Three Surrey women earn $13,500 bursaries from CFUW, supporting their post-secondary education and inspiring future community leaders.
Surrey Women Celebrated for Academic Excellence
Three extraordinary young women from Surrey have earned bursaries totaling $13,500, thanks to the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) White Rock/Surrey chapter. Priyanka Dhesa, Farrah Rahiman, and Shawna Narayan were recognized for their commitment to education, healthcare, and community service.
Priyanka Dhesa: From Volunteer to Future Doctor
Priyanka Dhesa, the recipient of the 65th Anniversary Bursary Award, will begin her Doctor of Medicine program at UBC this year. Raised in Surrey, Dhesa has devoted herself to volunteering with organizations such as the Surrey Food Bank and the Canucks Autism Network. Her passion for tackling health inequities inspired her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University.
Farrah Rahiman: Advancing Nursing with Determination
Farrah Rahiman received the Mary Fran Bateman in Memoriam bursary, awarded in honor of a long-time CFUW member. After a decade as a Licensed Practical Nurse, Rahiman is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of the Fraser Valley. As a single mom, she hopes to secure a stable future for herself and her son while expanding her medical expertise.
Shawna Narayan: A Future Clinician-Scientist
Shawna Narayan, awarded the 1988 Executive Board Bursary, is a second-year UBC medical student from Frank Hurt Secondary. With over ten years of health research experience, Narayan aims to become a family doctor and clinician-scientist, improving healthcare access for marginalized communities.
Supporting Women Leaders in Education and Healthcare
The CFUW White Rock/Surrey chapter has been empowering women since 1959. Over $300,000 in bursaries has been awarded to local women pursuing post-secondary education. The organization supports women in Langley, Surrey, and White Rock, helping them achieve their educational goals while encouraging community leadership.
The latest recipients were introduced to CFUW members during a Strawberry Tea on Sept. 27 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in South Surrey. Funds for these bursaries are raised through community-driven events, including the upcoming Bridge Luncheon Fundraiser on Oct. 17 at St. Mark’s Anglican Church.
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