Celebrating Dedication: 2025 Healthcare Scholarship Winners from FABF Announced

For A Bright Future Foundation Announces 2025 Healthcare Scholarship Recipients

The For A Bright Future Foundation, established by Louis Hernandez Jr., is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Healthcare Scholarship. This program is geared towards supporting underrepresented students pursuing degrees in the healthcare sector. This year's recipients—Emmanuel Eziakor, Rishi Dhanasekaram, Ryanne Teng, and Sammar Iqbal—have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their fields and communities.

Emmanuel Eziakor is currently studying Osteopathic Medicine and Health Services Administration at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He aims to integrate nutritional psychiatry with Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, focusing on enhancing mental and physical wellness for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. As he put it, "This scholarship is an incredible honor that strengthens my commitment to becoming a psychiatrist who advances diversity in medicine. Representation leads to better patient trust and efficacy." Emmanuel reflects his aspirations through a personal commitment to serve those often overlooked in traditional healthcare setups.

Rishi Dhanasekaram, another promising scholar, is pursuing Biomedical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. His aspirations are firmly rooted in becoming a physician-scientist with a focus on neurodegenerative disease research. Rishi shares, "I am truly grateful to the For A Bright Future Foundation for awarding me a Healthcare Scholarship. Your generous support inspires me to pursue my goals and work towards making a meaningful impact in healthcare and the communities I serve."

Meanwhile, Ryanne Teng, a nursing student from San Jose State University, has a notable background in HIV advocacy and education. A former valedictorian, she is focused on leading research that addresses stigma and improves treatment access, particularly for marginalized youth in the Philippines. Ryanne expresses, "Receiving this scholarship makes me feel seen and validated not only as a student but as a future healthcare worker. This privilege inspires me to continue giving compassion and validation to my patients."

Completing the group, Sammar Iqbal is pursuing a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at Dominican University of California. He is passionate about bridging healthcare gaps for underserved communities through empathy and education. "This Scholarship offers hope that my family's dream of being the first in my family to pursue medicine can become a reality. I am eager to give back to my community," says Sammar.

The scholarship application process was competitive, with over 10,000 submissions this year alone, highlighting the pressing need for educational support in healthcare. The evaluation team comprised seasoned professionals dedicated to identifying candidates who not only excel academically but also show a clear dedication to making a difference in their communities.

FABF’s Scholarship Committee, chaired by Susie Hernandez and vice-chaired by Jennifer Oddo, played an instrumental role in the selection process. The committee also included David Dame, Partner at Sorenson Capital Partners, Deborah Hernandez, Recreation Manager at City of Martinez, Jane Buckingham, retired therapist, Joey Hasson, In-House Counsel at Black Dragon Capital, and Kenny Stivers, CEO at GenAspire.

Gina Rogoto, FABF's Senior Vice President of Operations and Programs, has been overseeing the outreach and selection phases, ensuring that deserving candidates receive the necessary financial assistance. Her leadership ensures that the foundation's mission of empowering underrepresented youth through scholarships, mentorship, and resources is fulfilled.

Overall, the For A Bright Future Foundation stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to success for the next generation of healthcare professionals. With a firm belief in the potential of every student, the foundation continues to make strides in promoting diversity and inclusion within the healthcare field.

For more information or to support the mission of the For A Bright Future Foundation, visit their website at www.fabff.org. You can also follow them on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram for updates on their contributions to the community and beyond.