We are thrilled to introduce the exceptional recipients of the 2025 Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund! These seven graduating seniors have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and a deep commitment to social justice—qualities that embody the legacy of Stanley Ann Dunham, a trailblazer in education, anthropology, and women’s empowerment.
Each scholar has a unique story, marked by resilience, advocacy, and a drive to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond. We are honored to support their academic journeys and can’t wait to see the impact they will make in their respective fields.
Meet the 2025 Scholars:
Charlotte Lindow
Chief Sealth High School | Biology
Charlotte has been accepted to multiple universities, including the University of Washington. Her passion for biology and medicine was shaped by her research into historical medical advancements and her experience shadowing a dentist. She aspires to contribute to the medical field, combining scientific inquiry with compassionate care.
Katrina Mehal
Mercer Island High School | Pre-Humanities (Societal Structures, Women’s History, & Gender Studies)
Katrina will attend the University of Washington, where she plans to explore feminism, advocacy, and the intersections of gender and society. Her academic pursuits align with her dedication to uplifting marginalized voices and challenging systemic inequities.
Regina Lee
Mercer Island High School | Public Policy, Business, or Economics (Pre-Law)
Regina is headed to the University of Washington with plans to later attend law school. Driven by her family’s immigrant experiences, she is committed to advocating for underrepresented communities, equitable education, and legal reforms that center marginalized groups.
Sophia Maligaya
Mercer Island High School | Business Administration
Sophia will study at San Diego State University’s Fowler School of Business, with the goal of founding or managing a nonprofit to support underserved communities. A dedicated volunteer, she co-founded the Education Coalition for Asian American Representation (ECAAR) and champions inclusivity for students with disabilities.
Carmela Candelario
Rainier Beach High School | Neuroscience & Psychology
Carmela has been accepted to multiple universities, including the University of Washington. Her interest in neuroscience and psychology stems from navigating mental health stigma in Filipino American communities and witnessing educational inequities in her underfunded high school. She aims to bridge gaps in mental health care and advocacy.
Melissa Lee
Rainier Beach High School | Sociology & Political Science
Melissa, co-president of AGE UP—a Seattle nonprofit using ultimate frisbee to empower BIPOC youth—will attend either Colorado College or New York University. She plans to dissect systemic inequities, particularly how policies like redlining perpetuate displacement, and advocate for structural change.
Mia Cortes Basurto
Rainier Beach High School | Nursing
Mia will attend the University of Washington, pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse. Her calling was shaped by her role as the eldest daughter in a Mexican immigrant family and her experiences advocating for loved ones in medical settings. She founded her high school’s Latinx Student Union to foster cultural pride and community.
A Special Thank You to Amanda Knox
Before the award ceremony and a celebratory lunch with the scholars and board members, we were honored to host Amanda Knox as our keynote speaker. Amanda delivered an inspiring workshop on resilience, sharing her own journey of overcoming adversity and reclaiming her narrative. Her powerful message set a meaningful tone for the day, reminding our scholars that perseverance and self-belief can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Congratulations to the 2025 Scholars!
We are immensely proud of these young leaders and look forward to witnessing their continued growth and impact. Their dedication to education, equity, and community embodies the spirit of the Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund, and we are confident they will carry her legacy forward.
To learn more about the scholarship and how to support future scholars, visit https://stanleyanndunhamfund.org.
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