2025 Scholarship Recipient Spotlights:
Stacy Powell & Alishba Hussain
Name: Stacy Powell
Where are you from? Panama City, Panama
Where do you go to school? Central State University
What professional, volunteer or extra-curricular activities are you currently involved in? I am a Volunteer Intern at the House of Representatives, College of Business Student Advisory Council Member, a recipient of the JPMorgan Chase Financial Advisor Development Track Internship, and a participant in the HBCU/MI Business Plan Competition.
How did you hear about OWIG's Scholarship Program? Email communications
What motivates you professionally? As a young girl I saw my parents work tirelessly to provide a quality education for my sister and me. I inherited their remarkable work ethic and results-driven mindset. I believe the qualities I observed in them have inspired me to become the woman I am today.
What is one of your proudest accomplishments in your student career or personal life? I am most proud of the Business Plan competition I’m currently in. I am spearheading the creation of a product that’s set to revolutionize the way we view water. In this project I work alongside fellow students and faculty to develop a robust presentation to be delivered in Atlanta. This project has challenged every fiber of my character, leadership, and knowledge. Through a multitude of challenges and major setbacks, we currently have the president of our university backing us up, as well as the vice-president of economic development and the dean of our college. I have grown in my communication and leadership skills and hope to continue developing in these areas.
What was the last show you binge-watched OR book you binge-read? Sweet Magnolias! It’s so good!
What is your favorite place you’ve traveled OR what is at the top of your travel bucket list? My favorite place I’ve traveled to must be Guna Yala, an indigenous province in my country—Panama. This place is SURREAL and I believe everyone should go there at least once.
What does receiving OWIG's Statehouse Scholarship mean to you? This internship has transformed the way I view politics; my first-hand experience has taught me that important issues should never be far-fetched. The opportunity to connect with local politicians and beacons of change has renewed my career path and passion for improvement. Moreover, this volunteer internship has revealed my love for learning extending beyond financial remuneration. As a college student, I hold a myriad of other needs that must be fulfilled short-term. This is why OWIG’s scholarship has come as a divine blessing to aid my professional development. I deeply appreciate this opportunity and I admire OWIG for the work they do. Thank you!!
Name: Alishba Hussain
Where are you from? Columbus, OH
Where do you go to school? I go to The Ohio State University. I am double majoring in Criminology and International Studies.
What professional, volunteer or extra-curricular activities are you currently involved in? I am the Technology and Editing Chair for Khabar OSU - a South Asian newsletter and podcast.
How did you hear about OWIG's Scholarship Program? I heard about the OWIG scholarship through a career mentor.
What motivates you professionally? My goal is to help under-served populations and advocate for those who are often not heard.
What is one of your proudest accomplishments in your student career or personal life? Making it on the dean's list for the past three semesters consecutively.
What was the last show you binge-watched OR book you binge-read? The last book I binge read was 84 Charing Cross Road.
What is your favorite place you’ve traveled OR what is at the top of your travel bucket list? My favorite place that I have traveled to is Istanbul, Turkey.
What does receiving OWIG's Statehouse Scholarship mean to you? Receiving OWIG's scholarship means being able to connect with people who are committed to public service and be able to make an impact.