Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards

2024 Martin Scholars

We are pleased to introduce the 2024 Martin Family Foundation Scholars!

Four new Martin Family Foundation Honors Scholars were selected in September 2024. 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. The next deadline for the MHS will be July 2025.

Three new Martin Family Foundation Achievement Scholars were selected in May 2024. 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 2024 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 2025. The next deadline for the MAS will be April 2025. 

2024 Martin Honors Scholars:

LaKenya Brimmer, Highline, North Seattle, Seattle Central, Bellevue Colleges

LaKenya Brimmer, affectionately known as Kenya, was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She is a graduate of Foster High School and entered Bellevue College. She received her certification as a medical assistant at Highline College and is now proudly in the Nursing Program at the University of Washington.

Kenya is the youngest child of 14 and the wife of a 10-year veteran of the US Army. They love to travel but together they actively seek out new local places and experiences to share their talents to better the lives of others.

Kenya was raised in a Pentecostal church, where she continues to serve as a self- taught musician, singer, and youth leader. She has a deep passion for youth mentorship and truly believes that children are the future leaders of tomorrow and that it takes a village to prepare and support them on their journey to success. She is the founder and visionary of The Journey Experience, an annual youth event that displays youth in the community who have diverse talents in music, arts, and spoken word. It is an opportunity to encourage, uplift, and challenge youth, teens, and young adults through one-on-one interactions and workshops.

For the past 10 years Kenya has spent her healthcare career at Seattle Children’s-Odessa Brown Clinic, located in the heart of Seattle, Washington’s Central District, and at HealthPoint in Federal Way, Washington. She serves by providing quality care with dignity to the unhoused, uninsured, underserved, and marginalized communities while working with a variety of specialties such as obstetrics, gynecology, subsistence and drug abuse, and holistic healthcare.

In reflection on this journey towards this scholarship, Kenya knew the value of alleviating stress and the extreme financial burdens of becoming an excellent nurse for diverse populations, therefore this scholarship would be the asset needed.

Kenya’s near and long-term goals:

Kenya is motivated to obtain her BSN degree and work as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at a local hospital after she graduates. She is interested in becoming an ARNP in the future. She knows that earning this scholarship will enable her to completely focus on the present, obtaining this important life changing degree, and on the future, excelling in her service career as a healthcare clinician.

Kenya’s tips for future applicants:

Some tips would be to choose recommenders who can truly speak to who you are as a person, people who you actually have relationship with. Also, give them ample time to complete a letter for you. Be vulnerable, talk about the pros and also the cons and how you have overcome obstacles/how they have shaped who you are now.

Chris Ellis, Everett Community College

I am a husband and father of two wonderful children. I returned to school after two decades of aerospace machining to pursue an engineering degree. I graduated from Everett Community College and am starting at UW this coming fall as an Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering major.

While space flight was always something that sparked passion in me, I never felt like I had the ability to work as an engineer. Working for NASA was a pipedream. My high school offered classes in machining, and I learned I enjoy making things with my hands. I graduated from high school, and began working in a machine shop making avionics hardware.

After a career machining aircraft parts, I found myself in a manufacturing engineering role. It was here that I discovered my love of solving complex problems. In my late 30’s, I had found my path. I wanted to be an engineer. With the commercial spaceflight industry growing, I now had an opportunity to work on rocket engines.

While searching for a schedule that would allow me to pursue my education, I found a local spaceflight company that was hiring a weekend shift manufacturing engineer. This was a perfect opportunity to get my foot in the door in an industry I wanted to work in while pursuing my education. An application and brutal interview later, I found myself walking up on a build stand one day to marvel at an orbital class rocket engine. This was my opportunity to help propel humanity into the stars.

As the sole provider for my family, applying for The Martin Honors Scholarship was a no brainer. It is important that my family does not suffer as I pursue my education. Not having to worry about what I can and can’t afford allows me to focus on the things that matter; my family, my academics, and my career.

Chris’ near and long-term goals:

In the near term, I plan to focus on finishing my bachelor’s degree while pursuing departmental honors. While in school, I will also continue to build my career and reputation so that I can achieve my long-term goals of transitioning to a design engineer role. I want to contribute to the design of the next generation of rocket engines and help propel humanity into the stars.

Chris’ tips for future applicants:

Take the time to reflect on who you are and your academic goals. Ask yourself how your goals are going to benefit not just the future you, but humanity at large? Can you articulate these goals clearly and concisely? This will give you everything you need for your essays. Utilize your available resources to write clearly and concisely. These essays are a lot of work. Ensure you give yourself enough time to not just complete them but have them reviewed by multiple sources. Your peers, your college’s writing center, and your favorite instructors are all great resources. Remember that you’re always networking. Having solid letters of recommendation are critical, and you won’t get good recommendations unless you put your best foot forward every day. Show kindness and work hard daily. Help your peers be successful and lift up those around you. Reflect on how your actions will make it easy for your favorite professors to write you a glowing recommendation.

Biniyam Gebreyohannes, North Seattle, Seattle Central Colleges

My name is Biniyam Gebreyohannes, and I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Washington. Technology has always been a driving force in my life, inspiring me to think creatively and find ways to solve real-world problems. I am particularly fascinated by artificial intelligence and its potential to revolutionize industries and improve lives. Over the years, I have honed my skills in programming and problem-solving through various academic and personal projects, allowing me to explore innovative solutions in diverse areas.

Beyond my academic work, I enjoy spending time with people, getting to know them, and appreciating who they are. I find it important to connect with others and understand their perspectives. I’m also passionate about learning about different cultures, as it gives me the chance to see the world from various viewpoints and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity around us. By engaging with people from different backgrounds, I feel that I have grown as a person, gaining valuable experiences and insights that shape how I see the world and interact with it.

My motivation for applying for this scholarship comes from both personal and academic goals. As a first-generation college student, I’ve seen how education can open new doors and create opportunities. This scholarship would give me the chance to fully focus on my studies and the community work that matters to me, helping me make the most of my time in school without any added distractions.

In the future, I hope to use my degree to build innovative solutions that address key issues in education and healthcare, particularly in underserved regions like Ethiopia. This scholarship will play a crucial role in helping me reach these goals, empowering me to further my education and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Biniyam’s near and long-term goals:

In the short term, my goal is to make the right decisions every day and gain as much real-world experience and knowledge as possible. Longer term, I hope to use my expertise to create innovative solutions that address real-world problems, particularly in underserved communities, and to contribute to the development of impactful technology in education and healthcare.

Biniyam’s tips for future applicants:

Be authentic, and don’t hesitate to share your story.

Evelyn Martin, Edmonds College

Hi there! My name is Evelyn Martin. I am a first-generation Mexican American student. I grew up in a few different cities of Washington but have spent the last 8 years in Renton. I am an incoming Junior at the University of Washington and am majoring in Psychology with a minor in Law, Societies, & Justice.

Outside of my responsibilities I really enjoy being in nature, truly any form it comes in, hiking, swimming, camping, etc. Along with that I enjoy photography, mostly film photography, I semi-recently learned how to develop my own film which was awesome! I’m huge on music, fashion, things of the more artsy realm. Over the summer I was able to start volunteering more as well, specifically within minority communities and it is truly a beautiful thing to get to volunteer my time to help people who are not as privileged as I am, connecting with people of different life paths has grown me so much as a person.

I am proud of who I am and my heritage but because of my background I have not had the privilege of having a financial support system and have had to work and pay my own way through college. I have struggled in asking for help in the past because of my independence but as I’ve grown I recognize that asking for help is not a weakness but a strength. The Martin Honors Scholarship was an opportunity I came across once I was accepted to UW and I took what felt like a leap of faith into a potential new world. Receiving this scholarship means that I have an opportunity to branch out and try new things without worrying about finances, this will open many doors as far at networking and completing my goals.

Evelyn’s near and long-term goals:

My near term goals are to seize my opportunities by joining RSOs on campus and I hope to continue to help my communities by volunteering my time in and around Seattle. My long term goals would be to establish myself as a lawyer and open my own immigration law practice that focuses on keeping costs low.

Evelyn’s tips for future applicants:

I want to start off with good luck and mentioning how deserving you are of help and support. Recognize how hard you have worked to get to the point you are at now and know that the challenges you have faced are no small thing. Be genuine and vulnerable, it pays a lot to be authentic and it makes it easier to write the essays when you channel from within. Find a good support system, whether that is family, friends, books, music, anything that will motivate you through the process. Overall tell a story that truly encapsulates the strength and commitment you have, through every question and essay.

2024 Martin Achievement Scholars:

Gabriel Nuñez-Sanchez, Edmonds College

Hello, my name is Gabriel Nuñez-Sanchez and I go by Gabe. I’m a carpenter, student, husband, and entrepreneur. I’ve been pursuing an associate degree in construction management for 2.5 years now as a first-gen student. Next year, I’ll be finishing a Business DTA with the intention to pursue a bachelor’s degree in construction management at UW Seattle. In my free time, I love to go on road trips, discover new music, and go out with my family.

Having come from a smaller city, I always felt compelled to leave my home and chase a big adventure. At the time, those plans didn’t include college. Yet here I am with a passion for learning and an aching desire to better my community.

What motivated me to apply for this scholarship was the fact that I’ve held onto a dream that seemed impossible when I first started. With each step forward I’ve learned to question what I’m truly capable of and my application was an extension of that.

I plan on using this opportunity to help my brother grow his construction company and make our late mother proud. My parents always wanted to become entrepreneurs, but their plans were cut short when one of them passed away. That’s why I’m so honored to be a Martin Scholar; I get to live out the dreams that my parents never could.

A gift like this one is rare, and being on the receiving end feels like a movie. Even though I have a story to tell, I never thought so many people would care – and I am truly touched.

Gabe’s near and long-term goals:

I’ll be focusing on my studies and applying for internships very soon. After graduation, I’d love to work in land development/procurement. I plan on using my education and expertise to help expand my brother’s business into a large-scale development company.

Gabe’s tips for future applicants:

Think about what you’ve been through and find a way to write it down. Then expand on the parts that show who you truly are. Lean into how your background has prepared you for the future and what that means for those around you. During this whole process, my motto was “how did you find the courage to grow?”

Isaias Duenas, Columbia Basin College

I am the oldest of four children in our household, born and raised in Kennewick, Washington. My parents immigrated here a year before my birth looking to give me a shot at a better future that they were not able to pursue. Currently, I am attending CBC and about to earn my AA in science and technology. Once my time at my community college comes to an end, I plan on transferring to the University of Washington to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

One of the main reasons why I want to go into this field is due to my passion for designing. Ever since I was a little kid, and still to this day, I’ve been playing with Legos and that’s where my love for designing came from. Even as I grew older, I continued to design things. Me and my dad have built a special bond through this as in my high school days we would work together on fixing cars in our front yard. As a result, I’ve wanted to pursue my passion for designing on a larger scale. That end goal being the ability to design cars that are sustainable for the environment.

As a first-generation college student, I’ve encountered some challenges, such as financial concerns, navigating college and the transfer process. However, I’ve learned to balance being a full-time student as well as a part time worker, and to take advantage of the available resources at my college. For example, this summer I hope to participate in the RENEW-HEP internship at PNNL. Also, next academic year, I will assist in the creation of the CBC chapter of The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) as well as tutoring math for the MESA program. Furthermore, once I learned about the great opportunity the Martin Achievement Scholarship had to offer, I knew I had to apply as it would be a huge breakthrough towards helping me afford my degree. By earning this scholarship not only would it be a huge honor but also a way to show my parents that I was able to accomplish the dreams they were never able to. As time has gone by, I often blamed myself for me being the reason that they were unable to pursue higher education. Now I finally realize that this entire time my parents supported me to chase an education so that they could live their American dream through me.

Isaias’ near and long-term goals:

In the future I plan on pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. With this degree I hope to be able to design cars that are sustainable for the environment.

Isaias’ tips for future applicants:

The number one tip I would give to future students who want to apply for this scholarship is to ask yourself the hard questions. Truly try to think about who your are as a person and what you want to accomplish in life. Don’t worry about comparing yourself to others as comparison is the greatest thief of joy as I have learned while completing my application. You do belong here and have put in much time and effort to getting to this point.

Thania Guerra, Highline College

My name is Thania. I am a first generation college student, illustrator, graphic designer, and storyteller. I was born in Siguatepeque, Honduras. My family and I immigrated to the United States when I was four years old. From the moment I learned how to speak English I became my family’s cultural navigator, ensuring they could have a basic understanding of how to navigate the American systems. Those moments were shaping my understanding of what it meant to show up for community. My humble beginnings created a burning desire within me to live a life I could be proud of. When I graduated from high school I did not know the direction in which I wanted to go. It took a couple of years of dealing with life to understand what I was truly passionate about. During the gap in my education I dove into my interests and found that graphic design was something I was deeply passionate about. It was the perfect blend of art and language.

In 2022 I had the opportunity to restart my journey as a student at Highline College. At Highline I was met with great instructors that inspired me to continuously challenge myself. I am currently pursuing my associates degree and plan to transfer to the University of Washington to receive a Bachelor of Design with a major in Visual Communications. I applied for this scholarship because having additional financial support would lessen the financial burden of attending a four year institution. This would allow me to primarily focus on my studies rather than worrying about financial matters. In addition to the monetary award, I applied for this scholarship as a means to overcome my fear of academia. I am excited for my future! Getting this far into the scholarship process is something I am proud of!

Thania’s near and long-term goals:

My short-term goal is to continue to overcome my fear of public speaking. I know practice makes perfect so I aim to place myself in uncomfortable positions to master this skill. My long-term goals are to receive my four-year degree, grow my portfolio, build meaningful relationships with my peers, and serve others.

Thania’s tips for future applicants: 

Present your best foot forward in a way that showcases who you truly are. Be confident that your story matters and the world deserves to hear it. Feel free to seek help while writing your essays, ask your instructors for feedback, and use your writing center. You are worthy so seize the opportunity!

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