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This scholarship is specifically designed to assist adults with families who wish to pursue a degree at an institution of higher education with tuition and books. Furthermore, candidates are expected to find ways to “pay it forward” and help their community in meaningful ways, such as volunteering time and resources. Maria was an exemplary woman who despite adversity, was resilient and empowered, and who found ways to overcome challenges that would have broken most people. She did not allow her childhood circumstances to determine her destiny and, most importantly, she did not let it taint her view of humanity. In an effort to escape a life of instability, poverty and gender discrimination in the workforce, she came to this country with only a sixth grade education and her dreams of a better life for herself and for her young family. Maria overcame many obstacles and hardships. She knew that education was the only way to break the cycle of poverty, so as she raised her five children, she obtained her high school diploma, and went on to get her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin. She taught in the Madison Metropolitan School District for 30 years before retiring. She loved being in the classroom, both as a student and teacher. Maria’s passion and enthusiasm for learning and teaching was contagious. She saw the potential in each of her students regardless of their circumstances. She made it her mission to nurture their self-esteem, instilling a belief that they were all scholars. Her belief in the power of education and the importance of giving back to our community are the foundation of this scholarship.