MESA USA

Ever had a group of people who just get you? That’s what MESA was for Brenda Obonyo—and it changed everything. As a MESA student, Brenda found the support and encouragement she needed to dive into STEM. That sense of belonging carried her through Edmonds College and the University of Washington, where she earned top honors in technology, mentorship, and social impact. But her journey wasn’t always easy. Just months before graduation, Brenda faced a major health challenge requiring open-heart surgery. With the support of her closest friends and family, she refused to give up—crossing the stage and earning her degree. Now, she’s paying it forward. Brenda founded Breaking Barriers Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting students in STEM and nursing through mentorship and scholarships. Brenda’s story is one of 10 featured in the MESA USA Impact Story series, celebrating MESA alumni who continue to uplift others. ?? Read her full story & see how MESA continues to create opportunities for students like Brenda! https://lnkd.in/gfMhXSdA ?? MESA alumni—how did this community support your journey? We would love to hear your story! #MESAUSA #MESAAlumni #MentorshipMatters #FirstGenSuccess #STEMLeadership

Ever had a group of people who just get you? That’s what MESA was for Brenda Obonyo—and it changed everything. As a MESA student, Brenda found the support and encouragement she needed to dive into STEM. That sense of belonging carried her through Edmonds College and the University of Washington, where she earned top honors in technology, mentorship, and social impact. But her journey wasn’t always easy. Just months before graduation, Brenda faced a major health challenge requiring open-heart surgery. With the support of her closest friends and family, she refused to give up—crossing the stage and earning her degree. Now, she’s paying it forward. Brenda founded Breaking Barriers Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting students in STEM and nursing through mentorship and scholarships. Brenda’s story is one of 10 featured in the MESA USA Impact Story series, celebrating MESA alumni who continue to uplift others. ?? Read her full story & see how MESA continues to create opportunities for students like Brenda! https://lnkd.in/gfMhXSdA ?? MESA alumni—how did this community support your journey? We would love to hear your story! #MESAUSA #MESAAlumni #MentorshipMatters #FirstGenSuccess #STEMLeadership

This video highlights the transformative power of MESA—straight from the voices of our students! Listen to their inspiring stories about how MESA has opened doors, built confidence, and paved the way for a brighter future in STEM. ??? We couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing community that makes it all possible. ?? Watch now and let us know what you think!

This Giving Tuesday, Empower Young STEM Leaders! Students like Nadira, a member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation, are working toward their dreams of becoming engineers, scientists, and advocates. With your support, we can make those dreams a reality. Here’s how your gift can help: $23 creates posters celebrating diversity in STEM. $53 provides housing for an overnight competition. $100 buys supplies for hands-on STEM projects. $250 supports a teacher-advisor for a month. Donate at mesausa.org/donate Can’t donate? Share this post to inspire more future STEM leaders. Thank you for supporting students like Nadira. Together, we can build a brighter future! Read Nadira’s story here: https://lnkd.in/gqAP2AgR