The Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN) scholars program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to young women from a YWPN school that embody the mission and core values that founded our organization: Leadership, College Readiness, and Health/Wellness. Additionally, these young women are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, and their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities.
YWPN SCHOLARS
Click on each Scholar below to learn more about them.
2024
Meet Ava Marie Romero, Salutatorian of the Young Women's Leadership Academy's class of 2024. Ava discovered her passion for medicine and racial justice through rigorous coursework and a 3-year internship at UT Health San Antonio's Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy. She developed a strong interest in education and healthcare disparities, conducting independent research in AP Seminar and AP Research. Ava is attending Yale University and studying the History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health on the Pre-Med track.
Meet Dominique Sennet. She is attending Rice University student. Dominique aims to merge her passions for technology and graphic design to create a more accessible and enjoyable digital world. To achieve this, she plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science while refining her graphic design skills to become a front-end web developer. Throughout her academic journey, Dominique will remain committed to fostering a more inclusive digital landscape and society.
Meet Eva Anderson! She is a longhorn, a leader, and a YWPN Scholar! She attended Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School. She is attending her dream school, the University of Texas at Austin, to study biology with plans to work at the CDC or Children’s Health after university. She hopes to add to the representation of women of color in STEM and continue her involvement in student government and lacrosse in college. HOOK ‘EM!
Meet Maritza Maldonado. Her favorite classes were mock trial and debate for which she has a deep passion. At Irma Lerma Rangel she developed a love for advocating for marginalized communities and building her public speaking skills. In college, she hopes to join the mock trial team and other organizations in order to be part of her campus community. After college, she plans on attending law school and becoming an immigration lawyer.
Meet Nicole Perry. She is a graduate of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders in Austin, Texas. Social justice and politics are two of her biggest passions and she worked with several equity groups at her school to pursue that passion. She has also had been involved in campaigns outside of her school to support the causes that she cares most about. She loves writing and loved both running the school newspaper and the writing center which provided writing assistance to students. She is attending Georgetown University where she is studying public policy in the heart of D.C.
Meet Peggy Jean Carr. She is attending Princeton University. She was a high-achieving senior at the Young Women's Leadership Academy in Fort Worth, Texas. She excelled academically and athletically, boasting straight A's, a two-time state qualification in Track and Field, and a 5th-place finish in discus at the Texas State Track and Field Competition. Peggy received numerous honors, including the AP Scholar Award and College Board National African American Recognition. She's is also passionate about Electrical Engineering. She interned at Lockheed Martin and founded "STEM Reading Leaf" to improve reading levels for third graders.
Meet Sophia Ramirez. She attended the Young Women's Leadership Academy in San Antonio. She was the president of the Science National Honor Society, co-captain of the YWLA Varsity Volleyball team, and a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Cardinal Senate, Spanish Honor Society, Student Athletic Training Team, and Ballet Folklorico de YWLA. Outside of school, she was a part of the Voelcker Biomedical Research Program at UT Health San Antonio, a setter for her club volleyball team, and a member of Ballet Folklorico de San Antonio. She is now attending Harvard University to study neuroscience on the pre-medicine track.
Meet Zoe Lopez. She was a graduate of the Young Women's Leadership Academy. Throughout her high school career, she founded clubs, led fundraising efforts, and served in various officer roles. She also completed nearly 450 hours of community service and worked as a Youth Advocate for sexual health with Healthy Futures of Texas. Her rigorous coursework, including multiple AP classes, deepened her passion for community-based advocacy and public policy. She is excited to pursue Public Policy at the University of Denver as a Pioneer Leadership Scholar.
2023
Meet Adeline Short. She has aspired to be a lawyer since childhood, inspired by the confidence and knowledge lawyers embody. In high school, she pursued this goal by serving as captain of the school’s mock trial team and participating in legal internships and summer camps. She developed a passion for politics and government, choosing to major in political science while also aiming to double major in English literature and potentially minor in Spanish or music. With a drive to maximize every opportunity, she is determined to graduate with a strong foundation for law school. She is attending UNT.
Meet Amaya Salter. She has pursued a rigorous academic path, excelling in Pre-AP, AP, and STEM coursework. She achieved qualifying scores on five AP exams and completed dual enrollment courses in Physics and Forensic Science, showcasing her passion for analytical thinking and engineering. Deeply committed to addressing social injustice, Amaya plans to study political science, focusing on reforming the legal system to support marginalized communities. I plan to utilize an education with a focus in political science with the ultimate goal of becoming a lawyer. She is attending Emory University.
Meet Ana Lopez. She excelled in roles such as Orchestra President, where she raised $3,700 for equipment and enhanced rehearsal spaces. As Mock Trial Team Captain, I organized practices, mentored members, and boosted team confidence. As Vice President of Geo Club, I led impactful school-wide events and volunteer opportunities. She is attending Wellesley College majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Music. She currently plays the cello and is so excited to continue her education and personal interests at one of the best liberal art colleges in the country.
Meet Claire Moore. In college, she will study film and television with a focus on screenwriting, which is something she has loved to do for a long time. She said, “It can be very difficult for women to break into the industry, so she knows she will need to work harder than others to achieve what she wants”. Her dream is to write movies and TV shows of people whose stories haven’t been told. She is attending DePaul University.
Meet Mia Girela. She is working towards attaining a degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology with a possible second major in Integrative Biology at Rice University. She plans to pursue medical school and earn an MD/PhD to supplement her passion for both research based studies and clinical-patient interactions. She always wanted to change the world, and in doing so, she wants to care for children. This goal has prompted her to pursue becoming a clinically based neonatologist. She is excited to continue her passion for STEM and helping the people around her at Rice!
Meet Naylie Leal. She was born and raised in Houston, one of the most industrialized cities in the world, and she witnessed the impact of plastic waste from mechanical recovery. She is studying chemical engineering to advance depolymerization, a groundbreaking recycling method yielding pure plastic without losing vital properties. Joining the Rice Undergraduate Scholars Program, she will research its limitations in decomposing compounds like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride. Addressing these challenges could expand depolymerization’s applications and revolutionize recycling processes.
Meet Taylor McCowan. She designed the Confident Girl Project for her Girl Scout Silver Award, raising awareness and funds for girls facing period poverty. She demonstrated leadership as President of DECA, Secretary of the National Honor Society, Senior Class Secretary, and JV Volleyball Captain. Taylor’s dedication earned her accolades such as the Google Community Service Excellence Award, Presidential Service Award, and a VASE Gold Medal. She is attending Hampton University to study architecture, earning a master’s degree and licensure. Taylor aspires to use her skills to serve her community through building community centers and preserving historic sites.
Meet Yucky Macias. She is attending The University of Texas at El Paso and is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. After completing this milestone, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in Aerospace Engineering. Ultimately, her goal is to develop and strengthen her professional skills by obtaining a doctoral degree in this same field. She aspires to one day work for NASA as an Aerospace Engineer striving to increase the representation of Latina women in Engineering. She hopes to be a role model for younger women in her community fostering a desire to attend and to spark their interest in STEM fields.
2022
Meet Soli Ateefa. She is attending the University of Texas at Arlington for its bioinformatics engineering opportunities. As an Honors College freshman, she joined the Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program, conducting biomedical research at UT Southwestern using data science. UTA’s diverse community allows her to explore her Yemeni heritage through cultural groups and study abroad. Her passion for problem-solving drives her to major in computer science and advance global health.
Meet Opeyemi Ogundele. She decided to pursue Computer Science and Sociology at Swarthmore with a focus on becoming a tech ethicist. Her goal is to ensure technologies are implemented ethically, avoiding harm or discrimination against marginalized groups. With a deep interest in technological advancements and their impact on philosophical and sociological thought, she is excited about the opportunities to explore these areas in her studies.
Meet Yasmine Moussa. She is attending Harvard University. She hopes to conduct research in neurological disorders and one day attend medical school to become a neurosurgeon. The idea of making groundbreaking discoveries in such an unexplored field excites her, and she is eager to contribute to advancements that could improve lives. The opportunity to learn and push the boundaries of medical knowledge is truly inspiring to her.
Meet Carolyn Lanford. She is determined to use her experiences from SAISD and YWLA to shape educational policy and equity. Majoring in political science at Columbia University, she seeks to understand legal and social systems that influence governance. Her goal is to adapt these systems to create a stronger future for the next generation of leaders through meaningful student support and reform.
Meet Samantha Cooke. She is pursuing a degree in environmental engineering at Dalhousie University, driven by a passion for understanding the world and solving impactful problems. After three years of dedication in scouting—earning merit badges, advancing ranks, and leading—she became the second female Eagle Scout in her BSA Thunderbird District and Troop. At the university, she plans to join a venturing crew to continue outdoor exploration, service, and conservation.
Meet Cedar Toavs. She is majoring in nursing at DePaul University to become a nurse anesthetist which has been her dream since freshman year. With the highest happiness rating in the medical field, nurse anesthesiology aligns with her dedication to both career success and personal well-being. Most importantly, she feels called to lead, help those in need, build meaningful relationships, and thrive in a hospital environment.
Meet Brenda Bralich. While earning her bachelor’s degree at the University of North Texas in anthropology, she intends to study courses in Biological Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, and the Archaeology of Human History. She hopes to continue her education in graduate school and eventually earn a PhD to become an expert in her field. Her ultimate goal is to work at the Smithsonian, aiding in research and preservation efforts with a specific focus on Southwestern human-environment interaction.
PAST YWPN SCHOLARS
Hy Thach
Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, Houston, TX
Bowdoin College
Environmental Science
Jenifer Andradez Guevara
Young Women’s Leadership Academy at Arnold, Grand Prairie, TX
University of Texas at Arlington
Nursing
Lochana Kalyanaraman
Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, Houston, TX
University of Texas at Austin
Computer Science
Morgan Glover
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, Dallas, TX
Southern Methodist University
Computer Science
Shreya Dheenan
Young Women’s Leadership Academy, San Antonio, TX
University of Texas at Austin
Science followed by Medical School
Sukeji Tombe
Ann Richard’s School for Young Women Leaders, Austin, TX
University of Chicago
Biochemistry followed by Medical School
Taagi Kowino
Talkington School for Young Women Leaders, Lubbock, TX
Texas Tech
Biology followed by Medical School
Yasziara Anderson
Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Grand Prairie, TX
Dillard University
Mathematics
Joselin Barbosa
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, Dallas, TX
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Computer Science
Leslie Beruman Flores
Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Fort Worth, TX
Rhode Island School of Design
Film/Animation/Video
Lucia Conchas
Young Women’s Leadership Academy, San Antonio, TX
University of Texas at Austin
Architecture
Da’Shayla Foard
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, Dallas, TX
Southern Methodist University
Political Science
Fatima Rosales
Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Austin, TX
Trinity University
Sociology
Litzy Torres
Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Grand Prairie, TX
University of North Texas
Business Administration
Favour Adeyinka
Young Women’s Leadership Academy – Grand Prairie
University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, PA
Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology
Expected Graduation – Fall 2023
Emma Chavez
Young Women’s Leadership Academy – Fort Worth
Hendrix College – Conway, AR
Biomedical Engineering
Expected Graduation – Fall 2023
Valeria Delacruz
Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School – Dallas
Yonsei University – Seoul, South Korea
International Relations
Expected Graduation – Fall 2023
Brooke Edwards
Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy – Houston
Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge, LA
Biology
Expected Graduation – Fall 2023
Yuliana Hernandez
Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School – Dallas
University of Texas at Dallas – Richardson, TX
Biomedical Engineering
Expected Graduation – Fall 2023
Karla Rodriguez
Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders – Austin
University of Texas at Austin – Austin, TX
Environmental Engineering
Expected Graduation – Fall 2023
Catherine Ann Rosales
Talkington School for Young Women Leaders – Lubbock
Texas Tech University – Lubbock, TX
Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation – Fall 2023
Chastity Chavez
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School – Dallas, TX
Class of 2018
Attending University of Rochester – Rochester, NY
Major – Biology
Expected Graduation – Fall 2022
Maria Teresa Conchas
Young Women’s Leadership Academy – San Antonio, TX
Class of 2018
Attending Brown University – Providence, Rhode Island
Major – Public Health & Development Studies
Expected Graduation – Fall 2022
Citlali Delgado Flores
Young Women’s Leadership Academy – Grand Prairie, TX
Class of 2018
Attending Texas A&M University – College Station, TX
Major – Biomedical Science
Expected Graduation – Fall 2022
Galilea Hernandez
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School – Dallas, TX
Class of 2018
Attending Sam Houston State University – Huntsville, TX
Major – Criminal Justice
Expected Graduation – Fall 2022
Brizaizet Olascoaga Laureano
Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders – Austin, TX
Class of 2018
Attending Lawrence University – Appleton, WI
Major – Biology
Expected Graduation – Fall 2022
Journee Rodriguez
Young Women’s Leadership Academy – San Antonio, TX
Class of 2018
Attending Texas State University – San Marcos, TX
Major – English
Expected Graduation – Fall 2022
Ariana Runner
Young Women’s Leadership Academy – San Antonio, TX
Class of 2018
Attending Moore College of Art & Design – Philadelphia, PA
Major – Illustration
Expected Graduation – Fall 2022
Vanessa Sarmiento
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School – Dallas, TX
Class of 2018
Attending Saint Louis University – St. Louis, MO
Major – Criminology
Expected Graduation – Fall 2022
Maribell Torres
Young Women’s Leadership Academy – Fort Worth, TX
Class of 2018
Attending Austin College – Sherman, TX
Major – Biology
Expected Graduation – Fall 2022
Yaneth Flores
Young Women’s Leadership Academy – Grand Prairie, TX
Class of 2017
Attending Texas Women’s University – Denton, TX
Major – Child Development – Pre-Occupational Therapy
Expected Graduation – Fall 2021
After graduation, I plan to work in a children’s hospital where I can apply my Occupational Therapy.
Laura Fuentes
Young Women’s Leadership Academy – Fort Worth, TX
Class of 2017
Attending Texas Christian University – Fort Worth, TX
Expected Graduation – Spring 2021
Major – Film, TV & Digital Media Production
After graduation, I would like to work as a video producer for an advertising company and make my way towards becoming a director of feature-length films.
Diana Ramirez
Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders – Austin, TX
Class of 2017
Attending the University of North Texas – Denton, TX
Major – Marketing
Expected Graduation – Fall 2020
After graduation, I would like to work for an organization or company that gives back to the community.
Geuel Simiyu
Talkington School for Young Women Leaders – Lubbock, TX
Class of 2017
Attending Texas Tech University – Lubbock, TX
Expected Graduation – Spring 2021
Major – Biology
After graduation, I plan to attend medical school and become a surgeon.
Alicia Allen
Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School
Class of 2016
Attending University of Oklahoma – Norman, OK
Major – Nursing; Health and Exercise Science
Expected Graduation – Spring 2020
After graduating, I plan on working at the assisted living facility that we have turned my grandfather’s house into.
Maria Favella
Young Women’s Leadership Academy – San Antonio, TX
Class of 2016
Attending University of Rochester – Rochester, NY
Major – Neuroscience
Expected Graduation – Spring 2021
After graduation, I intend to work on my masters and obtain a Ph.D. to pursue research in Neuroscience — particularly in epilepsy to help other children who have experienced it before, such as my brother in the past.
Olivia Oldham
Talkington School for Young Women Leaders – Lubbock TX
Class of 2016
Attending Texas Tech University – Lubbock, TX
Major – Interior Design
Expected Graduation – Fall 2020
After graduation, I would like to attend graduate school to earn a Masters in Environmental Design, so I can move on to the professional world to begin working for an architectural and design firm.
Marissa Ramirez
Young Women’s Leadership Academy – San Antonio, TX
Class of 2016
Attending Oberlin College – Oberlin, OH
Major – Environmental Studies and Comparative American Studies
Expected Graduation – Spring 2020
After graduation, I plan to work for a non-profit social justice organization.
Karina Reyes Rodriguez
Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy – Houston, TX
Class of 2016
Attending Texas A&M University – College Station, TX
Major – Engineer
Expected Graduation – Fall 2020
After graduation, I would like to work with an engineering company that would allow me to travel as an engineer.
Katerina Wittliff
Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders – Austin, TX
Class of 2016
Attending The University of Texas at Austin – Austin, TX
Major – Biomedical Engineering
Expected Graduation – Spring 2021
After graduation, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in a field relating to Biomedical Engineering and Neuroprosthetic research.
Kennedy Woodard
Young Women’s Leadership Academy – Fort Worth, TX
Class of 2016
Attending Southern Methodist University – Dallas, TX
Expected Graduation – Spring 2020
Major – Mechanical Engineering
After graduation I plan to begin graduate school in either business or engineering.
