Athena's Annual Pinnacle Scholarship Awards
Championing the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2020 PINNACLE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
"I will be pursuing a degree in molecular, cellular and developmental biology to help prepare me for a career as a physician. Thank you to Athena and to all the women who are paving the way for even more women to continue to lead in STEM fields."
"I'm planning to major in material science and engineering with a focus on environmental sustainability and policy. In the future, I hope to work in an intersection of fields to drive materials research and policy in clean tech towards positive climate action and inequity solutions."
"I'll be pursuing a degree in computer science to prepare for an interdisciplinary career including natural and programming languages to benefit people in the future. As a Pinnacle Scholarship winner I am most grateful for an improved network to change the world through the creative fusion of diverse ideas."
_e.jpg)
"I plan to major in an interdisciplinary degree that combines applications in computing with technology and society to prepare me for a career in public service."
Sarina Krishnan
"I will be attending the University of Southern California and double major in Global Health and Neuroscience on the Pre-Med Track. I am grateful for all of the support of my family and the people who have believed in me, including the Athena Pinnacle Foundation."
Canyon Crest
Academy
Studying Biology
at Yale University
Ruchi
Agashe
Westview
High School
Studying Engineering
at MIT
Westview
High School
Studying Computer Science
at Columbia University
Olympian High School
Studying Neuroscience
at USC
Karla
Padilla Leon
The Bishop's
School
Studying Technology
at Princeton
Anushka
Gupta
Anushree
Chaudhuri
Meet the 2020 Pinnacle Scholarship Winners
Karla Padilla Leon
Sarina Krishnan
Anushree Chaudhuri
Ruchi Agashe
Athena proudly champions the next generation of women leaders in science and technology through its Annual Pinnacle Scholarships. Each year, these merit-based scholarships are awarded to five remarkable high school seniors to promote the next generation of women leading in STEM.
Pinnacle scholarships are awarded to high school seniors planning to enter a four-year university to study in the sciences, math, or engineering fields. Outstanding applicants are well-rounded women who’ve demonstrated academic excellence, leadership in school organizations, and community involvement. Winners receive their scholarships at our annual Pinnacle Awards celebration.
In addition to a financial award, each Pinnacle Scholarship recipient is paired with an Athena Foundation board member for a mentorship.
Shae Galli
Through Athena, my incredible mentor not only gives me insightful advice about academics and about the wide world of STEM, but our discussions spark my curiosity about science and solidify my passion for the field.
Sara
Zaknoen
Mentoring these remarkable young women keeps me young. It is an honor to mentor the future STEM leaders of our world.
Meilynn
Shi
Northwestern
University
I am so thankful for the mentoring I’ve received through Athena. It has helped me think through and beyond my professional and personal ambitions and has helped me set aside my anxieties when I step off the beaten road.
UC San Diego
Principal | Zed Strategic Consulting
Lynne Friedmann
Principal | Friedmann Communications
As a mentor, the goal is to sharpen the focus of my Pinnacle scholar through the lens of my experience—a body of knowledge that is continually enhanced as her interests become my interests. This leads to stimulating conversations and growing pride as she excels at her studies and launches her career. Looking forward to the day when my role as mentor evolves to that of a colleague in STEM.
Marisa Beresford
Cal Poly SLO
Having a mentor is extremely helpful because it gives me a more personal connection to Athena. My mentor sends me current articles related either to my field of study or to my hobbies, keeping me up to date on all of my interests. I’m very grateful to have someone advise me on my career path as I grow my skill set. She’s a great resource and someone I look forward to continuing my relationship with.
Gillian
Folk
The Athena mentorship program has provided me a female role-model in the STEM workforce that can relate to my aspirations and provide support and advice. She has inspired me and I know I can come to her with any question.
Sue Ebner
Principal | Ebner Consults
I view mentoring as a mutually beneficial relationship, based upon trust, confidentiality and empathy. My role is to provide my mentee exposure to new ideas and approaches, advice on optimizing skills and overcoming weaknesses, encouraging new skills, embracing new opportunities/roles and enhancing leadership/executive presence. I encourage my mentee to reflect, commit, take action to be herself, be bold and be engaged. As a mentor, what an honor and a privilege it is, I am equally challenged by gaining exposure to new perspectives, approaches and ideas.
Cal Poly SLO
Previous Pinnacle Winners
2020
Individual in Life Sciences
Dr. Kiana Aran
Chief Scientific Officer | Cardea Bio
Individual in Technology
Vicki Mealer-Burke
Chief Diversity Officer | Qualcomm
Individual In Service
Maysoon Lehmeidi
Program Manager | UC San Diego
Rising Star
Yelaine Wang
Financial Analyst | Teradata
2019
Individual in Technology
Mary Gendron
Senior Vice President & CIO | Qualcomm
Individual in Life Sciences
Sheila Gujrathi
President & CEO | Gossamer Bio
Individual in Service
Pamela Gardner
Founder | Biotech Vendor Services
Rising Star
Kylie Taitano
Software Engineer | Intuit
2018
Individual in Life Science
Dr. Ciara Kennedy
President and CEO | Amplyx Pharmaceuticals
Individual in Education
Dr. Katherine Kantardjieff
Dean, College of Science and Mathematics | California State University, San Marcos
Individual in Technology
Kathy Herring Hayashi
Senior Staff Engineer | Qualcomm
Individual in Service
Amy Bergen
Vice President, Business Development | The Leadership Edge
Company/Organization
Intuit
Startup Life Sciences/Technology
Daré Bioscience
NAME
TITLE
COMPANY
AristaMD
Pamela Cosman, Ph.D.
Nancy Hong, Ph.D.
Coin Up
Sabrina Johnson
Mitchell International
Nina Smith
Camille Newton, MD
Tricia Ward
Lauren Lek
Elizabeth Altman
Navrina Singh
Silvia Mah, Ph.D.
Navrina Singh
Allison Alberts, Ph.D.
Barney & Barney, a division of MMA
Shavon Lindley
Saundra Pelletier
UCSD, mystartupxx
Georgia Griffiths
Karen Overklift
Sanford Rose Associates – San Diego
Saura Naderi
Barbara Noerenberg
Connie Matsui
Gaylene Xanthopoulos
Gabriele Wienhausen, Ph.D.
Adriana Vela
PwC
Marcea Bland Lloyd, J.D.
Tamera Weisser, Ph.D., J.D.
Sony Electronics, Inc.
Barbara Sawrey
Trindl Reeves
Aurelia Flores
June Komar
Dr. Jacqueline Trischman
Qualcomm
Teresa Young
Rhonda Rhyne
Nancy Aitkenhead
Pamela Surko
Brenda Gebler
Karen Hernandez
Nancy Taylor
Cooley
Wendy Johnson
Jo Moss
Ellen Morgan
Arlene Harris
Amylin Pharmaceuticals
Lynne Friedmann
Jeanne Ferrante
Karin Eastham
AMN Healthcare, Inc.
Theresa Gilly
Althea Technologies, Inc.
Vicky Carlson
Ginger Graham
Theresa Drew
Madga Marquet
AWIS
Andrea Cook
Pfizer La Jolla
Nancy Taylor
Kay Chandler
June Chocheles
Barbara Depass
Lisa Haile, J.D., Ph.D.
ProfitLine, Inc.
Martha Dennis, Ph.D
Ginger Hovenic, Ed.D.
Sandra L. Schmid
Cathryn Campbell
Deloitte & Touche LLP-San Diego Practice
Tina S. Nova, Ph.D.
TEAL Electronics
Patricia Winter
Susan Howell Ten Eyck
Women First Healthcare, Inc.
Janice Dehesh
Abby Silverman
Autumn Chapman
2017
Professor, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
RiverVest Venture Partners
CEO & Founder
Exec VP/General Manager
2016
President
Senior Associate
Head of School
Managing Partner
2015
Head of Qualcomm ImpaQt
Co-Founder/CEO
Head of Qualcomm ImpaQt
Chief Conservation and Research Officer
2014
Co-Founder/CEO
CEO
President/CEO
Program Director
2013
Founder, myLab, Calit2
VP, Corporate Research &
Retired
President
2012
Associate Dean for Education
Founder & President
Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel
Of Counsel
2011
Assoc. Vice Chancellor of Undergraduate Education, Academic Affairs
Chief Sales Officer/Principal
Senior Counsel
Corporate Executive Vice President of Strategy & Administration
2010
2009
2008
President & CEO
Retired Director
President & CEO
Founder, Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer
2007
2006
President & CEO
2005
Managing Partner
Co-President & Co-Chief Executive Officer
Science Teacher
2004
Science Coordinator
Partner
2003
2002
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation-Business Roundtable for Education
Professor and Chairman, Department of Cell Biology
Managing Partner
Managing Partner
2001
Chief Executive Officer
Senior Vice President
2000
AristaMD
UCSD
Managing Director
Coin UP
Dare Bioscience
Mitchell International
Mitchell International
PureWick
Booz Allen Hamilton
OLP
KPMG
Qualcomm Labs, Inc.
Hera Labs
Qualcomm Labs, Inc.
San Diego Zoo
Women Evolution
WomanCare Global
G2 Software Systems, Inc.
San Diego Science Alliance – BE WiSE
Sanford Rose Associates – San Diego
UC San Diego
Qualcomm
Biogen Idec
The Leadership Edge
UC San Diego
NanoTecNexus
Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Jones Day
Sony Electronics, Inc.
UCSD
Barney & Barney LLC
SAIC
Scripps Health
CSU San Marcos
Deloitte LLP
Innovative Cardiovascular Advancements
SAIC
UCSD Global Connect
AMN Healthcare
Cooley
SD County Office Ed
Cooley
Aires Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Tech Trek Science Camp for Girls (held at UCSD)
Synteract
Jitterbug
High-Tech High School
Office Pavillion
Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Althea Technologies, Inc.
High-Tech High School
San Diego Country Office of Education
Cooley Godward LLP
SAIC
Monarch School
Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, LLP
Windward Ventures
President/CEO
The Scripps Research Institute
Campbell & Flores, LLP
Theresa Drew
GenOptix, Incorporated
San Diego Science Alliance
City National Bank
Qualcomm
Baker & McKenzie
Oceanside High School
2020 Athena Pinnacle Scholarship Winners
Ruchi
Agashe
Canyon Crest
Academy
Studying Biology
at Yale University
"I will be pursuing a degree in molecular, cellular and developmental biology to help prepare me for a career as a physician. Thank you to Athena and to all the women who are paving the way for even more women to continue to lead in STEM fields."
Anushree
Chaudhuri
Westview
High School
Studying Engineering
at MIT
"I'm planning to major in material science and engineering with a focus on environmental sustainability and policy. In the future, I hope to work in an intersection of fields to drive materials research and policy in clean tech towards positive climate action and inequity solutions."
Anushka
Gupta
Westview
High School
Studying Computer Science
at Columbia University
"I'll be pursuing a degree in computer science to prepare for an interdisciplinary career including natural and programming languages to benefit people in the future. As a Pinnacle Scholarship winner I am most grateful for an improved network to change the world through the creative fusion of diverse ideas."
Sarina Krishnan
The Bishop's
School
Studying Technology
at Princeton
_e.jpg)
"I plan to major in an interdisciplinary degree that combines applications in computing with technology and society to prepare me for a career in public service."
"I will be attending the University of Southern California and double major in Global Health and Neuroscience on the Pre-Med Track. I am grateful for all of the support of my family and the people who have believed in me, including the Athena Pinnacle Foundation."
2019 Athena Pinnacle Scholarship Winners
Marisa
Beresford
Academy of Our
Lady of Peace
STEM Focus
Engineering
"I hope to participate in at least one international experience, such as a study abroad program and the Athena Pinnacle scholarship will make it easier to do that. Give the global economy we live in, especially in the field of engineering, I think it’s important to speak at least two languages and to have an education informed by international experiences. Beyond the monetary value, it means a lot to know there is a community of women in STEM who support me in my education and career goals."
Jeanette
Chen
"Management Science and Engineering may not seem like a typical engineering course, but it offers a complex mix of psychology, politics, calculus, statistics, and language that fascinates me. While it’s more diverse than pure engineering, I believe taking into account human factors in engineering is something that should be applied to all fields, and something that’s necessary for the future. The Athena Pinnacle Scholarship will lessen the financial burden and allow more time to meet new people, take new classes and experience college."
Monte Vista
High School
STEM Focus
Management Science
and Engineering
Gillian
Folk
"In college, I hope to study Molecular Biology and concentrate on Genetics. My love of research and the idea of making a direct impact on people in need inspires me to pursue a medical degree as well as a Ph.D. I will never cease to use my passion for medicine for the common good. In particular, I want to make a large-scale impact on society with my small-scale research in molecular genetics. The Athena Pinnacle Scholarship paves the initial steps of the pathway towards accomplishing my dreams."
Rachel
Kulchar
"I yearn to benefit the world through a mathematical lens: quantitative studies. I see myself – in college and beyond – striving daily to discover new medicines while working as a Navy doctor, using math to write prescriptions, administer medications, and interpret test results: saving lives. In this wondrous world, math is my solace, my hope, my inspiration: I cannot wait to make it my future. The Athena Pinnacle Scholarship allows me to continue fighting for women pursuing STEM education across the country and the globe."
Aida
Razavilar
"Working in multiple environments within the neuroscientific community inspires new, surprising and useful connections. The brain never ceases to amaze me, and my sense of awe at its extraordinary plasticity only intensifies as my research and mindset continue, to grow, shift and adapt with it. Being recognized by the Athena Foundation allows me to connect more deeply with Athena members who, undoubtedly, are incredible role models. Being part of an empowering group of women serves as an invaluable support system as I venture into college.”"
Previous Pinnacle Scholarship Winners
NAME | UNIVERSITY | HIGH SCHOOL | YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|
Alma Rincongallardo | UCLA | Hilltop Senior High School | 2018 |
Veronica Tang | Harvard University | The Bishop's School | 2018 |
Ritika Shrivastava | UC Berkeley | Del Norte High School | 2018 |
Shae Galli | UCSD | Sante Fe Christian | 2018 |
Rose Hong | Harvard University | Del Norte High School | 2018 |
Meilynn Shi | Northwestern | Westview High School | 2017 |
Kiara Bacasen | Stanford University | Otay Ranch | 2017 |
Liana Merk | California Institute of Technology | Canyon Crest Academy | 2017 |
Jessica XU | MIT | Maranatha Christian Schools | 2017 |
Anoushka Bose | MIT | Francis Parker High School | 2016 |
Amy Eppert | Point Loma Nazarene University | Hilltop High School | 2016 |
Julie Vaughn | MIT | Canyon Crest Academy | 2016 |
Phoebe Kimm | Stanford University | Carlsbad High School | 2016 |
Francisca Vasconcelos | MIT | Torrey Pines High School | 2016 |
Brianna Diaz | UCLA | Castle Park High School | 2015 |
Lisa Vo | Harvard | Coronado High School | 2015 |
Kathryn O'Nell | MIT | Patrick Henry High | 2015 |
Marissa Martinez | Cornell University | High Tech High | 2015 |
Sara Kornfeld Simpson | Stanford University | Patrick Henry High School | 2014 |
Carolyn Kravitz | Boston University | Mountain Empire High School | 2014 |
Nicolette Brannan | Stanford University | University City High School | 2014 |
Megan Wu | Harvard University | Canyon Crest Academy | 2014 |
Catherine Wu | Stanford University | Canyon Crest Academy | 2014 |
Vaishnavi Rao | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Canyon Crest Academy | 2013 |
Teodora Dinescu | UC San Diego | Santana High School | 2013 |
Ellen Douglass | CSU Fresno | Ramona High School | 2013 |
Claudia See | Yale University | Canyon Crest Academy | 2013 |
Melodyanne Cheng | Stanford University | Torrey Pines | 2013 |
Hursuong Vongsachang | Harvard University | San Marcos | 2012 |
Christine Li | Stanford University | Westview | 2012 |
Manita Singh | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Canyon Crest | 2012 |
Alyssa Chan | Harvard University | La Costa Canyon | 2012 |
Michele Xie | Harvard University | Canyon Crest | 2012 |
Carrie Cao | Yale | Torrey Pines | 2011 |
Anisha Mudaliar | Stanford | Pacific Ridge | 2011 |
Elise Wilson | Yale | Santa Fe Christian | 2011 |
Julia Pian | Harvard | The Bishop's School | 2011 |
Sheta Chatterjee | Stanford | San Dieguito Academy | 2010 |
Alessandra McDowell | Pepperdine | San Marcos | 2010 |
Jordan Thayer | USC | Francis Parker | 2010 |
Anna Kornfeld Simpson | Princeton | Patrick Henry | 2010 |
Caroline Yu | CalTech | Torrey Pines | 2010 |
Sydney Marie Thayer | USC | Francis Parker | 2009 |
Lauren Wong | UCLA | Santa Fe Christian | 2009 |
Hurnan Vongsachang | Harvard | San Marcos | 2009 |
Ronit Abramson | Yale | Canyon Crest | 2009 |
Nadia Farijood | Harvard | Torrey Pines | 2009 |
Alice Chung | UC Berkeley | Mira Mesa | 2008 |
Joyce Cheng | Yale | Torrey Pines | 2008 |
Monique Barrios | Duke | Ramona High School | 2008 |
Sarah Cheng | Stanford | Westview | 2008 |
Parima Shah | UCSD | Canyon Crest | 2008 |
Lissette Wilensky | UCSD | Mt. Carmel | 2007 |
Rachel Belzer | Duke University | Torrey Pines | 2007 |
Karen Tian Lee Lee | UCLA | Rancho Buena Vista | 2007 |
Linda Ge | Harvard | Westview | 2007 |
Nancy Ngan-Phan Nguyen | UCSD | Mira Mesa | 2007 |
Li-Tyng (Debbie) Hung | UC Berkeley | University City | 2006 |
Ayla Opal-Marie Sessions | UC Davis | Escondido | 2006 |
Bernice Huang | MIT | Rancho Bernardo | 2006 |
Emily Wier | Tufts | Francis Parker | 2006 |
Kim-Chi Nguyen | UC San Diego | Hoover | 2006 |
Daphne Lo | UC Berkley | Eastlake | 2005 |
Jessica Green | UCSD | Helix | 2005 |
Sally Liu | Duke University | Rancho Bernardo | 2005 |
Dana Levine | California Institute of Technology | Bonita Vista | 2005 |
Michelle Schorn | Yale | Torrey Pines | 2005 |
Stephanie Mah | UCSD | Granite Hills | 2004 |
Denisse Montano | UCLA | Crawford | 2004 |
Kirsten Ronholt | USC | Rancho Buena Vista | 2004 |
Jenna Sopfe | UCLA | Granite Hills | 2004 |
Laura McKiernan | Harvard | San Diequito Academy | 2004 |
Cindy Parra | Columbia | Bonita Vista | 2003 |
Anabel Armenta | Bryw Mawr | Orange Glen | 2003 |
Cara-Lynn Lopresti | Stanford; transferred to Duke | Torrey Pines | 2003 |
Laura Wang | Cornell | Torrey Pines | 2003 |
Kathryn Metz | Santana | 2003 | |
Roseanne Raphael | UCSD | Rancho Buena Vista | 2003 |
Karen Chavero | UCLA | Orange Glen | 2003 |
Naoko Kozuki | Yale | Bonita Vista | 2002 |
Lisa Kodadek | Johns Hopkins | San Marcos | 2002 |
Allison Lange | Orange Glen | 2002 | |
Qian Chen | University of Pennsylvania | Torrey Pines | 2002 |
Vanessa Cobian | UCSD | Vista | 2002 |
Jenny Truong | Stanford | Grossmont | 2001 |
Lydia Dahoussi | UCLA | Granite Hills | 2001 |
Melissa Morelos | Stanford | Escondido | 2001 |
Mary Presley | MIT | University City | 2001 |
Vera Trofimenko | Columbia | Francis Parker | 2001 |