Suyen Espinoza
John Brown University
Class of 2011
Suyen Espinoza has big plans and a clear vision for her life. Having watched several family members afflicted by cancer, she simply will not accept that there is no cure. In fact, this native Nicaraguan wants to play a significant role in discovering the cure and her acceptance into the Walton International Scholarship Program has already begun to equip her with the skills she’ll need. As a student at John Brown University, Espinoza has access to labs where she can study actual cancer cells. In addition, she is on track to become just the fifth Nicaraguan to earn a degree in biochemistry.
"I just had a feeling about the Walton International Scholarship program and it’s been the perfect opportunity." – Suyen Espinoza
Claudia Pena
Harding University
Class of 1998
Finance Manager, Chevron Caribbean Inc.
Impact comes in many shapes and forms. For Claudia Pena, a finance manager at Chevron Caribbean Inc., her contribution is through numbers. Pena, a 1998 graduate of Harding University and a Walton International Scholarship Program alumni, lends her expertise in making important decisions on finance projects that ultimately impact energy availability and consumption.
"Faith is such an important aspect in everything I do and that’s an area where I really became strong as a Walton scholar." – Claudia Pena
Marcos Melendez
University of the Ozarks
Class of 2010
Economics. Business administration. Management. Every one of them fascinates Marcos Melendez. But it wasn’t until he was accepted into the Walton International Scholarship Program and arrived on the campus of University of the Ozarks that he realized he didn’t have to choose between one or the other. Inspired and empowered by his new surroundings, this Nicaraguan is pursuing a triple major and believes he will return to his country with the well-rounded experience and expertise necessary to drive truly meaningful change.