MAP: Alumni of Color Network
Meet the 2024 MAP Scholars
Founded in 1994, the MAP: Alumni of Color Network (MAP) is dedicated to promoting diversity at the UW and in the UW alumni community, and are leaders in addressing issues of equality and equity through scholarships, mentoring, lectures and University community engagement.
MAP administers a number of awards and scholarships, and are proud to introduce the 2024 recipients here.
2024 MAP SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Ernest Balezi
Alfredo Arreguin Scholar
My name is Ernest Balezi, and I am originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I moved to the United States at 11 years old. That’s when my passion for service sprouted as I begin to notice the inequities that was prevalent in society, and how that impacted many of my peers who I grew up with in Tacoma. The conclusion that I drew was that my peers lacked role models in their lives who could model to them the endless possibilities that are accessible for them. This inspired me to seek to become the leader that I knew my community needed. This mentality brought me thus far, and I hope it can help to reach my goal of becoming the leader my community needs. Lastly, I am grateful to everyone who is supporting along this journey.
Kaliana Guerrero
Kaliana Guerrero is an incoming graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in community health. Through her volunteer work, internships and coursework, she has been actively involved in local health advocacy efforts to enhance health literacy and promote preventive care. Kaliana aspires to develop and implement sustainable programs that empower communities and ensure equitable access to inclusive health resources.
Elizabeth Lujano
Owen G. Lee Scholar
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Lujano-Caballero and I am currently completing my master’s in the Secondary Teacher Education Program at the University of Washington. I was drawn to this profession because as a first-generation Latina whose first language is Spanish, my identity and my experiences were hardly ever reflected by my educators. I am passionate about being a trustworthy, empathetic educator for young students who may be experiencing the same underrepresentation as I did growing up. This way they can think “Sí se puede.”
Muhammad Rahman
Drs. Lois Price Spratlen and Thaddeus Spratlen Scholar
My name is Muhammad Rahman and I am a first-year student at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. I graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Informatics, concentrating in Data Science and Bioinformatics. My main interests are working and volunteering with organizations that uplift disadvantaged communities, particularly in healthcare. I am also am deeply passionate about the intersection between technology and medicine and its applications in clinical research
Victoria Torres
I, Victoria Torres, am in my third year of pursuing a degree in public health. I am a proud first-generation student who has had the privilege of being raised in a Mexican household where I was taught to work towards my biggest dreams. During my time at the UW, I hope to gain the knowledge to continue my path toward becoming a physician and continue to bring impactful change to my community. With everything I do, I aim to make the spaces I enter more inclusive and encourage those around me to do the same.
For more information about diversity issues and programs at the University of Washington, please visit the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity website.
