What I hope this scholarship will help me achieve:
With the help of this generous scholarship, I hope I can further my learning in finance, economics, and business. Furthermore, as a rising freshman at the University of Texas at Austin, I look forward to sharing the resources and knowledge I gain in and out of the classroom with my fellow peers.
How I found this scholarship:
I found this scholarship through my wonderful counselor.
Current hobbies:
In my free time, I love researching global affairs, baking cookies with my family, and longboarding around the neighborhood.
My future goals:
My goal is to empower women in business through my own start-up or support female entrepreneurs via venture capital and seed funding.
INCOMING FRESHMAN
Aishwarya Sreenivasan
Current Major:
I will be majoring in Statistics and Data Science at the University of Texas at Austin.
What I hope this scholarship will help me achieve:
This scholarship will assist me in covering the expenses of a college education. Additionally, this scholarship provides me with a network of women who have navigated a field I am interested in pursuing, and I am extremely grateful to WPF for providing me this resource.
How I found this scholarship:
I found out about this scholarship through my high school’s college counselor.
Current hobbies:
My hobbies include nature photography, reading books, and hiking.
My future goals:
My goal is to become a data scientist and conduct statistical analyses in public sectors, such as finance, so that I am able to make discoveries that benefit the general public and create a positive difference in our world.
INCOMING FRESHMAN
Kaitlyn Ward
Current Major:
As of now, I am majoring in Unspecified Business at The University Texas at Austin.
What I hope this scholarship will help me achieve:
Throughout the next several years, I plan to get my degree in Business Management and hope to later attend law school with the intent of pursuing a career in Corporate Law. This scholarship will greatly help me by alleviating some of the financial burdens that come from pursuing higher education. In turn, this will allow me to focus more on my schooling along with any next steps I have for my career.
How I found this scholarship:
I found out about this scholarship through my high school guidance counselor, as she aimed to provide me with scholarships relative to my major
Current hobbies:
During my free time, I enjoy expanding my knowledge of history, reading as many books as possible and hiking at various National Parks with my dad.
UNDERGRADUATE
Emilion Castillo
Current Major:
Corporate Communications, Minor in Business
What I hope this scholarship will help me achieve:
This scholarship will provide me with the invaluable opportunity to advance my education without the burden of financial instability. This financial support will allow me to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to my studies and fully immerse myself in the university experience at UT, enabling me to make the most of my time there and truly enjoy my academic journey.
How I found this scholarship:
I discovered this scholarship through my high school counselor, who sent it to me and thought it was a good idea that I applied!
Current hobbies:
My current hobbies include reading and spending time with my family.
My future goals:
My aspirations for the future revolve around making a meaningful impact by working for a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing homelessness. Through this career path, I aim to contribute to the cause and alleviate the challenges faced by those without stable housing. Additionally, I strive to expand my professional network, forging connections with like-minded individuals who share my passion for social change. By doing so, I hope to continuously learn about the diverse perspectives and experiences that exist in the world, broadening my understanding and empathy. In line with my desire to learn and grow, I also have a deep longing to explore different cultures and places through travel. This will provide me with valuable insights into the global issues I wish to address. Lastly, as I pursue my goals and embark on my journey, I remain committed to giving back to the community that has supported me throughout my life. I firmly believe in the power of reciprocity and aim to contribute to the well-being of others, just as they have supported and uplifted me.
UNDERGRADUATE
Madison Leal
Current Major:
Human Development and Family Sciences
What I hope this scholarship will help me achieve:
This scholarship brings me an abundance of promise and motivation to continue pursuing my path in medicine and entrepreneurship. One day, I hope to give back to my community, using the skills learned throughout my undergraduate career. My family and I are very grateful for this opportunity, as it will allow me to follow my aspirations and reach my goals in the near future.
How I found this scholarship:
The motivation to apply for this scholarship came from a heartwarming source—my cousin Melissa Villarreal, Chief Finance Director for Sinton ISD. She shared information about this incredible scholarship, motivating me to apply. Her belief in me and my aspirations strengthened my confidence to share my story, leading to a successful application!
Current hobbies:
Beyond academics and work, I am blessed to be able to say I have multiple passions and commitments. I enjoy volunteering in the health field, which allows me to give back to the community and provide care to many individuals. Also, I attend and contribute to many events that are hosted by my church. Additionally, I like to balance out my life with exercise, photography, and spending quality time with my friends and family.
My future goals:
As I look ahead, my aspirations lie within the fields of medicine and entrepreneurship. I hope to become a medical physician or develop my own health-related business that impacts the community around me. Currently, my journey involves seeking an internship with Google, aiming to grasp real-world insights from one of the most innovative companies. However, I am also applying to be a research assistant in the cardiology department at Ascesion Medical Center. These opportunities allow me to grow and develop my skills as a professional, in whichever profession I choose. My ultimate goal is to be happy in my workplace and be able to contribute my ideas as well as creativity.
GRADUATE
Sabrina Gonzalez
Current Major:
Master in Public Affairs
What I hope this scholarship will help me achieve:
This scholarship will allow me the opportunity to continue to pursue my degree and grow as a public policy professional and public servant.
How I found this scholarship:
Word of mouth.
Current hobbies:
I enjoy dancing, traveling, and home decorating.
My future goals:
I hope to continue to work in the field of public policy and eventually become the Texas legislature's go-to resource on all things related to disability policy.
GRADUATE
Erin Poe
Current Major:
Master of Health Administration
What I hope this scholarship will help me achieve:
With this scholarship, I am able to take classes to earn a certificate in nonprofit management. I am eager to learn more about the nonprofit sector in hopes of becoming a leader at a nonprofit hospital.
How I found this scholarship:
I found out about this scholarship through Jennifer Harmon. She has previously served on the board of WPF, and she mentioned this fantastic opportunity to me.
Current hobbies:
I enjoy working out, going for walks and hikes, trying new restaurants, playing with my dog, and spending time with friends and family.
My future goals:
I aspire to lead healthcare organizations and enact changes that benefit patients and their families. I hope that with my continued education, I am able to make healthcare more efficient and lessen the financial burden.
GRADUATE
Riley Sanchez
Current Major:
Doctor of Jurisprudence
What I hope this scholarship will help me achieve:
I am incredibly honored and grateful to be selected as a Kate Bechtold Scholarship recipient. I plan to use this scholarship toward my tuition so that I have more financial flexibility when taking the Uniform Bar Exam in July 2024. Additionally, these funds will allow me to partake in more pro bono opportunities throughout the remainder of my law school career.
How I found this scholarship:
A current TXWPF member recommended I apply for the Kate Bechtold scholarship.
Current hobbies:
I love creating new recipes, hiking, and visiting local museums.
My future goals:
I would like to work for a public finance firm or business law firm.
