EMPOWER Scholarships

Emily Nguyen graduated from Champlin Park High School in the spring and is now attending St. Catherine University, where she is majoring in Nursing and minoring in accounting. Throughout high school, Emily dedicated her time to volunteering at her local elementary school, middle school, and hospital. Through these experiences, she made a meaningful impact on the lives of others, her community, and herself. Looking ahead, Emily aspires to create a safe and supportive environment for her patients, demonstrating empathy and compassion regardless of the challenges they face. Her goal is to be the nurse who helps guide patients through difficult times, empowering them to achieve their best health and advocating for their voices to be heard. In this role, she will serve as a strong advocate to ensure every patient receives the highest quality care, regardless of their background. Through this commitment, Emily strives to make a lasting impact on her patients, herself, and her community.

Neharika Nagarij graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. After graduation, she took a year off from school to continue working as an emergency department medical scribe and volunteering with the Phillips Eye Institute’s EYE Program, which provides free vision screenings to elementary and middle school students in Minneapolis and St. Paul public schools. She is now enrolled at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Class of 2029, with the goal of becoming a physician who delivers patient-centered care to all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender. In her free time, Neharika enjoys biking along the Mississippi River, playing video games with her partner, and knitting.

Lupita Sanchez Beltran graduated from South High School last spring and is now in her first year at the University of Minnesota–Rochester, where she is pursuing the Pre-Physician Assistant track through the competitive 3+2 Early Assurance PA program. She aspires to become a physician assistant specializing in dermatology or pediatrics and is passionate about making a meaningful impact on healthcare. Her goal is to advocate for patients and help reduce disparities in care across diverse communities. Lupita is actively involved in her community through participation in school clubs such as Healthcare, serving as a leader in the Orgullo Latino club, and volunteering at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. She looks forward to opportunities like studying abroad to broaden her understanding of global healthcare. In her free time, she enjoys watching thrillers and dystopian movies and spending time with her cats.

Sharonne Dolechek graduated from Blaine High School in 2010 and earned her nursing degree from South Dakota State University in 2015. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice–Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) degree at Mankato State University while working as a practicing registered nurse and nurse educator. In addition to her clinical and academic roles, Sharonne serves as an adjunct faculty member at MNSU Mankato, where she mentors nursing students from diverse backgrounds. She has led equity-focused initiatives within her health system to enhance learning experiences for BIPOC students.

Balancing her responsibilities as a full-time nurse, graduate student, and mother of three, including one child with special needs, Sharonne exemplifies dedication and resilience. She is committed to serving diverse and underserved communities, ensuring they receive the support and care they need and deserve.