Each year, the Hogg Foundation awards Ima Hogg Scholarships to social work graduate students who have committed to joining the mental health workforce in Texas. We firmly believe in supporting their career goals as a sound investment in the quality and quantity of mental health services across the state.
Texas’s mental health workforce is in critical condition. Many Texans, especially those living in rural communities, lack access to quality care due to a severe shortage of mental health professionals. The Ima Hogg Scholarship recipients will play a vital role in addressing this urgent need.
This year, we’re happy to announce we have awarded scholarships of $5,000 to 19 master’s level social work students at Council on Social Work Education accredited colleges and universities across the state. Nominated by faculty, they were chosen for their commitment to strengthening the well-being of communities as professionals in the Texas mental health workforce.
The 2024 recipients are:
Helena Baffoe
Texas Tech University
“Witnessing firsthand the struggles of vulnerable individuals ignited my determination to advocate for human rights and dignity, propelling me towards a career in social work.”
Renee Baptiste
Tarleton State University
“A passion for inspiring and uplifting people’s minds has taken root in my foundational core.”
Ericka Barragan
The University of Texas at El Paso
“To be a good and caring person, I must aspire to promote the well-being of others.”
Nicole Bernal
The University of Texas at Austin
“I aim to dismantle mental health care barriers for youth by providing my professional services and support to underserved public schools.”
Mary Lou Castro
Texas A&M – Commerce
““Helping women overcome experiences of domestic violence, educational barriers, and mental health challenges is my passion.”
Cassidy Duke
Abilene Christian University
“I have known from a young age that I wanted my future career to focus on serving and advocating for others, especially those that are overlooked in our society.”
Omar Espinoza
Stephen F. Austin State University
“My passion lies in becoming the person who offers direct mental health services, specifically to Latinos in East Texas.”
Cristina Faz
Our Lady of the Lake University
“My goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker is rooted in a desire to make a difference in the lives of others and contribute to making changes at the individual and systematic levels.”
Leslie Gomez
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
“I have a strong focus on mental health advocacy and support, with the goal of making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities facing mental health challenges.”
Amber Gonzalez
Texas A&M University – Kingsville
“As I continue my education in social work, I will continue to practice the six core values of service, social justice, dignity, value, integrity, and competence to ensure that individuals receive the assistance they are entitled to.”
Nohemy Gonzalez Rojas
University of Houston
“My goal is to open a group practice that serves BIPOC populations, immigrants, children of immigrants, and other minoritized people.”
Carrie Hirmir
Texas A&M University – Texarkana
“I want to become a licensed therapist to provide trauma therapy to children to help them heal before they reach adulthood, thus impacting the trajectory of their lives.”
Anna Huyter
Texas Christian University
“My hope in becoming a licensed clinician is to provide therapy to families and individuals experiencing hard changes, difficult relationships, and heavy mental issues.”
Jerrod Jackson
Texas State University
“As a social worker, I intend to serve the underrepresented population of individuals with disabilities, including the deaf community, and would also like to work with people who are unhoused and with veterans.”
Andrea McClure
The University of Texas at San Antonio
“With my Licensed Master Social Worker credential, I can begin to make even more significant changes in the lives of the youth I work with.“
Vanessa Muniz
Angelo State University
“I hope to make a positive impact on my community at a macro-level with a focus on mental health and addiction. ”
Malyssa Starr
West Texas A&M University
“As a social worker, I hope to positively impact small communities by providing a much-needed resource.“
Sheteria Waters
The University of Texas at Arlington
“My decision to pursue social work as a career comes from a desire to advocate for marginalized communities, challenge systemic inequities, and foster greatness in the face of adversity.”
Madelyn Williamson
Baylor University
“My passion for social work specifically lies in the support of women, and I hope to empower and fight for them in any way I can.“