Nowshin S., 15 – FUNDED

Meet Nowshin S. (she/her), a Colgate-Palmolive Scholar who is studying biochemistry at Spelman College.

What is your dream?

My dream is to become a dentist committed to expanding access to quality oral healthcare for underserved communities. I aim to combine clinical practice with advocacy to address disparities in preventive care, education, and affordability that leave many families without essential dental treatment. Through my education and future career, I hope to improve long-term health outcomes, promote equity, and use my platform to create lasting impact in the communities that need it most.

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

This win affirms my purpose and removes a financial barrier, allowing me to focus fully on building a career centered on service and impact.

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

Trust that your dreams are worth pursuing, even when no one around you looks like you or understands your journey. Do not wait for permission to take up space, ask questions, seek mentors, and claim opportunities with confidence. There will be moments of doubt, but persistence matters more than perfection. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep believing that your success has the power to open doors not only for you, but for every woman who comes after you. Walk the path women before you only dreamed of, and leave it wider for those who follow.