1,000 Dreams Fund Announces Its ‘Paliwal Club of 100’ Winners for 2020!

A lot has happened in the past year, but one of the things that hasn’t changed: our passion for supporting young women pursuing their S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) dreams!

Indeed in 2019, 1,000 Dreams Fund was thrilled to announce our new Paliwal Club of 100 Scholarship Program, in partnership with the Ila and Dinesh Paliwal Foundation, to specifically fund and fuel the aspirations of high-potential female college and graduate students pursuing careers in the arts and sciences. Together we are focused on helping with critical expenses such as research-related costs, travel to conventions and/or educational conferences, graduate school exam or entry fees, and instructional programs related to creative, artistic or scientific pursuits!

Winners receive $1,000 scholarships and are selected based on qualities like commitment to their career goals and precise vision for how being named to the Paliwal Club of 100 will help to advance their dreams.

It is that vision that inspires us all, which is why we are proud to unveil our 2020 Paliwal Club of 100 Winners:

Winnie Chan | University of Wisconsin-Madison 

Degree: B.S., Chemical Engineering

My dream is to work in engineering-related policymaking and help decision-makers draw up climate-friendly policies in areas such as transportation and utilities infrastructure.

Sarah DePetris | University of North Texas, College of Visual Arts and Design

Degree: M.F.A., Studio Art 

My dream is to be a full-time, professional artist.

Rachel Johnston | Washington University in St. Louis

Degree: Ph.D., Molecular Cell Biology

My dream is to continue to advocate for the advancement of women in STEAM fields at all stages of their lives. After I finish my PhD, I hope to continue to do research in a university or industry setting.

Keia Jones | University of Arkansas

Degree: Agricultural Economics/Rural Development

My dream is to aid people through policy and advocacy.

Lia Kelly | Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Degree: Biotechnology/Biology

My dream is to become a licensed veterinarian and I want to help contribute to animal studies and research.

Chloe Lopez-Lee | Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Degree: Ph.D., Neuroscience

My dream is to continue conducting research professionally while teaching at the collegiate level.

Maria | Vanderbilt University

Degree: Ph.D., Electrical Engineering 

My dream is to be a space electronics engineer and contribute to the progress in space exploration.

Senaida Ng | New York University

Degree: Recorded Music

My dream is to be the first Asian woman to win the GRAMMY for Producer of the Year, and I also want to become an established producer in music technology by exploring ways to implement artificial intelligence into the music creation process.

Katilyn Oliver | J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Degree: B.S., Physics

My dream is to continue conducting research professionally while teaching at the collegiate level.

Sophie Penn | Syracuse University

Degree: B.F.A., Film

My dream is to be a feature film director and writer.

Kerritt Saintal | Kent State University

Degree: Clinical Epidemiology 

My dream is to transform data and research into tools for underrepresented populations to better empower themselves.

Paliwal Club of 100 2020 Winner Lia explains what this honor means to her: “Paliwal’s message to boost motivation and opportunity for women in STEAM means a tremendous amount to a young woman like me who aspires to change the world with biology one step at a time.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Congratulations again to our 2020 winners! You truly are stars in STEAM!

Do YOU have a STEAM dream of your own that needs a boost of support? Apply to be a part of our next class of Paliwal Club of 100! Follow this link for more information and to apply.