The CSHA Foundation proudly launched our inaugural cohort of Foundational First Scholars, a group of 11 exceptional undergraduate students committed to pursuing graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by traditionally underrepresented students, we’ve designed this program to provide vital mentorship, guidance, and resources. These scholars, now in their junior years, are receiving personalized support to navigate the complexities of graduate school applications and professional development. Their participation in Convergence 2026 will provide invaluable networking and learning opportunities, empowering them to achieve their full potential. By investing in these future leaders, we are building a more equitable and diverse future for our profession, ensuring that talent and passion are not limited by circumstance.

Zoe Collins
San Jose State University
My name is Zoe Collins and I am a first generation student attending San Jose State University. I am a junior undergraduate in pursuit of obtaining my Bachelor’s in communicative disorders and sciences. I have a background teaching in early childhood education and hope to continue serving this demographic as an SLP. I am particularly interested in supporting and advocating for families with children on the autism spectrum.

Rosa Frutis
San Jose State University
My name is Rosa Frutis, and I am currently a student at San Jose State University majoring in Communication Disorders & Sciences. As a first generation college student, my educational journey is very meaningful to me, and I am passionate about helping children and families navigate communication challenges. My speech related interests include language development, speech sound disorders, and culturally responsive assessment and intervention, especially in school based settings. I hope to become a Speech Language Pathologist and work with diverse populations to provide evidence based support, advocate for appropriate services, and help children build confidence and strong communication skills.

Mia Hernandez
California State University, Fresno
Hi! My name is Mia Hernandez, and I am a first generation college student and junior at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. I am passionate about becoming a speech language pathologist and working with children in a school setting. As a paraprofessional, I have seen firsthand how impactful communication support can be, which has deepened my commitment to this field. I am excited to continue to grow, learn, and connect with others who share the same passion for helping children find their voices!

Natalia Jimenez
San Jose State University
Hi! My name is Natalia, and I am a junior at San Jose State University majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Deaf Education. I am passionate about becoming a speech-language pathologist and love working with children. I am currently interested in early intervention, school-based services, and pediatric settings, as I enjoy supporting children across different stages of development. Through my minor in Deaf Education, I have further strengthened my commitment to supporting diverse communication needs and advocating for inclusive environments. As a bilingual English and Spanish speaker, I am especially interested in serving diverse populations and continuing to grow both personally and professionally within the field.

Rebecca Kim
California State University, Fullerton
Hello! My name is Rebecca Kim, and I am currently a junior at California State University, Fullerton, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders with the goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist. I plan to graduate in Spring 2027 and hope to begin graduate school in Fall 2027. I am honored to be selected for CSHA’s Foundational First Scholars program and look forward to this journey. I am excited to pursue a career as an SLP and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and their families.

Caroline Lomeli
California State University, Long Beach
Hi! My name is Caroline Lomeli and I am an undergraduate student at California State University, Long Beach, majoring in Speech-Language Pathology with a minor in Spanish. Growing up in a primarily Spanish-speaking household has played an important role in shaping my interest in working with bilingual adults and children in the future. Some of my hobbies include crocheting, scrapbooking, and playing board games with my family.

Madelynn Aliz Lopez
San Jose State University
My name is Madelynn Aliz Lopez, and I attend San Jose State University. My overall interest in speech-language pathology stems from my passion for helping people and improving their quality of life. After graduating from SJSU, I hope to apply to a master’s program right away. Once I receive my degree, I plan to work in a school setting with elementary-aged children.

Blanca Nayeli Maravilla
California State University, Fresno
Hi! My name is Blanca Nayeli Maravilla, and I am currently a third-year student at California State University, Fresno, majoring in Communicative Sciences and Disorders with the goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist. I am interested in working in hospital and clinical settings to support patients with fluency, voice, articulation, phonology, and language disorders. I am passionate about helping individuals improve their communication and confidence through therapy and aspire to support patients in communicating with clarity, confidence, and joy.

Kaiah McNutt
San Diego State University
My name is Kaiah McNutt, and I am a junior majoring in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at San Diego State University. I transferred to SDSU last fall after earning my A.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences from MiraCosta Community College. I am primarily interested in language acquisition and bilingualism in both spoken and signed languages, and I look forward to continuing my studies in pursuit of becoming a speech-language pathologist.

Alessandra Paun
San Jose State University
My name is Alessandra Paun, and I am a student at San Jose State University majoring in Communicative Disorders and Sciences. I developed a strong interest in the field after receiving speech therapy in elementary school and later supporting my younger brother through his own therapy journey. Before transferring to San José State University, I worked as an associate preschool teacher and loved working in a school setting with young children. My goal is to become a speech-language pathologist serving preschool and elementary school students.

Jesse Pimentel
California State University, Long Beach
Hi! My name is Jesse Pimentel and I am a first-generation student attending California State University, Long Beach. I am especially interested in serving diverse populations and learning how cultural and social factors intersect with communication disorders. I am also drawn to neurological disorders, particularly learning disabilities and differences. My goal is to support diverse communities and advocate for individuals whose differences are often misunderstood rather than supported.