2023-24 PGE Foundation Scholarship Student Stories
Jennifer Cabrera
Hometown and State: Salem, OR
College or University Name: Willamette University
Major: Environmental Science
Class standing: Junior
Pronouns: she/her
The PGE Foundation Scholarship has given me peace of mind about paying my tuition and fees this semester. I am grateful I do not have to take out a loan for school. Thank you!
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose my major because I am passionate about climate change and how it affects underrepresented people.
After graduation, I plan to…
Take a break and travel. I want to discover other careers in the environmental science field.
Two friends and I went hiking in the Redwoods. An incredible experience! I’m the furthest to the right, in the green shirt.
Christian Dara
Hometown and State: Grants Pass, OR
College or University Name: George Fox University
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class standing: Freshman
Pronouns: he/him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Thank you so much for this scholarship! My family and I were struggling to figure out how we were going to pay for this upcoming year when I was awarded the PGE Foundation Scholarship. Now we are feeling much more confident in our ability to cover the cost thanks to the PGE Foundation and The Alliance. I'm thankful for the opportunity to attend George Fox University while worrying less about my financial situation.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose George Fox University due to their Christ-centered education and the ability to study in a field that I found interesting. I'm majoring in mechanical engineering as it's a field that's always intrigued me in a spatial sense along with its involvement in mathematics.
After graduation, I plan to…
When I graduate, my plan is to begin working and build a family. During these upcoming years, I plan to explore various options available to my intended degree and work out exactly what occupation I will pursue.
Anli Davis
Hometown and State: Portland, OR
College or University Name: Lewis & Clark College
Class standing: Sophomore
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
The PGE Scholarship helped me go to college. Without their support, it would have been significantly harder for me and my family to afford college. Thank you so much!
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan on taking a gap year to earn my EMT certification and then apply to PA school.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Lewis & Clark College because it was close to home, and I was able to afford to enroll there. I've always been interested in biology and chemistry and LC allowed me to further study my interests.
Gian Gargurevich
Hometown and State: Portland, OR
College or University Name: Corban University
Major: Computer Science
Class standing: Junior
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
I’m able to pay off my student loans. Thank you!
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Corban University to connect to God. I am studying computer science to understand software and run websites for future clients.
After graduation, I plan to…
Work software/cyber security for a short period, then start my own business.
Luz Daniela Rosas Martinez
Hometown and State: Hillsboro, OR
College or University Name: University of Portland
Major: Marketing
Class standing: Senior
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
As a first-generation college student, I have always felt a sense of responsibility to set an example for my family and make them proud. Winning the PGE Scholarship is a validation of my hard work and dedication to my academic and career goals, which can be challenging as a first-generation student without the guidance of family members who have navigated higher education before. This scholarship and recognition show me that people from diverse backgrounds can achieve great things and make a positive impact in their communities. This inspires me to continue working hard and pursuing my dreams of working in the sports marketing industry.
Why did you choose your college and major?
While pursuing a degree in marketing and Spanish, I have discovered that I want to help companies thrive globally in a humane and culturally aware manner. Having a deeper understanding of the different ways cultures use communication is imperative. When we have a deep understanding of the audience we will be interacting with, we are more likely to succeed. There is no one set way to do business. Growing up I never saw women in high corporate positions of power. I want to be a part of the next generation of female leaders. Representation matters and I want to show little girls that it is possible for them to have a position of power in a big company. Not only that, but I want to help global corporations improve their social responsibility, specifically in Latin America.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I would like to work for an athletic company. More specifically, within the sports marketing or technology sector that has a strong presence in Latin America (or Spanish speaking countries). This has been my dream for as long as I can remember. My father worked as a delivery driver and would occasionally let me accompany him to sites. One of my favorite locations was the Nike Headquarters, mainly because I loved the brand, but also because I loved seeing the men and women in business suits and badges. At the time my dad’s English was not the best and he would ask me if I could ask the people at the front desk to sign and hand them their copy of the receipt. Even though I could barely see over the tall desks, I loved being on campus and helping my dad at work. After visiting, I would always tell my dad that one day I would work at a company like that.
This picture was taken in Segovia, Spain, one of the places I visited during study abroad.
My sister (on the right) and me (on the left) before a “Son de la Negra” performance last summer.
Melissa Villagrana
Hometown and State: Redmond, OR
College or University Name: Pacific University
Major: Biology
Class standing: Junior
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
I have always wanted to pursue higher education. My parents immigrated to this country so my siblings and I could have the opportunity to pursue a higher education. The PGE Foundation Scholarship is meaningful because it has helped me continue by lifting some of the financial stress of school. I am very grateful to have been selected for this scholarship. Thank you!
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan to apply and attend Pacific's Optometry program. My goal is to become an optometrist and help people from Spanish and English-speaking communities.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Pacific University because of its small size and for the optometry program. I also wanted to attend a smaller school for the tight-knit community. Class sizes here at Pacific are also smaller in comparison to other schools and I felt that I could succeed in smaller class sizes. I chose to major in biology because it covers a lot of the pre-requisites required for the optometry program. I have always had an interest in exploring the world through the lens of science.
Kaleo Wellman
Hometown and State: Lebanon, OR
College or University Name: Bushnell University
Major: Business
Minor: Music
Class standing: Freshman
Pronouns: he/him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
I have been abundantly blessed by God, my family, and donors this year to support my dream of graduating college. Earning the PGE Foundation scholarship reduces the stress and financial worries off me and my parents this year. I appreciate all the support I have received. Thank you!
Why did you choose your college and major?
Music has always been a part of my life since I was young, and it was an easy choice to study music in college. I chose to attend Bushnell because of the opportunity to participate in track, where I had a breakout season and found my calling.
After graduation, I plan to…
Pursue music production or maybe pursue a management position.