Baltimore, Maryland (May 22, 2025): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the transformative organization advancing the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States, today announced the finalists for its annual scholarship program, that provides financial assistance and connects students with blind mentors and other resources. The thirty scholarship finalists are listed below in alphabetical order by last name with their home state and vocational goal. Congratulations to these outstanding finalists:

• Waseem Aljanazreh, Pennsylvania, Special Education
• Lauren Chaya Altman, New Jersey, Teacher of Blind Students
• Sergio Arvizu Arguelles, New Jersey, Attorney
• Izzy Bailey, Maine, Clinical Social Worker
• Kaleb Calhoun, Virginia, Cybersecurity
• Erin Daley, Colorado, Accessibility Consultant
• Juna Gjata, Massachusetts, Content Strategist
• KaShonia Graham, Michigan, Human Services
• Toby Harnish, Pennsylvania, Software Engineer
• Caitlyn Head, Ohio, Music Therapy/Academia
• Daniel Hernandez, Arizona, Clinical Health Psychologist
• Rasheedah Kenner, Kentucky, Mental Health Services
• Noor Khraisat, Pennsylvania, Lawyer
• Gene Kim, California, Computer Science Professor and Researcher
• Andrew Lee, Georgia, Technology Entrepreneur
• Riley Letterman, Michigan, Music Therapist 
• Ren Lovegood, Massachusetts, Business Professor and Researcher
• Ryan Lukowicz, Rhode Island, Political Scientist/Advocacy
• Zoe Marsh, Connecticut, Orientation & Mobility Instructor
• Kaelyn McColl, Illinois, Biomedical Engineer
• Mary Nix, New Mexico, Special Education Teacher
• Joy Orlando, California, Psychologist
• Amina Orzueva, New York, Human Rights Advocate
• Ghania Oussaci, Texas, Health Information Manager
• Nicole Quibol, Hawaii, Professor of Philosophy
• Millie Rivera, Maryland, Biblical Counselor
• Emily DeVaris Schlenker, Kansas, Doctor of Pharmacy
• Mandy Smith, Pennsylvania, Foreign Service Officer
• Akliesia Teshome, Maryland, Business Consultant
• Katiana Elena Urbina, Florida, Production Specialist

“Our scholarship program continues to exemplify how the blind people’s movement builds and strengthens a community of leaders,” said Mark A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “The finalists represent a diversity of academic and professional pursuits, from groundbreaking work in STEAM careers to innovative approaches in media, education, and emerging fields. We are proud to honor these blind scholars, each of whom is raising expectations and expanding possibilities. The accomplishments of these outstanding students are proof that the blind can achieve excellence and live the lives we want. We will celebrate these outstanding scholars together at our national convention, where their accomplishments will encourage the next generation of blind leaders to dream bigger and reach higher.”

For more information about the National Federation of the Blind scholarship program, visit nfb.org/scholarships.