Saki Kogawa

Saki Kogawa of Bloomfield, N.J. is a Social Work major with a 4.0 GPA. She graduated from Bergen Community College with an Honors Diploma from her membership in the Judith K. Winn Honors Program, as well as the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. 

She was formerly the Vice President of Communications for the Bergen Community College Chapter of PTK, the President of their Active Minds mental health advocacy chapter, as well as a student ambassador for the Violence Intervention Prevention center.

At Ramapo, Saki Kogawa has been involved in Active Minds, Social Work Club, and the First-Generation Student Center. She was a former social work intern for the First-Generation Student Center and helped to enhance their social media presence as well as their programming ideas by working with Assistant Director Uma Mahalingam.

She has also been involved in off –campus organizations such as Parent Matterz, an LLC dedicated to offering better educational opportunities for historically excluded students. She helps host events, runs their social media, and designs their newsletters. 

After graduation, Saki hopes to pursue her MSW degree in order to earn her licensure and further support young adults’ transformative periods of their life.

Meaghan Ryan

Meaghan Ryan of Westtown, N.Y. is a Social Work Major with a 3.94 GPA.

At Ramapo, Meaghan has become a member of the Ramapo Social Work Club after transferring, and looks forward to becoming more involved as the semester continues.

Meaghan has also served as a volunteer for the WRC Theater Company as the Head of Choreography of children for the past 8 years and works at a local restaurant. 

After graduation, Meaghan plans on continuing her education post-graduation and obtaining a Master’s in Social Work. She has many areas of interest in her field, but plans to continue working with children throughout her career.

Anonymous

The recipient of this scholarship wishes to remain anonymous.

Julio Sarmiento

Julio Sarmiento of Kearny, N.J. is a Social Work major. He has a 3.7 GPA and continues to excel in higher education.

At Ramapo, Julio has notably done a lot of work for the Educational Opportunity Fund and has been awarded Success Mentor of the Year for 2022. Julio has also worked very hard for the Social Work Club, creating the logo and leading events throughout his time.

For his internship, Julio works diligently at Kids in Need of Defense to provide resources to unaccompanied youth to ensure that they have a better and more comfortable life in the United States.

After graduation, Julio will continue his time at Ramapo for his Masters in Social Work, where he plans to further his knowledge and go into policy work to advocate for people in need all across the country.

Gillian Pezzuti

Gillian Pezzuti of Hawthorne, N.J. is a psychology major. She has a 3.5 GPA. 

At Ramapo, she was given the opportunity to do her internship at West Bergen Mental Health, where she helped conduct group therapy meetings. 

Gillian has also been involved in off-campus activities, including working as a nanny and studio coordinator. After graduation, Gillian plans to receive a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling. 

Kristen Ehrenberg

Kristen Ehrenberg of Mahwah, N.J. is a Law and Society major with a minor in Political Science. She has a 3.92 GPA and always makes the Dean’s List. 

Kristen has been a volunteer for Mahwah Emergency Medical Services since 2016 and currently serves as a Deputy Chief for the organization. Additionally, she holds a part-time job as an EMT for Paramus EMS. Kristen also recently completed an internship at the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, where she was assigned to the Special Victims Unit.

Kristen plans on attending law school after graduating from Ramapo. She hopes to one day practice family law or become a prosecutor, continuing her goal of helping others.

Kemone Hedge

Kemone Hedge of Paterson, N.J. is a Social Work major with a 3.7 GPA. She consistently earns a spot on the Dean’s List. When her son was born in 2007, she was determined to go back to school. Before transferring to Ramapo, she completed her A.S. in Sociology at Passaic County Community College.

At Ramapo, Kemone is a member of the Social Work Club. Off campus, she has an internship with Greater Bergen Community Action. There, she learns how to assist students and their families with educational opportunities and address the cause and conditions of persistent economic insecurities. She also works for an organization that provides services to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

After graduation, she will continue her education at Ramapo to earn her MSW. She would like to work in child welfare.

Katherine Aran

“I am proud that I have been able to prioritize academics and maintain a strong work ethic,” says Katherine Aran. She is a Social Work major with a 3.65 GPA from Wyckoff, N.J. 

Katherine is a member of Ramapo’s Young Life organization. Off campus, she is a Young Life Capernaum Leader at an organization that is dedicated to providing equal care and attention to people with disabilities. This has included encouraging socially acceptable behavior, organizing events, and being there for these individuals whenever they need support.

“I’ve always had a desire to help others,” she says. Katherine plans to obtain her masters degree and eventually earn her LCSW license. Her goal is to offer her patients the most comprehensive care she can. 

Caitlin Shurminsky

Caitlin Shurminsky of Mahwah, N.J. is a fourth-year Mathematics major in the Honors Program who plans to become a teacher after graduation. Caitlin is currently completing her clinical practice. She has a 3.99 GPA and has consistently been on the Dean’s List.

Caitlin is a member Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, and Pi Mu Epsilon Honor Society. She is on the executive board for Kappa Delta Pi and is currently the Secretary for Pi Mu Epsilon.  She also tutors students in Discrete Structures regularly at the TAS Mathematics and Science Tutoring Center at Ramapo.

Off campus, Caitlin teaches Children’s Church and works at Abma’s Farm. “I love helping those in need and working for my community.”

Timothy Woody

First generation student Timothy Woody is a senior studying Social Science with a minor in Public Policy. Timothy is a passionate advocate for youth in the foster care system and has worked at a variety of foster care events in recruiting and parent-training. “I hope to one day be the Commissioner of New Jersey Department of Family Service,’ says Timothy. “My dream is to start my own nonprofit for foster youth who have aged out of the system, where I’ll work to supply them with resources for a successful transition into adulthood.”

Joseph Byrne

Joseph Byrne of Nutley, N.J. is a Social Work major with a concentration in LGBTQ+ studies. He has a 3.7 GPA and has earned a spot on the Dean’s List.

Joseph was placed at New Jersey AIDS Services (NJAS) for his field placement, and due to his hard work and dedication, he was offered a part-time position there. At NJAS, Joseph is instrumental in implementing LGBTQ+ services under the new EDGE Pride Center, which includes but is not limited to their Parent Support Group, which he co-facilitates, LGBTQ+ Youth Group, and their Cultural Competency training.

“I plan to grow further in my role as Community Engagement Coordinator at NJAS and support the LGBTQ+ and HIV+ community responsibly and compassionately.”

Kristen Menzella

Kristen Menzella of Dumont, N.J. is a Social Work major with a 3.963 GPA. She has earned a consistent spot on the Dean’s List.

When her daughter was born in 2010, Kristen was determined to go back to school. She completed her Associate’s degree in Applied Science at Bergen Community College and transferred to Ramapo. “My daughter gives me the motivation and perseverance to conquer and achieve all my goals.”

Kristen has an off-campus internship at New Pathway Counseling Services, where she learns how to help adolescents with mental health, behavioral, and substance abuse issues.  She is also a fitness coach who helps others strive to accomplish healthy minds and healthy body goals.

After graduation, Kristen plans on applying to Ramapo’s Social Work Master’s Degree.  She would like to work in the Mental Illness and Substance Abuse field or with children with disabilities.

Anaiis Gonzalez

Anaiis Gonzalez of Linden, N.J. is a Law and Society major double minoring in Philosophy and Public Policy. She has a 3.7 GPA.  She was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society for maintaining above a 3.5 GPA her freshman year of college.

At Ramapo, Anaiis is an Admissions Student Ambassador and has been active in several other organizations, including Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, and Culture Club.  She currently maintains two positions within her sorority and has volunteered at the Admissions office.

She works off-campus as a pharmacy technician.

“My one wish is to be able to one day financially sponsor a scholarship opportunity for a student.”

Melanie Schlosser

Melanie Schlosser of Park Ridge, N.J. is a third-year student with a major in Law & Society and minors in Visual Arts and Environmental Studies. She holds a 3.9 GPA and has consistently maintained a spot on the Dean’s List.

On campus, Melanie works as an associate editor for the Ramapo Journal of Law and Society, where she reads and revises papers relating to social and legal issues. She also serves on the executive board of the Visual Artists Society. Through the academic honor society Alpha Lambda Delta and the councils of two residence halls, she has coordinated several campus engagement programs and community service events.

Her curiosity and interest in different fields has led her to take part in various internships relating to sustainability, graphic design, community engagement, and environmental law. “After I graduate, I hope to continue exploring different interests before entering a graduate or law program.”

Michael Danenberg

Michael Danenberg is from Livingston, New Jersey. He is a Sociology major with a concentration in Criminology, and holds a 3.88 GPA.

At Ramapo, he is the head student coordinator of RASA, where he helps facilitate all the open houses and admitted student days for Ramapo.  He is also an admissions student aide, and a member of Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity. Michael co-founded and serves as president of the Ramapo Wrestling Club.

Off campus Michael is an intern at the Essex County Superior Court.  He plans to attend law school.

Grace Maute

Grace Maute of Manahawkin, NJ is a Social Work major with a minor in Public Policy. She has a 3.99 GPA.

Grace serves as president of Feminists United and advocates for feminist-related issues on campus.  She also works as the Office Manager in the Women’s Center.

Her passion for social justice extends to her off campus work as well, including Healing SPACE, Bergen County’s Sexual Violence Resource Center, where she regularly volunteers and now interns. “After graduating, I plan to get involved in community organizing to get my feet wet and get a better idea of what I plan to do before getting my Masters or JD,” said Grace.

Vanessa Loren Mirasola

“I ultimately hope to work within the civil rights arena, representing those without a voice who have been abused or oppressed,” says Vanessa Loren Mirasola of Teaneck, N.J.

The Sociology major hopes to attend law school, a career she became interested in at her job with the Bergen County Ethics Committee, where she interacts with attorneys every day. On campus she’s involved in Ramapo Pride, InQlusive, and GEAR.

The Sociology major, with a concentration in Criminology, has a 3.5 GPA. She was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, Ramapo’s first year honor society.

Stacie Heath

Stacie Heath of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, is a double major in Law and Society and Social Sciences, concentrating in Community Mental Health.  She has a grade point average of 3.2.  Stacie was inducted into the Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society.

Stacie is a peer facilitator for the Office of Special Services Coalition on campus.

Edlira Gora

Edlira Gora of Lodi, N.J.  is a social work major. She has a 3.7 grade point average.

On campus, Edlira is a member of the Social Work Honor Society, Phi Alpha and the Rho Sigma Delta chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. Off campus, she has been involved in a toy drive for children who are placed in foster homes and volunteers at Bergen County Housing, Health & Human Services Center in Hackensack, N.J. She plans to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in social work.

Megan Kerper

Megan Kerper of South Plainfield, NJ is a Psychology major. She is completing a cooperative program at First Children Learning Services, which provides comprehensive educational, therapeutic and behavioral services for children with special needs. Her responsibilities include conducting applied behavioral assessments of children, collecting data and tracking progress. This cooperative education/academic internship is a four-credit course in which Megan is mentored by a faculty member. In addition, Megan is serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Megan was trained in basic food service. During training, she received the National Defense Service Medal and a Marksmanship Rifle Badge. She is active in the Veterans Student Organization of Ramapo College. Megan has a 2.49 grade point average.

Michelle Mouhtis

Michelle Mouhtis is majoring in Social Work. She has earned a 3.84 grade point average and is in her junior year. Michelle is from Howell, NJ.