We are delighted to announce the graduate student recipient of the 2024 Jenner Law “Make A Difference Scholarship,” Karina Banuelos. This award is a testament to her academic achievements and her unwavering commitment to making a significant impact in public health.
Karina has been a tireless advocate for Indigenous communities, dedicating significant time and effort to addressing health disparities and promoting wellness among these often underserved populations. She has collaborated with tribal health organizations to develop culturally sensitive health education programs, aimed at improving health literacy and access to essential healthcare services. Through her involvement in community health initiatives, Karina has helped to implement strategies that integrate traditional Indigenous healing practices with modern medical care. Her work emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive healthcare solutions, striving to empower Indigenous people with the knowledge and resources necessary to lead healthier lives.
Karina’s journey is one of determination and perseverance. As a Latina and Indigenous woman, she represents less than 1% of doctorate recipients. Winning the graduate award for the Jenner Law Scholarship only accelerates her determination to make a meaningful impact in public health. “The Jenner Law Scholarship will directly support me in the completion of my prerequisites at New York University, where I am currently enrolled in the Fall 2024 Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) program,” Karina shared. “As a first-generation college graduate, and the first in my family to take doctorate-level coursework, being a recipient of this scholarship celebrates my accomplishments in the field and alleviates the impact of my educational investment.”
Karina’s dedication to her education is evident in her commitment to self-funding her summer coursework. She paid for her summer 2024 coursework entirely from her own pocket through money saved from part-time research work on top of her full-time job. With the investment from the Jenner Law scholarship, she is one step closer to her DrPH journey at New York University being debt-free, one semester at a time.
We are inspired by Karina’s vision for her future. “Through my DrPH studies, I aim to challenge our individualistic American ethos towards one that creates equitable, accessible, culturally responsive, and affirming interventions to ‘as it has always been’ care approaches,” she explained. Her dedication to creating a more inclusive and effective public health system aligns perfectly with the values we hold at Jenner Law.
Karina’s Vision for Public Health
Karina’s passion for public health is deeply rooted in her desire to create change. She expressed her gratitude to the Jenner Law Scholarship committee for making this award on her behalf. “I send my deepest gratitude to the Jenner Law Scholarship committee for making this award on my behalf. This scholarship celebrates my accomplishments in the field and alleviates the impact of my educational investment,” she said.
Her academic journey at New York University is just the beginning of her mission to transform public health. Karina is determined to challenge the status quo and introduce innovative, culturally responsive interventions that address the unique needs of diverse communities. Her focus on equity and accessibility is a driving force behind her studies and future endeavors.
The Impact of the Jenner Law Scholarship
The Jenner Law “Make A Difference Scholarship” is designed to support students like Karina who are poised to make significant contributions to their fields. By alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with higher education, we aim to empower students to focus on their studies and their vision for the future.
Karina’s achievements and aspirations exemplify the spirit of our scholarship program. Her determination to complete her DrPH program debt-free is a testament to her resilience and dedication. We are confident that Karina will continue to excel in her studies and make a lasting impact on public health.
Through our Make A Difference Scholarship program, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing education, social justice, and the betterment of society. Karina’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that education and support can have on an individual’s ability to create meaningful change. We look forward to following her journey and celebrating her future successes.