Congratulations to the 2026 EmBrase Scholars!

Each student selected has shown inspiring dedication to their education and community. We're proud of their achievements and excited to see what they accomplish next.

Dalilah Canche

Attending: UC Davis
Major: Communications
Career Plan: Public Relations/MediaI
“...I hope there will be others out there who are inspired by this future of mine and will continue to carry out this legacy and help more families in need.”
Damian Diego

Attending: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Major: Medical and Health Sciences
Career Plan: Physician or Surgeon
“I plan to pursue a career in the medical field as a physician or surgeon…The legacy I hope to create is one where I serve as a starting point, encouraging others like me to follow and realize their own potential.”
Monicharyss Estrada

Attending: UC Santa Cruz
Major: Education
Career Plan: Psychiatric Social Worker
“I want to be the person who can step in and provide culturally responsive care and advocate for the critical mental health support that my community needs. I want to ensure people have a hand to hold onto during times of uncertainty when they are at the brink of letting themselves go.”
Valerie Gomez

Attending: Cal State Los Angeles
Major: Nursing
Career Plan: Nursing
“In healthcare, I will be responsible for helping patients understand their
conditions and feel supported during difficult times… The legacy I hope to create is one of kindness, support, and positive impact. I want to be someone who helps others feel capable, understood, and cared for.”
Evelyn Gonzalez Ortega

Attending: UC Santa Cruz
Major: undecided
Career Plan: undeclared
“I want to use my voice to advocate for the people within my community, creating the
space I wish I had in 8th grade to be true to my identity, and allow them to spread their wings as far as they can go when it comes to flying into acceptance from others.”
Nathan Prado

Attending: UC Santa Barbara
Major: undecided
Career Plan: undeclared
“I'm not going to let all those sacrifices my mom made for us be for nothing. I'm going to set up a good life for myself and my family doing what I love. I want to be just like my mom, giving my kids a childhood where they don't have a worry in the world.”
Emily Revelo

Attending: Cal State Long Beach
Major: undecided
Career Plan: Fashion Designer
My dream is to leave a mark not only through my fashion designs but also through the hope and strength I inspire in others.”
Allisson Zaragoza

Attending: UC Riverside
Major: undecided
Career Plan: Health Care Worker
“I hope my legacy will be one of compassion, clarity, and empowering others to
navigate the healthcare system with confidence.”

View all EmBrase Scholars

Honoring a Legacy, Inspiring Future Leaders

The EmBrase Foundation was created to honor the memory and legacy of Jose “Jojo" Estrada Jr. As a 501[c]3 nonprofit organization, we are committed to uplifting underserved youth across Los Angeles through arts programs, educational support, and scholarship opportunities that inspire creativity, confidence, and leadership.

Join us in creating meaningful change and empowering the next generation—one child, one opportunity, and one community at a time.

Learn more