Standing isn’t a simple task for Ms. Burns, recipient of the first annual Suzanne Macaoay Memorial Scholarship. She was born with defective feet, and in January she underwent her fourth operation to ease the chronic pain. She has spent most of her adult life undergoing operations and learning to walk again, while tutoring middle school and high school students in science and math to earn money for college.

A self-described nerd who was her high school valedictorian, it wasn’t easy for Kerri Ann to sit on the sidelines. She did a lot of reading and on-line learning, but her real education regarded dealing with adversity. “I feel like my challenges have made me stronger and tested my ability to adapt and learn,” writes Ms. Burns.

After her third operation, she enrolled in Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landing, NJ, where she is pursuing an associate degree in engineering. Inspired by the movie, “Hidden Figures,” her goal is to become an aerospace engineer and work for NASA. She knows that, being a biracial woman, she faces an uphill battle to succeed in a traditionally white, male-dominated industry. She is not deterred. “I am ready to face life head on and accomplish my goals.” Her attitude: “Watch out, world. Here I come!”

If you were inspired when you read about our scholarship recipient, Kerri Ann, please donate directly to the fund and help the next generation of STEM professionals.