The American Association of University Women, Hilo Branch, awards scholarships to three UH Hilo students
AAUW scholarship recipients for the 2023-2024 year are Sofia Ferreira, Jaeda Ventura, and Kaylie Wolverton.
The American Association of University Women, Hilo Branch, has awarded scholarships to three students attending the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. The scholarships vary from $1,000 to $2,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The purpose of AAUW is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. In addition participating in the AAUW Hawai‘i State Policy Committee, the AAUW Hilo Branch promotes equity, education and development of opportunities for women and girls through its Scholarship Program to benefit students from both UH Hilo and Hawai‘i Community College.
This year’s scholarship recipients are Sofia Ferreira, Jaeda Ventura, and Kaylie Wolverton.
Sofia Ferreira
Sofia Ferriera was born and raised in Paraguay, a landlocked country, but she dreamed of the ocean and becoming a marine scientist one day. This dream led her to UH Hilo, where she earned a bachelor of science in marine science and certificate in data science in 2022. She is now a graduate student in UH Hilo’s tropical conservation biology and environmental science program where she is focusing on coral reef ecology. Her master’s thesis is on creating three-dimensional models of Hawaiian coral reefs to investigate connections between reef habitats and the local fish community. After earning her master’s degree, she plans on pursuing a doctoral degree with the goal of becoming a professor at a research-based institution.
Jaeda Ventura
Jaeda Ventura found her passion to teach children at a young age while working in the field of photography. She wanted to have a career that allowed her to work with children every day, and for her that was through teaching. She is currently in her third year at UH Hilo in the bachelor of arts in psychology program with a certificate in educational studies. She is currently working at E. B. de Silva Elementary as a professional tutor, where she is gaining experience for her journey becoming an elementary school teacher. Her ultimate goal is to attend the master of arts in teaching program at UH Hilo.
Kaylie Wolverton
Kaylie Wolverton’s inspiration for working toward a bachelor of science in nursing was the kind, caring, and gentle nature of the health care professionals who cared for her after an accident with her horse. She was inspired to receive an education that would allow her to work in the medical field and make a difference in the world by favorably impacting lives. Wolverton is halfway through accomplishing that goal at UH Hilo.
