in technology represents the realization of one of the key pillars of my American Dream. The tech field is a space where innovation thrives, and I am driven by the opportunity to solve problems, improve systems, and create meaningful change. Gaining professional experience in the United States has exposed me to cutting-edge advancements, diverse perspectives, and a culture of continuous learning. These experiences have not only sharpened my skills but also deepened my commitment to leveraging my success to help others. The ultimate goal of my American Dream is to use my achievements to uplift those back home. I am passionate about empowering individuals, especially women and young people, who aspire to pursue education or careers in technology. By using my resources and experiences, I hope to create initiatives that provide mentorship, training, and access to tools that can bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity. Whether it’s through scholarships, skill-building workshops, or mentorship programs, I aim to help others realize their potential. To me, the American Dream is more than personal success—it’s about creating a ripple effect of opportunity by having the courage to seek out new possibilities, involves resilience to overcome challenges, and culminates in giving back to create a legacy of empowerment. In conclusion, my definition of the American Dream is rooted in aspiration, growth, and service. It is about leaving behind limitations, excelling academically and professionally, and using those achievements to inspire and empower others. As I continue to build my life in the United States, I remain committed to helping others achieve their own dreams, just as I have begun to achieve mine. Together, we can make the American Dream a collective reality.