Story by Whitney Carter. Photos provided by The Dallas Foundation.
This year, Fernanda Roman received the surprise of a lifetime as part of The Dallas Foundation’s commitment to education.
She was awarded a scholarship and judicial internship awards from the most recent Dallas Hispanic Law Foundation Scholarship & Bar Study scholarship cycle. These grants are only given to Hispanic law students.
“For me, receiving this scholarship was not just about financial support,” Fernanda says. “This scholarship is a true beacon of opportunity, a validation of my dreams, and a reminder that hard work and dedication are recognized and rewarded.”
She says this scholarship is my stepping stone towards a brighter future, where she can pursue her education without the burden of financial constraints and focus on becoming the best version of herself while encouraging other students to do the same.
“As a first-generation law student, this scholarship is a gift that not only eases my financial burdens but also fuels my determination to excel academically so that I can make a meaningful impact in my community,” Fernanda explains.
Fernanda believes the scholarship represents an investment in her future. She said it is a gift knowing that people believed in her enough to award her a scholarship to pursue her dreams.
“It motivates me to strive for excellence– not only academically, but also in my personal and community endeavors as I aspire to provide legal representation to the underrepresented. Knowing that there are individuals and organizations who believe in me inspires a sense of responsibility as I work towards accomplishing my dreams of becoming a resource to my community.”
Additionally, this scholarship opens doors to a network of like-minded individuals and mentors who can guide Fernanda on her educational and career journey as she works on becoming a mentor herself for the future generation of Hispanic law students.
While the scholarship is a big deal for Fernanda, it is equally important for The Dallas Foundation to continue to invest in the future, according to Julie Diaz, Interim President & CEO of The Dallas Foundation
“One of our goals is to help our donors make a meaningful difference,” Julie says. “That includes empowering dreams and investing in the hundreds of students who benefit from their generosity each year.”
In total, the Foundation has 28 scholarship funds, which, in the 22-23 school year, provided full or partial support to 333 students enrolled in community colleges, universities, or vocational programs.
“These scholarship funds provide an opportunity to impact future generations and help cultivate tomorrow’s community leaders and changemakers while helping these scholars minimize student loans or avoid them altogether,” Julie says.
At The Dallas Foundation, Julie says this initiative now means funding for brighter futures.
“The $1.5M in scholarships awarded this year represents our partnership with the donors who established these funds, and our combined efforts to advance access to educational opportunities and support these talented young people on their journey to reaching their full potential. When we support students from various backgrounds, we not only invest in their future but also help position Greater Dallas for a brighter, more equitable tomorrow,” Julie says.
You can visit their website to learn more about the scholarship opportunities at The Dallas Foundation or how you can get involved.
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