Three Hostos Community College students have just been named Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Scholars by the American Heart Association (AHA). Out of 30 students selected nationwide, Estela Espino, Renata Tedaldi, and Stephanie Oliveira de Araújo are the only three scholars from New York.
“I am profoundly proud of their exceptional achievement,” said Hostos President Daisy Cocco De Filippis. “In a competitive national selection process, these remarkable young scholars have emerged as the sole representatives from our state, showcasing their dedication to advancing research in their areas. This milestone reflects not only the excellence of our students but also the profound impact of dedicated mentorship and a thriving academic community at the College, where we encourage everyone to reach their full potential against any challenges.”
The HSI Scholars program is specifically designed to support Hispanic and Latino students in their pursuit of research opportunities related to cardiac diseases and strokes. The program offers mentorship throughout the year to assist students in developing groundbreaking research in the field of cardiovascular health.
“I am thrilled with this achievement, and I truly feel like a representative of so many individuals who, like me, hail from diverse backgrounds,” said Oliveira de Araújo. “I’m proud to be Black, a product of humble beginnings, the daughter of a single mother from a rural area, a public school student from the northeast of Brazil, a Latina, and an immigrant. The journey from my roots to where I stand today, majoring in nursing, is something I could have never envisioned.”
Espino, pursuing a degree in dental hygiene, and Tedaldi, focused on human behavior and social institutions, both share a deep sense of gratitude for the college’s unwavering support throughout their academic endeavors.
“Hostos has provided me with all the necessary resources to succeed in my academic journey,” Espino said.
“This experience is an open door for me as I work towards my dream of pursuing a career in public health,” Tedaldi added. “The support and guidance I’ve received from Hostos have been absolutely instrumental in making this a reality.”
One of the standout aspects of this program is the generous financial support it provides to its awardees. Espino, Tedaldi, and Oliveira de Araújo have each been granted $7,000 to fund their research initiatives. Furthermore, the AHA offers these scholars the opportunity to travel for research-related purposes, with all expenses covered by the association.
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