Honoring Our Graduates, Welcoming New Beginnings
Summer Celebration 2026
May 2026
On May 31, 2026, more than 55 people from the Anaya Village came together to celebrate an important milestone for our scholars. Surrounded by mentors, families, partners, and supporters, we honored our graduating scholars, welcomed our newest cohort, and reflected on the mission that guides Anaya Scholars. Since 2018, Anaya Scholars has supported over 64 scholars, and we are excited to welcome 18 new scholars into the program this year.
The Summer Celebration was a meaningful reminder of what can happen when students are supported by a dedicated community. We are grateful to everyone who attended and helped make the day special. Thank you to Monika Mitra, Darren Fabbri, and Julia Dyck for sharing reflections that encouraged our scholars as they begin their next chapters.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to Welcome Home for providing college gift baskets to our incoming scholars for the second consecutive year. Their contribution helps students begin this new chapter feeling welcomed and prepared.
One of the most memorable moments of the celebration was recognizing our graduating scholars. Graduates were presented with a special Anaya Scholars certificate honoring the persistence they demonstrated throughout their journeys. Many balanced demanding coursework with jobs, family responsibilities, and the challenges that often come with being first-generation college students. As they move into careers, graduate programs, and new opportunities, they will always have a place within the Anaya Village.
Thank you to our graduates, scholars, mentors, families, and donors for helping us carry forward Anaya's legacy.
Graduate Highlights
Katherine Torres graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College and earned recognition as both an Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholar and Wellesley Albright Fellow.
Esther Famous graduated with honors from the Honors College at UMass Boston and received the Bristol Myers Squibb Research Scholarship Award.
Deborah Adebanjo was accepted to Boston College Law School.
Kayla Soraia Monterio was selected to speak at the UMass Amherst Riccio School of Engineering commencement ceremony.
Minh Mai accepted a full-time position as a CBEX Associate at Citizens Bank.
Rolando Mendez will join Ernst & Young's Boston office as a Full-Time Audit Staff member and will begin taking his CPA exams this summer.
Sincerely,
Monica Kachru, Founder, Anaya Scholars
