Press Release For Immediate Release
Arizona Science Center Awards Central High School Graduate the Chevy Humphrey Women in STEM Scholarship
Scholarship is Named in Honor of STEM advocate and Museum leader Chevy Humphrey
PHOENIX, August 7, 2023 – The Chevy Humphrey Women in STEM Scholarship was awarded to Zahraa Al-Fatlawi, a graduate of Central High School. Funded by the Helios Education Foundation, the scholarship is in honor of Chevy Humphrey, a longtime, former leader of Arizona Science Center and an ongoing advocate for science education for all.
Zahraa’s goal is to become a physician. Having witnessed her brother’s struggles with substance abuse and mental health illness, Zahraa wants to help transform the healthcare system to help ensure people get the mental health support they need.
"I want to be a physician and change our healthcare system. I have had deep-seated passions for medicine and global health for most of my life. I've always been curious and eager to be the change I want to see,” said Zahraa Al-Fatlawi. “ I will take advantage of every opportunity and feed my curiosity through research, student organizations, and rigorous courses. I will use the knowledge and experience I gain from my education to open clinics in developing countries focused on providing preventive care, so no one falls through the cracks."
The scholarship includes an annual award of $2,000, and one year of mentoring services from Education Forward Arizona, an organization that supports students in Arizona, especially for low-income and students of color, to continue their education after high school. The scholarship recipient can use the money for tuition, books or room and board at any Arizona institution of higher education.
"Empowering young women in STEM is not just a goal at Arizona Science Centers; it's a necessity for our future,” said Guy Labine, The Hazel A. Hare President & Chief Executive Officer of Arizona Science Center. “The Chevy Humphrey Women in STEM Scholarship provides a remarkable opportunity to support and encourage talented individuals like Zahraa, inspiring them to excel and make a lasting impact in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics." he added “I want to recognize the incredible leadership of Chevy Humphrey who has always championed women in STEM initiatives. And thank Jane Roig and Helios Education Foundation for their great leadership and support!!”
"The recipient of The Chevy Humphrey Women in STEM Scholarship is truly inspiring. By investing in women's and girls’ education and aspirations, we hope to contribute to a brighter and more inclusive future in STEM. This young woman exemplifies the potential of what can be achieved when we empower and uplift the next generation of leaders in these critical disciplines,” said Jane Roig, Vice-Chair of Helios Education Foundation’s Board of Directors.
By the time students reach college, women are significantly underrepresented in STEM majors — only around 21% of engineering majors are women and only around 19% of computer and information science majors are women. This scholarship is one small step toward closing this gap.
"Thank you so much for providing me with this scholarship to achieve my educational dreams. Thank you to my sisters and mom for supporting me and encouraging my educational endeavors,” said Zahraa.”I hope to make you all proud!"
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Media Contacts
Kristina Celik
Arizona Science Center
480.205.2581
celikk@azscience.org
Diana B. Figueroa
Education Forward Arizona
602.206.8572
dfigueroa@educationforwardarizona.org
