A Journey of Growth and Impact

When I first joined the board, our scholarship program served students exclusively at Mercer Island High School. Today, I’m proud to say we’ve expanded our reach to include two additional schools: Rainier Beach High School and Chief Sealth High School. This growth represents more than just numbers—it reflects our deepening commitment to supporting diverse, deserving students across our community.

Over these six years, I’ve had the profound pleasure of meeting and supporting dozens of remarkable scholars. Each one has brought their own unique story, dreams, and determination to their educational journey. Watching them grow, graduate, and go on to make meaningful impacts in the world has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my service. Every single one of these young people embodies the life and legacy of Dr. Stanley Ann Dunham—her intellectual curiosity, her commitment to service, and her belief in the power of education to transform lives.

Looking Forward with Optimism

As I transition from my board role, I’m filled with excitement about the Fund’s future. The organization has never been stronger. We’ve grown our board to include more dedicated members than ever before, bringing fresh perspectives, diverse expertise, and renewed energy to our mission. There’s a palpable sense of passion and excitement surrounding the Fund’s work that promises to expand our impact significantly in 2025-26 and beyond under the leadership of our new Co-chairs, who together I feel will take SADSF up to the next level. Tammy Perkins is a Global Chief Human Resources Officer with a distinguished career spanning Fortune 100 companies, private equity-backed firms, and high-growth tech startups. She brings a wealth of experience regarding leading people and teams–she’s also a very warm and thoughtful person. And, as a career military leader focusing on leadership development and talent management and over 25 years of experience shaping equitable workplaces and cultivating high-performing, diverse teams across international and domestic organizations, Ron Cheatham, brings a lot of strategic leadership and attention to detail to SADSF.

The strategic vision and enthusiasm of our current board members give me tremendous confidence that the Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund will continue to flourish and reach even more deserving students in the years to come.

Continuing the Connection

While I’m stepping back from active board service, my connection to this organization runs too deep to sever completely. I’m honored to remain involved as a member of the advisory board, where I can continue to contribute to an organization that will always be near and dear to my heart.

The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund represents something truly special—the belief that education can unlock potential, that investing in young people creates ripple effects that extend far beyond any single scholarship, and that Dr. Dunham’s legacy of intellectual courage and global perspective continues to inspire new generations.

Gratitude and Best Wishes

To my fellow board members, past and present, thank you for your dedication, wisdom, and friendship. To the staff and volunteers who make our work possible, your commitment is invaluable. And to the scholars—past, present, and future—you are the reason we do this work, and you continue to inspire us every day.

As I look back on these six years, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have played a small part in continuing Dr. Stanley Ann Dunham’s remarkable legacy. The future is bright for this Fund and for all the young scholars whose dreams it will help make reality.

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.

#SADScholars #StanleyAnnDunhamLegacy #FutureLeaders

This overwhelming response is more than just a pleasant surprise—it’s a powerful sign of the times. Despite the challenges many of us face, people are clearly seeking deeper connections, meaningful engagement, and ways to lift up their communities. The sheer number of qualified, passionate individuals eager to serve speaks volumes about the enduring human drive to support those more vulnerable than ourselves.

To everyone who applied—thank you. Your enthusiasm and commitment inspire us. We’re reviewing applications carefully and look forward to bringing new voices and perspectives to our board.

For those still interested in getting involved, there are always opportunities to contribute. Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for being part of a community that cares.

#CommunityLeadership #Service #Nonprofit #MakingADifference

Our goal is to ensure strong representation from all three high schools we serve, giving every eligible student the opportunity to apply. If you or someone you know is planning to submit an application, now’s the time!

Key Details:

• New Deadline: April 13
• Award Ceremony: May 13 (more details coming soon!)

We can’t wait to celebrate the hard work and achievements of this year’s scholars. Stay tuned for further updates, and don’t forget to spread the word!

For questions or additional information, feel free to reach out to us.

Apply today—your future awaits!

#StanleyAnnDunhamScholarship #EducationMatters #CommunitySupport

Dear Community,

We are excited to announce that the application deadline for the 2025 Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship is fast approaching! Students wishing to apply have until April 6, 2025, to submit their applications. This scholarship is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Stanley Ann Dunham, who exemplified the values of education and social justice throughout her life.

As we embark on this journey to uplift and empower the next generation of leaders, we are reminded of the importance of our mission. The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund plays a vital role in supporting students from diverse backgrounds who are pursuing higher education. By providing financial assistance, we can help alleviate the burdens of tuition and encourage students to follow their dreams without the heavy weight of financial stress.

However, we cannot do this alone. The success of our scholarship program hinges on the generosity of our community. There are many ways you can contribute to this important cause. Whether it’s a one-time donation or a recurring gift, every dollar helps us create opportunities for deserving students. With your support, we can ensure that the legacy of Stanley Ann Dunham continues to thrive and inspire future generations.

We invite you to join us in this meaningful cause. Your donation not only helps students achieve their educational goals but also honors the vision that Stanley Ann Dunham had for a more equitable and just world. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of many.

Please visit our website to learn more about the scholarship application process, as well as ways to donate to the scholarship fund. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to fostering education and opportunity for all.

Sincerely,
Michelle Flowers-Taylor
Board Chair, Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship Fund

Let’s work together to keep the spirit of Stanley Ann Dunham alive and make a profound impact on the lives of our future leaders!

This year, we have awarded six scholarships, and we couldn’t be more excited to announce it. Prepare to be impressed by these young scholars who have excelled academically and made a difference in their communities.

Sumaya Abdi, Chief Sealth International High School
Growing up Garre, a sub clan of the ethnic group Somali, I understand the importance of an education and remembering my roots. I plan to study biology at the University of Washington and then move on to medical school. The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship motivates me to maintain the hope of countless generations before me. My multicultural upbringing has shaped me into a culturally aware individual, driving me forward. I look forward to bringing my values and connecting with students from similar and different backgrounds.

Cassie Au, Rainier Beach High School
I am inspired to study medicine, serving diverse communities, because of the community I come from. Rainier Beach is very diverse in culture, income, access to healthcare, immigration status, race, gender or sexual orientation. I believe that every human being deserves the opportunity to receive healthcare. The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship will help me earn a degree and eventually expand access to healthcare.

Ilham Mohamed, Rainier Beach High School
When civil war erupted in Somalia, my parents immigrated to Seattle. They have always instilled in my siblings and me the importance of an education. I recognize how education is a privilege and I see the sacrifices my parents made to ensure that I have choices.My passion for nursing was sparked from a negative personal experience with a doctor. Volunteering at Evergreen Health Hospital, I am surrounding myself with
individuals who share a goal for healthcare equity and open communication. As I prepare to become a nurse, I can build a better experience for marginalized communities. As I maneuver through the healthcare industry post-grad, I will uphold ethics and integrity.

Mayen Nkposong, Mercer Island High School
I am a first-generation American born to two working Nigerian parents who have worked hard to get me to this point. Following graduation, I plan to attend Boston University. As a future data analyst, I am inspired by Dr. Stanley Ann Dunham’s work to empower rural and minority communities around the world. I will seek to answer questions relating to educational inequity, research how to dispel the root causes of the underfunding within the national education systems, and advocate for an increased awareness of everyday injustices.

Samantha Scaia, Chief Sealth International High School
I am excited to start my journey at the University of Washington this coming fall, where I will be majoring in pre-public health. My passion for the well-being and safety of others has led me to pursue this path, and I look forward to expanding my knowledge to work with diverse communities! I would like to give a big thank you to the Stanley Ann Dunham Fund committee for awarding me this scholarship and making my dreams possible.

Karen Zhang, Mercer Island High School
I plan on attending the University of Washington in the fall studying CS and biology. I will use artificial intelligence algorithms to interpret symptoms and imagery to make medicine more accurate and accessible. In ten years, I envision myself as a cross-cultural doctor, working in a global community dedicated to ensuring that underserved and rural populations, children and immigrants especially, receive full access to healthcare. The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship will empower me to engineer a more livable and equitable environment for all.

My name is May Tran and I received the 2023 Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship. I am about a week into my first quarter at the Seattle Campus of the University of Washington and it’s been surprisingly fun! I am majoring in biochemistry on a pre-dentistry track and have found my professors to be funny and the lectures interesting, but physics is giving me a bit of a headache. I’m super excited to see what the rest of my year will look like, but my one tip to new freshmen is that your year is really what you make out of it. Even though I’m commuting this year, I find that you can still have that “college experience” as long as you put yourself out there and try new things.

My name is Jaya Manhas and I am a 2023 Stanley Ann Dunham scholarship recipient. I am currently attending Chapman University in Orange County, California as a Business Marketing major! So far in my first semester, I have been enjoying the amazing SoCal weather, playing with the tennis team, and making new friends. I really enjoy the classes I am taking, especially Business Communication. A piece of advice I would give to high school seniors that are preparing for college is to be disciplined with your work so you can find a balance with social and personal life.

I’m Angeline and was a Stanley Ann Dunham scholarship recipient for 2023. Currently, I am attending Tulane University in New Orleans, LA and am absolutely enjoying it so far! Although I know I will be pre-dental, I am exploring more majors on campus because we get so many different options. I joined a few clubs and Alpha Phi Omega, which is a co-ed service fraternity (definitely recommend)! Although freshman year is known to be tough, seeing things positively with an open mindset helps a lot. I am looking forward to the rest of my few years here and best of luck to all high school seniors applying to scholarships and colleges.