The Mildred Jordan Sharp Scholarship (MJS) 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 (CAA) is excited to congratulate and celebrate the four recipients of this year’s Mildred Jordan Sharp Scholarship.
Yusra Elbgal
Yusra Elbgal is a junior studying data science. She has a deep-rooted passion for empowering marginalized communities through education, especially her own Yemeni American community. Yusra founded a college mentorship program to support Yemeni women in accessing higher education and currently serves as the vice president of the Yemeni Student Association. In her free time Yusra loves staying active and trying out new recipes.
Yusra plans to pursue a Master’s degree in data science, work as a data scientist in Silicon Valley or Washington, D.C., and eventually establish a nationwide college mentorship program for Yemeni American women and increase educational attainment in her community.
Maya Sapienza
Maya is an undergraduate at UC Berkeley pursuing a BA in urban studies with a double minor in sustainable design and geographic information software. She is conducting research with Dr. Brandi Summers on how race and radicalization contribute to the various cycles of development, destruction, and redevelopment in West Oakland. Maya grew up in Humboldt, on Wiyot land which nurtured her love for the wilderness.
Once Maya completes her BA in urban studies, she plans to continue her research and pursue a PhD in geography. Her end goal is to become the professor she always wished she had.
Ashley Yip
Ashley is studying environmental science and data science, and hoping to pursue a career in sustainable development. She was born and raised in Singapore, and moved to the U.S. when she was 16 years old. Ashley is passionate about topics like gender equity, sustainable tech, and nature-based solutions, and she is curious about corporate sustainability. She is also an outdoors enthusiast, and an avid pianist and badminton player!
In Ashley’s future career she plans to work closely with and uplift underrepresented communities in Asia, where populations are disproportionately affected by climate change and gender inequality. Ashley’s hope to someday represent Asia’s sustainability interests on an international level, and do what she can to combat the impacts of climate change.
