2023 ICAN INSPIRE Scholarship Cohort

Dao Nguyen is a resilient and determined individual who has overcome significant challenges in pursuit of her dream to become a nurse. Raised in a modest household by her mother, Dao has faced financial struggles, relying on hard work and determination to fund her education. Despite the hardships, her passion for helping others has always been her driving force, fueled by personal experiences of illness and hospitalization. Winning the ICAN Scholarship and gaining acceptance into a nursing program have provided Dao with a boost of confidence and the means to pursue her career aspirations.

With a clear vision of her future, Dao aims to make a difference in her community by working in a hospital and saving lives. As a first-generation student, she feels a responsibility to excel academically and serve as a role model for other Vietnamese American females. Dao's gratitude for the opportunities afforded to her through scholarships and grants is evident, as she recognizes their crucial role in achieving her educational and professional goals. Despite facing adversity, Dao remains committed to her journey, offering words of encouragement to future ICAN participants and emphasizing the importance of kindness and self-belief.

Emily Pham is a determined and compassionate individual who has recently embarked on her journey as a Nursing major at UC Irvine. Initially aspiring to become an airline pilot, Emily's shift towards nursing was sparked by her experiences as a Kumon tutor and her role in aiding her mother's recovery after an accident. These pivotal moments prompted Emily to reevaluate her aspirations and pursue a profession where she could make a meaningful impact in helping others.

Introduced to the ICAN Scholarship through social media, Emily was filled with gratitude and excitement upon receiving the award. As a first-generation Vietnamese American and the eldest sister among her siblings, Emily deeply values the opportunities provided by the scholarship to both honor her family and pursue higher education. During her time at UC Irvine, Emily plans to give back to her community by actively engaging in initiatives such as the VSA Club and advocating for organizations like the Rotary Vietnam Project and the Pacific Links Foundation, dedicated to combating human trafficking among vulnerable Vietnamese youth. Emily's commitment to service and her drive to make a difference exemplify her dedication to both personal and societal advancement.

Jeanice Trat is an undergraduate student at UCSB, where she is pursuing a major in Pre-Psychological and Brain Sciences. Fascinated by the intricacies of the human mind and inspired by the people she encounters, Jeanice is deeply committed to understanding and nurturing mental well-being. Growing up within the Vietnamese community, she has witnessed the stigma surrounding mental health and has been motivated by her experiences to advocate for empathy and support.

Struggling with feelings of invalidation amidst academic pressures and emotional neglect, Jeanice has developed coping mechanisms, such as grounding herself by counting her fingers and toes, to stay connected to her reality. Discovering the ICAN Scholarship, Jeanice found alignment with its mission of empowering the next generation to be active community members. Winning the ICAN INSPIRE Scholarship, Jeanice felt a surge of excitement, seeing it as an opportunity to pursue her passion for psychology and become a licensed mental health therapist. With a focus on providing support and empathy, Jeanice aims to remind individuals of their worthiness and empower them to embrace their emotions and seek help when needed.

Katelyn Doanla is a passionate incoming freshman at UCLA, where she is majoring in Psychobiology with a clear vision to contribute to neurotechnology research for brain disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Her inspiration stems from her involvement in the "Walk to End Alzheimer's" parade and her discovery of Hogeweyk, a dementia village designed to provide a semblance of normalcy for patients. Katelyn aspires to innovate treatments for Alzheimer's and advocate for the creation of similar villages worldwide.

Rooted in San Jose, Katelyn has actively engaged with Vietnamese-American communities to connect with her heritage. Through the VAPW Mentorship Program, she has forged meaningful connections and taken on leadership roles, such as organizing #StopAAPIHate Listening Sessions amidst the rise in Asian hate crimes. Her involvement in cultural events, including fan dancing performances, showcases her commitment to preserving and celebrating her cultural identity.

Looking ahead, Katelyn aims to continue her involvement in mentorship programs, aspiring to become a mentor herself. She envisions a future where she can inspire young girls to pursue their dreams, drawing from her experiences meeting accomplished women in various fields who advocate for inclusivity and empowerment of Asian-American women. With a blend of scientific ambition and community engagement, Katelyn is poised to make a significant impact on both the scientific and societal fronts.

Mai-Lan Nguyen, a proud immigrant from Vietnam, embarked on her journey in the United States to pursue higher education, driven by a desire to support her family and fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse. Despite the challenges of being far from home, Mai-Lan finds solace in nature through hiking, which not only rejuvenates her spirit but also keeps her physically active. Returning to Evergreen Valley College after a hiatus to support her family, Mai-Lan is now dedicated to her nursing career, motivated by the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives and to bring pride to her parents.

Discovering the ICAN Scholarship through her school, Mai-Lan saw an opportunity to alleviate the financial burden of her education. The moment she learned of her award, she was overwhelmed with gratitude, recognizing the scholarship's role in allowing her to focus on her studies. Looking ahead, Mai-Lan envisions a future where she can provide healthcare to those in need, support her loved ones, and give back to her communities. Encouraging others to apply for the scholarship, Mai-Lan emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and striving for success, fueled by the newfound confidence and support she has gained through the ICAN Inspire Scholarship community.

Nhi Nguyen, a freshman undergraduate at Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business, exudes a passion for business management cultivated through her diverse experiences in leadership roles within school clubs and local community organizations. Engaged in various capacities, from fitness and sports clubs to Vietnamese Scouting and youth advocacy programs, Nhi discovered her joy in fostering memorable and supportive environments alongside like-minded individuals. Eager to further hone her skills and knowledge over the next four years of college, she aspires to become an influential figure capable of enriching her community with positive experiences.

Grateful for the unwavering support of her family and community, Nhi draws inspiration from their dedication to serving others and making a tangible impact. Witnessing firsthand the transformative effects of their work, she is driven to emulate their example by empowering others to recognize their potential and effect positive change. With a desire to serve as a role model, Nhi seeks to inspire individuals to pursue their passions and deepen their engagement in community betterment, fostering a ripple effect of positivity and empowerment.