Nadella Scholarship Recipients
The Anu and Satya Nadella Scholarship is specifically for students who graduate from Milwaukee high schools and provides financial and academic support and covers tuition, fees, room and board for up to five years.
Each recipient is assigned a dedicated success coach, an academic counselor and a peer mentor, and is provided additional tutoring and support opportunities to lead to successful student outcomes.
Meet Our Cohorts
Abdullahi Oyekanmi
High School: Rufus King International High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Briseida Hernandez Gomez
High School: Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Intended Major: Information Science & Technology
Damarion Ransom
High School: GreenTree Preparatory Academy
Intended Major: Computer Science
Davaughn Gray
High School: Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy
Intended Major: Computer Engineering
Elizabeth Lewis
High School: Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School
Intended Major: Applied Mathematics & Computer Science
James Shields
High School: Marquette University High School
Intended Major: Computer Engineering
John Torres Stewart
High School: Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Intended Major: Applied Mathematics & Computer Science
Manuel Dominguez
High School: St. Augustine Preparatory Academy
Intended Major: Computer Science
Owen Hirthe
High School: Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School
Intended Major: Applied Mathematics & Computer Science
Rafal John
High School: Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Intended Major: Information Science & Technology
Sai Yang
High School: Hmong American Peace Academy
Intended Major: Computer Science
Tar Meh
High School: Casimir Pulaski High School
Intended Major: Computer Engineering
Anonymous
Intended Major: Information Science & Technology
Anonymous
Intended Major: Computer Engineering
Cesar Garcia Pina
High School: St Augustine Preparatory Academy
Intended Major: Computer Engineering
Diego Navarro
High School: Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Falastin Mwaliko Mwaliko
High School: Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning
Intended Major: Computer Science
Fernando Reyes Huerta
High School: St. Anthony High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Isabella Switalski
High School: Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
John Weishan
High School: Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Ken Chang
High School: Rufus King International High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Leonardo Cutraro
High School: Marquette University High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Moises Encino-Colunga
High School: Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Sheldon Clarke
High School: Carmen High School – Northwest
Intended Major: Computer Science
Toby Morris
High School: Golda Meir School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Heba Dalieh
High School: Salam School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Latrelle Jackson
High School: Rufus King International High School
Intended Major: Information Technology Management
Nyla Broughton
High School: MacDowell Montessori School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Melani Magana Lopez
High School: Veritas High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Than Su
High School: Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Pengsue Yang
High School: Rufus King International High School
Intended Major: Information Science & Technology
Steven Cruz Aguirre
High School: St. Augustine Preparatory Academy
Intended Major: Computer Science
Alonzo Miller Jr.
High School: Rufus King International High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Jesus Bonilla Fregoso
High School: Carmen High School of Science & Technology – Southeast
Intended Major: Computer Science
Anonymous
Intended Major: Computer Science
Aden Sengsouvanh
High School: Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Amya Camberos
High School: Milwaukee High School of the Arts
Intended Major: Computer Science
Vanessa Meza
High School: Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Dylan Powalisz
High School: Audubon Technology & Communication High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Ignacio Vega Rivera
High School: Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Josephine Andersen
High School: Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Joshua Thaisananikone
High School: Riverside University High School
Intended Major: Computer Science
Najeeb Mavrakis
High School: Ronald Reagan College Preparatory High School
Intended Major: Information Technology Management
Robert Jones
High School: Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy
Intended Major: Information Science & Technology
Questions?
Aden
I grew up in an Asian American household in Milwaukee. A curious child, I was interested in astronomy, nature and paleontology. My STEM interests translated into classes in computer science and web design in high school. I enjoyed working with code and designing programs and websites. The bigger the problem, the more I enjoyed solving it. I participated in cross-country and track my freshman and sophomore years and appreciated the discipline and challenge that brought. I had an apprenticeship in WE Energies where I helped design blueprints for gas services. While I learned a lot during this time, I decided not to stay because I wanted to pursue my passion in computer science at UWM. I chose UWM because of its diverse community and the extensive resources it provides to students in computer science, such as internship opportunities.
Amya
I am the youngest in my family and the first to attend college. Although we didn’t have much growing up, my family instilled in me the importance of hard work and creativity. My family is my foundation. I will be the first in my family to have the opportunity to develop myself, find my sense of purpose and push myself to my highest potential. I look forward to learning more about computer science, as well as life as an adult. I have a variety of interests: my primary hobbies are visual arts – painting, drawing and photography. I won a silver medal in photography in the National 2020 Scholastic Art and Writing competition and 2018-2019 Best of Show of St. Anna’s African American in Our Community Art showcase. I chose UWM because of the many opportunities it offers. I want to pursue a degree in technology so I can bring my perspective as a black female to this field and help promote diversity.
Vanessa
I am a first-generation college student. I love to read. I was always interested in science, but when I took my first computer science class, I fell in love with coding, and this has been a focus for me ever since. My mission is to obtain my bachelor’s degree in computer science at UWM, to promote diversity in STEM and to serve as a representative of Mexican women in the STEM community worldwide. Growing up in Milwaukee, I have had a lot of contact with UWM over the years. It was the first college campus I ever set foot on, and I made it a goal then to attend school here. I look forward to having some internships while studying. After graduation I want to work for a big tech company such as Apple, Google or Microsoft.
Dylan
I grew up with a disability in a family without much money, but I haven’t let anything slow me down from fulfilling my dreams of going to college to study computer science. I have been fascinated by computers since I was a little kid. I grew up playing video games, which made me want to learn how the technology behind them works. I have always absorbed new information like a sponge and can’t wait to learn more in college. UWM has already played a role in my education. In middle school, I was in an extracurricular program called Smart Spaces that took field trips to campus, and in high school I enrolled in a UWM intro to computer science class. I love the campus, which is close to my family in my amazing home state of Wisconsin. Picking UWM was a no-brainer for me.
Ignacio
I was fortunate to go to one of the biggest of Milwaukee Public Schools, where I could pursue my interests in piano and other musical instruments, as well as tennis, soccer, competitive swimming and the Japanese language. I want to learn more about robotics and computer coding. Programming languages have limitless uses, and I enjoy the creative freedom of coding. I hope college will help me narrow down my choice of field within endless possibilities of computer science. In high school, I took three classes at UWM, which helped me decide to come here. I’m looking forward to joining academic and coding clubs as well as intramural sports in college to meet others who share my passions. I’ll be close to my family in Milwaukee, but I am also hoping to study abroad in Japan to continue learning the language. I want to experience the Japanese culture and learn more about their technology industry.
Josephine
I have been drawn to computer science since I developed an interest in video-game design in middle school. I originally focused on visual arts in high school and learned Photoshop and animation so that I could design characters and animate my own games. When I was a junior, I transferred to Reagan High School because it offered classes on Python and Java, and I wanted to learn more about how to program games. I started to focus on coding in my free time, and now I am looking forward to meeting other student programmers at UWM. I know that I want to pursue both visual art and computer science in college. I am excited to explore the career path suited to my passions and establish what I want my future to look like.
Joshua
I grew up in a Laotian immigrant family in Milwaukee’s Washington Park neighborhood, where I was involved in community service in high school. Improving my community is personal for me; I went to school with more than a few kids who had lost family members to gun violence. As a member of the National Honor Society, I raised money for domestic violence support organizations and I also volunteered with REDgen, a mental health advocacy group. I hope to stay in the Milwaukee area to be near my parents and work as a computer programmer at a local company. UWM seemed like a great fit for me. Not only do I get to stay in my community and receive financial aid to help me focus on my studies, but I also get to work with professors who are experts in their fields, and I am looking forward to getting involved in student organizations on campus. With nearly 300 student groups, it seems like there’s an organization for everybody.
Najeeb
I come from a UWM family. Three of my older brothers are Panthers; one has a business degree, and the two others went for information technology management, which drew me to the program. I would hear them talk about what they were studying at UWM, and I wanted to learn more. School hasn’t always been easy for me. My parents are from Libya, and I grew up speaking Arabic, so I struggled to keep up with English-language instruction when I started school. But I love learning, and I want to know more about how computers and their components are made. In college, I hope to take advantage of UWM’s internship opportunities to get hands-on experience in information technology, and I am also looking forward to getting involved with student clubs on campus to meet other people who share my interests.
Robert
I am the first person in my family to attend college. My parents and my older brother have taught me the value of hard work. Even though I wasn’t the best student as a young child, I realized that I wanted more for myself and that I wanted to make my family proud, so I studied hard and ended up in the top 3% of my graduating class. I enjoy working with computers because it allows me to express my creativity. I’m a critical thinker and I like to find creative solutions to build and repair computers. I have heard great things about UWM’s classes, and I am looking forward to working with professors and with other students. I enjoy helping others with their schoolwork, so that we can learn together. I am considering working as a software developer or database administrator after graduation, and I hope that UWM will help me explore what the next destination in my career will be.
Heba
I’m a Palestinian Muslim American and a first-generation college student. My parents worked extremely hard to ensure my siblings and I have the opportunity to obtain an education and successful life, and because of that, I work hard to make them proud. A few of my hobbies include running and photography. I was a part of my school’s varsity cross-country team all throughout high school and received the All-Conference Award. Also in my junior and senior years, I was head editor of the yearbook club, where I designed the middle and high school yearbooks.
Latrelle
UWM also has a great Business and Engineering programs which aligns with what I’m going to study. I plan to successfully graduate college and work for a job like Microsoft or Tesla. I also want to run my own business of some sort.
During my free time I like to design clothes. I’ve been designing clothes for a little over 3 years. I also play basketball and rollerskate to stay active.
This scholarship means the most to me! It means more than just money. It feels good to be acknowledged for my academic work. It feels good for someone to invest in my future and give me a chance to better my life. It lets me know that I am doing right and that I should keep working.
Nyla
I come from a foster care environment, where my siblings and I eventually found our forever homes.
My interests and activities include playing my guitar, spending family time together, roller skating, listening to music. I also enjoy volunteering at the food pantry.
I choose UWM, because of its strong academics, diversity of students, and active campus community. UWM is also ranked one of the highest in particular fields such as Engineering. I have a passion for technology and I believe UWM can help me reach my goals.
Melani
I am a first-generation Mexican heading to college. As the years passed during my education, I wanted to study the arts. But after learning about computer science, I think I can apply my creative thinking to this field. I enjoy doing artistic things like painting and working with clay. I’m also interested in video games and computers. With computer science, I want to be able to create things with programs. I enjoy using computer programs such as 3D sculpting and gaming design.
Than
My family were farmers who immigrated to the U.S. for a better life. Throughout my childhood, I have always loved creating things and solving puzzles. During my middle school years, I loved watching YouTubers build and code crazy things. I look forward to being able afford and build things like I watched in those videos.
I am grateful to be given this opportunity; to be able to fully focus on my career without having to worry about money is something that many people don’t get to experience.
Pengsue
I decided to attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee because I want to accomplish a higher education and encourage my siblings to follow in my footsteps. I want to support them and remind them that they can earn a degree and be successful in the future. That is why I chose a diverse institution like UWM, where I can learn about my major of interest and lead by example.
Steven
My parents are from Veracruz, Mexico. I was born in Milwaukee along with my sister. My parents have sacrificed everything for my sister and me in order to provide better opportunities. They are the reason I work hard and get up in the morning. My interests are in coding because I am able to be innovative and find new ways of solving problems. I’ve been playing soccer and baseball since I was seven years old. My career goal is to become a computer programmer.
I’m really thankful for the Nadella Scholarship, this will help me pursue my dreams and hopefully have a good job that will provide for my family and me.
Alonzo
Growing up, I have used sites like Code Academy and Khan Academy to learn more about coding and the development of technology. I wanted to know what exactly went into allowing our cell phones to run our favorite social media apps while streaming music and also keeping in contact with others. I would learn that it’s a complicated task that takes creativity and deep thinking. Seeing the final outcome of that creativity and deep thinking is why my interest in technology never fades.
I have a career goal of becoming a software engineer. At UW-Milwaukee I know I will have the opportunity to get an internship and other career tools. With a college education there are more career opportunities and the chance to give back to your community to a greater extent.
Jesus
I chose UWM because of its Computer Science program, the proximity of the campus to my home, and its versatility in the field of study. My professional plans are to work at Microsoft, in the cybersecurity section, fortifying computer systems and creating new software without vulnerabilities. What interests me most is the programming technology to see how lines of code can do everything we see and do on our electronic devices.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do my best and see that my efforts are rewarded.
Alejandra
I am a passionate first-generation college student who is determined to make a difference in my community through technology. I chose UWM because it offers me the chance to pursue my interests and has excellent programs to support me. As someone who was born and raised in Milwaukee, I have a deep appreciation for the city and want to continue learning here while also giving back. I am excited about the opportunities UWM can provide me to explore internships and careers within the city. I know that UWM will help me learn a lot about business and technology, as well as more about myself as I step into adulthood and find my way in the world.
Cesar
I was born in Mexico and brought here as a kid. Along with being a multi-athlete, I became interested in pursuing a technology oriented career. The Nadella Scholarship is a relief to both my parents and me because we can now focus on other necessities without worrying about paying for higher education. When I found out that I was being awarded a scholarship to UWM, I felt like a lot of stress was just gone. Now I can put all my time and focus on myself and finding my way through my future with one weight off my back. I am forever thankful for this opportunity.
Diego
My parents helped me discover my interest in technology and all its fascinating capabilities. For my career goals, I will strive to make a change in the world I live in. With the knowledge and connections that I can get from UWM, I want to make something that would be used in everyday life and change how we live. This scholarship will allow me to devote more time to my academics and fully absorb all the knowledge that UWM has to offer.
Falastin
I chose UWM because is a great fit for me. It is a beautiful campus, has an amazing library, and is a top research university. I am interested in Computer Science because I want to focus on the development and testing of software and software systems. Activities I love the most are cooking, doing henna, helping people and hanging out with family. This scholarship will do so much for me and my family, and I don’t know how I can thank Anu and Satya Nadella enough for this great opportunity.
Fernando
Throughout my life, I strive to achieve everything to the best of my ability since I come from a family that values hard work above all else. I have been taught to value education by my mother, and it is due to her encouragement to pursue an education that I am where I am now. Studying technology and space is something that I really enjoy doing. I chose UWM because it is a diverse university. My main goal is to use what I learn to raise efficiency and productivity across a range of sectors.
Isabella
I have a profound interest in STEM, specifically computer programming. I have been interested in computer programming since I was 13. My hobbies include coding, stop motion film making, unicycling, 3D printing, running, and reading. I chose UWM because of the computer science program offered here, as well as the cross country and track programs offered here. My goal is to achieve a career in software development. I am so very grateful to receive this scholarship!
John
I chose UWM because I feel that it is the best college to prepare me for the future. The learning opportunities at UWM combined with Milwaukee’s tech scene provide a unique opportunity that aligns with my career goal of becoming a software engineer. I feel that UWM is the best place for me to succeed compared to any other school. Receiving this scholarship has inspired me to work even harder and be more dedicated to truly maximize the opportunity I have been given. This scholarship will change my life.
Ken
UWM is close to home, which will allow me to go to college and not become home sick because my family is nearby. A diverse group of students is important, as it will allow me to meet a group of individuals that are unique and different from one another. I want to potentially become a software engineer or someone in the tech field. I plan to major in Computer Science as I believe it will give me the skills I need to pursue this goal. I really appreciate this amazing opportunity that’s been given to me.
Leonardo
UWM is the right school for me because it is one of the best schools in my hometown Milwaukee. UWM is an amazing school with brilliant programs that will help me to further my education and get a degree in what I love doing, Computer Science. My goals for my future are to have a successful career in Computer Science, more specifically game development, and either to join a large company and try to improve the game development industry or to start my own video game company and develop new and innovative games and technologies.
Moises
I’m a first-generation student who’s lived in Milwaukee his entire life. I’ve wanted to major in Computer Science for a long time now, ever since I was in middle school, and what better place to go to school for that than a university in this city whose computer science program is in the top 25% nationwide. I hope that with my degree from this school, I can get amazing job opportunities or opportunities for real-world experiences.
Sheldon
I want to help millions of people through my work as a software engineer while working at the biggest companies in the world. I chose UWM because I know that they give me the best chance of reaching my big goals. Their strong engineering programs, proximity to family, and the connections they have throughout the city are a few reasons why I chose them. With this scholarship, I’ll be able to focus on my career goals without worrying about money, which is truly a blessing and an honor that I couldn’t be more thankful for.
Toby
I grew up in Milwaukee and I have always loved creating new things. UW-Milwaukee has always been one of my top picks because of its amazing opportunities and its proximity to home. It offers many ways to gain experience in a variety of fields and also has lots of student groups and activities. I plan to use the education it provides to create new and interesting things and brighten the lives of many people around the globe through technology. Growing up in Milwaukee has also shown me the importance of diversity and how it helps to create a better community. Receiving this scholarship means everything to me.
Abdullahi Oyekanmi
Growing up in a modest family taught me the value of hard work and education at a young age. My passion for science, math, and technology surfaced in my earliest memories. Be it AI, software engineering, cybersecurity, quantum Engineering, and related fields – everything just fascinates me. UWM’s focus on academic excellence, together with its diverse community and lively campus life, speaks to my ambition for my future career goals. Upon graduation, I want to work for a reputable company where I can put my education, expertise, and abilities to use and also serve as a role model to the society. Receiving this scholarship is a turning point in my academic journey, a moment where all my hard work and passions align with possibility.
Briseida Hernandez Gomez
My parents immigrated from Mexico to give me a better life and education, so I was born and raised here in Milwaukee. I was always told when I was younger that hard work does pay off in time. This scholarship means everything to me. Knowing that I don’t have to worry about how I will continue my studies and that I don’t have to burden my parents financially has been uplifting. Being a first-generation student will show my parents that their sacrifices were worthwhile, and I can set a pathway for my younger brother, showing him that he, too, can achieve better things.
Damarion Ransom
I am looking forward to my next four years at UWM. I enjoy different activities such as chess and volleyball, but what I like most is looking for ways to improve my community. I knew UWM is the right college for me because of the big community on the campus, which will allow me to connect with other students with similar interests. This award will empower me to work harder and maintain good grades in college. I am very thankful for getting the opportunity to take on a new chapter in my life.
Elizabeth Lewis
I am interested in computer science because technology is increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives. I am particularly interested in how technology can be used to help people in new and unique ways, and I think that working with technology will give me the best opportunity to help people. I chose UWM because it provides the best opportunities to explore my interests and support in finding a career after college. Receiving this award means that I can devote more time to school and exploring possible careers. It also means I can spend more time on things I am passionate about in order to succeed during and after college.
James Shields
My interest in STEM really grew when I joined my high school robotics team. I was part of the programing team and most of my mentors had majored in computer engineering. I chose UWM because of this scholarship as this really is an amazing opportunity. I also really appreciate the academic support I will also be receiving through this scholarship. It is important to me to not have debt after college as well as being able to focus on my studies without having to worry about paying tuition. I am honored to be chosen for this scholarship.
John Torres Stewart
I grew up in Milwaukee, and I’ve always loved my neighborhood and spending time with my family. I grew up in a Hispanic household, and have always enjoying having unique experiences and trying new things. I enjoy playing sports and video games with friends, and learning about computers and how they work. I chose the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee because it would allow me to stay close to home and live a comfortable life in a place that I know and love. My career goals are to become an expert in computer science and engineering, and find a high-end job that will give me success, stability, and pride. Receiving this award means that someone believes in me and trusts that I can do great things in life.
Manuel Dominguez
My interests consist of computers, math, piano, and cooking. My background comes from a Mexican lineage. The reason I choose UWM was because I could work on either computer science or actuarial science. As I go through college, my goal is to get a head start through internships. Reaching my next goal as I enter college and study for my career, I truly appreciate this opportunity UWM has provided for me as it allows me to be focused without worrying about my the money I’m spending.
Owen Hirthe
I am one of five children in my family and grew up playing sports my whole life. I recently became more interested in computer science, but even before that I have always been into math and science because of the logic-based approaches that they require. I love the city of Milwaukee. I plan to get a degree in computer science, and I feel that UWM is a great place to do that. Two of my brothers as well as my mom went there. For my career, I hope to work with developing A.I. technology. Receiving this award is incredibly important to me. When I start in the fall, I will be one of three of my siblings in college at the same time so not burdening my parents with the cost of it means a lot to me.
Rafal John
I am a second-generation immigrant of two parents from Poland. I take interest in scripting through JSON and implementing the data from it into games. The reason I choose UWM is because it is the only institution of higher education that made sense to me. UWM clearly intends for me to grow as an individual and become what I wish to be. I wish to hone and enhance my capabilities in scripting and application development in order to achieve the next level and find a career in those fields after I graduate. I have had countless worries regarding how I would financially overcome the burden of college debt after I’ve graduated. Yet, thanks to the unimaginable kindness of the Nadellas, I am lifted of this burden and free to pursue my passions.
Sai Yang
“Both of my parents are Hmong immigrants who moved to the United States and settled in Milwaukee. After my family bought a computer, I tried coding for the first time, and I I felt engaged and also fulfilled in what I had created.
I chose UWM because of the environment it offers. It’s not only a place for academics with its programs and resources but also for student life through events and clubs. The goal I have for myself is to major in Computer Science, develop my skill and gain experience in coding to set myself up for life after college. I hope to then apply what I have gained and become a software engineer or careers of similar work. Knowing what my parents have sacrificed to allow me to reach this point in my life, this opportunity means I can support myself without worry and give back for what I have received. “
Tar Meh
I was born in Thailand and immigrated to the U.S. when I was only three years old. My family settled in Wisconsin in 2022, and I’m glad we did. I chose UWM because my family means a lot to me, and I want be able to stay near them while I pursue a higher education. I also appreciate the diversity and support that UWM offers. I dream about working with other intelligent individuals to bring new and innovative technology to the world. I want to find and work for a company that genuinely cares for people and strives to make their lives better. It makes me so happy to know that my parents will be able to see me achieve whatever I desire.
Davaughn Gray
I chose UWM because it feels like a secure option for my future. Even outside of the convenient factors like location, I’m drawn in by things like the UWM library because being able to access resources to develop myself personally and as a scholar is an important part of my college search. I plan on pursuing game development, and hopefully, developing my own game. I believe that choosing UWM allows me to pursue my goals of game development to the fullest. Because of this scholarship, I can focus on my development and productivity as a student and an adult, and it’s motivation to keep working hard. I hope that with this scholarship I can reach a position to help students that look like me and others like them.