The Mildred Jordan Sharp Scholarship is a one-year, merit-based award that recognizes female leaders at UC Berkeley. The scholarship is available for juniors and junior transfer students who have matriculated at Cal for at least one full semester.
The Cal Alumni Association is excited to congratulate the four recipients of this year’s Mildred Jordan Sharp Scholarship. These students have demonstrated leadership and academic personal development during challenging times. 2020 was the 150th anniversary of women’s admittance to UC Berkeley, and CAA is glad to celebrate these exceptional scholars and their contributions to the Cal community.
Judi Babbitt, former foster child and 26-year veteran, is passionate about giving back to women. She has a unique ability to bridge the gap between practice and theory, and strives to create systemic change for marginalized communities.
Melody Leppard is a first-generation, re-entry transfer student majoring in social welfare. She plans to become an LCSW and therapist. She is interested in the intersections of climate change, socioeconomic inequality, and mental health. Melody currently works in her community as a counselor for survivors of the 2018 Camp Fire. She believes that mental health professionals have a vital role to play in strengthening individual and community resilience in frontline communities like her own.
Cheukai Makari is an intended business administration and global studies double major at Cal. Originally from Sierra Leone, Cheukai would like to go into sustainable economic development in Africa so that she can leave an impact and give back to the place she calls home. She is the Big Ideas Innovation Ambassador for UC Berkeley, an African American Initiative Scholar, and a CAA Leadership Award Scholar.
Devanshi Rathi is an international student majoring in business administration at Cal. “Being a student here is a great honor and privilege. I am trying to represent my nation and community. The things that I like the most about the university are its strong bond and diversity.” Devanshi is the founder of Project Checkmate, a non-profit that teaches chess to the visually impaired and underprivileged youth of India.
