Meet Jillian W. (she/her), a Colgate-Palmolive Scholar who is pursuing an Occupational Therapy degree at Hanover College.

What is your dream?

My dream is to open a center for occupational therapy and mental health services in my home community. Through this center, I intend to provide access to necessary mental and physical health treatment, develop programs to benefit the greater community, and conduct research on the benefits of occupational therapy interventions and programming.

Please share how you feel about the win and what impact it will have on your career.

Winning this scholarship was the push I needed to continue applying for aid for my program. It will allow me to attend the AOTA Institute for Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy, where I will develop the skills I need to be an independent researcher within the field. I am exceptionally grateful for the support.

What advice do you have for other women reaching for their dreams?

Don’t let failure keep you from persevering. Any progress or learning is better than none at all.