Congratulations Scholarship Winners 2009!

CANFIT scholarship recipients show awareness and dedication to the improvement of health and fitness environments of low income communities and communities of color.

Elizabeth Pelayo
University of California, Berkeley
Undergraduate in Nutritional Science
“The problem stems from the injustice that these low-income communities of color face with the powerful food industries and violence in their neighborhoods. I hope to continue my community involvement as a career in which I will be able to voice these injustices and make changes as a future public health researcher and advocate”

Lorena Ramos
California State University, Fresno
Graduate in Public Health
“My decision to study public health and work in the area of healthy living promoting and advocating was influenced by my life experiences. Growing up in California’s Central Valley has allowed me to experience and witness the lack of safe areas for physical activity and fresh fruits and vegetables available to youth from low income communities of color.”

Naya Vanwoerkom
University of California, Berkeley
Graduate in Public Health
“The main reason I decided to quit my job as a nurse and return to school to study public health was a desire to find greater meaning in my profession by entering a field that emphasizes prevention of chronic diseases and through which I could make a difference on the health of minority communities.”

Felice Chavez
San Diego State University
Graduate in Public Health
“I have witnessed the devastating and tragic impact of poor health; therefore, I am thankful for the opportunity to help others live a healthy lifestyle. A Masters in Public Health will and has provided me the knowledge and skills to empower individuals, families, communities, and organizations to improve their health through education, health promotion, and advocacy.”