Scholarship Recipients
Sydney Fishback
2021 cohort
Sydney Fishback
2021 CohortGraduation 2023
Victor Barraza
Eastfield College
2021 cohort
Eastfield College
Victor Barraza
2021 CohortGraduation 2022
I am very excited to be chosen for such a great honor. I have really enjoyed working with Kathye. She has been very supportive through this experience. I appreciate how much the foundation cares for us as students.
Barraza is a fighter and an advocate. He was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2017 and placed on dialysis. At the same time, his father was fighting his own medical trauma following a heart attack, numerous operations and finally a foot and leg amputation. Barraza was working fulltime and attending school part-time when he realized he had to become his father’s primary caregiver. It was a double load. “Until this point I had not yet understood why it is that I’m still alive,” said Barraza, 43. “I’ve gone through some very disturbing challenges.” Despite that, Barraza knew he had to fight not only for himself but for his father. Barraza received a pancreas and kidney transplant in 2019 and that is when he decided to stop working full time and became a full time student along with continuing to be his father's caregiver. He has his heart set on becoming a social worker. He is attending Eastfield College where he an honor student as he pursues an associate degree. In the meantime, he is helping other addicts kick their diseases s with a 12-step recovery program. Barraza is also a part-time, on-air personality at KNON, a non-profit, listener-supported radio station. He hopes to graduate in 2022 and transfer to Texas A&M for his undergraduate and graduate degrees. “We bring music and joy as we unite people especially during these times,” Barraza said.
Elizelda Martinez
Southern Methodist University
2019 cohort
Southern Methodist UniversityReceiving my Bachelors in Finance
Elizelda Martinez
2019 CohortGraduation 2023
The Erin Tierney Kramp Scholarship program has been life-changing to me in every way. I did not have any financial funds to study at a community college, not even a four-year university. But, as I was awarded this amazing scholarship in 2019 everything changed. My classes and books were all completely paid off and I did not have to worry about working extra shifts, getting loans, or worrying about not being able to pay for my studies in time. I got 2 full-ride scholarships to DCCCD and SMU.
I am thankful for all the ETK mentors that have been very fundamental to my success as well. They are not only mentors but great friends. This is my second family and I love everything ETK stands for. Which is persevering through the most difficult situations in your life, seeing the positiveness in life, and demonstrating great courage just like Erin did.
My name is Elizelda Martinez and I just graduated from DCCCD with my Associate's of Science in June.
I have been an ETK scholar for two years now and am currently studying at Southern Methodist University as a transfer student with a full-ride scholarship that I received from ETK this semester. I will be graduating from SMU with my BBA in Finance in 2023 and be able to help others that are in need of financial advice or help businesses strive to obtain better financial results. I am also very passionate about music and worshipping the Lord whenever I have the time to do so.
Marlen Pacheco
El Centro College
2019 cohort
El Centro CollegeAssociates of Arts in Criminal Justice
Marlen Pacheco
2019 CohortGraduation 2021
The program is a blessing, everyone is so welcoming and warm. They made me feel happiness and at peace since day one of the interview process. They guide ypu every step of the way and give you emotional support. The program is a family, they are a blessing and I know that we will always suppprt each other every step of the way.
Since a young age I knew I wanted to study Criminal Justice, I am passionate about my carreer and since middle school I knew that this was my path to walk. Growing up in a bad neighborhood where not many went to high school or college was harsh. Not only was it a violent neighborhood but the odds of having a good future were low, yet I was part of that small amount of people who were able to succeed. Now I want to give back to my community with my carreer.
Quyen Nguyen
Brookhaven College
2019 cohort
Brookhaven CollegeAssociate of Applied Arts in Graphic Design
Quyen Nguyen
2019 CohortGraduation 2020
I always have a huge appreciation for ETKramp foundation because of their empathy and assistance in my journey. I wouldn’t have finished my Associate without their help. Thank you!
My name is Quyen Nguyen and I am majoring in Business Computer Science. Born and raised in an abusive family, I managed to escape Vietnam to America-the land of freedom. Here, as an international student, I constantly suffer with quite a lot of obstacles: lack of funds for school, paying twice more than the residents, not being able to get an internship or a job. After knowing ETKramp, I never knew that people’s hearts could be as warm as giving me support financially and emotionally. Thanks to them, I could go to school one more day and able to finish my Associate. I major in Business Information System, which will grant me more access to the technology part of the world and also fulfill my dream when I was a kid. I am aiming for Microsoft because they are one of the most innovative companies when it comes to AI. Whether I can stay in America to finish my dream or not, I am glad that I got the chance to know ETKramp and I am honored to receive one of the most generous scholarships in my life. My dream is always the same: I will establish a foundation, just like ETKramp, to nurture children who were abused, misled, mistreated. I was once like them, and I know how sacred it is to have a hand reaching out when you are in your lowest. Thank you for giving me the chance. I would never forget how much ETKramp helped me and would always consider them as my family.
Grace Mulumba Lupandu Nibert
Dallas college (Mountain View and Richland Campuses)
2019 cohort
Dallas college (Mountain View and Richland Campuses)Associate of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Grace Mulumba Lupandu Nibert
2019 CohortGraduation 2021
After my family, the Erin Tierney Kramp Foundation has been the most prominent source of encouragement and motivation throughout my time at Dallas College. The ETK family, to me, has been a safe place and a reminder that hardships really do build character, that vulnerability opens the door for support, and that faith accompanied with action is the essence accomplishment.
Moreover, I got the chance to meet so many incredible and exceptional individuals through the Foundation; people who have made a positive impact on my life through their stories, character, and integrity. Further, the guidance and mentorship I have received from them has been life changing.
I am more than grateful to the Erin Tierney Kramp Foundation and all the Board Members for all the good they have done for me!
Months before my birth, my family and I were forced to leave our native Democratic Republic of Congo for Belgium to escape instability brought by civil war – leaving behind home, cars, necessities and life as we knew it. Through the span of many years we rebuilt our lives, I learned French and English, acclimated to Belgium customs, and even endured a rare birth impairment known as flatfeet.
Around junior high, I went through a surgery on both feet to cure my birth malformation and relocated to the United States right after. Upon arrival to the U.S., I learned to adapt to this new land, overcame the culture shock that I faced early on, and learned to walk again. After attending Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill for a year, I dropped out during my junior year and earned my GED diploma at 16 years old. That same year, I started college, first at the Mountain View Campus and then Richland Campus of Dallas College.
I have now earned an associate degree in Biomedical Engineering at Dallas College (in June of 2021) and transferred to the University of Texas at Dallas. I am now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with Concentration in Premedical. Later, I will pursue graduate studies in medical school, become a Doctor of Medicine (MD), and complete residency to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. Furthermore, l am determined to obtain a doctorate in my medical specialization to lecture in high-ranking universities.
Apart from my academic responsibilities and passions, I enjoy a wide variety of hobbies. These include playing the piano, painting, drawing, playing sports (especially soccer), board games (checkers and chess), video games, reading and writing. These hobbies have truly taught me many life lessons and skills such as teamwork and leadership.
Furthermore, since I started college, I have taken interest in programming, social media marketing, web-making and conceptualizing and implementing various projects either alone or with a team for the benefit of my community at large. For instance, I am currently partnering with nonprofit organizations such as the American Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, which offer me a great opportunity to contribute to the well-being of this nation.
My mission is to become a physician who will use his skillset to combine the ever-evolving modern technology with the infinitely resourceful world of science and medicine for the benefit of society. I am grateful to the Erin Tierney Kramp Foundation for helping me get significantly closer to this lifelong goal.
Hadja Nabintou Kone
Southern Methodist University
2018 cohort
Southern Methodist UniversityBachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics
Hadja Nabintou Kone
2018 CohortGraduation 2020
The Erin Tierney Kramp’s scholarship has paved the way for me to better myself, have a degree and a career that I am proud of, help people in their time of need, and support my family and friends. Having this scholarship pushed me and gave me the motivation to work harder in college.
Hi, I am Hadja Nabintou Kone.
I was born and raised in the Ivory Coast. I have four siblings. I lost my father at the age of five and I started working to help pay my tuition at age seven. In 2016, I moved to the United States and was attending the Dallas College (Brookhaven College) where I graduated with an associate's degree in science. In 2018 I received the SMU Erin Tierney Kramp Honors Transfer scholarship to attend the Southern Methodist University where I graduated with a double major in Mathematics and Statistical science in 2020.
currently, I am working as a full time front end developer, and I am passionate about data, machine learning, big data and artificial intelligence. aside from that I enjoy being around family and friends, I like action movies, I like cooking dishes from different countries, and finally I love teaching.
Pascal Bakari
University of Houston (still attending)
2018 cohort
University of Houston (still attending)Industrial Design, B.S. (Minor in Energy & Sustainability)
Pascal Bakari
2018 CohortGraduation 2023
Becoming an ETK scholar gave me more than a scholarship to continue my education at Dallas College; joining the ETK family has given me the encouragement to pursue even my most ambitious dreams. Today, I know I can dream big because I have my ETK family behind me, supporting and rooting for me along the way. I’m incredibly humbled to be part of such a supportive community and I will always cherish my experience in the program.
Pascal Bakari is currently studying Industrial Design with a minor in Energy and Sustainability at the UH College of Architecture and Design. Before transferring to UH, Pascal studied abroad at the Global Citizenship Alliance Seminar in Salzburg, Austria, and Dallas College. At Dallas College, he led an undergraduate research project on air quality that was published in the 2018 edition of the Civic Scholar Journal and earned him Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s Distinguished Chapter Officer Award. In 2018, Pascal was awarded the ETK Encouragement Scholarship and the following year, he became a Coca-Cola Scholar, earning him a transfer scholarship to the University of Houston. At UH, Pascal serves as a UH Ambassador and holds leadership roles in student organizations including the Energy Coalition and the Student Industrial Designers Society of America. When he’s not studying at UH, Pascal enjoys running, exploring architecture in the city of Houston, and volunteering at his local church.
Sohyun Jun
Brookhaven College and Southern Methodist University
2018 cohort
Brookhaven College and Southern Methodist UniversityBachelor in Business Administration - Accounting
Sohyun Jun
2018 CohortGraduation 2021
Faith Toluwanimi Akinmade
Dallas College El Centro Campus
2017 cohort
Dallas College El Centro CampusAssociate degree in Science
Faith Toluwanimi Akinmade
2017 CohortGraduation 2018
I enjoyed this program very much especially the events. Even though I did not always get to meet everyone all the time, whenever we did, we felt like a family and I loved that.
Faith Akinmade moved to the United States from Nigeria at the age of 16, leaving her family behind to fulfill her dream in the United States. Though it was difficult at first, Faith has since adjusted to living in the US, going on to receiving awards and scholarships for good academic standing and student involvement, as well as clinical excellence.
Faith graduated cum laude from the University of Texas Arlington with an Honors Bachelor of Science in Nursing where she was the only student in her cohort to graduate with an honors degree. In her last year of nursing school, Faith wrote a paper on adolescent birth expectations and psychological birth trauma and it is currently in the last stage of publishing. She currently works as an ICU nurse at the University of Louisville Hospital. While she has learned a lot from working in the ICU, her dream is to be a labor and delivery nurse and then go on to become a nurse-midwife.
Faith values a number of things in her life and the top of that is her faith, her family, and her friends. She always seeks to create new connections with people and always opts for leadership roles. It is her passion to teach others to succeed in whatever they find themselves doing and to make an impact wherever she goes.
Ojaswee Giri
Southern Methodist university
2016 cohort
Southern Methodist universityMasters in Accounting
Ojaswee Giri
2016 CohortGraduation 2019
My education journey wouldn’t have been easy without the help of the foundation. I owe all my achievements to the foundation and this family. Thank you so much !
I immigrated your the US with my mom in 2012. I was always passionate about education, and the ETK foundation has helped me achieve my educational goals. Besides being a nerd, I also enjoy art. I love event planning, baking and photography. I am currently working as a tax accountant at Ernst and young and in my free time I enjoy watching Netflix and shopping.
Carolyn Iduh
Southern Methodist University
2016 cohort
Southern Methodist UniversityPsychology and neuroscience
Carolyn Iduh
2016 CohortGraduation 2019
This program helped make my dreams come true as I look forwards to becoming a neuropsychologist. Without this scholarship I won’t have had an undergraduate degree.
I am passionate about helping people becoming the best of them and navigating difficult times. My faith is my biggest asset as it helps me navigate challenging times. I also love cooking, reading and traveling
Stephanie Hastings Johnson
El Centro
2016 cohort
El CentroAssociates of Arts
Stephanie Hastings Johnson
2016 CohortGraduation 2021
The Erin Tierney Kramp Foundation has been an essential part of my being able to get back to learning, and living. I am always going to be grateful to them for what they’ve done for me in life.
Stephanie is currently a Cultural Anthropology student at UTA. She has two grown sons and lives in Dallas with her artist husband.
Susana Carrillo
Brookhaven
2015 cohort
BrookhavenAssociates Web Production and Design
Susana Carrillo
2015 CohortGraduation 2017
This is not just a program or financial aid… this is a support system when you really need it.
Lyeisha “Eisha” Hoof
El Centro College
2015 cohort
El Centro CollegeAssociate of Science
Lyeisha “Eisha” Hoof
2015 CohortGraduation 2017
ETK is heaven sent. I am so very thankful to the members of the board for taking a chance on me; and providing the hand up I needed to successfully pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. I would not be where I am today without their encouragement, support, and love. ETK is family.
I am “Mommy” to the most amazing little boy. I enjoy traveling, long distance running, and food. I am passionate about all things health and wellness. I believe in promoting wholeness of the mind, body, soul, and spirit. I love Jesus- In HIM I can do ALL things.
Ange Stephanie Kobe Zeba
Brookhaven College, SMU
2015 cohort
Brookhaven College, SMUBS in Statistics and BS in Economics, minor in Math
Ange Stephanie Kobe Zeba
2015 CohortGraduation 2017
This program is a life changing opportunity.
My name is Ange. After graduated from high school, I came to the US to pursue my college education. I learned English within a year in the US. Afterwards, I graduated from Brookhaven College with my associate degree in science and being an ETK scholar, I received a full tuition scholarship to attend Southern Methodist University. I graduated from SMU in 2017 with both my BS in Statistics and Economics. After obtaining my Bachelors degrees and doing several internships, I worked for 2 years for Charles Schwad as a compliance analyst and now I am currently a financial analyst at McLane.
Becoming an ETK scholar changes my life. Thanks to the scholarship, I was able to obtain my Bachelors degrees, become financial independent and take care of my family back home in Africa who sacrificed a lot for me to come to the USA.
My husband and I welcomed our first baby this year.
Ana Maracine
Brookhaven and UTD
2014 cohort
Brookhaven and UTDEC-6 Teaching
Ana Maracine
2014 CohortGraduation 2019
Being a part of the ETK foundation has been a blessing! This program is like no other because as time passes, I am still apart of it and get so see and meet special people. Thank you ETK for the opportunity you brought to my life and for being my second family!
I was born in Mendoza, Argentina on January 20th to two amazing and very hard working parents, Eduardo and Sylvia. Immigrated to the state in 2001 where I started my journey in education. I’ve always love helping others and makes me happy to see other people happy and see them strive. I was raised in the Richardson School District and graduated high school in 2012. My junior year in high school both my parents were deported and I stayed here for a better future. I attended Brookhaven College and then transferred to the University of Texas at Dallas to get my teaching degree. I’m currently teaching Kindergarten in a Title 1 school with struggling students who I absolutely love with all my heart. I am married to my sweet, smart, and nerdy husband, Cristian and we adopted our dog Rocky on our one year anniversary from SPCA. I love to spend time with my family, friends and students! I enjoy traveling, eating, sleeping, having game nights, listening to educational podcasts and watching TV.
Elizabeth Shirey
Texas Tech University
2013 cohort
Texas Tech UniversityBS in Multidisciplinary Studies
Elizabeth Shirey
2013 CohortGraduation 2016
ETK is so much more than just a scholarship. Everyone is like a family and the support given over the years is a blessing! I love my ETK family!
I gradated from Sachse High School in 2013, Eastfield in 2015, and Texas Tech in 2016. I am currently in my 6th year in elementary special education and teach at Schell Elementary School in Plano ISD. My passions are my students, family, church, and friends.
Landon Gregory
UTA
2010 cohort
UTABachelor of Kinesiology
Landon Gregory
2010 CohortGraduation 2013
It’s not a program but a family. A family that is willing to do what it can to help you reach your goals in life. They bring out an admiration to holding yourself to a higher standard within yourself.
Graduate of UT Arlington. Worked in the medical field in Cardiology, then private EMS. I am now Firefighter/ Paramedic for Mesquite Texas. I love my job and recently just celebrated my 1 year anniversary to my wife Kelsey. I love working out and fixing things around the house that my wife wants me to.
Reginald A. Forest
Richland college
2009 cohort
Richland collegeAssociates
Reginald A. Forest
2009 CohortGraduation 2010
The program has been a great inspiration and experience for me. I have learned so much through the events and from everyone involved. It is truly one of the highlights of my life.
Born in New Orleans, now living in Dallas since 2007. My passions are helping others, reading, and enjoying life daily.
Linsey Martin
Eastfield/uta/utsw
2008 cohort
Eastfield/uta/utswAss. Science/BA science/doctor physical therapy
Linsey Martin
2008 CohortGraduation 2013
It has just been such a blessing to be a part of the ETK family. I’m grateful to still be included and would love to help out more!
I'm a physical therapist for babies who be also has a specialty for infant oral motor difficulties specifically related to lactation. I am also a wife of 9 years and soon to be mother of 3! I have a 3 year old son, whom we adopted, a 2 year old son and (in at least two week) will have a newborn baby girl. My family is my world. I came to become an ETK scholar due to the recognition of my perseverance through complex medical history of complex regional pain syndrome and the complications that come with it. It never stopped me from my pursuit of education and family, even when it slowed me down!
Dylan Lewis
Southern Methodist University (SMU)
2007 cohort
Southern Methodist University (SMU)Bachelor of Science, Economics with Financial Applications Minor in Philosophy
Dylan Lewis
2007 CohortGraduation 2011
Sara Hays Lewis
Eastfield
2005 cohort
EastfieldMasters of Science in Nursing
Sara Hays Lewis
2005 CohortGraduation 2007
Raul Mateo Magdaleno
Southern Methodist University
2003 cohort
Southern Methodist UniversityBA Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Raul Mateo Magdaleno
2003 CohortGraduation 2006
The ETK Scholarship is more than just a scholarship, we are family for life. My ETK mentors and students inspire me to better than my supposed best.
R. Mateo Magdaleno is an author, public speaker and the Global Chief Education Officer for the IDQ Group Inc., providing innovative education strategies to corporations, non-profit, government agencies, universities and school districts who are committed to reducing the drop out rate and increasing college enrollment among underserved students.
Magdaleno is also the Founder and Chairman of The Magdaleno Leadership Institute, a non-profit organization devoted to building student servant leaders. In 2014 Magdaleno was appointed by the U.S. Senate Majority Leader and confirmed by Congress, to serve a eight-year term on the U.S. Congressional Award National Board of Directors, who present Congress’ highest award for youth. He also serves on the Texas Advisory Council for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and serves on the National Advisory Board of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
In addition, to managing his own business and philanthropic work, Magdaleno serves as the caregiver of his elderly mother, Maria and in the process of adopting his older sister, Sylvia Magdaleno, who is gifted with down syndrome. Furthermore, Magdaleno is honored to serve on the After8toEducate a safe house for homeless youth, that was completed Fall 2019 .
Mary Ann Sefzik
Eastfield Community College and Texas A &M-Commerce
2002 cohort
Eastfield Community College and Texas A &M-CommerceB.S. in Speech Communication with a minor in Music
Mary Ann Sefzik
2002 CohortGraduation 2006
This program was an encouragement to me during my college years and I have enjoyed attending events and meeting future recipients.
Blindness hasn't stopped me from enjoying life. I worked for twelve years as a radio announcer for Classical 101, WRR, the first radio station in Texas. I am taking a course to become a certified braille proofreader and am excited about beginning new roles this fall working for Chick-Fil-A and serving as a disability leader for To be Like Me. I am involved in my church, First Baptist Garland, and am a discussion group leader for Bible Study Fellowship. Hobbies include reading, writing, singing, and spending time with friends.
Gina Patterson
Eastfield College & TAMU Commerce
1998 cohort
Eastfield College & TAMU CommerceCriminal Justice AA & Kinesiology BS
Gina Patterson
1998 CohortGraduation 2002
The ETK Scholarship program has been a life changer. Every board member and facilitator is always available to help you to succeed in life. Everyone wants, each of us to reach our max potential. Everyone is sincere, trustworthy, and humble.
Burned 88% in a flash fire that took the lives of my dad, sister and two friends. Rehabbed back to play college Volleyball and threw the javelin at a DII college. I've taught college PE, 2005 to 2017. Volunteer FF/EMT for six years. Volunteer camp counselor for burn camps for kids since 1999. Still love playing volleyball and indoor soccer. I've taken part in multiple research studies regarding burn injuries. Currently working on a book.