National Association of Puerto Rican Hispanic Social Workers
Scholarship for Graduate-Level Human and Social Services Professionals
The National Association of Puerto Rican-Hispanic Social Workers is proud to offer four scholarship awards in honor of our esteemed cabinet members: Sonia Palacio Grottola, Ruth Negron-Gaines, Angeline Martinez, and Pauline Vasquez.
These awards recognize and support graduate students in human and social services fields who demonstrate a strong commitment to serving Latino communities.
Each recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship to assist with their academic and professional journey. Open to students across the U.S., regardless of immigration status, this opportunity aims to uplift future leaders dedicated to equity and social justice.
Info Session playback viewable here.
Under the leadership of Elizabeth Conde
We are proud to reopen our scholarship program for the first time in five years—now offering more than financial support. This year’s Legacy Scholarship program provides ongoing guidance, resources, and community connections, continuing our tradition of uplifting future leaders beyond the award itself.
“I am committed to advocating for social justice, reducing barriers to care, and empowering individuals and families.”
As a Puerto Rican and Paraguayan MSW student at Stony Brook University, Erica is committed to expanding culturally and linguistically responsive mental health services for underserved children and families. Her experience supporting immigrant families, children, and individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities has shaped her passion for addressing systemic barriers to care. Through her clinical training and community-based work, Erica is studying to become a bilingual clinical social worker who advocates for equitable access to mental health services.
“Social work emerged not as a departure from my life’s work, but as its evolution.”
Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, and raised between Puerto Rican and mainland U.S. cultures, Daniel brings more than two decades of experience as a Broadway performer into his next chapter as an MSW student at Lehman College. His commitment to service has long extended beyond the stage, from bringing Broadway performances to seniors and patients in care facilities to advocating for organizations serving vulnerable communities through Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Grounded in his Puerto Rican heritage and personal experiences with aging, grief, and community resilience, Daniel is now pursuing social work to provide culturally responsive care and advocate for older adults, Latino communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others facing barriers to connection and support.
“I understood how important it was for people to feel heard, understood, and treated with dignity.”
As a Latina mother from Queens, Angelina’s commitment to social work is rooted in witnessing the impact of mental health challenges, substance use, trauma, poverty, and systemic inequities within her community. A summa cum laude BSW graduate of Medgar Evers College, she has built her career supporting individuals and families through addiction counseling, prevention, community outreach, and mental health education. Now entering her MSW program at Adelphi University, Angelina is committed to reducing stigma around mental health and substance use while expanding culturally responsive, trauma-informed care for underserved communities.
“Effective social work extends far beyond connecting clients with resources. It is about restoring dignity, empowering communities, and advocating for lasting systemic change.”
As a first-generation graduate student from a Mexican immigrant family, Kevin’s commitment to social work is grounded in both lived experience and years of direct service with underserved communities. From supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and families facing eviction to working with refugees and immigrants, he has helped clients navigate housing, healthcare, public benefits, employment, and other essential resources. Now pursuing his MSW at Fordham University while serving as a Senior Social Caseworker with Westchester County’s Department of Social Services, Kevin is preparing to become a bilingual clinical social worker specializing in mental health and substance use among Latino communities. His long-term vision includes creating a community-based organization that connects Latino youth and young adults with education, professional development, mental health resources, and support.
