As the eldest of three siblings and a first generation Eritrean American, I carry the strength of my parents’ sacrifices and strive to honor their journey. My parents walked across the Saharan Desert seeking refuge, opportunity, and the chance for their children to live without fear. Their courage and perseverance ground my education and push me to keep moving forward each day. The road they took was paved with hardship, yet they never lost faith in the power of education. Their story reminds me that endurance and hope can turn struggle into purpose. Their example shapes my choices and steadies me during challenges daily. Growing up, I balanced multiple worlds: interpreting for my family, caring for my younger siblings, and striving to excel in school. I learned early that being the eldest meant more than leadership; it meant responsibility. I helped my siblings with classes, guided my parents through unfamiliar systems, and reminded my family that their sacrifices were not in vain. Their journey through the desert was a promise. A promise that we would make something greater of the lives they risked everything to build. That promise fuels my determination to break barriers and uplift others through education and innovation. Now, as an Electrical Engineering major at Loyola Marymount University, I am often the only Black woman in the room. It often felt like every mistake carried extra weight. Over time, I realized that my presence itself is a statement of resilience. I am not an exception; I am a continuation of a legacy of endurance that began long before me. My identity is not a limitation; it is a source of strength. My experiences have made me adaptable, confident, and determined to create space for others who look like me. Through my studies, I have developed a deep passion for biomedical engineering, where technology meets humanity. I want to design medical devices that provide affordable and accessible care, especially in under resourced regions like East Africa. The same perseverance that carried my parents through the desert drives me to bridge the gap between innovation and equity. My education is more than a personal achievement; it is a tool to transform communities and to give back to the world that shaped me. I believe engineering should advance society while ensuring that progress is shared by all, regardless of background or circumstance. Being one of the few women of color in engineering has strengthened my resilience and clarified my purpose. I have turned isolation into motivation, helping others find belonging in spaces where they might feel unseen. As IEEE Marketing Chair and Robotics Treasurer, I organized mentorship, workshops, and career events to help underrepresented students thrive. Leadership means more than a title; it means building pathways for others and ensuring no one feels invisible. Balancing family responsibilities, academic rigor, and the emotional toll of navigating underrepresentation has not been easy. Every obstacle reminds me why I am here: to honor my family’s courage, uplift my community, and inspire others to persevere. This scholarship would ease the financial weight that limits first generation students like me and let me pursue my degree and research fully. More importantly, it would affirm that my story. The story of my parents, is one of strength, not struggle. I walk forward on the foundation they built with blistered feet and unwavering faith. Their journey across the desert is the reason I have the courage to cross new frontiers in engineering. I am built for this, built from endurance, love, and the unwavering belief that where we begin does not define how far we can go.

My name is Wintana Araya! I am a proud Eritrean American woman studying Electrical Engineering at Loyola Marymount University in California. Growing up as a first-generation college student, I’ve always understood that pursuing higher education in STEM is not only a personal goal but it’s a responsibility to open doors for those who come after me. My journey has been shaped by perseverance, curiosity, and a deep belief that innovation should exist for everyone, not just those with access or privilege. From a young age, I was fascinated by how technology could transform everyday life. I remember helping my father fix small electronics around our home, not realizing that these moments were planting the seeds of my future in engineering. When I entered college, my passion for circuits, sensors, and systems quickly grew into a desire to apply engineering to something bigger: biomedical innovation. I want to design medical technologies that help people in underserved communities, particularly those with limited access to healthcare. My Eritrean heritage has shown me the importance of resilience and community, and I am driven by the idea that engineering can bridge the gap between inequality and opportunity. As a System Validation Engineering Intern at EVgo, I worked on testing and troubleshooting high-power EV chargers, helping validate systems that support the growing clean energy network. Through that experience, I learned that precision, collaboration, and problem-solving are essential in every engineering discipline. It also showed me the power of representation being one of the few Black women in my field reminded me how much visibility matters. Representation is not just symbolic; it creates a sense of belonging for those who have been historically excluded. Beyond the classroom and lab, I strive to build community and lead with purpose. As the Marketing Chair for LMU’s IEEE chapter, I have organized resume workshops and career events to help students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds prepare for opportunities in engineering. As the Treasurer of the Robotics Club, I help secure funding for student projects and manage resources that enable hands-on learning. Through both roles, I’ve learned how leadership in STEM is about more than technical ability, it’s about creating pathways for others to succeed. The values that guide me most are equity, curiosity, and service. I believe that every innovation should serve a purpose, and that progress means nothing if it leaves people behind. I’m motivated by seeing how technology can be adapted to meet the needs of diverse communities. My long-term goal is to work in biomedical engineering, designing affordable diagnostic devices and health monitoring systems for use in low-resource environments. I want to collaborate with nonprofits and public health organizations to create technologies that are both accessible and culturally relevant. The Electrical Engineering degree I am pursuing is the foundation of that vision. It equips me with the technical knowledge to design circuits, analyze systems, and integrate hardware with digital technologies. But beyond the academics, it teaches me how to think critically, problem-solve creatively, and collaborate ethically all skills I’ll carry into biomedical research/ design. My education will allow me to merge engineering with empathy, ensuring that every innovation I work on uplifts and empowers others. Receiving this scholarship helps me continue my education without financial strain and allow me to focus more on research and mentorship. But more importantly, it would affirm the message that Black students belong in STEM, and that our voices, creativity, and leadership are essential to the future of innovation. I want to use my education to not only design new technologies but also to build bridges of opportunity for others like me.

My name is Wintana Araya, and I am a proud Eritrean American studying Electrical Engineering at Loyola Marymount University in California. Growing up in a close-knit immigrant family, I witnessed the barriers underrepresented communities face in accessing education and opportunity. These experiences shaped my belief that innovation should serve humanity and that technology has the power to bridge inequalities rather than widen them. As a first-generation college student, my academic journey has been defined by perseverance, curiosity, and a desire to make a difference. When I first began studying electrical engineering, I was fascinated by how circuits, sensors, and systems work together to create meaningful solutions. Over time, I realized that my passion extended beyond the technical aspects of design I wanted to apply my skills toward improving healthcare accessibility and medical technology for underserved communities. This realization inspired my goal of pursuing a career in biomedical engineering, where I hope to design and optimize medical devices that make diagnosis and treatment more affordable and inclusive. Through my coursework and professional experiences, I have learned to connect theory to impact. As a System Validation Engineering Intern at EVgo, I helped troubleshoot and validate complex electric vehicle charging systems, working on projects that promote sustainable technology adoption nationwide. I gained experience in testing, data analysis, and cross-team collaboration, learning how precision and communication drive successful engineering outcomes. Beyond technical work, I discovered the importance of leadership and mentorship. As the Marketing Chair for LMU’s IEEE chapter and Treasurer for the Robotics Club, I organized resume workshops, lab sessions, and outreach events to inspire other students—especially those from marginalized backgrounds—to pursue engineering with confidence. Much like Mireya TJ Manigault, I believe in the transformative power of creativity and purpose-driven innovation. Her legacy reminds me that technology is not just about building systems—it is about building possibilities for people. My Eritrean heritage has taught me the importance of community and collective progress, values I strive to integrate into every project I lead. I see engineering not as a solitary pursuit, but as a platform to empower others and address inequities that affect real lives. In the future, I plan to specialize in biomedical instrumentation and embedded systems, fields that combine my love for circuitry with my commitment to health equity. I am especially interested in developing low-cost diagnostic devices for clinics in underserved regions, including East Africa, where access to reliable medical tools remains limited. I hope to collaborate with nonprofits and healthcare startups to create solutions that are affordable, sustainable, and culturally informed. My goal is to merge innovation with empathy, advancing technologies that serve people rather than profit. Receiving the Mireya TJ Manigault Scholarship would provide vital support as I continue my studies and research. It would ease financial challenges that often limit first-generation students and allow me to focus on projects that align with my mission to expand access to technology and healthcare. More importantly, it would affirm my belief that representation and purpose matter that young engineers like me can carry forward Mireya’s vision of equitable innovation. I am deeply inspired by Mireya’s example of leading with purpose, compassion, and creativity. She believed in people’s potential and used her talents to amplify the work of others. I hope to honor her legacy by doing the same, using my engineering education not only to innovate, but also to uplift communities and empower change. Through every circuit I design and every system I build, I aim to embody her spirit: one that fuses imagination with impact and transforms possibility into progress.

My parents are immigrants from Eritrea, and I carry the weight of their sacrifices alongside the aspiration for a better future. My parents exhibited remarkable courage. They escaped a dictatorship that sought to suppress freedom, individuality, and ambition. Eritrea, my nation of origin, is noted for its resilience but is hindered by systemic challenges: limited opportunities, an oppressive political environment, and insufficient access to education. My parents envisioned a world where their child could think autonomously, dream boundlessly, and thrive above the constraints they faced. In Eritrea, my parents endured a repressive war and regime that stifled education and impeded opportunities for growth. Despite their reverence for their nation, they acknowledged that staying would jeopardize my future. They surreptitiously crossed borders, facing uncertainty, hunger, and fear, motivated entirely by the hope that I would live a life defined not by limitations but by possibilities.Throughout my upbringing, I perceived the wounds of their journey reflected in their eyes—the terror they bore, concealed beneath each word of encouragement.Education is not a privilege but a solemn obligation, the sole method of shaping the fate of individuals and civilizations. As a prospective college student, I frequently experience the conflict between my two areas of interest.My identity at home is deeply rooted in Eritrean culture—speaking Tigrinya, eating injera, and valuing the social connections that enhance our heritage. At school, I navigate the difficulties of being a first-generation student in a swiftly changing environment that often appears disconnected from my cultural background. This paradox signifies my strength. It has provided me with the insight to comprehend difficulties on both global and local levels. The sacrifices of my parents inspire my determination to employ my knowledge as an instrument for transformation. Eritrea confronts numerous obstacles, such as restricted access to excellent education, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and obstructed economic progress. My academic endeavors have heightened my dedication to bridging these gaps through participation in activities that enhance Eritrean communities. I intend to pursue a profession in sustainable development and community empowerment, specifically concentrating on STEAM. Education serves as the foundation of opportunity, while technology possesses the capacity to mitigate inequalities. Through the promotion of digital literacy and the establishment of accessible educational opportunities in Eritrea, I aim to empower young folks to foresee prospects beyond their present circumstances. My viewpoint beyond theoretical frameworks; it is deeply personal. I aim to partner with local people in Eritrea to create educational institutions, design curricula that incorporate Eritrean culture and history, and utilize technology to democratize education. I dream for Eritrean children to recognize that their potential is not only dictated not by the political climate but by their capacity to learn, grow, and lead. Additionally, I aim to promote initiatives that offer sustainable livelihoods. The youth of Eritrea have considerable skill and resourcefulness; nonetheless, many are forced to travel in search of opportunity. My aim is to promote internal development by supporting small businesses and startups in Eritrea. The lengths my parents went from Eritrea to the United States is not solely their story; it is my foundation. Their sacrifices inspire me to live a meaningful life, ensuring that their hopes for a better future are not in vain. In my academic endeavors, I exemplify resilience, adaptability, and bravery. My primary ambition is to observe a generation of Eritreans who acknowledge the transformative power of education and the boundless potential of their nation. I aim to honor my parents' sacrifices via my accomplishments and to cultivate a legacy of hope and empowerment for the Eritrean people.

My parents are immigrants from Eritrea, and I carry the weight of their sacrifices alongside the aspiration for a better future. My parents exhibited remarkable courage. They escaped a dictatorship that sought to suppress freedom, individuality, and ambition. Eritrea, my nation of origin, is noted for its resilience but is hindered by systemic challenges: limited opportunities, an oppressive political environment, and insufficient access to education. My parents envisioned a world where their child could think autonomously, dream boundlessly, and thrive above the constraints they faced. In Eritrea, my parents endured a repressive war and regime that stifled education and impeded opportunities for growth. Despite their reverence for their nation, they acknowledged that staying would jeopardize my future. They surreptitiously crossed borders, facing uncertainty, hunger, and fear, motivated entirely by the hope that I would live a life defined not by limitations but by possibilities.Throughout my upbringing, I perceived the wounds of their journey reflected in their eyes—the terror they bore, concealed beneath each word of encouragement.Education is not a privilege but a solemn obligation, the sole method of shaping the fate of individuals and civilizations. As a prospective college student, I frequently experience the conflict between my two areas of interest.My identity at home is deeply rooted in Eritrean culture—speaking Tigrinya, eating injera, and valuing the social connections that enhance our heritage. At school, I navigate the difficulties of being a first-generation student in a swiftly changing environment that often appears disconnected from my cultural background. This paradox signifies my strength. It has provided me with the insight to comprehend difficulties on both global and local levels. The sacrifices of my parents inspire my determination to employ my knowledge as an instrument for transformation. Eritrea confronts numerous obstacles, such as restricted access to excellent education, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and obstructed economic progress. My academic endeavors have heightened my dedication to bridging these gaps through participation in activities that enhance Eritrean communities. I intend to pursue a profession in sustainable development and community empowerment, specifically concentrating on STEAM. Education serves as the foundation of opportunity, while technology possesses the capacity to mitigate inequalities. Through the promotion of digital literacy and the establishment of accessible educational opportunities in Eritrea, I aim to empower young folks to foresee prospects beyond their present circumstances. My viewpoint beyond theoretical frameworks; it is deeply personal. I aim to partner with local people in Eritrea to create educational institutions, design curricula that incorporate Eritrean culture and history, and utilize technology to democratize education. I dream for Eritrean children to recognize that their potential is not only dictated not by the political climate but by their capacity to learn, grow, and lead. Additionally, I aim to promote initiatives that offer sustainable livelihoods. The youth of Eritrea have considerable skill and resourcefulness; nonetheless, many are forced to travel in search of opportunity. My aim is to promote internal development by supporting small businesses and startups in Eritrea. The lengths my parents went from Eritrea to the United States is not solely their story; it is my foundation. Their sacrifices inspire me to live a meaningful life, ensuring that their hopes for a better future are not in vain. In my academic endeavors, I exemplify resilience, adaptability, and bravery. My primary ambition is to observe a generation of Eritreans who acknowledge the transformative power of education and the boundless potential of their nation. I aim to honor my parents' sacrifices via my accomplishments and to cultivate a legacy of hope and empowerment for the Eritrean people.

I go to a predominantly white school with a low African American/ Black community. Attending a predominantly white institution can provide access to resources and opportunities, but can also lead to feelings of isolation and lack of representation for students of color, as well as potential experiences of racism and microaggressions. Most people are not educated or not interested in trying to understand our culture or even acknowledge our existence at school. There have been many cases where students are belittled, bullied, scrutinized, singled out, or even made fun of just because of the color of their skin. It even transpired to students utilized slurs and integrated them into their everyday language without judgment. No matter how hard some students tried, the administration was not taking some of the reports I or others would take seriously. It wasn’t until my sophomore year I was able to find my way to BSU through a helpful recommendation of a friend. Before my first meeting, I was a little nervous about what I was about to expect. The minute I walked into that room, I saw an abundance of people, just like me. I was quite relieved. The anxiety and pressure that was pent up were all a waste to tie because I was welcomed into the community with open arms. As I had gotten settled in, we started to discuss the real issues our school had in terms of dealing with racism and racial profiling. While everyone was talking about their personal experiences and struggles, they empathized with them. No one, no matter what ethnicity or race you are, should be experiencing any type of treatment. As a club, we all made it our duty to not only put down our peers about it but to educate them and guide them in the right direction. Eventually, Black Student Union started gaining a lot of attention/recognition on campus. We started to see an influx of members who were not only of African American/ Black descent but those who were from other ethnicities as we. Internally, I was truly trying to process how the students (and even staff) were starting to give us the respect that we deserve. Because it’s not about only wanting to be treated better, but it is also about wanting to be treated equally. One way to improve my college institution is to actively incorporate diverse cultures into campus life. This can be achieved through hosting cultural events and festivals, offering courses on diverse perspectives, and ensuring that representation of diverse cultures is present in the curriculum, faculty, and staff. Creating safe spaces for students of color to gather and connect can also help them feel included and supported. PWIS needs to acknowledge and address the systemic barriers that may have prevented diverse representation in the past and take steps to actively create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.

My ultimate aim as a student pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering is to use my knowledge to positively influence society. By improving disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, biomedical engineering has the potential to revolutionize healthcare and eventually improve people's quality of life both as individuals and as a community. I'll discuss how I intend to use my training in biomedical engineering and my technical know-how to benefit my community in this article. Designing and creating medical devices is one area where biomedical engineering has the potential to have a big effect. The creation of assistive technologies that can enhance the lives of people with disabilities is something that interests me especially. I think that with the proper engineering and design, these technologies can help people with disabilities take part in society more fully, increasing their independence and self-worth. For instance, a wheelchair or a prosthetic limb can greatly increase mobility, enabling people to carry out daily chores that they would otherwise find difficult. The creation of diagnostic tools is another field where biomedical engineering is helpful. Many conditions can be treated more successfully if discovered early, and early diagnosis of diseases is essential for effective therapy. In low-resource settings where access to healthcare may be constrained, I am interested in researching and creating novel diagnostic tools. For instance, creating a low-cost, simple-to-use diagnostic instrument for malaria could greatly enhance the lives of people in developing nations where the illness is common. Finally, I think that some of the problems that our aging population faces can be solved with the aid of biomedical engineering. Healthcare solutions that can support older people in maintaining their independence and quality of life are becoming more and more necessary as the population continues to age. By creating technologies that promote healthy aging, such as monitoring systems that can spot falls or changes in health state, the field of biomedical engineering can be of assistance. By enabling older people to remain independent for longer, these technologies will ease the strain on family caregivers and healthcare systems. I am determined to use my training in biomedical engineering and my transferable abilities to improve society. I think biomedical engineering has the power to significantly improve people's lives, whether it is by creating diagnostic tools, healthcare options for older individuals, or assistive technologies. I am eager to make a significant contribution to this area and am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I am confident that with your help, I can accomplish my objectives and improve my neighborhood. I appreciate your taking a look at my application.