The Marianna Brady, PhD. Scholarship 2022 Winners

Sofia Alayo will be a junior at the University of Southern California (USC) in the fall of 2022. She is applying for a progressive degree, which will result in her graduating with a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Since enrolling, Sofia has earned a USC Presidential Scholarship and a spot on the Fall 2021 Dean’s List and discovered her passion for studying disparities in individual health based on gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Outside the classroom, she is an active volunteer in the community, serving as Fundraising Chair for the USC American Red Cross and a Violence Intervention Volunteers Club member.“With this scholarship, I am given the opportunity to pursue my dreams and study the intersections of public health and business without worrying about a financial barrier. Next semester, I will be able to devote more time to an internship working on an app designed to keep women safe when walking alone. I’m not sure if I would have had the resources to do so without this award. I am very grateful for this scholarship that will help me progress my career goals and skill development while relieving my family and me of financial strain.”