June 2025
Cooke Scholars and Alums at a Thrive Together meetup in Boston last month.
Compass Feature: Tala Alahmar
2021 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, University of Michigan; 2023 Graduate Scholar, Georgetown University
Tala became a Cooke Transfer Scholar in 2021, and earned her degree in International Relations and Affairs from the University of Michigan. She went on to study at Georgetown University after becoming a Graduate Scholar in 2023, and just earned her master's degree in Democracy & Governance this spring. In the below video, Tala talks about how becoming a Cooke Scholar helped her strengthen her belief in herself.
You can connect with Tala on LinkedIn here.
Compass Feature: Callistus Ditah
Watch one of our previous Cooke Alum interviews featuring Callistus Ditah, a 2009 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar and 2011 Graduate Scholar, who currently works as a Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellow at the University of Washington- Seattle. In the below interview, Callistus shares about his journey from Cameroon to the University of Minnesota, and how he became interested in his current career as a cardiac surgeon.
You can connect with Callistus on LinkedIn here.
Brielle Bell
2006 Young Scholar; 2011 College Scholar, University of Tampa
Brielle recently graduated from Tampa Connection, a volunteer-run nonprofit that equips local professionals with the tools to become active leaders and volunteers in the Tampa Bay community. Each year, a select group is chosen for the year-long program focused on leadership, relationships, and community.
Brielle shared, “I truly enjoyed connecting with so many emerging leaders in the Tampa area and gaining first hand knowledge about what’s ahead in our city through tours and panels. I’m proud to be a part of this impactful network and excited for what’s next!”
You can connect with Brielle on LinkedIn here.
Faiz Adem
2020 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, Cornell University
Faiz was just promoted from his role as Strategy Analyst at Accenture, a global professional services company specializing in IT services and management consulting.
After one year at Accenture, Faiz shared, "I’m excited to share that I’ve been promoted to Senior Analyst at Accenture. This new chapter brings opportunities to deepen my expertise, take on more complex challenges, and make a greater impact on the teams and clients I work with. I’m especially looking forward to growing as a leader and continuing to learn from the talented people around me.
You can connect with Faiz on LinkedIn here.
Yesmene Chikha
2022 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, Syracuse University
In May, Yesmene opened her research exhibit “Stereotype: The Intersection of Typography and Culture” — an exploration of how type shapes (and often stereotypes) the way we experience different cultures. The exhibit was recently extended through summer 2025, and is open to the public at the Genet Gallery in the Nancy Cantor Warehouse.
From grocery aisles and global packaging to typographic history and regional influence, the exhibit examines how letterforms carry identity, memory, and bias.
For Yesmene, “This exhibit has been a truly rewarding journey. Having the opportunity to explore the cultural representation of typography has deepened my appreciation for the global impact of design - it’s history, current state and hopes for the future. I’m most proud of the interactive components, which have sparked meaningful conversations about typography’s influence on consumer behavior and cultural identity.”
You can view Yesmene’s exhibit in her portfolio here, and connect with her on LinkedIn here.
Twila J. Fisher
2011 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar; 2014 Graduate Scholar, University of Pennsylvania
Last month, Twila joined the City of Ellsworth, Maine as their incoming Economic Development Director.
Twila shared, “This role will allow me to further use my MPA degree, which was partially funded by the JKCF graduate scholarship, and directly shape the future of a dynamic, rapidly growing city by building partnerships, securing major investments, and advancing equitable economic opportunities. I’m especially motivated by the chance to lead transformational projects that strengthen small businesses, create jobs, and improve quality of life in Ellsworth. I’m excited to collaborate with a dedicated team of professionals who share a commitment to excellence and innovation. Ultimately, I’m eager to contribute to Ellsworth’s success story and make a tangible impact on its residents and businesses."
You can connect with Twila on LinkedIn here.
Let’s Get Ready to Celebrate!
As part of the Foundation's 25th anniversary celebration, we invite you to share with us your reflections on your Scholar experience. We're hoping to include these in upcoming content and events. Here are a couple of prompts to get you started:
A memory you have from when you found out you got the scholarship.
Describe a turning point in your identity as a Cooke Scholar.
What do you wish to achieve at the pinnacle of your career?
What has being part of the Cooke Scholar community meant to you?
Click the button below to access the submission form. You can pick as few or as many prompts as you'd like, and if you'd like to send us a video response instead, you can share the link to a folder with us through the form as well. Feel free to email us at alumni@jkcf.org if you have any questions.
The Latest Alumni Blog Features
In this blog, Cooke Scholar Thet Kyaw shares his experience volunteering with older individuals in the Burmese community to help them gain access to healthcare. Read more about Thet’s service, and how he’s able to balance volunteering with his other responsibilities. Read more here.
We Want to Hear From You! Please take our Alum Internship Opportunity Process Feedback Survey
Did you submit an internship opportunity as part of our Alum-Sponsored Internship Campaign? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience with the process. Please complete the below form and help us build upon the wonderful work from the first year of the campaign!
Upcoming Events
Introduction to Public Speaking
Are you looking to boost your confidence and improve your public speaking skills? Join us at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 26 for "Introduction to Public Speaking," a one-hour virtual session designed to help you become a more effective and engaging speaker.
Whether you're preparing for a presentation, a job interview, or simply want to improve your everyday communication skills, this session is perfect for you. Cooke Alum Bérénice Sylverain draws from her years of experience as a public speaker and shares tips and tricks to transform your public speaking abilities and gain the confidence to speak with ease.
Join us for a candid and inspiring one-hour conversation on July 1 at 7:00 p.m. ET with Cooke Alums Hoang Tran and Silvia Huerta Lopez who are currently pursuing medical degrees in the U.S. as immigrant students. They’ll share their personal journeys, including navigating the medical school application process, and offer practical advice for fellow students with similar backgrounds. Whether you're in the early stages of planning your path to medicine or actively applying, this session will provide encouragement, real-world insight, and strategies to help you succeed.
Join Us in Sharing Messages That Reflect the Strength and Spirit of the Scholar Network
We’re bringing back a cherished Scholars Weekend tradition: quote jars! As some of you may remember, in 2014, new Scholars received jars filled with inspirational quotes from the community to encourage them throughout their first year. We're excited to revive this idea for our newest Scholars, and we need your help to make it meaningful.
Please send motivational quotes, affirmations, or short personal anecdotes that have inspired you. These can be as simple as “Stay determined – you can do it,” or something a bit longer that reflects your journey.
Your words of wisdom will be a powerful reminder that our community is always cheering each other on. Please email alumni@jkcf.org with your messages, or submit them at the link below!
Share Your Big News!
Have you landed an amazing new job, published groundbreaking research, or welcomed a new addition to your family this year? We want to celebrate your incredible personal, professional, and academic achievements! Share your exciting updates with us by submitting your news below or emailing our Alumni Engagement Manager Gabby Nicholas.
UVA Scholars in May 2025