We would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to the recipients of our first-ever Community Scholarship: Raka Sarker, Ishrat Islam, and Jenny Lin! This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to initiatives that support AANHPI women.
This scholarship was created to recognize not only academic excellence, but also resilience, community spirit, and leadership potential. Each winner embodies our mission to uplift the next generation of AANHPI leaders while building bridges of mentorship and support.
Meet the winners! In no particular order:
Raka Sarker - Skidmore College
Raka is a Biology major at Skidmore College. Outside of academics, she enjoys volunteering, roller skating, performing in religious plays, and playing instruments such as the sitar, tambourine, and harmonium. She also grew up singing Bengali and Hindi songs in live shows and on television, primarily on TBN24. As a Bengali immigrant raised in a single-mother household in New York City, financial hardships were a constant part of her upbringing. Whether it meant saving coins for bus fare or stretching meals, every dollar mattered. This scholarship makes a meaningful difference for her and her family, allowing her to continue pursuing my education and passions without added financial strain.
Ishrat Islam - Barnard College
Ishrat will be attending Barnard College, where she plans to major in Neuroscience and Behavior with a minor in Feminist/International Science and Technology Studies. She aims to bridge the gap between modern and traditional medicine in underdeveloped countries. Committed to advocacy, she seeks to empower Muslim and South Asian women in her community and beyond. Ishrat aspires to create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued, regardless of race, class, or gender.
Jenny Lin - CUNY Baruch College
Jenny Lin is a student studying Computer Information Systems at Baruch College. She is passionate about technology and data analytics and hopes to pursue a career where she can use data-driven solutions to solve real-world problems. In her free time, she enjoys solo traveling and is currently exploring Thailand.
A note from the Board of Directors:
Patina Network is committed to breaking down barriers for AANHPI students and future leaders, and uplifting their stories. All of the applicants submitted riveting stories, and reading them reminds us why we do the work we do. To all our applicants, and to those who did not apply but have a story of resilience in your heart, please know that you are an inspiration to us all.
We want to extend a sincere thank you to all of our supporters, community, and especially donors that believe in our mission and helped to make this happen. Our small scholarship is about more than just money, it is providing students with more freedom to spend time with their families, communities, and enjoying their college lives to the fullest.
If you want to get involved with our community or help support next year's scholarship, learn how to get involved here!
Congratulations again to all of the 2025 Patina Network Community Scholarship winners!
