About Joel S. Siegel Scholarship:
This $2,500 scholarship is awarded annually to an American Culture student with financial need and who best represents the potential for excellence in our program. Calls for applications are sent out to all majors and minors every fall, with the application deadline in mid-November.
Click here to learn more.
2020 Winners:
Stephany Mendez Ortega is a senior who transferred to the University of Michigan in 2019. Stephany is a double major in Neuroscience and Communication and Media with a minor in Latina/o Studies. After completion of her bachelor's degree, Stephany’s goal is to attend medical school and specialize in neuro-ophthalmology. As an aspiring doctor Stephany hopes to be an advocate for the Latino/a community and help eliminate the barriers present when seeking and receiving preventive care.
Mira Simonton-Chao is a double major in American Culture with a concentration in Ethnic Studies and Humanities. Mira is extremely interested in culture as the interdisciplinary study of human experience. During her time at U-M, Mira has had the opportunity to work as a research assistant for Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies Program and to serve as Community Historian for the student organization, United Asian American Organizations (UAAO). In Mira’s position as Community Historian, Mira has been able to further develop and explore my interests in American culture, A/PIA studies, and organizing and to gain first-hand experience in research and project management.
Suki Zhao is a triple major in American Culture (Ethnic Studies), Political Science, and International Studies. Suki hopes to become an immigration lawyer. Suki is using her three majors to gain the interdisciplinary skills necessary to be a successful immigration lawyer one day. In addition, Suki is also currently interning with Human Rights First, a human rights organization that advocates for refugees and immigrants. Suki learned about this organization through the Michigan in Washington program, which she is currently enrolled in. Suki has also volunteered at Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees during spring break 2020, right before the COVID-19 shutdown. Both of these experiences taught Suki important skills and gave her hands-on experience in various political and social aspects of immigration.
