2024 Stephany June Bryan Bold Spirit of Achievement Scholarships

These scholarships provide financial support to persons with a mental health challenge and/or caring for a person with a mental health challenge currently pursuing advanced education or training. The $5,000 award is unrestricted. Special consideration is given to individuals representing a historically excluded group.   

Huong Dang

“With the financial support from this scholarship, I will be able to complete my degree as a Specialist in School Psychology. I am confident that I will be able to make a meaningful contribution to the field of school psychology and in society as a whole.” 

Blanca Isabel Gallegos

“My goal is to practice criminal law with a focus on mental health. I hope to impact my community by counseling marginalized individuals dealing with the justice system and living with mental health conditions.” 

Ramiro Valenzuela Gonzalez, Jr.

“I had to put my educational goals aside for the well-being of my family, to help care for my grandmother with dementia, and to find resources to support my emotional and mental health. As an aspiring policy professional, I want to help others who face similar challenges.” 

Tracy Yvette Green

“I am an African American woman in my late 50s with lived experience of a mental health diagnosis. My desire is to earn a Professional Certified Coach credential to work from home as a life coach without compromising the work that I have already accomplished through my formal education or compromising my mental health.” 

Tiara Kirksey

“Since restarting school to become a Pharmacy Technician, my mental health struggles have hindered my progress. I am eager to utilize the financial assistance to overcome obstacles, finish my last semester of school, and complete two months of unpaid clinical work.” 

Jasmine Lott

“My losses of immediate family members have inspired me to tell my story and share my journey. In sharing my journey through mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, I decided to return to school to obtain my Doctorate in Nursing Practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.” 

Josette Pelatan

“After completing my doctoral degree in Interdisciplinary Health Science with a dissertation focusing on the impact mental health and the medical system has had on my life, this scholarship will help me become certified in Bilingual Education, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Brain Rewiring so that I may better serve my community.” 

Lydia Nohemi Rios

“I was able to become a resident of the U.S. through the Violence Against Women Act. My abuser thankfully left the country, but by doing so I ended up with severe mental issues, fears, and the full responsibility of raising my boys alone. Scholarship funds will help me pursue a degree in Communications, study Sports and Human Performance, and focus on my boys’ health and healing.” 

Kristen L. Sinay

“The financial assistance from this award will directly support me in completing my doctoral degree in Nursing. Upon graduating, I will help vulnerable populations through a rigorous research program focused on practice and policy changes to improve health outcomes for women and girls.” 

Latrice Wilkins

“Through my own experiences, I’ve encountered the hurdles families face in accessing vital mental health services. This has fueled my resolve to advocate for policy changes that ease these burdens. This scholarship opportunity holds immense significance for me as it would facilitate my journey towards completing my Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and Licensed Professional Counselor degrees, enabling me to further my commitment to mental health advocacy.”