Two Whittier College seniors are pursuing their academic and professional goals with support from Soroptimist International of Whittier (SIW), a local organization established in 1947 and dedicated to expanding educational and economic opportunities.
Jamie Luna ’27 and Chelsea Castaneda ’27 each received the Ruth White Memorial Scholarship in the spring and are now using the awards to help fund their studies throughout the 2026-27 academic year.
Both students plan to attend graduate school. Luna, a first-generation college student majoring in history, intends to earn a master's degree in education and become a secondary school teacher. Castaneda, an integrated computer science and economics major, hopes to apply data science and technology to environmental and aerospace challenges.
Named in honor of the organization's first president, the Ruth White Memorial Scholarship recognizes women pursuing higher education in preparation for business and professional careers.
“The Ruth White Memorial Scholarship reflects Soroptimist's enduring commitment to creating opportunities for women, and we are thrilled to honor Jamie and Chelsea as this year's recipients,” said Assistant Vice-President of Student Wellness Dr. Rebecca Eberle-Romberger, a longtime member of SIW. “Their accomplishments embody the promise and potential that this scholarship was created to support."
According to its mission, SIW raises funds to provide scholarships, grants, mentorships, and programs to help women and girls in the greater Whittier area achieve economic empowerment.
"For more than 30 years, I have been inspired by the power of women uplifting and investing in other women,” said Eberle-Romberger. “Supporting Whittier College students through scholarships is particularly close to my heart because I see the perseverance, determination, and resilience required daily to succeed in higher education.”
Learn more about SIW.
