MCC Names 2025 Education to Empowerment Scholarship Recipients

Ten McHenry County College (MCC) students recently received the prestigious Education to Empowerment (E2E) award, a scholarship and mentoring opportunity offered through the Friends of MCC Foundation. The scholarship's mission is to empower students to reach their fullest potential and achieve economic independence through education, mentoring, and financial support.

“These students have shown remarkable dedication to their education and future careers,” said Brian DiBona, Executive Director of the Foundation. “We’re proud to recognize their hard work and support them as they take the next step in their journeys.” 

The 2025 recipients are Naivy Dominguez Salas and Isabella Spratt of Crystal Lake; Maya Garcia and Isabella La Porta of Huntley; Julia Hansen and Stefani Sorejian of Lake in the Hills; Mia Wiginton and Kaya Jarosinski of McHenry; Courtney Komperda of West Dundee; and Anabel Otero of Woodstock. 

The recipients and their career plans are as follows:

• Naivy Dominguez Salas plans to pursue a career in computer science. She is particularly interested in cybersecurity and machine learning. 
• Isabella Spratt is following her lifelong interest in the medical field by studying to become a pharmacist. 
• Maya Garcia is studying psychology with the goal of becoming a criminologist or criminal psychologist. 
• Isabella La Porta is studying criminal justice at MCC to follow her lifelong goal of becoming a criminal prosecutor. 
• Julia Hansen plans to pursue a career in actuarial science, helping to predict risk of things like climate change using science and math. 
• Stefani Sorejian plans to pursue the field of research in either the biological or neurological sciences. 
• Mia Wiginton wants to make a difference in the lives of students by becoming an art teacher. 
• Kaya Jarosinski hopes to inspire future students as an elementary school teacher. 
• Courtney Komperda wants to help people gain confidence and overcome communication barriers as a speech-language pathologist.
• Anabel Otero is passionate about learning and is exploring a variety of career fields, including biology, psychology, and healthcare. 

To qualify for the award, applicants must be full-time students who have achieved a minimum number of MCC credits and earned a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.25. Applicants must also complete several essays outlining their personal goals, their demonstrated commitment to empowering women, barriers they have overcome to pursue their education, and the difference that a mentor could make in their lives.  

The Education to Empowerment scholarship began in 2013 with the goal of bringing together 100 members in McHenry County who wanted to make a difference by providing scholarships and mentoring opportunities for MCC students. Each member donates $1,000 each year. To date, the E2E program has awarded $820,000 to 87 students.  

“Education to Empowerment is more than a scholarship—it’s a support system,” DiBona said. “These students move forward knowing they have someone in their corner, and that kind of encouragement can make all the difference.”

“Our E2E members are making a lasting impact,” added Christina Haggerty, Chief Advancement and Marketing Officer at MCC. “Because of their generosity, students have a chance to focus on their studies and take their next steps with confidence. The benefits extend beyond the classroom—this kind of support strengthens families and the community as a whole.” 

The E2E scholarship provides $10,000 in funding for each student that can be applied toward tuition, books, and fees for a recipient’s last year at MCC and first year at an accredited four-year institution. 

This year’s recipients were honored at a special ceremony on July 31 at the Courthouse Square in Woodstock. 
The next E2E event will be a Fall Luncheon held on Thursday, September 25 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Crystal Creek Farm Venue in Crystal Lake. The Luncheon is open to the public, and registration will be available soon. 

For information about Education to Empowerment or other scholarships, call the Friends of MCC Foundation Office at (815) 479-7510 or visit the E2E webpage.