McGrath Scholars Program

Hands up if you love being a McGrath Scholar!✨💛🙋‍♀️

There is still time to apply applications close next Tuesday PM 11:59. Link in bio to apply today!

McGrath Scholars Applications Close in 12 Days ⏳

Did you miss our info session? Use the link in our bio to watch the Zoom recording and kickstart your application today. 📚🌠

🌟 Calling all aspiring change-makers! 🌟

Are you ready to embark on a journey that will empower you to CHANGE THE WORLD FROM HERE? 🌎✨

🎓 If you're a Junior or Senior-level student at USF, we've got an incredible opportunity for you! The McGrath Scholars Program is now accepting applications from students across all USF Colleges.

Don't miss out on your chance to be a part of something extraordinary! Visit the link in our bio to join us for a Virtual Info Session on Tuesday, September 19th from 5-5:30 p.m. Applications are due October 3rd @ 11:59 p.m.

Today is the day!✨💚

See you there!🥳

Join us on April 3rd @ 7:00 PM for our 2023 McGrath Scholars Capstone presentations in Fromm Hall. Link in Bio to RSVP!!💚💛

Swipe to see this year's teams!✨

Hope to see you all there!

Everyone meet Kren✨!! Kren is a Leo who loves all things reading, painting, and baking🍪. Kren is currently a nursing major at USF and is extremely passionate about Healthcare equity, education, homelessness, and mental health. Kren says she has enjoyed all the speakers and meeting her fellow peers through the program so far. Kren is most excited about the Capstone presentations coming up in April! Thank you for being a part of the cohort Kren!💚💛

Introducing our next scholar Fiza✨!! Fiza is a Pisces who enjoys exploring new places, taking pictures, especially of sunsets, henna art, and cleaning🫧! Fiza wanted to become a McGrath Scholar because she felt the program would allow her to be in the company of leaders who want to bring change. She felt this program would help her learn and grow with others and have a network of individuals who are well-rooted and connected! So far she has really enjoyed the guest speakers that have come to the class sessions. She felt truly motivated by their leadership in various fields. Fiza is looking forward to going through this experience that will give her exposure to different perspectives and different approaches to solving a problem. She can’t wait to work with her team of leaders who are as passionate to create change! Thanks for being a part of cohort 5!💚💛

Say hello to Aminda✨!! Amida is a Leo who loves photography 📸! Amida is currently a critical diversity studies major. Amida wanted to join the McGrath scholars program to gain the necessary skills to help her community. Amida is passionate about adequate education and resources for kids. She has enjoyed meeting new people through the scholar's program and making new connections with everyone in the cohort. Overall Amida is really looking forward to graduating this spring! Thank you for being a part of cohort 5 Amida!💚💛

Introducing our next scholar Alaia ✨.Alaia is a Leo who loves cooking, writing, and drinking tea🫖! She is currently a critical diversity study major and is passionate about transformative justice and prison abolition. Alaia was interested in becoming a scholar because she wanted to look inwards and reflect deeply on who she is and wants to be, all while being in and creating a community. Alaia loves that the space is filled with such beautiful people dedicated to furthering their careers in a way that uplifts one another. As for the future Alaia is looking forward to her cousin's wedding in April! Thank you for being a part of cohort 5!💛💚

Introducing Samilla Larkin✨.Samilla is an Aquarius that loves to try new foods, discover music, go to concerts, and watch thrillers and dramas. Samilla is currently a marketing major here at USF💚. Samilia is passionate about aiding the homeless population and supporting their needs (physical and mental) and after-school programs that uplift inner-city youth/ expose them to new opportunities. She wanted to join McGrath to develop new leadership skills that she can take into the marketing world! Something that Samilla loves about the program is the exploration of topics through conversation and being in a space where everyone is present and committed to problem-solving. She is most excited about capstone presentations coming up in April! Thank you for being apart of cohort 5!💛🥳

Introducing Yliza Ortiz✨!! A fellow Scorpio who loves traveling, watching movies, trying new foods, reading, and singing🎤. Yliza is currently a nursing major and is passionate about service, health, wellness/healthcare reform, education, equity in diversity, homelessness, and food insecurity. When asked why she wanted to become a McGrath scholar she said “I’m a daughter, a friend, an immigrant, a transfer student, an aspiring doctor, a peer educator, a leader, and a driven learner. These are some of the many things that define me and I take pride in them because these roles are the reason why my sense of purpose has always been built upon the liberation of advocacy and awareness. I firmly believe that this program will not only allow me to develop a strong sense of self-awareness, integrity, and authenticity, but I will also benefit from building meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals. The holistic and collaborative opportunities offered will provide me with a safe space along with insights that will help me influence a larger population through my core values”. Overall Yliza loves that the program fosters a safe space for aspiring leaders like herself to step out of their comfort zones and amplifies the importance of establishing a sense of trust in order to lead with integrity. Everyone’s drive and openness within this program continue to shed light on aspects of our lives that we value the most and visions that we intend to share within our community and beyond. She is looking forward to celebrating her strengths and acknowledging weaknesses as an integral part of her development in this program!💚💛

Introducing Valerie Lam✨! Valerie is an Aquarius that loves Art of all kinds (painting, dance, theater, etc) & spending time in nature!🌿Her passions include equitable education, mental health awareness, and art accessibility!🎨 Valerie is a Business Management major and will be moving to North Carolina this summer for an internship at TIAA! She will also be starring in her first musical production, “Heathers” right here at USF!! Valerie loves how everyone in her cohort has leaned into the process and been open to building meaningful relationships! Thank you for being a part of cohort 5 Valerie!!💚

Everyone say Hello to Angelo✨!! Angelo is a Sagittarius that loves fishing 🎣, hiking, and writing✏️!! Angelo is a Political Science major who is passionate about environmental protection, equitable accommodations for the unhoused, and job security! Angelo joined McGrath to make new connections and to improve himself as a leader. When we asked Angelo what he was most looking forward to he said “ becoming a leader with more tools and ways to lead”. Angelo loves that McGrath helps him apply his top 10 CliftonStrengths to his daily life and opens doors to new connections made with other scholars! We are happy to have you in cohort 5 Angelo!💚💛

Next up is Metyia Phillips✨! Metiya is a Sagittarius whose hobbies include yoga, reading, traveling, and watching reality tv shows📺. Metyia is a Politics major with a double minor in African American Studies and Public Service & Community Engagement. Her passions include educational equity, criminal justice reform, and restorative justice policies. I wanted to be a McGrath Scholar to have the opportunity to learn and work with other students in different majors and colleges than the College of Arts and Sciences. She also wanted the chance to improve her leadership skills while also being able to use experiential and community-engaged learning to help create a capstone project that will positively impact the community around her! Metyia is looking forward to creating a new community through the McGrath program and being able to be a part of something impactful before graduation. After McGrath, I'm looking forward to a stress-free summer and starting law school at Berkeley in the Fall! Thank you for being a part of the cohort!! 💛🥳

Say hello to Megan Jeannie✨! Megan is a Ta**us who loves to find a sunny spot🌞 to read or nap, go for walks/skate around different parts of the city, and exploring nature. Megan is a Critical Diversity Studies Major and Fine Arts and Latinx/Chicanx Studies minor. She was first introduced to the program by a professor she admires and has truly enjoyed the connections McGrath has helped her build and the realness in the room every week so far. Megan is looking forward to being a first-generation college graduate and sharing that achievement with her family. Overall Megan is very grateful for the communities she is a part of in San Francisco. Thank you for being a part of cohort 5!💛💚

Introducing ✨ Dominque✨. Dominque is an Aries whose hobbies include photography, swimming, cooking/baking, and going to concerts 🎤! Dominque is a design major and is passionate about food insecurity, racial injustice, wealth inequality, homelessness, and issues relating to Latinx/BIPOC communities. Dominque wanted to join the program to practice empathy and leadership! When asked what she liked about the program she said she really enjoyed learning about who she is as a leader, especially learning how to lead with other like-minded individuals💛. Dominque is looking forward to working with her group to help serve the San Francisco community!! Thanks for being a part of cohort 5 Dominique! 🥳

Introducing Bryn Harris✨, a fellow Leo whose hobbies include rock climbing, reading, and baking🍰! Bryn is a politics major and is passionate about access to reproductive health, affordable housing for people from all different backgrounds, and protecting the environment for future generations to survive and thrive🌿!! She wanted to become a McGrath scholar to grow as a person and leader, to develop her values and skills, and to meet people from all different majors and places! So far Bryn has enjoyed have really enjoyed getting to know everyone, hearing and learning from interesting and knowledgeable guest speakers, and learning about her personal strengths/ traits through Clifton Strengths! Bryn is looking forward to graduating in May, figuring out the next step in her life, and continuing to develop a capstone project with her group. Thank you for being a part of the cohort Bryn!💛💚

Introducing Paavani✨!! Paavani is an Aries who loves painting, writing, and trying new foods! Paavani is currently a Biology, Theology & Religious Studies major here at USF! Paavani wanted to join the program to meet student leaders from other majors who they otherwise wouldn't have crossed paths with and redefine what being a leader means. Paavani is passionate about addressing health disparities, education, and underserved communities! So far Paavani has enjoyed the guest speakers and has learned so much from hearing about their lived experiences. Paavani says every time a speaker comes they leave class feeling inspired, hopeful, and motivated to make a change💚! Paavani looks forward to crossing paths with others and leaving the program feeling more inspired and determined to continue working toward change. Thank you for being a part of cohort 5!🥳💛

Introducing Janellee✨!! Janellee is a fellow Leo whose hobbies include cleaning, journaling, window shopping, and eating! Janellee is a Psychology major with a minor in health studies🩺. Her passions include minority groups within health care, athletic programs for minority groups, and restorative assistance. Janellee wanted to be a McGrath Scholar for the opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about the things she strongly cares for. As well as learning new skills to be a better leader for those around her. Janellee feels the McGrath Scholars Program has connected her with people that she would not have run into, since most scholars have different majors. Janelle said there are a variety of personalities that are in the program but we all show up to encourage one another and care for one another. She also likes that she has the opportunity to "Change the World From Here" through the Capstone project which encourages scholars to think about the intentional impact they want to have on their own communities💛.Janellee is looking forward to helping others become more confident in their abilities, not having consistent support from family or friends can be challenging, life is already difficult on its own. She wants for anyone that crosses paths with her to be inspired to achieve more for themselves, it's positive vibes over here! Happy to have you Janellee💚!

Say Hello to Natalie!! A fellow Sagittarius whose hobbies include art, specifically ceramics🎨! She spends her free time throwing on the wheel and making little bears! Natalie is a communications major! Natalie is passionate about finding more efficient ways to use resources within the arts. There is often a lot of waste within that arts such as excessive water use. She is interested in looking at ways to more efficiently use resources or materials to promote more sustainable practices! Natalie wanted to become a McGrath scholar to learn more about herself as an individual and to discover how she can utilize her voice. She wants to explore new ways to give back to her community, while simultaneously strengthening her leadership skills and stepping outside of her comfort zone! Natalie loves the closeness of the McGrath community and the opportunity she's had to grow those relationships at the start! Within this program, Natalie is looking forward to learning about and recognizing her strengths, as well as how she can incorporate them into her life. She is also excited to explore her independence and work towards her dreams post-grad💛! Thank you for being apart of cohort 5!✨

Everyone say hello to Aaliyah✨!! Aaliyah is a Scorpio who enjoys painting, drawing, watching anime, hanging out with friends, and being in nature🍂. Aaliyah is currently a nursing major and is passionate about giving back to the community! She wanted to become a McGrath scholar in order to learn more about community engagement and project building. Aaliyah believes that being a McGrath scholar prepares students for this goal by providing community engagement and team-building skills. There are multiple causes that she would like to see a positive change in, but her top two are education and access to healthcare🩺! Some of Aaliyah's favorite parts of the program are the positive energy of everyone, and that there’s diversity in both ethnicities and personalities. She feels everyone brings their unique energy and background to the program, and so far she's enjoyed seeing the different styles of leadership! Overall Aaliyah is looking forward is the capstone project! She is excited to see what her team comes up with! So happy to have you Aaliyah💛💚!

Introducing Joe Perez 🌟!Joe is a Pisces and enjoys working out, sports, traveling, and video games! He is currently a communications studies major 📚! Joe is passionate about how we treat one another! He wants to promote more love and compassion to uplift each other in a world where so many people are cast aside and overlooked. Joe is also passionate about the environment and the importance of spending time outside! Joe joined McGrath to challenge himself! He believes nothing happens by chance and joining this year's cohort was an opportunity he could not pass up! When we asked Joe what he was most looking forward to he said ”The triumphs and the mistakes, developing relationships and making new ones”. Joe loves that McGrath supports healthy competition, he also loves the sense of community and support everyone has for one another. Joe is looking forward to everything McGrath has to offer, the triumphs and the mistakes, developing relationships, and making new ones. He feels so grateful to have the privilege to attend such an outstanding university as USF. Joe's heart belongs to his city of Los Angeles, but has gained a second home here in San Francisco🌆. Joe wants everyone to know that everyone is capable of amazing things, you just have to find the courage within yourselves! Woohooo Joe! ✨

Say hello to Natasha!!! Natasha is cancer and loves playing tennis, music, journaling, and exploring the city!!🏙 Natasha is a Psychology major who is passionate about mental health education, physical health, and wellness, and supporting minority populations! When we asked her why she joined McGrath she said she joined because she believed it would provide her with a unique opportunity to culminate her time at USF💚. Natasha felt this program would help her implement the knowledge she has learned so far into a capstone project and nurture other skills including courage, compassionate action, and change. Natasha admires the community the McGrath Scholars Program offers by connecting with like-minded yet diverse student leaders, she is also looking forward to using the skills she developed during this program for the rest of her life. Woohoo Natasha🥳!

Everyone say Hello to Tori 👋. Tori is a Cancer who loves Spirit Squad, Barry’s, Yoga, puzzles, and coffee shop scouting☕. Tori is a Biology major with a minor in Chemistry! She wanted to become a McGrath Scholar to engage in leadership development with a final project to showcase direct skills gained as well as one’s ability to “Change the World From Here”. She felt being a part of a selectively chosen cohort of her colleagues, representing the USF community leading into graduation, is very powerful. When asked her favorite part of the program she simply said “ THE PEOPLE”.Tori is passionate about healthcare disparity, food insecurity, social justice: equity & representation, NCAA professional sport, and gender disparity. Tori is looking forward to her gap years, although the unknown can be daunting, she feels these will be the years where she can test herself the most. In the future, Tori wants to attend medical school to pursue breast surgical oncology. Thanks for being a part of cohort five Tori!💛💛

Introducing Vanessa! A Pisces who loves to watch a good tv show, go to parks, explore different parts of the city, and meet new people🌟!! Vanessa is an International Business major who is passionate about uplifting others and creating spaces for people to excel. Whether in education, technology, or entertainment, Vanessa loves to help people become their best selves! Vanessa wanted to join the program to be around people who are just as passionate about making a difference in the world🌎. She loved the idea of being around and learning from peers. What I love most about the program is the community it fosters and the program's conscious effort to the importance of emotional intelligence when leading. I love the contemporary perspective it takes on leadership and what that looks like to a younger generation. Vanessa is enjoying the community McGrath fosters and the program's conscious effort on the importance of emotional intelligence when leading. Vanessa feels McGrath brings a contemporary perspective on leadership and is looking forward to all the connections she will make! We are so happy to have you, Vanessa!!💚

Introducing fellow Pisces Belinda Tang! Belinda loves traveling, rock climbing, scuba diving, photography/filmmaking, and language learning!📚Belinda is an International Business major with a Computer Science minor. She wanted to be a McGrath Scholar for the opportunity to join a cohort of exceptional peers to build bonds, hone leadership qualities, and expand her horizons🌤. Belinda is passionate about Cybersecurity and virtual threat security, Sustainable technologies across the board from consumer products to manufacturing and heavy industries, and Solutions that target healthcare equity for under-served, minority, and lgbtq+ communities! When asked what she liked about the program she said “ mindblowing level of self-development and introspection that is encouraged and nurtured in the program has been a highlight. It takes courage to embrace authenticity and who we are as a person. I have a newfound appreciation for how much wisdom and grace come as a result of better understanding myself and my strengths. I also love and cherish the people that I get to share this experience with. I believe the McGrath Scholars program wouldn't be such a transformative experience without the people that I get to go on this journey with. Belinda is looking forward to traveling the world, going to grad school, and making an impact in the communities she loves! You rock Belinda 🤟

Cohort 5 has been working so hard already! We are so excited to see all the great things this cohort accomplishes throughout the semester!

Stay tuned for cohort introductions coming soon💛✨💚

Happy Holidays from Cohort 5 ✨. We are so excited to see all the wonderful things these Scholars accomplish in the new year!

We hope everyone has a restful holiday break💛!

Happy Halloween from the McGrath Team!👻🍂

Happy Fall break everyone!! 🎃🍂💛

We hope you're taking some much-needed time to relax!!