We’ve said it before and we’ll say it many times more: we are always so inspired by the applications we receive for our 1,000 Dreams Scholarship Fund.

Our flagship scholarship program is focused on providing critical funds to help fuel the dreams of talented women in need by supporting those extracurricular costs and expenses that often go un-funded.

Each winner receives a $1,000 micro-grant — which can be used for conferences, educational programs related to their field of study, and/or exam and application fees, textbooks, and more!

We’re so excited to announce our 1,000 Dreams Fund scholarship winners for 2021!

This talented group of young women are from schools across the country — and they represent a variety of backgrounds, career goals, and future dreams. What we love most is their passion to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.

Say hello to our winners — and check out where they call home and the esteemed colleges they’re planning to attend!

Anaya Iglesias – Oceanside, CA; University of Miami

Angela H. – Chicago, IL; Macalester College

Angelina X. – Basking Ridge, NJ; MIT

Anita B. – Dallas, GA; Northwestern University

Daisy L. – New York, NY; The New School

Edmari Correia De Castro – Peachland, NC; University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Ellie Gao – Galveston, TX; University of Texas at Austin

Giovanna Basso – San Francisco, CA; Minerva Schools at KGI

Hanaan Khabir – Haymarket, VA; Georgetown University

Hannah I. – Rex, GA; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Huda Siddiqui – Addison, IL; Yale University

Kaylee Miller – Cameron, NC; Penn State University

Madison S. – Malverne, NY

Maryann Benny Fernandes – Mumbai, CA; Stanford University

Natalie Cunningham – Wellsville, KS; Park University

Natalie Villacres – South Richmond Hill, NY; University of Southern California

Nazira D. – Buffalo Grove, IL; Barnard College of Columbia University

Parenda Foroghi – Winnetka, CA; USC

Shalom Yam – Alameda, CA; University of California, Santa Cruz

Sophie Brandt – Chilton, WI; Marquette University 

It was a hard decision, and we want to thank everyone who applied to the program!

So how do we make the final scholarship selections each year? Well, we love the process because members of our 1DF Student Advisory Board also review each and every application to help make our final funding decision. Not only does our student committee consider academic, personal achievements and financial need, but they also focus on the career goals of the applicants and how our funds can help them get one big step closer to it.

“We know it doesn’t take a lot to make a big impact,” says 1,000 Dreams Fund founder and CEO Christie Garton. “That is what inspired me to launch this organization. We are thrilled to be able to invest in these 20 outstanding women and their worthy dreams so that they can continue to accomplish big things.”

From everyone at 1,000 Dreams Fund, a big CONGRATS again to our winners!