The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fremont Branch awarded scholarships of $1000 to outstanding women transferring to a four-year college in the fall of 2016. Angela Arcia-Anguiano, Ariele Silvas, Aimee Garza, and Dana Darghous were selected for their academic achievement, community involvement, participation in the arts, and their ability to overcome obstacles. Their personal stories are uplifting and inspiring.

When Angela Arcia-Anguiano attended Kennedy High School and the Fremont Adult School, she had not yet reached her full potential. It wasn’t until she worked for a while that she really became motivated to learn. Because she was interested in nursing, she applied to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). She was discouraged from applying to a male dominated profession. This made Angela even more determined to go ahead. She was only 1 of 2 women that completed the class and she completed it with an A! Angela decided against nursing and returned to school. She completed her AA in Sociology in 1½ years. Angela will be continuing her study of Sociology at UC Davis this fall.

Ariele Silvas was home schooled by her mother until Ariele entered Jr. High. She credits her Mom with making learning fun and enriching. Ariele also liked home schooling because it gave her the opportunity to spend more time with her family. Ariele’s mother was proactive about arranging field trips and exciting learning activities outside the home. Ariele even attended a few classes at Ohlone College when she was as young as 12. She volunteers at the Alameda County Fair where you will find her in the barnyard caring for the animals. Ariele was a participant in the 4-H Youth Development Program. She also volunteers at the Milpitas Public Library where she enjoys helping in the children’s library. Ariele will be attending San Jose State this fall as an English major. She enjoys writing and travel and would like to teach English in South America.

Aimee Garza is an art major with a passion for graphic design. After taking film classes and researching, Aimee began her own personal project: a documentary on “growing up in the Bay Area in the 90’s.” Aimee feels that most films are from the east coast and that a film expressing the culture of the west coast was needed. Her film about the “golden era of the 90’s” will include art, music and dance. Aimee hopes to submit the film for publication in 2018. She will be attending San Jose State in the fall of 2016.

Aimee is the mother of three boys age 5, 7, and 17. The AAUW mission of equity for women and girls is a powerful force in her life today and in her future plans. Her mother was a single mom and Aimee learned the value of an education and being a strong and independent woman. She strongly believes that women should be treated the same as men and paid equally for the same work. Aimee hopes to set a good example for her 3 sons so that they will learn to treat women with dignity and respect.

Dana Darghous is an English major and theater advocate. She is also interested in journalism and international law. Dana attended FAME charter school where she helped establish a drama program. She wants to travel and be exposed to different cultures. Dana is a middle child with an older brother and sister and a little sister age 5. She is proud to have forged her own path without trying to follow her older siblings. Dana also has learned responsibility while helping to care for her younger sister. She is currently writing a novel and working at the Ohlone bookstore. The AAUW mission of equity for women and girls is also powerful in her life. She believes that ours is still a patriarchal society and that she should be a role model. Dana’s plans for the future include proving that women can succeed. Dana will be attending U.C. Berkeley in the fall of 2016.

AAUW Fremont is proud to help these amazing women as they pursue their dreams and a future of equity for women and girls.