Our Scholars

We work hard for our scholars, but they work even harder for us. We are proud to introduce our current and former Lakhani Scholars, each of whom has transcended challenging circumstances to achieve big dreams. We are honored to play a part in their inspiring journeys and to watch their efforts materialize into life-changing opportunities.

 
 
 

Lisa David

Lakhani Scholars Class of 2020 | Full Scholarship to George Washington University

Lisa David, our inaugural Lakhani Scholar, attended high school in an Atlanta neighborhood that has one of the highest concentrations of HIV/AIDS in the United States. She emigrated from Liberia and spoke no English just five years ago, but she proved to be a motivated student with big dreams of success in America. Lisa was accepted early decision to George Washington University after receiving two years of free test preparation and college admissions counseling from Lakhani Scholars.

Fernanda Padilla Colin

Lakhani Scholars Class of 2021 | Full Scholarship to Rice University

Fernanda Padilla Colin aspires to work in law and politics. She aims to someday use her experience as a first-generation Mexican-American to help disenfranchised people navigate the complex immigration system. She is a squash player, sustainability club leader, robotics team member, and has a 4.0 GPA. Now a U.S. permanent resident, Fernanda was named a 2020 Questbridge Scholar Finalist and landed a 100% scholarship to prestigious Rice University.

 

Rachel Nacarino

Lakhani Scholars Class of 2022 | Full Scholarship to Claremont McKenna College

Rachel Nacarino immigrated to Miami, FL, from Peru in 2016, and lost her father to the coronavirus in 2020. Her mother works hard cleaning at a restaurant, and Rachel has remarkably taken her education into her own hands. Having graduated through the ESOL—English for Speakers of Other Languages—system, Rachel founded Uli Smiles, an organization of 45+ volunteers tutoring and mentoring ESOL students across three schools in Miami. Through an AP Capstone project, Rachel launched an online help group for pregnant teens, and aspires to become an engineer one day. Rachel was accepted to Claremont McKenna College with a prestigious Podlich Scholar Award, providing her with complete financial coverage for her undergraduate education.

Ammar Tofafarosh

Lakhani Scholars Class of 2022 | Merit Scholarship to Fordham University

Ammar Tofafarosh is the son of immigrants from Surat, India, and will be the first in his family to attend a 4-year college. Having enrolled in seven AP courses as of junior year, Ammar is committed to challenging himself academically, with a focus on Computer Science. As a leader, he is involved in Coding Club, Conservation Club, and Medical Explorers Club. During the pandemic, he led his mosque’s youth group in raising over $3000 and 660 lbs of school supply donations for over 500 students in need, multiplying his impact through partnerships with local BJ’s, Staples, and Costco stores. Ammar was accepted to Fordham University with a coveted Merit Scholarship.

 
 

Kayla Monte

Lakhani Scholars Class of 2023

Kayla Monte attends the Chemawa Indian School in Oregon and has grown up on her home reservation in Arizona, instilling in her a passion to support and serve Native American communities across the United States. A talented artist with a passion for architecture, she aspires to combine these interests by helping to develop sustainable, affordable homes on reservation land. Kayla is an active band member and her love of art and music exist in tandem with her perfect grades, all excellent attributes of an aspiring architect.

Magali Montijo

Lakhani Scholars Class of 2023

Magali Montijo will be the first of her family to graduate high school in the US, a daughter of Mexican immigrants who did not learn English until middle school. Magali has managed a truly incredible balance, translating bills for her single mother of four and supporting younger siblings at home while excelling in sports and maintaining straight A’s at school. She yearns to give back to her community, and aspires to integrate her interests in business, fashion, and her Mexican heritage by developing an online business that produces Mexican-themed Western clothing.

Vicky Nguyen

Lakhani Scholars Class of 2023

Vicky Nguyen is the daughter of Vietnamese refugees who came to the US with limited English and even less understanding of the American college system, motivating Vicky to take her academic journey into her own hands. Despite lacking stable internet access for much of the pandemic, she was active as a project coordinator for Strive2Thrive Edu, recruiting and training volunteers in underprivileged communities, while remaining active in her community and church groups. She is passionate about giving back to underserved populations, and aspires to do so as a future physician. She was admitted to Vanderbilt, Emory, Notre Dame, University of Southern California, and University of North Carolina.

Endy Huynh

Lakhani Scholars Class of 2023

Endy Huynh attends a Title 1 School, Morrow High School outside of Atlanta, and impressively balances her stellar academics with significant familial responsibilities. The younger daughter of Vietnamese immigrants and an immigrant herself, Endy has long served as the primary caretaker for her mentally handicapped older sister, even while Endy completes rigorous advanced placement courses and ranks 3rd in her class. Active in both her school and Vietnamese community, she has found herself drawn to medicine as a means by which to continue supporting those who have done the same for her. Endy was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania and awarded a full tuition Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship.

Viviana Ornelas

Lakhani Scholars Class of 2023

Viviana Ornelas, from Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a daughter of Spanish-speaking Mexican immigrants who support their family by working in landscaping and house cleaning. Inspired by her parents’ sacrifices, Viviana strives for excellence in academics, earning straight A’s in five Advanced Placement courses, and ranking at the top of her class. An active contributor to Breakthrough Santa Fe, Viviana serves as a tutor for younger students in a program where she has benefited from mentorship herself. She aspires for a career in teaching, allowing her to further give back to students facing the same challenges that she has overcome. Viviana was accepted to the University of Chicago (with a full financial aid scholarship), USC, Pomona, Brown, and Northwestern.

Saniyah Oliver

Lakhani Scholars Class of 2024

Drawing inspiration from her mother, who earned her nursing degree studying as a single parent in the midst of the pandemic, Saniyah Oliver seeks out challenges to overcome—be they in the classroom, where she is currently ranked #1 in her class, or on the volleyball court where she captains her school’s varsity team. Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Saniyah is passionate about medicine, an academic path she hopes to cultivate further while working with Lakhani Scholars.