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July 2024 Accolades

2023 Scholars Reya Singh and Mandy Zhang created New Roots Financial, an organization dedicated to helping immigrants and refugees become financially literate, after they connected at the 2023 Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute.

“During an early LDI session right after breakfast, we were asked to describe what inspires us. The energy in the room was electric, and everyone was excited to learn from each other. Mandy and I turned to each other and immediately connected over our immigrant backgrounds. We talked about how watching our parents sacrifice everything for us had driven us to improve the lives of marginalized and minority communities in the United States.” Reya wrote.

Pinyu Liao (2023) gave a TEDx talk at TEDxStanford on antimicrobial resistance. She describes how she learned she could have the power to make a change in this global issue and inspire others to take the steps to change as well.

Bridget Meacham Kowalski (2002) was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in January after almost 10 years at the organization. Bridget shared that she would love to organize a Coke Scholars get together at one of their concerts next season – more info to come!
Alfia Bilal (2024) started a free initiative with the city of Edinburg, hosting informational sessions about getting into college and finding scholarships. The first session was July 26 and she hopes to make this a national initiative.