2023 Scholarship Program
Each year, the Golden Gate Section of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE-GGS) awards a number of scholarships to young Bay Area students graduating from high school and going on to pursue degrees in engineering and other related degrees. This year, we are happy to announce that we will also be awarding scholarships for incoming or current community college students who plan to transfer to a 4-year accredited university.
The 2023 Scholarship Applications have been closed.
The 2023 Scholarship Applications have been closed.
2023 Scholarship Award Recipients
Meet some of the inspiring young women who have received a SWE-GGS scholarship!
Jacqueline Martinez Carreno - Golden Gate Section Scholarship (ALR)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Jacqueline is a high school senior from Rohnert Park who was introduced to engineering from a Women in Engineering class. She is an active member of the CSF club and has taken leadership roles in the FCCLA Club and Plant Club. She has produced many projects in shop class including building a tiny home with classmates. While remaining committed to school work and extracurricular activities at school, she has also balanced a part time job in her senior year. Jacqueline plans to attend San Jose State University and major in mechanical engineering.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Jacqueline is a high school senior from Rohnert Park who was introduced to engineering from a Women in Engineering class. She is an active member of the CSF club and has taken leadership roles in the FCCLA Club and Plant Club. She has produced many projects in shop class including building a tiny home with classmates. While remaining committed to school work and extracurricular activities at school, she has also balanced a part time job in her senior year. Jacqueline plans to attend San Jose State University and major in mechanical engineering.
Gabrielle Moon - Vicki & Shelby Solomon Scholarship
Major: Molecular Engineering
Gabrielle is a high school senior from Oakland who is passionate about bioengineering after being introduced to it at the UC Berkeley Bioengineering Honors Competition. She has also had an internship with Faunao Bio and was a part of the Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research Summer Workshop. She is active with her local theater company, the Peter Pan Foundation, and was recognized as the PPFer of the Year in 2021. She is involved in her school community as the President of the Asian Student Affinity Group and Co-Captain of the swim team in addition to her rigorous class load. Gabrielle will be attending the University of Chicago to study Molecular Engineering.
Major: Molecular Engineering
Gabrielle is a high school senior from Oakland who is passionate about bioengineering after being introduced to it at the UC Berkeley Bioengineering Honors Competition. She has also had an internship with Faunao Bio and was a part of the Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research Summer Workshop. She is active with her local theater company, the Peter Pan Foundation, and was recognized as the PPFer of the Year in 2021. She is involved in her school community as the President of the Asian Student Affinity Group and Co-Captain of the swim team in addition to her rigorous class load. Gabrielle will be attending the University of Chicago to study Molecular Engineering.
Jessica Hu - Laura Douglass and Joe Croco Scholarship
Major: Computer Science
Jessica is a high school senior from San Francisco who is passionate about computer science. After joining Girls Who Code and learning her first coding language, she eventually went on to help create an app for the Congressional App Challenge that calculates your carbon footprint. Her team’s app called Carbometer eventually went on to win the competition. In addition, Jessica has had several internships throughout high school, held leadership positions in school clubs, and ran cross country and track. She will be studying computer science at Stanford this fall
Major: Computer Science
Jessica is a high school senior from San Francisco who is passionate about computer science. After joining Girls Who Code and learning her first coding language, she eventually went on to help create an app for the Congressional App Challenge that calculates your carbon footprint. Her team’s app called Carbometer eventually went on to win the competition. In addition, Jessica has had several internships throughout high school, held leadership positions in school clubs, and ran cross country and track. She will be studying computer science at Stanford this fall
Iris Li - Mazzetti Scholarship
Major: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Iris is a high school senior from Daly City who has been active in the Girls Who Code club at UC Berkeley. She has taken leadership roles in Pursuing Academic Success Excellence and Organization as well as Student Government. She has given back to the community through volunteer work and mentoring, also founding a peer tutoring program with middle schoolers. Iris will be studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley.
Major: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Iris is a high school senior from Daly City who has been active in the Girls Who Code club at UC Berkeley. She has taken leadership roles in Pursuing Academic Success Excellence and Organization as well as Student Government. She has given back to the community through volunteer work and mentoring, also founding a peer tutoring program with middle schoolers. Iris will be studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley.
Aliyah SanAndres - ZFA Scholarship #1
Major: Innovation, Technology, and Design
Aliyah is a high school senior from Marin County who is passionate about the world around her, taking AP courses like Environmental Science, Biology English and Art History. She has balanced her challenging course workload with employment throughout high school. Her extracurricular activities include participation in the Model UN Club and Varsity Swim team. Aliyah will attend the engineering school at University of Miami, Florida with a major of Innovation, Technology and Design.
Major: Innovation, Technology, and Design
Aliyah is a high school senior from Marin County who is passionate about the world around her, taking AP courses like Environmental Science, Biology English and Art History. She has balanced her challenging course workload with employment throughout high school. Her extracurricular activities include participation in the Model UN Club and Varsity Swim team. Aliyah will attend the engineering school at University of Miami, Florida with a major of Innovation, Technology and Design.
Kiersten Hansen - ZFA Scholarship #2
Major: Industrial Engineering
Kiersten is a high school senior from Napa who is passionate about her community and giving back to those around her. She has been very involved in her school community through playing alto saxophone in marching and concert band, being on the varsity track and field team, and captain of the soccer team. While remaining committed to school work and extracurricular activities at school, she has also balanced working in the restaurant industry and as a camp staffer. Kiersten will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo this fall to study Industrial Engineering.
Major: Industrial Engineering
Kiersten is a high school senior from Napa who is passionate about her community and giving back to those around her. She has been very involved in her school community through playing alto saxophone in marching and concert band, being on the varsity track and field team, and captain of the soccer team. While remaining committed to school work and extracurricular activities at school, she has also balanced working in the restaurant industry and as a camp staffer. Kiersten will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo this fall to study Industrial Engineering.
Anuska Parajuli - SEAONC Scholarship #1
Major: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Anuska is a high school senior from Santa Rosa who discovered her passion for technology and its lifesaving effects during the pandemic. During high school, she became an outspoken advocate for many causes including women’s rights, the environment, and racial justice. She founded the Youth Activism club at her high school, which has organized school-wide walkouts and helped students pre-register to vote. She also founded Tutor Time International, a non-profit organization connecting over 50 minority and low income students with free tutoring during the pandemic. Anuska will be studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley this fall.
Major: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Anuska is a high school senior from Santa Rosa who discovered her passion for technology and its lifesaving effects during the pandemic. During high school, she became an outspoken advocate for many causes including women’s rights, the environment, and racial justice. She founded the Youth Activism club at her high school, which has organized school-wide walkouts and helped students pre-register to vote. She also founded Tutor Time International, a non-profit organization connecting over 50 minority and low income students with free tutoring during the pandemic. Anuska will be studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley this fall.
Roxana Pourfarzaneh - SEAONC Scholarship #2
Major: Physics (to transfer to mechanical engineering)
Roxana is a high school senior from Alameda who loves understanding the world through engineering. She is passionate about bridging the gender gap in STEM and is the Co-Lead of Superposition Alameda, which brings STEM experiments to local elementary schools. She is also active in her school community as co-president of the Leadership Class and part of the varsity volleyball team. While remaining committed to school work and extracurricular activities at school, she has also balanced working as a soccer coach and sports camp counselor. Roxana will attend UC San Diego this fall where she plans to pursue mechanical engineering.
Major: Physics (to transfer to mechanical engineering)
Roxana is a high school senior from Alameda who loves understanding the world through engineering. She is passionate about bridging the gender gap in STEM and is the Co-Lead of Superposition Alameda, which brings STEM experiments to local elementary schools. She is also active in her school community as co-president of the Leadership Class and part of the varsity volleyball team. While remaining committed to school work and extracurricular activities at school, she has also balanced working as a soccer coach and sports camp counselor. Roxana will attend UC San Diego this fall where she plans to pursue mechanical engineering.
2022 Scholarship Award Recipients
Meet some of the inspiring young women who have received a SWE-GGS scholarship!
Un Ieng Sit - Golden Gate Section Scholarship (BNBuilders)
Major: Computer Science
Major: Computer Science
Un Ieng is a graduating senior from San Francisco who has been very involved in her community throughout her high school years. She currently serves as president of Youth Single Room Occupancy and also as Vice President of Youth for Community Engagement. Through these groups she has raised money and organized workshops for low income and single room occupancy families, all while maintaining an impressive academic record. In 9th grade, Un Ieng was first exposed to computer science and became interested in coding, taking classes at school and joining Girls Who Code. Un Ieng will be attending UC Berkeley this fall to study computer science.
Nikhita Law - Vicki and Shelby Solomon Scholarship
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Nikhita is a high school senior from San Francisco who is passionate about robotics and solutions for climate change. After joining FIRST robotics during her freshman year, she learned valuable technical and leadership skills, eventually working her way up to head of mechanical design during her junior year and President of FIRST Robotics during her senior year. She has also been involved in the Sunrise Movement during high school and volunteered to build low cost air filters for low income families during wildfire season. She is interested in developing and implementing engineering technologies that will help fight climate change and its many effects. Nikhita will be studying materials science and engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) this fall.
Selma Apara - Truebeck Construction Scholarship
Major: Computer Science
Major: Computer Science
Selma is a graduating senior from Oakland who exemplifies excellence in both her academics and her extracurricular involvement. As a senior, she served as student body president at her high school while also participating in varsity cheerleading, Black Student Union, school drama productions, and Girls Who Code. Selma first became interested in computers and programming from playing computer games as a child. She has pursued her interest in learning how to code throughout middle school and high school, and will now be attending Howard University to study computer science this fall.
Francesca Tom - ZFA Scholarship #1
Major: Civil Engineering
Major: Civil Engineering
Francesca is a high school senior from Oakland who has pursued many interests throughout her high school career. During her senior year, she served as president of the engineering club at her high school in addition to being involved in orchestra and badminton and being a Teen Wild Guide at the Oakland Zoo. She held several internships throughout high school which have helped her to sharpen her interest in civil and structural engineering and green building. Francesca was also a finalist in the Posse Bay Area program, which selects students out of a large pool for their strong leadership, academic success, and tenacity. Francesca will be studying civil engineering at UC Berkeley this fall.
Charissa Luk - ZFA Scholarship #2
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Charissa is a graduating senior from Castro Valley who is ambitious and motivated to pursue biomedical research. For the past two years she has been a part of Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program while being a successful pianist. During her time with the research program, Charissa has been a part of two research publications in Journal of Emerging Investigators. Charissa has also participated in 4 different conference presentations about her research. She has a goal to utilize bioengineering technology to better the lives of those struggling with disease without facing financial barriers. Charissa will be studying biomedical engineering at John Hopkins University this fall.
Kyla Cook - SEAONC Scholarship #1
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Kyla is a high school senior from Oakland. Outside of her studies, she is the creator of ‘Women in STEM’ podcast series and President of student-led ‘Women in Science and Engineering
Program’ at her high school. Kyla is also the Founder and President of The Athenian School's ‘Women Empowerment Club’. During her current internship at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, she created a passion for exploring environmentally impactful engineering such as alternative methods to indoor combustion devices or accessible air quality monitoring processes in developing countries. Kyla will be studying mechanical engineering at college this fall.
Program’ at her high school. Kyla is also the Founder and President of The Athenian School's ‘Women Empowerment Club’. During her current internship at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, she created a passion for exploring environmentally impactful engineering such as alternative methods to indoor combustion devices or accessible air quality monitoring processes in developing countries. Kyla will be studying mechanical engineering at college this fall.
Hillary Khuu - SEAONC Scholarship #2
Major: Chemical Engineering
Major: Chemical Engineering
Hillary is a graduating senior from Hercules who has been wearing many hats throughout her high school career. She is the vice president of the Associated Student Body, a tutor at the homework center, the vice president of the STEM Fatale Club and Vietnamese Student Organization, and Captain of the Cross Country team. She felt inspired to study engineering after participating in a Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) competition. Hillary is excited to take advantage of applying what she learns to develop sustainable technology and positively impact the healthcare field by solving simple, yet complex engineering and math problems. She will be studying chemical engineering at UC Berkeley this fall.
2021 Scholarship Award Recipients
Meet some of the inspiring young women who have received a SWE-GGS scholarship!
Lorena - Vicki & Shelby Solomon Scholarship
Major: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Major: Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Lorena is a graduating senior from a charter high school in Oakland. From a young age, she developed an interest in engineering and robotics. Through participation in STEM programs such as Girls Who Code and Genesys Works, Lorena was exposed to many aspects of engineering and coding that allowed her to develop her skills, eventually helping her land an internship with Salesforce during her senior year. Lorena also has an impressive academic record including community college courses, has taken time to tutor her fellow peers in math, and has held other part time jobs to help support her family. Lorena will be attending UC Berkeley to pursue electrical engineering and computer science.
Wendy - BNBuilders Scholarship
Major: Chemical/ General Engineering
Major: Chemical/ General Engineering
Wendy is a high school senior graduating from San Francisco who has been wearing many hats throughout her high school career. She is an accomplished teacher, tutor for CSF and Youth for Community Engagement, volunteer at Chinese Chamber of Commerce in San Francisco and a successful coder. Combined with her strong passion for volunteering and high school choir, Wendy has been a successful student with her high GPA. Her dedication to STEM from her childhood and emphasis on academics is remarkable. Wendy will attend UC San Diego to major in general and chemical engineering this fall.
Amanda - Laura Douglass & Joe Croco Scholarship
Major: Electrical & Robotics Engineering
Major: Electrical & Robotics Engineering
Amanda is a graduating senior from Santa Rosa and considers herself an aspiring artist and engineer. She is a well rounded and accomplished student. Amanda believes representation is important and she is passionate about gender equity, and diversity and inclusion in STEM. She has been a member of SWENext for 2 years and attended the SHLA program at the SWE annual conference in Anaheim and remotely last year. Amanda has served in leadership positions in student government and is an avid volunteer and active member of her community. She also holds down a part-time job at the local little league park, where she grew up playing baseball and softball. Amanda will be majoring in electrical and robotics engineering at UC Santa Cruz.
Cleo - Mazzetti Scholarship
Major: Engineering & Computer Science
Cleo is a graduating high school senior from San Francisco. Cleo has excelled in her academic courses as an AP Scholar with Distinction and National Hispanic Scholar. She has proven to be a leader through her role as Vice President of her high school’s PTSA organization and co-founder and co-president of her school’s Mechanical Engineering club. She was also the Mechanical Design Lead on an all-women robotics team, competing at FIRST Robotics competitions (FRC). Outside of academics, Cleo has given back to her community by creating a free after school mentoring program, Study Buddy, for at-risk and underserved children in San Francisco - for which she received a Jefferson Award for Public Service. She enjoys mentoring younger students through her work as an academic tutor and mentor, and hopes to continue working with students to help ignite their flair for STEM. In addition to her academics and community service, Cleo is a talented musician and artist. She founded a free enrichment program in art and violin for the children in her community, called Cleo’s Studio, to supplement the lack of art and music programs in local public schools. She is also a violinist and violist in the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra and Peninsula Youth Orchestra. Cleo will be majoring in Engineering & Computer Science at Yale this upcoming fall. She is particularly interested in structural or environmental engineering, as she wants to make a positive impact on how people live.
Major: Engineering & Computer Science
Cleo is a graduating high school senior from San Francisco. Cleo has excelled in her academic courses as an AP Scholar with Distinction and National Hispanic Scholar. She has proven to be a leader through her role as Vice President of her high school’s PTSA organization and co-founder and co-president of her school’s Mechanical Engineering club. She was also the Mechanical Design Lead on an all-women robotics team, competing at FIRST Robotics competitions (FRC). Outside of academics, Cleo has given back to her community by creating a free after school mentoring program, Study Buddy, for at-risk and underserved children in San Francisco - for which she received a Jefferson Award for Public Service. She enjoys mentoring younger students through her work as an academic tutor and mentor, and hopes to continue working with students to help ignite their flair for STEM. In addition to her academics and community service, Cleo is a talented musician and artist. She founded a free enrichment program in art and violin for the children in her community, called Cleo’s Studio, to supplement the lack of art and music programs in local public schools. She is also a violinist and violist in the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra and Peninsula Youth Orchestra. Cleo will be majoring in Engineering & Computer Science at Yale this upcoming fall. She is particularly interested in structural or environmental engineering, as she wants to make a positive impact on how people live.
Jessica - RGH Geotechnical Consultants Scholarship
Major: Engineering, Math & Statistics
Major: Engineering, Math & Statistics
Jessica is a high school senior from Pacifica who succeeded at balancing her tough academics and extracurricular activities. Jessica was a Valedictorian in her class and a Youth Group Screener at American Red Cross. She executed community blood drives and oriented new youth volunteers to the Red Cross’s mission. Jessica is also a member of the swim team, student of the month, and a recipient of the Presidential Award for contributing over 100 volunteer hours to the American Red Cross. Jessica will be majoring in Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics at UC Berkeley this fall.
April - Truebeck Construction Scholarship
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Major: Biomedical Engineering
April is a graduating senior from Oakland. After joining the engineering academy at her high school sophomore year, April realized that engineering was a great way for her to combine her curiosity and creativity with her learning. Her senior capstone project, inspired by the experience of the global pandemic, was to design a compact book and laptop stand to help with posture for people working from home. In addition to her academics, April is a competitive athlete in both track and field and tennis. April will be studying biomedical engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo this fall.
Emily - ZFA Scholarship
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Emily is a graduating senior in San Francisco. Emily loves to build things and lead people. She is an accomplished student, leader, athlete, and active community member. Emily founded a successful non-profit, Youth Helping Youth, to connect youth to resources to support their passions, reaching 1600+ youth. She led her FIRST Robotics team (the only all-female team in SF), serves as a peer mentor, and tutors others. Emily has already begun her engineering career through the ACE (Architecture, Construction & Engineering) Mentor Program, where she has been working on design projects for 3 years. Emily will be attending UC San Diego to major in mechanical engineering.
Shohum - ZFA Scholarship
Major: Biological Engineering
Major: Biological Engineering
Shohum is a graduating senior from Berkeley, where she’s been active in school leadership and founded a Math Mentors club. After attending a neuroscience camp at UC Berkeley, Shohum because fascinated with neuroscience. She reached out to professors and was able to obtain an internship engineering bacteriophages at the Berkeley Synthetic Biology Institute. She was also a finalist in a CRISPR Innovation Competition where she researched a novel approach to treating Alzheimer’s. Shohum has ambitions to earn her PhD and start her own biopharmaceutical company, becoming a female CEO. She will be majoring in Biological Engineering at Cornell University this fall.
Zoe - SWE GGS Scholarship
Major: Biopsychology & Computer Science
Major: Biopsychology & Computer Science
Zoe is a graduating senior from Windsor. As the oldest of 4 siblings, she aspires to be a role model for her sisters and her community. Zoe is an accomplished student, earning the AP Scholars Award, and an energetic leader completing the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program in Sonoma County. She holds herself to the highest standards maintaining a high GPA while volunteering regularly and working a part time job as an electronics intern at a local tech company. Zoe will be attending UC Santa Barbara to pursue biopsychology and computer science this fall.
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