Jenner Law is thrilled to announce the undergraduate winner of its 2024 Make A Difference Scholarship: Ella Stiso. Ella’s journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and a profound commitment to helping others, and we are honored to share her inspiring story.
Early Life and Challenges
Ella Stiso, a graduate of Wall High School and a current student at the University of Alabama, was born with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder affecting her lower extremities. Growing up, Ella faced significant physical challenges, including a right leg smaller than her left and kneecaps that would dislocate frequently. Despite these obstacles, Ella’s determination never wavered.
At a young age, Ella learned the value of community service, contributing more than 50,000 hours as a volunteer. Her journey, however, took a pivotal turn when she decided to undergo a series of four corrective surgeries.
These procedures were risky, involving cutting across growth plates and transplanting cadaver tendons, with a considerable chance of permanent paralysis. With the unwavering support of her family, Ella bravely chose to proceed with the surgeries.
The years following the operations were grueling, filled with physical therapy and recovery. Yet, through these challenges, Ella discovered her strength and resilience. Her experiences with discrimination and the unkindness of others only fueled her determination to make a difference.
Finding Purpose Through Adversity
One night, lying in her hospital bed, Ella realized how fortunate she was. Many children she met at the hospital faced insurmountable challenges, inspiring her to help those with disabilities without medical solutions. This revelation led her to join The Seeing Eye program, where she became a guide dog raiser.
The Seeing Eye is a philanthropic organization that breeds and trains guide dogs for the blind. As a volunteer, Ella fostered puppies for 18 months, teaching them specific skills and commands and familiarizing them with everyday activities like grocery shopping and public transportation. Though saying goodbye to the dogs was heart-wrenching, knowing they would provide independence to visually impaired individuals made it worthwhile.
Ella’s involvement with The Seeing Eye extended beyond fostering puppies. She held several positions in her local chapter, including president, where she ran meetings and organized events. Despite being 1,000 miles away at the University of Alabama, Ella continues to serve as an advisor to new members and participates in various community service activities, including fundraising for St. Jude’s and Miracle Kids Foundations and volunteering at a local animal shelter.
Advocacy and Future Aspirations
Ella’s experiences have shaped her into a passionate advocate for disability rights. She plans to attend law school to become a disability attorney, dedicating her career to advocating for the most vulnerable. Her goal is to advance legislation related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), focusing on improvements in building codes, employment opportunities, government programs, and mass transit accommodations.
As a Spanish minor, Ella aims to use her degree to drive change in multicultural communities, addressing the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities. Her passion for breaking down physical barriers is fueled by her own experiences with discrimination and the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence that promise to revolutionize accessibility.
A Vision for the Future
Ella’s vision for the future is one of inclusivity and understanding. She believes that making a difference begins with listening and learning from those with different life circumstances. Her work with The Seeing Eye and other community service activities has given her a profound sense of fulfillment and set her on a path to effect meaningful change.
Jenner Law is immensely proud of Ella Stiso and her remarkable achievements. Her dedication to helping others, despite her own challenges, embodies the spirit of the Make A Difference Scholarship. Ella’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on their community and beyond.
About Jenner Law and the Make a Difference Scholarship Program
Jenner Law is committed to paying it forward with our Make a Difference Scholarship. We are dedicated to supporting students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and a clear vision of how their education can make a significant impact on the world. Each year, Jenner Law presents two scholarship awards — one to an undergraduate student and one to a graduate student — who embody these values. Ella is our undergraduate winner.
One of the founding principles of Jenner Law is our compassion for our clients and our commitment to improving the lives of those around us. We have a proud tradition of charitable giving, reflecting our obligation to advance social justice. Through the Jenner Law Donor Fund and our annual scholarship program, we strive to promote positive change and support individuals who are dedicated to using their education for the greater good.
We believe that by investing in the education of passionate and dedicated individuals like Ella Stiso, we can contribute to a brighter and more inclusive future. Ella’s story is a testament to the impact that one person can have, and we are honored to support her and other students who share her commitment to making a difference.
Congratulations once again to Ella Stiso, our 2024 undergraduate Make A Difference Scholarship winner. We look forward to witnessing the incredible contributions you and future scholarship recipients will make in the world.