gators unidos scholarship FUND

We are proud to honor Lucia Urdaneta, a dedicated third-year student at the University of Florida majoring in Anthropology and Latin American Studies. As a first-generation American from a Venezuelan family, Lucia has shown exceptional leadership through her roles in the UF Hispanic Student Association and the Center of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement. Her commitment to fostering community and her academic aspirations to become a professor underscore her dedication to representing and empowering our Latino community.

We are proud to honor Ceci Edelberg, a rising senior at the University of Florida majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Latin American Studies, History, and Spanish. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Ceci has demonstrated exceptional leadership as the managing director of Alpha PR and as Vice President of Professional Development for the Public Relations Student Society of America. Her passion for communications and community is evident through her roles in the Hispanic Student Association, UF Hillel, and Alpha Epsilon Phi. Ceci’s commitment to civic engagement and positive change is further highlighted by her involvement with Chomp The Vote and her current internship with NBCU’s Late-Night team in NYC.

Congratulations to Massiel Cobblah Guiterrez, a rising fourth-year at UF, for receiving the 2023 Gators Unidos Scholarship! With her unwavering dedication to promoting academic excellence and community spirit, Massiel has left an indelible mark on our campus and beyond. Having contributed over 1,000 service hours, she exemplifies the true meaning of compassion and selflessness.

Massiel's commitment to empowering others is truly inspiring. As the founder of two impactful service projects, she has not only funded a full-ride scholarship for a deserving student but also provided memorable photoshoots for graduating girls who couldn't afford them. Her efforts have touched the lives of countless individuals and reminded us of the power of generosity and inclusivity.

Driven by her aspirations to become a criminal law attorney, Massiel envisions a future where true equity and justice prevail, particularly within the Latino community. With her unwavering determination and unwavering dedication, she is poised to create a ripple effect of positive change, ensuring a brighter and more just society for all.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Massiel as she embarks on her law school applications. We have no doubt that she will continue to shine as a beacon of hope and inspiration, making a lasting impact on our community and beyond. Her dedication, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of justice serve as a testament to her extraordinary character.

Massiel, we wish you the best in all your future endeavors. May your journey be filled with success, fulfillment, and the realization of your dreams. Your tireless efforts to uplift others have made a significant difference, and we are excited to witness the positive change you will continue to bring to the world.

Congratulations to Rosinella D’Ostilio, a remarkable rising senior at the University of Florida, for being awarded the prestigious 2023 Gators Unidos Scholarship! With her unwavering dedication and passion, Rosinella has demonstrated her commitment to making a positive impact on both local and global communities.

Originally hailing from Caracas, Venezuela, Rosinella embarked on a journey to the United States in pursuit of her dreams. Now, as a proud Latina, she is on track to achieve her goals as she pursues a Combined Degree program in the Warrington College of Business. By Spring 2024, she will obtain both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Marketing, solidifying her expertise in her chosen field.

Rosinella's passion for marketing flourished in high school, where she discovered the power of storytelling and brand connection. This passion led her to establish Alimentando Venezuela, a non-profit initiative dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to malnourished children and their mothers in her home country. Through her remarkable efforts, she has touched the lives of hundreds of families, showcasing her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the face of adversity.

Continuing her pursuit of excellence, Rosinella has secured internships with L'Oréal, a global leader in the beauty industry. Through these opportunities, she has worked with renowned fragrance and makeup brands, immersing herself in the world of marketing and harnessing her skills to make people feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. This summer, she embarks on a new chapter as she interned in the hair care division with L'Oréal Professionnel in the vibrant city of New York.

Rosinella's involvement at UF extends beyond her academic pursuits. She serves as a Career and Peer Mentor, offering guidance and support to her peers, and as a Media Coordinator at The Agency, honing her skills in communication and leadership. These involvements have allowed her to connect with professionals, mentor others, and shape her into the exceptional individual she is today.

We celebrate Rosinella D’Ostilio for her outstanding achievements, her dedication to making a difference, and her embodiment of the Gators Unidos spirit. 

Her relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with her compassion and commitment to uplifting others, sets her apart as a true inspiration to our community. As she continues to shine as an intern at L'Oréal in New York City, we have no doubt that she will leave an indelible mark, continuing to make a positive impact on the world around her.

Congratulations, Rosinella, on this well-deserved recognition. Your unwavering dedication, resilience, and passion are commendable, and we look forward to witnessing the incredible contributions you will make as you continue to empower others, tell meaningful stories, and inspire change. The Gators Unidos community is proud to have you as a shining example of what it means to make a difference.

We proudly honor Lorenzo Quiceno, a remarkable recipient of the Gators Unidos 2022 Scholarship at the University of Florida. Lorenzo's journey reflects resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in healthcare access for underserved communities.

A third-year undergraduate student, Lorenzo hails from South Florida, with a passion for basketball and community service. As a first-generation student, the path to college was not always clear, but his dedication led him to UF's doors. With a major in Nutritional Sciences and a minor in Health Disparities, Lorenzo envisions a future in medical school, where he can provide much-needed healthcare services to marginalized populations, particularly the Latino community.

Lorenzo's personal experiences have fueled his drive to tackle the systemic issues faced by underprivileged communities in the American healthcare system. Witnessing the challenges his undocumented immigrant parents have encountered, he understands the immense social barriers that prevent individuals from attaining the American Dream. With an empathetic heart and a steadfast vision, Lorenzo aims to break down these barriers by addressing health disparities and working tirelessly to offer equal access to medical care.

Lorenzo Quiceno is an extraordinary individual, a true advocate for healthcare equality, and a shining example of the Gators Unidos Scholarship's profound impact. His unwavering dedication to serving marginalized communities and his unwavering spirit are beacons of hope, inspiring others to join him in creating a more equitable and compassionate world.

Congratulations, Lorenzo, on your well-deserved recognition and the remarkable work you are already doing. Your commitment to breaking down barriers and improving healthcare access will undoubtedly shape a brighter future for those in need. We celebrate you and eagerly anticipate the tremendous impact you will make in the world of healthcare.

We proudly introduce Clara Calavia Sarnago, an exceptional recipient of the Gators Unidos Scholarship in 2022. Clara's remarkable journey from a small town in Spain to the vibrant community of the University of Florida exemplifies her passion for cultural understanding, advocacy for Latino immigrant communities, and her relentless efforts to break policy and social barriers for undocumented immigrants pursuing the American Dream.

A rising third-year student at the University of Florida Honors Program, Clara has embraced her dual majors in International Studies with an emphasis on Europe and Economics. Her leadership roles as the SGA Student Body Vice President, Secretary for the Hispanic Student Association, Vice President of the European Union Club, and her participation in the prestigious Washington Internship Program showcase her commitment to civic engagement and understanding the intricacies of global dynamics.

Driven by a profound desire to make a difference in the lives of immigrant families, Clara has become a dedicated advocate for Latino immigrant communities. Through her involvement in various organizations, she tirelessly works to amplify their voices and address the unique challenges they face. Her unwavering commitment extends to breaking policy and social barriers that hinder the progress of undocumented immigrants in their pursuit of the American Dream. Clara recognizes the importance of dismantling these barriers to create a more inclusive society that embraces the contributions and aspirations of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

Clara's dedication to her chosen path is further exemplified by her recent acceptance into the esteemed Florida Cicerone program. As a Cicerone, she will serve as an ambassador for the university, sharing her love for UF and fostering a sense of community among students and alumni. Through this role, Clara will continue to advocate for immigrant communities, breaking down stereotypes and fostering understanding among diverse populations.

Her commitment to advocacy, leadership, and breaking policy and social barriers for undocumented immigrants showcases her unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. 

Congratulations, Clara, on your well-deserved recognition and the impactful work you are already undertaking. Your passion for cultural understanding, advocacy for immigrant communities, and your relentless efforts to break barriers will undoubtedly transform the lives of countless individuals, creating a brighter future where everyone can thrive. We celebrate you and eagerly anticipate the remarkable contributions you will make in championing the American Dream and fostering a more inclusive society.