We are pleased to introduce the 2025 Martin Family Foundation Scholars!
Three new Martin Family Foundation Achievement Scholars were selected in May 2025. Below, please find brief bios and tips for future applicants shared by these Scholars. The Martin Achievement Scholarship selects student early in their community college career and will fund, encourage and support their study and eventual transfer to the University of Washington Seattle. Individuals selected for the 2025 MAS will continue at their respective colleges to complete their courses of study and eligibility credits for specific degree work and will transfer to the UW in 2026. The next deadline for the MAS will be April 2026.
New Martin Family Foundation Honors Scholars will be selected in September 2025. The Martin Family Foundation Honors Scholarship enables Washington State Community College students of exceptional ability and outstanding achievement to complete their baccalaureate degrees at the University of Washington in Seattle.
2025 Martin Achievement Scholars:
Ramon Cazarez, North Seattle College
My name is Ramon Cazarez, and I am a full-time student at North Seattle College pursuing an Associate of Arts in Business while working as a peer mentor and caseworker. I am proud to be the first in my family to attend college, setting a new standard for future generations. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, my family and I relocated to Seattle in 2008 and fell in love with its vibrant community.
At 34 years old, my academic journey stands apart from many of my peers. It began with earning a GED, overcoming challenges such as substance abuse, homelessness, incarceration, and institutionalization. Today, I am living proof that transformation is possible. Now completely sober and deeply committed to my goals, I am determined to earn my degree and reach new heights.
My life is dedicated to giving back to the community that has supported me. Through my fulfilling work, I help others by facilitating conferences and webinars on fair chance hiring, bringing awareness to justice-impacted individuals, and speaking at events advocating for second chances. As a student, I’ve come to realize the immense value of education in shaping my future aspirations. In Winter 2027, I plan to attend the University of Washington to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a major in Entrepreneurship. My ultimate goal is to become a business owner, creating opportunities for justice-impacted individuals through employment and mentorship while fostering the growth of future entrepreneurs. In my free time, I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, working out, and spending time with my family.
I applied for the Martin Family Scholarship seeking financial support for my education. While initially a part-time student, I embraced the scholarship’s full-time enrollment requirement as a challenge and an opportunity for growth. With encouragement from a colleague who believed in my potential, I applied with confidence, knowing this scholarship would enable me to achieve my goals and continue making a positive impact.
Ramon’s near and long-term goals:
In the near term, my goal is to complete my Associate of Arts in Business at North Seattle College while continuing to mentor justice-impacted individuals and raise awareness about fair chance hiring through community initiatives. Looking ahead, I aspire to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a major in Entrepreneurship at the University of Washington. I am eager to become a part of the UW community, where I can contribute to its dynamic environment, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable experiences that will shape my journey. Ultimately, I aim to establish my own business that provides employment and mentorship opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, fostering empowerment and growth in my community.
Ramon’s tips for future applicants:
Do your best and be genuine when applying for this scholarship. It’s your story that makes you who you are and be confident when sharing your story. Surround yourself with a good support team that can help you review the material and revise it before submitting. Start early so you have the time submit your application. Have fun and have faith.
Jennifer El Khoury, Everett Community College
Hi, my name is Jennifer El Khoury. I’m a first-year pre-med student at Everett Community College, and I recently moved from Beirut, Lebanon, to the U.S. in the summer of 2024. Leaving home wasn’t something I ever imagined doing at such a young age, but with everything my country is going through—economic collapse, political instability, and war—I knew I had to leave to keep learning, to keep growing, and to build a future where I could help others.
Starting over here has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’m learning to navigate a completely different education system, adapt to a new culture, and build a life far from everything familiar. But every day, I remind myself why I’m here: I want to become a pediatrician who cares for those who are often overlooked—because I’ve witnessed what it means to be unseen, unheard, and underserved.
Since coming to EvCC, I’ve been slowly finding my place. I’ve discovered opportunities I never thought I’d have, like the MESA program, summer programs, and now, this scholarship. When I heard about the Martin Achievement Scholarship, it felt like a chance not just to keep going, but to go further than I thought possible. It’s more than financial support—it’s a way for me to continue my education at the University of Washington, to grow into the doctor I hope to become, and to give back to my community.
The transition hasn’t been easy—and it still isn’t. But every day, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and even more determined to keep going. This scholarship is not just supporting me—it’s fueling the future I’m building.
Jennifer’s near and long-term goals:
In the near term, I plan to complete my associate degree at Everett Community College, then transfer to the University of Washington to continue my pre-med studies and gain clinical experience through volunteering and training. Long term, I hope to become a pediatrician who serves underserved communities and advocates for more equitable healthcare systems, both locally and globally.
Jennifer’s tips for future applicants:
Tell your story—even if you think it’s not unique. There is always something about your journey that makes you special and sets you apart. Focus on how your background or experiences position you to make a difference. Start early, be genuine, and get feedback. Most importantly, remember: your obstacles are not setbacks. They are proof of your resilience, and they will drive you forward.
Solimon Khesrawi, South Seattle College
Growing up in America as a minority gave me an advantage in society and brought opportunities my way. Afghanistan is a war-torn country and being born in Seattle placed me in land of opportunities to become successful. Religion has also played a big role in my life and as a Muslim it gave me character and morals. My family is traditional, and every year we observe Eid and Ramadan. These religious events brought the family together, strengthened my faith, and most importantly worked on myself.
I always had ambition to outperform my peers. I aimed to be first in everything whether it was in school or sports. The Spelling Bee was one of those moments where I accomplished something in my life. I learned that failure is a part of being successful. As I got older, I was hired by Safeway and gained experience in the retail industry. It taught me valuable skills like time management and teamwork for me to implement into my life.
I remember being eight years old traveling to Afghanistan with my mom, where I saw how much the local kids valued their education. These eye-opening experiences made me realize how many opportunities I had. Being ambitious helped me understand my journey to become successful in a land filled with opportunities. I knew that being a minority in America gave me advantages, and it was my ambition that motivated me to achieve those opportunities and make the most of them.
After hearing about the Martin Achievement Scholarship I was very excited as this opportunity was one I could never miss. Being given the opportunity to even apply and interview made me feel honored. This scholarship will help me bring groundbreaking technology to the healthcare market by integrating artificial intelligence into medical imaging devices to detect abnormalities early on before they become life threatening.
Solimon’s near and long-term goals:
I look forward to helping food banks by setting up kiosks that are integrated with artificial intelligence so that underrepresented communities can use it to gain access to resources in any language that they speak. As for longer term goals, I definitely want to integrate artificial intelligence algorithms into medical imaging devices to detect early stages of cancer or abnormalities that are crucial to saving someone’s life.
Solimon’s tips for future applicants:
I recommend students to be open about everything and have a vision in mind to pursue. Having extracurricular activities and community involvement is also a big factor because this scholarship designed to help underrepresented students be able to financially attend college
Scholarship Archive
Browse our archive for more Martin Family Foundation Scholarships history.