Meet Cecilia M. (she/her), a 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship winner who is attending University of Notre Dame.

What is your dream?

My dream is to tear down the barriers that keep girls like me out of STEM fields. I want to use my knowledge to create opportunities — especially in communities where those chances feel out of reach. More than anything, I want to inspire others to believe that their background doesn’t limit their future, and that with passion, discipline and effort, we can all make a difference.

Please share a short quote that tells us how you feel about the win and what impact it will have on your career.

This win feels like the first real sign that the hard work and late nights are worth it. It motivates me to keep pushing forward — not just for myself, but for everyone who needs someone to prove that it’s possible. It’s a boost to my confidence and a challenge to use this opportunity to create real change through my career.

​What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?

Don’t let anyone else decide your limits! You will face a lot of problems but those moments are where you grow the most. Keep going, even when it’s hard. Find your people those who believe in you, challenge you, and remind you why you started. And remember, your dreams are part of a bigger story about opening doors for the next person behind you.