West Chicago native receives national fellowship award
The American Association of University Women has awarded a 2019-20 Selected Professions Fellowship to Jessica Muñoz of West Chicago, Illinois.
Muñoz is pursuing a medical degree specializing in emergency medicine.
"I was ecstatic when I got the news. Quite frankly, I was honored and humbled that of so many qualified applicants across the nation they selected me. As someone who battles imposter syndrome this really came at the perfect time," Muñoz said. "This fellowship will help me accomplish my goal of becoming a culturally competent physician who serves communities of great need".
Muñoz will start her emergency medicine training next year. After residency she plans on obtaining a master's in public health. Her passion for public service has inspired her to run for office in the near future in order to improve our nation's healthcare system.
Muñoz is a driven and compassionate young leader who is ready to change our nation.
"The support of AAUW is giving me a head start on my journey toward accomplishing my academic goals and career aspirations," Muñoz said.
AAUW is one of the world's leading supporters of graduate women's education: Over the past 130 years, it has provided more than $115 million in fellowships, grants, and awards to 13,000 women from more than 145 countries.
For the 2019-20 academic year, AAUW awarded a total of $4 million through six fellowships and grants programs to 259 scholars, research projects and programs promoting education and equity for women and girls.
"AAUW's fellows and grantees have made major contributions to our society and to the world at large," said Kim Churches, chief executive officer of AAUW. "These trailblazers are breaking the mold in nontraditional fields and redefining what leadership looks like. AAUW is proud to support them with the resources they need to excel."
Educational funding is especially important given that women are disproportionately burdened by student debt. And their ability to pay off that debt is hampered by a lifelong pay gap that affects women in nearly every profession. The pay gap widens over time and has consequences on all aspect of a woman's financial life, from paying for an education to saving for a comfortable retirement. AAUW's awards help to alleviate the burden of student debt so women can focus on developing their skills and experience.
Applications open Aug. 1 each year. Deadlines vary by program.
The American Association of University Women empowers women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. The nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and more than 800 college and university members. Since AAUW's founding in 1881, our members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day - educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW's fellowships and grants have helped scholars and activists overcome barriers to education and advancement for 130 years. AAUW's free salary negotiation course has trained thousands of women to advocate for themselves. Learn more at www.aauw.org.