Cantelme Scholars

About the Cantelme Scholarship

In 2019, Pat Cantelme partnered with Watts College to create a scholarship program to support ASU students and encourage participation in the Public Service Academy. Pat Cantelme Scholars are undergraduate students enrolled in the Next Generation Service Corps–Cross Sector Leadership Certificate program. Cantelme Scholars demonstrate a passion for local and international public service. Cantelme’s belief in the importance of studying abroad led to his desire to promote study abroad through this scholarship and provides funding support for students to engage in academic travel experiences. Through experience with travel and service, Mr. Cantelme hopes to inspire the Cantelme Scholars to “make a difference” in the world in a wide variety of ways. The program is currently supporting three cohorts of students with tuition assistance and study abroad funds.

lana Binde-Pereira

lana Binde-Pereira is studying Social Work at the Watts College and she is minoring in Spanish. She is originally from Phoenix, Arizona. lana became interested in sexual assault prevention since she was 16, and hopes to fight for legislation that mandates comprehensive sex education that focuses on affirmative consent in all schools. As a student, lana is involved in the undergraduate law society. She aspires to go to law school and get a Master's in social work. She is considering a career as a social worker or public defendant with DCS. Later she wants to run for office here in Arizona.

Canda "Candy" Blanco

Candy, is studying Biological Sciences at Arizona State University. Candy became interested in youth development and public health after enduring hardships as a child growing up. As an adult, she managed to build the courage to continue her education and become a physician. Candy has dedicated her time volunteering in the Boys and Girls club, church youth groups and has worked as a tutor to help children achieve academic success. Candy aspires to become an Ophthalmologist and use her story as an example to anyone doubting themselves.

Brittany Cao

Brittany Cao is a freshman studying Medical Studies in the College of Health Solutions. She is a native Phoenian grew up in Phoenix. Brittany became interested in providing healthcare services to impoverished communities when watching humanitarian effort videos in Vietnam as a kid and hopes to spread awareness on issues that involve poverty and health. As a student, Brittany volunteered at a COVID-19/heat relief shelter at St. Vincent de Paul. This past summer. She is considering a career as an ENT in the medical field and hopes to volunteer internationally.

Fatima Morales Ibarra

Fatima is a freshman studying Criminal justice and criminology in the Watts college and will be earning a certificate in leadership. She is originally from Phoenix, Arizona. Fatima became interested in the criminal system because she wants to help people and help the court system become justice with all people and hopes to one day become a justice on the Supreme Court. As a student, she is involved with the Scottsdale police cadets. Fátima hopes to become a probation officer for juveniles and then become a justice on the Supreme Court.

Yudidt Nonthe Sanchez

Yudidt Nonthe is a Junior majoring in Public Service and Public Policy (Law and Policy) at the Watts College. She is originally from Mesa, AZ and is a First Generation American. Yudidt is involved with the City of Mesa sitting on the Community Relations Committee. She has interned for ALIENTO, a non-profit in the Votes campaign. She loves to travel and meet people from all walks of life and aspires to become the First Latina Mayor of the City of Mesa. Yudidt was recently recognized by Senator Martha McSally with a Certificate of Special Recognition for Service Learning.

Virginia (Vicky) Ticay

Vicky is an incoming freshman studying Psychology. She has lived in Arizona her whole life. Being part of a mixed status family, Vicky has always felt the first hand struggles of an immigrant family. She began involving herself in advocate work her junior year of high school when the conversation around DACA had sparked again. She hopes to keep opening up the conversation towards in-state tuition for mixed status students and for immigration reform as well. She is considering a psychology career to facilitate low income families.

Efren Trejo Pantaleon

Efren is an incoming first year student studying Business Public Service & Public Policy at the W.P. Carey School of Business.He is originally from Mesa, Arizona and a first generation Mexican-American. Efren hopes to advocate for immigration reform. He has been drawn to this issue because he has grown up with immigration policies that made it hard for him and his family to live in America. Efren’s gravitation towards advocating for underrepresented groups of people leads him to hopefully pursuing a long term career in policy analysis or running for a seat in the House of Representatives.

Delaney Tunstall

Delaney is pursuing a bachelor's degree in political science. She is originally from Yuma, Arizona. Her senior year of high school solidified her interest in government, public policy, and activism. Delany hopes to strengthen her leadership skills by actively working toward solutions with her peers. She intends to continue her education after graduation by attending law school and building a career as a state prosecutor. Delaney hopes to one day hold a seat in the Arizona legislature, where she can work on policies that increase funding and resources for high-quality education, particularly for vulnerable children.

Eryl Mae Uyan

Eryl Mae Uyan is a freshman studying Biomedical Sciences. She is originally from Baguio City, Philippines and at the age of 6 immigrated to Phoenix, Arizona. After seeing how rural locations and health disparities affect the availability and level of care across several communities, she strives to learn how to tackle healthcare accessibility issues. She dedicates her time to volunteering with Hospice of the Valley as a Nursing Volunteer and recently received her CNA license. She is considering a career in medicine and particularly looking to serve rural communities. She plans to continue working with organizations that help people achieve better access to healthcare.

Gladys Herrera

Gladys Herrera is a student in W.P Carey school of business minoring in nonprofit leadership and management. She is originally from Yuma, Arizona. Gladys became interested in immigration laws and Chicano studies because she came from a small town in Mexico and has seen the education systems, lack of resources, and poverty and hopes to make a difference in the immigration laws. Gladys is involved in the NGSC Immigration mission team. She aspires to own a non-profit organization for the Latino community and develop a change in the immigration laws.

Celina Lopez

Celina is studying Global Management at ASU under the Thunderbird School of Global Management. She is originally from Sonora, Mexico. Celina became interested in Global Business because she was able to adapt and learn from a new culture when she moved to the United States and realized how fascinating it is to learn about the language and culture and hopes to one day work in a global environment in which she is able to utilize her bilingual skills and make a positive impact in her business career.

Hannah Mason

Hannah Mason is studying Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the Watts College at Arizona State University. She traveled to Kenya with Crutches4Africa to distribute mobility devices to victims of polio. While in Naivasha, Kenya she began her project Baking For Beds with Naivasha Girls School. She aspires to continue her journey while serving in the Peace Corps and then entering into the nonprofit sector advocating for youth without access to quality education. Hannah hopes to one day run for local office or work with nonprofits focused on educational opportunities for youth.

Avantika Mitbander

Avantika Mitbander is earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology is a student in Barrett the Honors College. She is also pursuing a concurrent major in Neuroscience, a minor in Spanish. She was born and raised in Chandler, Arizona. Over the past few years, Avantika has volunteered at the Dignity Health Hospital and has gained experience in personal patient care. Avantika hopes to attend medical school and become an OBGYN so she can initiate change in the healthcare industry and continue to make a positive impact in her community.

Brian Molina

Brian is studying Politics and the Economy and Computational Mathematical Science. As the son of two immigrant parents he is interested in immigration policy. He worked as an intern at Aliento last semester where he met with state legislators regarding a bill that would grant access to in-state tuition to all Arizona high school graduates regardless of immigration status. Brian is interested in lobbying for pro-immigration legislation, becoming an immigration attorney, or becoming a data analyst for NGO dedicated to helping immigrant communities.

Karigan Poulson

Karigan is a transfer student majoring in Health Sciences. Karigan served a mission for her church for 18 months in British Columbia, Canada where she taught individuals and families about Jesus Christ and participated in service projects. One day, Karigan hopes to take her training beyond borders to help those in struggling countries and neighborhoods around the world. As a student, Karigan is involved in NGSC, where she is a part of the Access to Healthcare mission team and is looking forward to many more opportunities throughout her time spent at ASU.

Clarissa Savel

Clarissa Savel is studying Sustainable Food Systems with a minor in Social Work and a student in Barrett the Honors College. She from Tucson, Arizona, where she grew up exploring and connecting with the biodiverse ecosystem that is the Sonoran Desert. Clarissa joined a local 4-H Healthy Living Club where she became passionate about food sovereignty. Clarissa worked as an AmeriCorps member for Tucson Village Farm where she taught virtual cooking classes. In addition, she is apart of the AZ Well Connected Communities committee, a collaborative effort between the Hopi Reservation and Pima County to educate the public on healthy living. She aspires to work as a FoodCorps service member.

Kylie Wetnight

Kylie is studying Business Global Politics and Computer Information Systems with a minor in Economics. With a thirst for knowledge and an addiction to learning, Kylie spends most of her free time learning about different cultures and advocating for cultural and global equality. She dedicates her time to meeting with individuals to learn about their cultural backgrounds and passions. Her passion for cultural knowledge will continue after graduation as she plans to become a diplomat or work in the international relations department for a private company.

Joseph Early

Joseph is an aspiring political consultant currently pursuing his bachelors in journalism and mass communication at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State. He is a member of Arizona State’s Barrett Honors College, and has also served on the Goodyear Youth Commission and Rep. Raul Grijalva’s Congressional Youth Advisory Council. After undergraduate studies, Joseph plans to pursue a Juris Doctor.

Arii Echols

Arii is an environmental engineer from Colorado. Growing up as diverse athlete in sports such as rock climbing, white water kayaking, and surfing he cultivated a profound love of nature which is why it is his mission to preserve it. Through the Next Generation Service Corps Arii hopes to accomplish progression towards a more sustainable earth so that future generations will be able to enjoy all the same wonders nature has to offer.

Ngaruiya Karikui

Ngaruiya “Gideon” Kariuki is a journalism major from Surprise, Arizona. When he is not working on school, he enjoys writing for fun, hiking, and watching a good movie. Gideon is passionate about the intersection of education and policy, civic engagement, and criminal justice. While in NGSC, he hopes to learn how to be an effective leader that can that can collaborate with different sectors to tackle whatever problem is placed before him.

Anna Kondaurov

Anna is a transfer student in the NGSC program. She is majoring in medical studies to become a PA. She has a passion for international health development, cultures, and travel. So far Anna has been able to visit over seven countries and hopes to travel to many more in the future! After finishing school, Anna’s dream is to work in a rural clinic partnering with communities in creating accessible, sustainable models of healthcare. - Graduated 2021

Alexandra Mora Medina

Alexandra Mora Medina. is a transfer student from Estrella Mountain Community College. Her major is Journalism and Mass Communication with a minor in Justice Studies and a certificate in Cross-Sector Leadership. After my undergrad she plans to attend graduate school to achieve her Master's in Investigative Journalism. Alexandra’s passions include advocating for marginalized communities, education and my family. - Graduated 2021

Ivan Quintana

Born and raised in a small town in Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua. He moved to the U.S. at the age of eighteen and attended Mesa Community College. Ivan served two terms with AmeriCorps through the Arizona Ready for College and Career Initiative. He is grateful for belonging to ASU and NGSC because they prioritize inclusion and promote a culture of students using their education to address issues in their community. Ivan is passionate about offering equitable education because of impact that it has had in his life. - Graduated 2021

Cecilia “Grace” Salas

Grace was born and raised in Queen Creek and is Nursing student. In high school she played club and varsity soccer for the men's and co-ed teams and served as captain. Soccer played a crucial role in building the person she is today and sparked an interest in advocating for gender equality. Grace loves being part of NGSC and looks forward to furthering her passion and working with her mission team throughout her time at ASU.

Breanna Smith

Breanna Smith is a transfer student from Estrella Mountain Community College. She is studying Tourism Development and Management with an emphasis in meetings and events. I am a member of the: Tourism Student Association, NGSC’s Events Committee, Phi Theta Kappa, and Watt’s College Council. Her passion for community development was discovered while working in the Student Union at EMCC. Her goal after college is to pursue a career in event management with an institution that gives back to the community and strives to increase livability of the city. - Graduated 2021

Bronson Soza

Bronson is a student in Barrett working towards his BA in Global Studies. He became interested in this area of study after his time abroad as a Phoenix Sister Cities Youth Ambassador in the city of Chengdu, China during the summer of 2017. He is a member of NSCS sustainability mission team with an interest in finding solutions to environmental injustice. Bronson was an intern with the Arizona Democratic Party and a member of the Students for Bernie 2020 Campus Corps; He believes that by working with these causes, he can help enact change in the community through the political process.

A Brief History of Pat Cantelme:

Pat's education includes St. Mary's High School, Phoenix College, Arizona State University and Harvard University's Trade Union Program. At the age of 18, he was hired as the youngest fire fighter and promoted as the youngest Fire Captain in the history of the Phoenix Fire Department at age 25. During his tenure, he was elected as President of United Phoenix Fire Fighters' Union serving for 20 years. He, along with Fire Chief Alan Brunacini was instrumental in the development and redefinition of the department with national implications including the Departments' Emergency Medical, Paramedic and Emergency Ambulance Systems. He also negotiated the first ten Fire Union contracts with the City of Phoenix. Cantelme retired from the Phoenix Fire Department after 30 years in January, 1999.

During Pat's tenure as Fire Fighters' Union President he was the catalyst for changing City of Phoenix politics. In 1982 Cantelme, along with Terry Goddard, Jim Weeks and many others successfully campaigned to change City Government from an at-large system of electing City Council members to a District System which mandated that council members be elected from geographic districts the same as legislative and congressional representatives. In 1984 Goddard, Weeks and Cantelme teamed up again, along with others to create CASS (Central Arizona Shelter Services) the City's homeless shelter. Pat was instrumental in the design and successful election creating the City's Light Rail system.

Between 2000 and 2007, Mr. Cantelme continued his public service and became a founding partner/owner and CEO of Medic West Ambulance, providing emergency and general transport ambulance service in Nevada. He was also an owner and served as CEO of Professional Medical Transport Ambulance (PMT) Company's 911 Emergency Ambulance Service serving more than 700,000 Arizona citizens. Pat currently specializes in the restoration and development of historic buildings in downtown Phoenix including the Van Buren concert venue and Welnick Marketplace which is home to State 48 Brewery.

Mr. Cantelme is founder, President and Chairman of the Board of the CDH (Cantelme, DeRoon and Henderson) Charitable Foundation and his immense community involvement includes: former Board of Directors of Valley of the Sun United Way, former Chairman of City of Phoenix Planning Commission, former President of Central Arizona Labor Council, former Chairman of Public Safety Retirement System of Arizona, and former member of Governor's Groundwater Task Force.

Support

Support the Pastor Center