Anaya Scholars

?? Honoring Our Founder & the Women Who Support Our Scholars ?? As we mark #WomensHistoryMonth, Anaya Scholars is proud to honor the incredible women mentors, team members and board members who support our mission to transform the lives of young scholars. Your dedication, compassion, and leadership make our work possible every day. We are also thrilled to announce that Monica Kachru, our very own history maker and founder of Anaya Scholars, will be recognized as one of the Outstanding Women of 2025 by INDIA New England News at their prestigious 22nd Annual Woman of the Year Awards Gala on March 8, 2025, in Burlington, MA. This recognition is a powerful tribute to Monica’s unwavering commitment to empowering young minds through education. ??? Monica often reflects on the meaning of her daughter Anaya’s name, which stands for caring, concern, and protector—values that are at the heart of Anaya Scholars' mission. In her own words, “In supporting and caring for our scholars, we're carrying forward our mission with unwavering determination, in Anaya’s honor and on their behalf." Since 2018, Anaya Scholars has proudly maintained a 100% graduation rate, and today, over 95% of our scholars are on track to graduate. This May, 14 remarkable scholars will graduate and begin careers in healthcare, technology, and environmental sustainability—creating new pathways for themselves and their families. As Monica has beautifully stated, "Every dollar we raise, every hour we devote to our scholars, every word of encouragement... has been a lifeline for these students." These scholars are the history makers of tomorrow, and they need our support more than ever. This honor not only celebrates Monica’s leadership but also recognizes the incredible potential of the next generation of leaders from diverse communities across our region. Join us in congratulating Monica for this well-deserved recognition and in celebrating all the women who inspire and support the work we do at Anaya Scholars! ?? Thank you, INDIA New England News, for your belief in Monica, our scholars, and the transformative power of education. We are excited to continue this journey together, working toward a future where every student—regardless of background—has the opportunity to rise above adversity and achieve their dreams. For more details about the Woman of the Year Awards Gala, visit the event page here: ?? https://lnkd.in/edEmGMre To expand Anaya Scholars' impact, know that all gifts make a difference: ?? https://lnkd.in/e25qVjQU Check out this clip from Monica's INDIA New England News interview. #AnayaScholars #EducationForAll #WomenInLeadership #OutstandingWomenOf2025 #Changemakers #WomensHistoryMonth

?? Celebrating National Mentoring Month with Anaya Scholars ?? As we begin a new year, we are thrilled to celebrate National Mentoring Month—a theme that resonates deeply with the heart of Anaya Scholars. Mentorship plays a pivotal role in helping our scholars stay focused, inspired, and motivated as they work toward obtaining their degrees. It is one of the key ways we ensure they cross the finish line, empowered by guidance and support that uplifts them at every stage of their journey. Mentorship is more than just advice or encouragement; it’s a powerful force that can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Through the dedication and generosity of our mentors, we provide personalized attention and wisdom, helping our scholars thrive not only academically but in their personal and professional lives as well. A heartfelt thank you to all the mentors who joined us for our Bridging Gaps Gala on November 23. Your presence and ongoing support made the event memorable, and it was inspiring to see so many mentors and guests come together to honor our scholars and celebrate their achievements. As our scholars embark on their spring term at colleges and universities near and far, our team is hard at work launching a new year of mentorship. We continue to lift our scholars up, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and encouragement needed to succeed. We are eternally grateful to the dozens of mentors who engage with our scholars year after year. Your time, wisdom, and commitment make all the difference in their lives. ?? If you’re inspired to become a part of this incredible network and mentor an Anaya Scholar, we’d love to welcome you! Please visit our MENTORS page to learn more about how you can get involved: https://lnkd.in/e9cC_DDv Happy National Mentoring Month, everyone! Thank you for being a part of this fundamental journey. Together, we are changing lives and creating a community of thriving scholars. ?? #NationalMentoringMonth #MentorshipMatters #AnayaScholars #EmpoweringStudents #MentorsMakeADifference #ChangingLives #SupportingEducation #CommunityBuilding

??? What an incredible evening!??? On November 23rd, we gathered at Babson College's Knight Auditorium for our Anaya Scholars Bridging Gaps Gala, and it was a night to remember. Nearly 200 guests came together to support our mission of advancing educational equity for #firstgeneration college students facing?economic?hardships. We were honored to hear from?Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, PhD Tutwiler, whose moving words set the tone as he received the inaugural Anaya Scholars #ChangemakerAward. His commitment to education is truly inspiring! The evening was filled with powerful moments, including: ?? Heartfelt stories from our scholars, sharing their journeys and the life-changing impact of Anaya Scholars. ?? A wildly funny live auction led by?Howard L. Breslau (Howie)?that had everyone laughing and bidding in support of our cause. ?? A touching?video tribute?celebrating the dedication of Anaya Scholars mentors who make it all possible. ?? The?Anaya’s Village Award?bestowed upon longtime mentor?Martha Barrett, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping the future of our scholars. ?? And finally, a deeply moving reflection from?Aisha Tipnis, Anaya’s sister, who shared her pride and admiration for her sister’s dream of education equity and the remarkable scholars benefitting from that vision. We are profoundly grateful to our generous guests, brilliant scholars, dedicated mentors, and the entire?Anaya’s Village?for making this night a success. Together, we are making an impact and changing lives. If you’d like to get involved or contribute to this important mission, please visit:?https://lnkd.in/e25qVjQU Thank you for your continued support & Happy Thanksgiving! ?#BridgingGaps #EducationEquity #AnayaScholars #GivingBack #Changemakers #Community #MentorshipMatters #Thankful

? Special Speaker Alert! A Champion for the Power of Mentorship! We are excited and honored to announce that ?? MA Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, PhD ?? will be our featured speaker at this year’s Anaya Scholars Bridging Gaps Gala! Fun fact about Sec. Tutwiler: He was captain of the men’s basketball team during his college days at Holy Cross! He's also a dynamic leader with a passion for empowering young people and driving positive change. He’s an accomplished educator, education policy advocate, and mentor, with a proven track record of driving education policy and practice that enables MA students to unlock their full potential. Beyond his impact in the classroom where he taught ?? History ?? and his former superintendent post in Lynn, Sec. Tutwiler is a champion for #mentorship programs and initiatives that help students navigate the challenges of higher education. Join us as Sec. Tutwiler shares his inspiring insights on leadership, mentorship, and the power of community support. We’re thrilled to have him as part of this important event, and we can’t wait to hear his message! Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of something truly special. See you at the gala!??Thanks so much Secretary Tutwiler! #MentorshipMatters #Championforchange #EducationEquity #AnayaScholars #ElevatingDreams

?? A Mentor’s Guidance: The Key to My College Journey ?? I'm Jessica Joseph. As a senior at Suffolk University with graduation just around the corner in May 2025, I am beyond grateful for the support and mentorship I’ve received through Anaya Scholars. This amazing program has not only empowered me to pursue my dream of earning a degree but has given me the tools and wisdom to thrive throughout my college journey. When I first started college, I faced the challenges of balancing academics, personal growth, and figuring out my career path. It was overwhelming, to say the least. That’s where mentorship came in. I’ve been fortunate to have a mentor, GRETCHEN COOK-ANDERSON, who has been a guiding light - see us in the photo from our Sept. brunch meetup. She’s helped me navigate through the ups and downs, provided insights when I felt lost, and celebrated every milestone along the way. Mentorship is so much more than just advice—it’s a lifetime relationship built on trust, collaboration, and growth. And as a mentee, I’ve not only gained invaluable insight but also learned the importance of giving back and helping others in their journey. This is why I’m inviting you to join me at the Bridging Gaps Gala on Saturday, November 23rd, from 6-9pm at Babson College's Knight Auditorium in Wellesley, MA. This is an opportunity to support students like me—students who are determined to make a difference and achieve our dreams, but who need mentorship and support to make it happen. GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY: https://lnkd.in/eVftFJqj Your presence at the gala will directly help elevate my dreams of launching and growing my own real estate business. With the right guidance, I know I’ll have the business knowledge and network to make it a success. But it’s not just about me—this is about cultivating a new generation of leaders of every background who will inspire, create, and transform communities. I hope to see you there as we work together to build lasting change and provide the mentorship that can empower students like me to reach our full potential. From me and on behalf of my fellow Anaya Scholars, thank you so much!?? #ImAnAnayaScholar #BridgingGapsGala #MentorshipMatters #AnayaScholars #GiveBack #CollegeSuccess #GenerationalChange #ThankYouMentors

In just 21 days, we’ll come together to celebrate the incredible achievements of our Anaya Scholars and recognize the amazing mentors who passionately support them. Join us on Saturday, November 23rd from 6-9 PM at Babson College in Wellesley, MA for the Bridging Gaps Gala! This event is a unique opportunity to uplift our scholars, future leaders who are first-generation college students navigating financial challenges. We’re proud to highlight scholars like Malu Andrade, a recent college graduate and current associate at PwC, who is making a real impact by advancing her company’s global climate commitment. Let’s continue to support and inspire the next generation of changemakers. Purchase your Gala tickets or table today! ???? Buy your tickets or table today: https://lnkd.in/eVftFJqj Thank you for being a vital part of our growing community. Together, let's empower our scholars to reach their dreams and change the world! -- And don't forget to "like" us and spread the word! #AnayasVillage #BridgingGaps #EveryScholarMatters #FutureLeaders #Mentorship #ElevatingDreams #LikeUsIfYouLoveOurMission

?? What was your biggest life dream when you were in college? Did you dream of making a difference, creating change, or simply crossing that finish line to graduation? At Anaya Scholars, our students are dreaming big, too—of finishing their college degrees and giving back to their families and communities. ???? If you love that our scholars are working hard to not only achieve their dreams but also to elevate the next generation, help us grow our community! Like our Anaya Scholars (formerly Anaya Tipnis Foundation) page and help us double our LinkedIn village by reaching 500 likes by November 1. ?? By expanding Anaya’s Village of mentors, volunteers, and followers, we can support and empower even more future leaders like Deedee Hernandez, pictured here on her Dartmouth College graduation day! Together, we can bridge gaps and elevate dreams. ?? Let’s do this! #AnayaScholars #MentorshipMatters #FirstGenStudents #DreamBig #LikeUsIfYouLoveOurMission

?? Exciting News from Anaya Scholars! ?? As we mark our sixth year, I’m thrilled to share some incredible updates about our organization. After months of thoughtful planning, we’ve undergone a rebranding journey to better align with our vision for the future. Moving forward, the Anaya Tipnis Foundation will now be known as Anaya Scholars – a name many of our students have already embraced. It’s a powerful, memorable identity that places Anaya’s legacy at the forefront. Her name, meaning “caring, concern, and protector” in Arabic, reflects exactly who we are and what we strive for. Along with our new name, we’re excited to introduce a vibrant logo and color palette of marigold and blue, symbolizing our renewed spirit and unwavering commitment to empowering our scholars. And that’s not all! ?? We’ve also launched a brand new website this week, just in time for our annual event on November 23rd – the Bridging Gaps Gala! Head to anayascholars.org to explore our mission, connect with our scholars, and stay updated on everything Anaya Scholars. We believe this rebranding is an essential step in how we build our identity and connect with our growing community. We can’t wait to hear what you think about the new look! P.S. Don’t forget to RSVP for the gala – it’s going to be an amazing celebration of what our scholars have accomplished. Let’s continue to build a brighter future, together. ????https://lnkd.in/eVftFJqj #AnayaScholars #RebrandingForImpact #BridgingGaps #EducationForAll #ElevatingDreams #FirstGenCollegeStudents #Impact

?? Excited to announce the 2024 Bridging Gaps Gala, hosted by Anaya Scholars! (formerly the Anaya Tipnis Foundation) Join us on Saturday, November 23 at 6pm at the Knight Auditorium at Babson College for an incredible evening of celebration, community, and impact. By purchasing a ticket or a table, you’ll be directly investing in the brilliance and determination of #firstgeneration and financially challenged college students, helping them graduate, pursue successful careers, and achieve economic mobility for themselves and their families. To date, 100% of our Anaya Scholars have graduated from college and are building careers in science, medicine, environmental sustainability and other fields! Let’s come together to empower the next generation of scholars! ? Learn more and get your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/eVftFJqj #AnayaScholars #BridgingGapsGala #SupportEducation #EconomicMobility #FirstGenGraduates #MakeADifference

? What an evening! ?? Thank you to all the guests and donors who attended the Anaya Tipnis Foundation's Summer Solstice Soiree on June 20! We established the Foundation 6 years ago as a way to create something good from the unexpected tragedy of losing Anaya. She was a special young woman who felt deeply for others and shared her knowledge and talents in ways that made life easier for those around her. We're supporting our amazing scholars like ?? Malu Andrade, Deedee Hernandez, Annarah, and Angela DeLeon ?? today because of Anaya's vision to level the playing field for her peers who might not otherwise have the resources or guidance as first-generation college students to complete college and fuel their own economic success. Thank you to our guests, including board members like Kathy Kountze, for believing in her vision, believing in our outstanding Anaya Scholars, and sharing generously to help us fund our mission to bridge gaps and elevate the dreams of our brilliant Anaya Scholars. You mean the world to us. We look forward to seeing you again this fall at our gala—stay tuned for more details coming soon! If you have not added to your support for our scholars, please consider a gift of any size??: https://lnkd.in/eTBFmPqV #AnayaScholars #EveryScholarMatters #DonorsIgniteOurMission #Grateful