Meet Shulammite O. (she/her), a Colgate-Palmolive Scholar who is working on her Master of Social Work degree at Southern Illinois University.

What is your dream?

My dream is to serve as a clinical advocate in behavioral health, providing compassionate care while inspiring the next generation of women to enter the transformative field of social work.

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

I am excited and incredibly grateful! To be selected is a dream come true. As a social work student focused on mental health, this support is more than just financial aid; it’s a powerful validation of the work I hope to do and an investment in a healthier future for all of us. This grant is the support I need to turn my dreams into a career that fosters true holistic community well-being.

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

To every woman who feels held back, never let your age, gender expectations, or past disappointment dictate your potential. Setbacks are not stop signs; they are pivots. It is never too late to start from the beginning or redefine your path. Embrace change because change is where growth begins, and where beauty is found. Remember, your dreams don’t have an expiration date; it is never too late to start and achieve them.