2023 VIC AND OBY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Alexandra Rizaldi is a first-generation Indonesian-American pursuing a medical degree at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She maintained a 4.0 GPA as an undergraduate student and received several honors and awards.
“I can never take for granted the privilege of pursuing my dreams.”
Nnenna Nwanonyiri is a Nigerian–American currently enrolled in the master’s degree program at Frontier Nursing University, where she maintains a 4.0 GPA. Her goal is to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
“I have turned my experience into a passion for serving and giving back to the African migrant and other culturally underserved and underrepresented communities residing in my home state of New Jersey.”
Daniel Ige is a Nigerian-American sophomore at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) pursuing a computer science and math degree, where he maintains a 4.0 GPA. He was the Valedictorian of his high school class the top academic performing student.
“I have been granted the chance to nurture my passion for learning, and I take great pride in not squandering this opportunity.”
Kuboye Kayefi is a Nigerian-born F-1 student pursuing her master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. In college, alongside fellow classmates, she created a bicycle-powered washing machine, to help people who lived in rural areas without electricity, wash their clothes.
“I want to develop affordable physiotherapy robots to help children with special needs and ease stress for other caregivers.”
Sharon Ordor is a British-Nigerian student at Columbia University pursuing her master’s degree in Economic and Political Development, where she maintains a 3.8 GPA. She has received numerous awards for academic excellence and founded the Africa Business Group (ABG), a coalition of internal accountants that provided pro-bono tax consulting and audit advice to African women entrepreneurs looking to expand their market share to European territories.
“I have come to view life as a nonlinear journey and as a result of my experiences, I desire to foster a system where women can fully participate in and contribute to a global economy.”
Oyindamola Bello is Nigerian-American pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of California, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She maintained a place in the High Honor Roll throughout high school.
“My value for perseverance and hard work have become the pillars on which I intend to build a better life for myself and my family.”
Silvia Rhoden is an Ecuadorian immigrant pursuing her MBA at Jacksonville University, where she not only maintained a place on the Dean’s list, but also received the Distinguished Business Scholar award.
“First generation immigrants are some of the bravest people on earth. One must be decisive, adventurous, determined, perseverant and tolerant to move countries.”
Uduak Ekott is a born and raised Nigeran lawyer pursuing a Master of Law (LLM) degree at Indiana University, Maurer School of Law. He also serves as the student ambassador, assisting incoming international students to adjust to the US. Uduak states that he is inspired by Barack Obama and Ral Obioha, whose immigrant journeys showcase the limitless potential of human determination.
“There is no room for indolence in today’s world.” This was the reminder I needed to persevere in adversity.”