Congratulations, 2023 Scholarship Winners!

We were thrilled to announce the 2023 UMSA Foundation Scholarship winners on Day 2 of the 2023 Secure360 Conference, May 9- May 10. Not only were we able to meet most of the recipients in person, but we were able to meet with some of them at the UMSA booth to learn more about them & celebrate their continued accomplishments! Learn more about each recipient below. Thank you for your support of this remarkable program.

About the UMSA Foundation Scholarship Program 

The UMSA Foundation launched its scholarship program in support of our continued efforts in interdisciplinary collaboration and education. Just as we are committed to supporting organizations and professionals in security and risk-related industries, so are we committed to providing support in education. Through this scholarship program, we aim to provide financial assistance as a way to build the leaders of our future and sustain our industries. The scholarship program offers four (4) $3,000 scholarships and eight (8) $1,000 scholarships for undergraduate, graduate or continuing education students in the any of the following program areas: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, Cybersecurity, Governance, Risk and Compliance, and Physical Security.

If you’d like to help support the program, please make a donation here! 

And now without further ado… the 2023 recipients!

	Hawi Daba Freshman, Minnesota State University Moorhead Cybersecurity Major $3,000 Recipient Receiving this award has been a life-changing opportunity for me, and it would not have been possible without your kind generosity. Your donation has not only provided me with financial relief but also the motivation and confidence to pursue my dreams and make a positive impact in my community and the world. Your selfless act of kindness has given me hope and the drive to work even harder towards achieving my goals.
	Yousef Mahayni Freshman, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Cybersecurity Major $3,000 Recipient As a first-generation college student from a family of immigrants, receiving this award means a great deal to me. Thank you for helping me alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education. This award gives me inspiration to continue my hard work, pursue excellence in both my academic and professional endeavors, and dedicate more time to my Cybersecurity courses and textbooks.
	Gwendolyn Vongkasemsiri Freshman, Dakota State University Cyber|Network Major $3,000 Recipient This scholarship funding is so important to me as I will be using it to help pay for my education at Dakota State University, where I am double majoring in Cyber Operations and Network & Security Administration. As a student-athlete with a dual major, my life is extremely busy and it sometimes gets hard to stay on track. But with the help of the UMSA Foundation scholarship, I am even more driven and determined to succeed.
	Lecas Yang Junior, Metropolitan State University Cybersecurity Major $3,000 Recipient I am honored to be a recipient of the UMSA Scholarship, and I assure you that I will make the most of this opportunity. I am dedicated to maintaining high academic standards, contributing to the cybersecurity community, and making a positive impact on the world. Your support inspires me to work even harder to achieve my goals, and I am truly thankful for this life-changing opportunity.
	Elvis Ameyaw Sophomore, Hennepin Technical College Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient I would like to say that lives are being impacted and transformed, and to be able to contribute to the future of people like myself is greatly appreciated. I am grateful that someone I have never met or owe anything to was thinking about how to make my life easier. Thank you so much and God bless you.
	Oludayo Dahunsi Freshman, Minnesota State University Cyber|Network Major $1,000 Recipient Being awarded the scholarship among my peers is an honor and privilege. This award reinforces that I am moving in the right direction and encourages me to pursue my desired career in cybersecurity, having the desire to learn and being committed to expanding my knowledge and crafts. I cannot thank UMSA enough for this incredible acknowledgment, for being part of my career and professional life and offering me a learning opportunity to thrive in this profession.
	Emma Gustavson Sophomore, Metropolitan State University Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient Not only does this scholarship help me to maintain being a financially self-sufficient daughter to my family of 7, but it also inspires me and reminds me to continue the pursuit of my favorite field-cybersecurity. Admittedly, it is daunting at times being one of only a handful of females in my classes. However, receiving this scholarship not only gives me the resources necessary but instills the confidence in me that I need to continue to peruse my degree and pave the way for future female students just like me. Thank you.
	Zayne Horak Freshman, Pine Technical & Community College Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, growing up I always felt somewhat inferior when it came to education.  Though I am still not the best at math, I have excelled in many other areas of my education and, in the process, found out I had a knack for InfoSec through a competition that many of you are probably familiar with called Cyber Patriots. The fact that my story was inspiring enough to be rewarded with this scholarship is nothing short of amazing to me.
	Annabelle Klosterman Freshman, Dakota State University Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient As a female in the male-dominated cybersecurity profession, I will be challenged to demonstrate that I have the skills, expertise, and experience required to not only be a valuable resource, but to lead and contribute in a significant way. While it may appear daunting, I welcome the challenge and feel that I have what it takes not only to participate but to become a leader in the profession. Without the support of individuals and organizations who believe in students like myself, I would not be where I am today.
	Meherete Negatu Sophomore, Metro State University Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient I am married and have two children. These days, things are getting very expensive and in order to finish my education, I need financial support. This award makes my dream of getting my cybersecurity degree achievable.
	Rojina Neupane Sophomore, Saint Cloud State University Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient I am currently working as a president for Information Systems Club and Vice President of Women in Cybersecurity(WiCyS) student chapter while being a full time grad student. It takes lot of energy and hard work to balance all these task but being a receipt of scholarships like this makes me feel appreciated.
	Wacheng Yang Freshman, Hennepin Technical College Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient I am writing this to express my deepest gratitude for your generosity in providing this scholarship award. Winning this scholarship has been a great honor and a significant milestone in my academic and professional journey. Your donation has not only provided me with financial support to pursue my education but has also motivated me to work harder towards my goals.

If you’d like to help support the program, please make a donation here!