The Chamber is proud to announce the 22 recipients of the 2025 Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women, a merit-based scholarship that is awarded annually to a group of women striving to complete their undergraduate degrees while working full-time for a Chamber member company. The recipients will receive $5,000 towards tuition and course-related expenses required for enrollment or course instruction.
Join us in person on Thursday, March 20 at the Paradigm Award Luncheon to celebrate their resiliency and commitment to excellence in their own lives, the lives of their loved ones, and the communities they serve.
2025 Recipients
Jayda Alexander
Employer: Congreso de Latinos Unidos
College/University: Manor College
“Driven by my history and my passion, I’m involved with city-wide coalitions to improve policies for youth in foster care, who are homeless, or who are at risk of systems involvement. This scholarship will help me to achieve my dream and guide youth towards their own dreams.”
Mariya Brewer
Employer: Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau
College/University: Temple University
2025 JoAnne Epps Memorial Scholarship Recipient
“I want to be an example for women that perseverance conquers. While I am thoroughly exhausted and overwhelmed juggling between school, family, a busy work schedule, I am focused and determined to complete the program that I set out to accomplish”
Patricia Cronin
Employer: Special People in the Northeast (SPIN)
College/University: Eastern University
“My long-term goal is to become a leader in early childhood education, advocating for policies that improve access to quality education for all children, regardless of their background. I want to empower other working women and educators to overcome the barriers they face and create educational environments where every child can thrive.”
Mandee Galie
Employer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
College/University: Montgomery County Community College
“With this scholarship, I plan to finish my associate’s and begin my bachelor’s degree soon after. I hope to use this developed skill set to improve aspects of healthcare for the nurses, aides, and technicians that care for our patients.”
Nicole Henderson
Employer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
College/University: Temple University
“With the support of the Paradigm Scholarship, I will be able to dedicate more time to mentoring initiatives, organizing workshops, and fostering a supportive community for women in the workplace.”
Celeniece Howard-Rodriguez
Employer: Penn Medicine
College/University: West Chester University
“It would help me focus on my education while working full time. I have chosen a career in nursing with the hopes to save at least one life.”
Jennifer Jarrell
Employer: City Year
College/University: Southern New Hampshire University
“When I received the 2023 Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women, it was the first time that I felt that others were making that same investment in me. The passion I have for creating innovative and effective work environments for all professionals in our community is something I am eager to continue with the 2025 scholarship.”
Jennifer LeBold
Employer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
College/University: Peirce College
“This scholarship eases the remaining financial burden, allowing me to complete my degree while continuing to support CHOP’s vital mission of improving children’s health through research and patient care.”
Nevaeh Lofton
Employer: Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City
College/University: Temple University
“By awarding me this scholarship, you are investing in a driven, hard-working individual who is committed to using her education to create a better future—not only for herself but also for her community.”
Maryellen May
Employer: Special People in the Northeast (SPIN)
College/University: Eastern University
“I want to be part of something bigger, I want to make a difference in the life of every child that walks through the door. My goal is to graduate with a degree and focus on creating an inclusive, supportive, and enriching environment for all of my students.”
Julia McCauley
Employer: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
College/University: Rosemont College
“I resolved to myself that I would beat cancer, then, one year later I would seek a promotion, and two years after that I would go back to college. How can I reach out and ask for this scholarship when I’ve already received so much from the universe? I will use the scholarship to reach the next level of my education and career goals.”
Taylor Mellon
Employer: Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital
College/University: Thomas Jefferson University
“Receiving the Paradigm Scholarship will not only provide me with the financial means to continue my education but also empower me to make a more significant impact in my organization and the broader healthcare community.”
Monica Morales
Employer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
College/University: La Salle University
“As a single mother, full-time employee, and nursing student, I face unique challenges every day but remain steadfast in my commitment to achieving my goals. Every shift at work and every class brings me one step closer to becoming the nurse I aspire to be.”
Gayatri Nair M.S.
Employer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
College/University: University of Pennsylvania
“Growing up, I aspired to be a healthcare provider, and although my journey took some unexpected turns, I am now close to actualizing it. I am motivated to excel in both my work and academic pursuit, driven by the vision of making a lasting impact in the lives of children.”
Aimee Ortega
Employer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
College/University: University of Phoenix
“It’s important to me that my children see what is possible when you commit yourself to a goal that’s bigger than yourself, and that no matter your age or circumstance in life, you can achieve goals that you set your mind to, and you can leave a legacy for those around you by elevating others.”
Felicia Perez
Employer: Penn Medicine
College/University: Drexel University
“My focus is on offering accessible, compassionate mental health care to underserved populations. I am committed to serving my community, showing my children the value of hard work, and demonstrating that any challenge can be turned into an opportunity with persistence.
Yalitza Roman
Employer: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
College/University: Strayer University
“As a single parent and working mother, it has been a long journey. So, learning about this scholarship, it has reignited my fire and my determination, giving me hope and motivation to finish my degree and continue excelling in my field.”
Vanessa Rugys
Employer: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
College/University: Southern New Hampshire University
“Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women will allow me to better serve the underserved populations I work with as a more knowledgeable employee and in my ultimate goal, working in policy.”
Hollie Soto
Employer: St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
College/University: Allegany College of Maryland
“My plan was always “when the kids get a little older, I’ll get my RN” …I realized there is never going to be a perfect time and there is always going to be obstacles. I am now pursuing an LPN-RN program while continuing to work full time.”
Myeesa Thompson
Employer: Penn Medicine
College/University: La Salle University
“I understand the challenges of balancing work, personal responsibilities, and the pursuit of educational goals. Despite these challenges, I work diligently to excel academically while managing the financial strain of paying for my education.”
Princess Torres
Employer: Congreso De Latinos Unidos
College/University: Peirce College
2025 Amoore Scholarship Recipient
“My goal is to be a mentor for new professionals entering the field of victim and domestic violence services to provide trauma informed quality services to survivors in Philadelphia. My personal goal is to be a role model for my three school-aged children.”
Teresa White-Walston
Employer: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
College/University: Villanova University
“I am a woman of purpose who believes in empowering others. I have mentored and supported high school students, college students, and staff members, and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. I do not intend to slow down in life, but to keep moving forward so that I can continue empowering others.”
Support the career aspirations of professional women in our region with a tax-deductible donation through the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia Regional Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization.
The Paradigm Award and Scholarship Committee includes impactful business leaders in the Greater Philadelphia region, chaired by 2019 Paradigm Awardee Jami McKeon, Chair, Morgan Lewis.
2025 Paradigm Award Luncheon
Celebrate the most prestigious award for professional women in Greater Philadelphia — the Paradigm Award. Please join us in recognizing the achievements of the 2025 honoree, Ellen Yin, Founder and Co-Owner, High Street Hospitality Group, as well as this year’s Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women recipients.
Thursday, March 20, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM | The Grand Belle at The Bellevue
