Ten students from The University of Baltimore received a portion of $63,000 in financial support from the Featherstone Foundation. Scholarship award winners, including students from five institutions, were recognized during a special ceremony in August.
UBalt's student scholars are: Martins Awofadeju, Jessica Baccin, Joyson BaLisamore, La'Shea Brandon, Katheryn Hanson, Gamar Hayles, Bria Howard, Michael Kemakolam, Danica Nelson and Rebekah Opher.
Here's what some of the honorees shared about what the scholarship meant to them and their education.
Gamar Hayles, a B.S. in Information Systems and Technology Management student, minoring in Economics and Public Policy
"Receiving the Featherstone College Scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s not just financial support, it’s a reminder that people believe in my potential and the work I’m doing. It’s helping me prepare for law school and stay focused on my goals without being overwhelmed by financial stress."
After his graduation, Hayles wants to pursue a law degree, focusing his studies on intellectual property, technology and data privacy law. He believes his background in technology and policy will help him advocate for digital rights and help underserved communities thrive in the digital economy.
"I’m truly grateful for the opportunities UBalt and this scholarship have opened up for me. Every bit of support helps me move closer to a future where I can make a real impact through law, technology, and community leadership."
Bria Howard is a senior in the B.S. in Forensic Studies program with a Forensic Investigation concentration
“The Featherstone award represents how much I have grown as a leader. The scholarship is a great help as I continue my studies at UBalt. The Featherstone Foundation offers many opportunities for me to connect and learn as a recipient.”
Howard hopes to use her degree to launch a career in crime scene investigation or forensic photography. She is also weighing law school.
Joyson BaLisamore, B.S. ’23, MBA student specializing in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
“Receiving the Featherstone College Scholarship is a tremendous honor, contributing to the reality of my teenage ambition to pursue higher education. Outside of the financial support—it’s a recognition of the journey I’ve taken to get here and the community that continues to invest in my growth. This scholarship provides critical support as I pursue graduate studies while managing my social enterprise, as well as the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the other awardees and the community of Featherstone alumni and supporters.”
After completing his master’s, BaLisamore hopes to continue scaling his business, Jay’s Watermelonade a natural beverage made without excessive sugars and artificial ingredients. He won multiple awards for his business including funding from UBalt’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s Rise to the Challenge pitch competition.
Danica Nelson, a B.S. in Criminal Justice senior minoring in Victim Studies
“Receiving this scholarship is truly an honor. I cannot express my gratitude to the Featherstone Foundation for providing me with such an opportunity to further my academic career. Their unwavering support not only relieves the financial burden but also motivates me to move forward with pursuing my goals, both academically and professionally.”
When Nelson graduates, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree in criminology and continue working toward her dream career with the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis unit. She wants to work with the Violent Crimes Against Children program, “a field I feel deeply passionate about—to protect such a vulnerable population and bring justice to those who need it most.”
Rebekah Opher, B.A. ’25, M.S. in Negotiations and Conflict Management student
“This scholarship is more than helping me pay for my education; it is a representation of the commitment and support the Featherstone Foundation has shown for successful and engaged students."
Opher plans to pursue a dual degree between her current master’s and a juris doctorate at UBalt Law. With these degrees in tow, she wants to host community conversations to create more paths toward restorative justice to reduce interpersonal conflicts that make families, schools and neighborhoods less safe.
This is her second time receiving a Featherstone scholarship.
"As a two-time awardee, it has solidified my desire to collaborate with others to help make higher education more affordable and accessible. Because of this scholarship, I am able to focus on my education and not have to split my energy by working a full-time job.”