2023 Otsuka Scholars
Sponsored by Otsuka, this scholarship is awarded to high-achieving undergraduate and graduate Black students enrolled in an accredited four-year college pursuing a degree in business or STEM-related majors.
This scholarship is open to rising juniors and seniors.
Oyindamola Aje
Damola Aje is a Chemical Engineering student at Texas A&M University, recognized for his exceptional academic record as a Dean's Honor Roll student since his freshman year. He holds leadership positions in student organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the African Student Association (ASA) as the Academic Excellence Chair and Information Chair, respectively. Damola is dedicated to promoting academic success and cultural awareness on campus. His passion for community service and academic excellence has earned him respect and admiration from peers and mentors alike. With a commitment to making a positive impact in his community, Damola aspires to a successful career in the field of Chemical Engineering.
Kofi Asibey
Kofi Asibey is pursuing a major in Operations & Information Management with a concentration in Supply Chain Management and Information Systems at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In addition, he has chosen to minor in Data Science to complement his studies. Kofi's academic focus reflects his interest in the intersection of business operations, technology, and data. Kofi is actively involved on campus as the Vice President of Umass Brotherly Union. During the previous summer, Kofi gained valuable professional experience as an IT Security professional at Cepheid. This role allowed him to contribute to the company's cybersecurity efforts, developing skills and knowledge in this important field.
Selena Cade
Selena Cade is a rising 1st year graduate student attending Grand Valley State University. She is majoring in Applied Computers with an emphasis in Information Systems. In her four years at Grand Valley, she has been on the Dean’s List. Selena is active in You Beautiful Black Women (YBBW), Black Excellence 365, Women in Computing, and GVSU Impact. Outside of college, she is a part of Michigan Council of Women in Technology (MCWT). As a part of her growth and development, she continues to seek opportunities to gain knowledge in Information Systems and Business. In her spare time, she enjoys sailing and swimming. Selena is compelled to have influence in impacting young girls who have a passion for technology and giving back to her community. Her parents are an active participant in her success. She anticipates graduating with honors in April 2024.
Rachel David
Rachel David is a Master of Public Health candidate at the University of California, Berkeley focusing on epidemiology and biostatistics, studying at the university as an Epidemiology Division Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Fellow. Though she is formally trained in quantitative methods, Rachel's passion lies in interdisciplinary health equity work. Indicative of this, Rachel was a 2021 presentation award recipient at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students for her manuscript on the social determinants of health and HIV prevention disparities among Black Americans. In the past she has interned with Health Leads, Health Career Connection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and currently enjoys working as a health research and policy intern at ATI Advisory. Rachel originally hails from Riverside, California; is an avid singer in her university choir; enjoys time with her loved ones; and dreams of traveling the world.
Trinity Lawrence-Williams
Trinity Lawrence-Williams is pursuing a Business Administration major at Florida A&M University. As the Administrative Secretary for the Class of 2024 Cabinet, Trinity demonstrates her organizational and administrative skills, contributing to the success of her class. She is also an active member of the Michigan Club, showcasing her commitment to fostering connections and engagement among students from her home state. Trinity's academic achievements are recognized through her induction into the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. Trinity is passionate about mentorship and making a positive impact on the lives of young people. She took the initiative to establish Trinity's Treasures, a summer program that provides an affordable option for parents and offers exciting experiences for local children.
Khalil Turner-Muhammad
Khalil Turner-Muhammad is completing his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Howard University. His exceptional academic performance led to his inclusion in the School of Business Executive Leadership Honors Program, recognizing his leadership potential. As a Fellow at AltFinance, he actively participated in learning sessions focused on alternative investments, expanding his knowledge and understanding of this specialized field. Additionally, his role as a Summer Intern at Pelion Venture Partners allowed him to contribute to the due diligence process for prospective companies and develop detailed financial reports. Khalil's leadership and ability to drive growth highlight his dedication and passion for finance and mentorship.
