Spotlight on Scholarship Winner Paula Omokhomion

A Vision Shaped by Experience

Paula grew up in Nigeria, where she witnessed firsthand how the absence of strong social-welfare systems can leave vulnerable communities without a lifeline. Those early observations ignited her passion for public-policy reform and crystallized her career goal: to design, fund, and evaluate programs that deliver resources efficiently to those who need them most.

Now pursuing a Masters in Public Policy, Paula is building the analytical and advocacy skills required to turn data into action. She wants to focus on low-income countries, ensuring that every grant dollar and tax contribution reaches its intended beneficiaries—helping people thrive rather than merely survive.

Why Paula Stood Out

In her video submission, Paula spoke with a quiet confidence that blended purpose and pragmatism:

• Commitment to Service: She emphasized that true public policy is measured not by spreadsheets but by lived impact.
• Strategic Mindset: Paula outlined a step-by-step plan to track program outcomes and redirect funds when services miss the mark.
• Community First: She highlighted an upcoming, unpaid placement with a nonprofit where she will learn grant writing, fundraising, and policy-advocacy communication—skills that will multiply her future impact.

Paula’s clarity of vision, coupled with her readiness to roll up her sleeves in an unpaid role, perfectly embodies the values our scholarship celebrates: determination, community focus, and a drive to improve lives.

How the Scholarship Helps

The $1,000 award will offset Paula’s living expenses while she completes her nonprofit fellowship, allowing her to devote full energy to mastering grant-writing and policy-analysis techniques without financial strain. In her words, “Winning the Pond Lehocky Scholarship means that I am one step closer to developing myself to become a better person and help create a better world. It is a support that enables me to reach out for activities and opportunities that I would never have dared reach out for before.”

About Pond Lehocky Giordano’s 25 Days of Scholarships

Launched in 2025, the 25 Days of Scholarships program is a nationwide initiative awarding 25 students each with a $1,000 scholarship. Open to students attending two-year colleges, four-year universities, trade schools, or other accredited programs, the campaign aims to help reduce financial barriers so that recipients can focus on what matters most: their education and their future.

Each day throughout the month, we will spotlight one deserving recipient on our website and social media channels. These students are not only academically capable but also driven by purpose, community spirit, and a desire to serve others – just like Paula.

Applications for our 2025 scholarship campaign are still open! Want to be featured next? Submit your application and tell us your story before June 15, 2025.

For more information about the 25 Days of Scholarships, including eligibility requirements, application instructions, and resources for educational administrators, visit our dedicated page at this link. For questions, reach out to our scholarship team at scholarship@pondlehocky.com.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders

From championing injured workers to supporting rising changemakers like Paula, Pond Lehocky Giordano believes progress starts with empowerment. Paula’s journey reminds us that when talented individuals receive the resources they need, entire communities benefit.

We are honored to play a small part in Paula’s story and can’t wait to see the policies she shapes in the years ahead. Congratulations, Paula Omokhomion – your commitment to equitable, effective public programs inspires us all.

Stay tuned as we introduce more outstanding scholars throughout the month and continue celebrating the future they are building.