Since 1996, the Legacy of Heroines program has provided a number of scholarships to outstanding students who seek involvement in and knowledge about the political process and public service. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and leadership experience as well as specific criteria determined by donors. Students selected receive a one-time scholarship that is split between the fall and spring semesters. Previous scholars are able to renew scholarships if funds are available and they continue to fulfill the criteria set.
Legacy of Heroines scholars are offered a variety of opportunities including trips to the state Capitol, dinners with guest speakers, campus activities and workshops as well as leadership development programs and mentoring through the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics. Scholars also are given the special opportunity to meet with their donor(s).
The 2017-18 Legacy of Heroines scholars are:
Ihssan Ait BoucherbilIhssan Ait Boucherbil is a junior studying chemistry with a minor in political science. A native of Plainfield, Illinois, she is the recipient of the Helen Jensen Howe Legacy of Heroines scholarship for women in science, which is supported by Helen Jensen Howe of Muscatine, Iowa. Ait Boucherbil is involved on campus as a chemistry peer tutor and community adviser. She volunteers by helping to clean Iowa State’s campus each year before school begins. Ait Boucherbil was selected for the 2017-2018 cohort of the Vermeer International Leadership Program and was awarded the George E. Felton endowed scholarship. Her favorite Iowa State memory is welcoming the class of 2020 during her experience serving as a Cyclone Aide.
Mary AntonMary Anton, from Cedar Falls, Iowa, is a junior majoring in math with a minor in learning technologies. She is the recipient of the Beth Bierbaum Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by Beth Bierbaum of Wellesley, Massachusetts. Anton is involved in an orchestra at Iowa State and is a math tutor. She has volunteer experience cleaning Jack Trice Stadium after home football games. Anton was ranked in the top two percent of the Iowa State sophomore class and has served in two internships with the accounting department at John Deere. Her favorite Iowa State memory is joining the orchestra.
Martha BroadnaxMartha Broadnax, from Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a sophomore studying political science. She is the recipient of the Political Science Alumni Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by Bill and Nancy Haigh of Fairmont, Minnesota; Dwight Ink and Dona Wolf of Leesburg, Virginia; Maureen Roach Tobin and Terrence Tobin of Clive, Iowa; and Sharon Haselhoff of Larchwood, Iowa. Broadnax is president of the Oak-Elm Residence Hall and is an Inter-Residence Hall Association representative. She is a member of the Political Science Club and the Model European Union team. Broadnax volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, Overflow Thrift Store and the Emergency Residence Project. She has been named to the dean’s list multiple semesters and is also a George Washington Carver scholar. Broadnax served as an intern with the Minnesota House of Representatives. Her favorite Iowa State memory is traveling with the Model EU team to Indiana to compete against other institutions and placing third in the competition.
BriAna CampbellBriAna Campbell is a senior majoring in journalism and mass communication with minors in communication studies and political science from Emmetsburg, Iowa. This is Campbell’s second year as the recipient of the Elverna Christian Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by Darleane Hoffman of Oakland, California. She is a member of Sigma Kappa sorority and Advocates for Alzheimer’s. Campbell is the general manager of ISUtv. She has volunteered for Relay for Life, Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the Special Olympics polar bear plunge. Her favorite Iowa State memory is attending basketball games at Hilton Coliseum, because there is nothing like “Hilton Magic.” She has been named multiple semesters to the dean’s list. Campbell, who has interned at KCAU9 in Sioux City and KCCI 8 News in Des Moines, will graduate in December.
Vivian CookVivian Cook, from Prescott, Arizona, is a senior studying performing arts and French. This is Cook’s third year as the recipient of the Lauri K. and James R. Young Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by Lauri and James Young of Cedar Falls, Iowa. She is involved in Iowa State Theatre, having served in various roles as a student representative, director, actor, assistant stage manager, painter, spotlight operator and house manager. She is a member of the Iowa State Cantamus choir, the French Club and Grandma Mojo’s Moonshine Revival improvisation troupe. She participates in One Day Plays, Climate Change Theatre Action 2017 and the Story Theater Co. (the Ames’ children’s theater) and is the Focal Theatre lab co-artistic director and co-producer of the New Script Series. She is involved with the University Honors Program and the Pi Delta Phi national French honor society and has been named to the dean’s list multiple semesters. Her experiences includes a research internship with History Matters/Back to the Future and serving as assistant director for “The Secret Garden.” Her favorite Iowa State memories include rehearsing and performing in “The Tempest” and One Day Plays.
Jessica EnwesiJessica Enwesi is a senior majoring in journalism and mass communication and political science from Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is the recipient of the Carrie Chapman Catt Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by various donors to the Catt Center’s general scholarship fund. She is studying abroad this semester in Cape Town, South Africa, where she volunteers as a production editor and teacher for Cape Town TV. Enwesi served as editor-in-chief of SIR magazine and as a political reporter for the Iowa State Daily. She is currently an ambassador and peer mentor for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Enwesi has been named to the dean’s list for multiple semesters and has previous internship experience with Weber Shandwick, a public relations firm, as a production intern. Her favorite Iowa State memory is seeing students hosting rallies to bring attention to real social issues affecting students at Iowa State and around the world. Enwesi is grateful for the people she has met and the opportunities she has experienced at Iowa State.
Natalie ErichsenNatalie Erichsen, from Chaska, Minnesota, is the recipient of the Helen Jensen Howe Legacy of Heroines scholarship for women in science, which is supported by Helen Jensen Howe of Muscatine, Iowa. Erichsen, a sophomore majoring in chemistry, is a member of Women in Science and Engineering and Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. She volunteers for the Arthritis Foundation in affiliation with her sorority and has helped host events to raise thousands of dollars for the foundation. Her favorite Iowa State memory has been participating in research for Iowa State last year. The research provided an opportunity to work in a lab on campus with a graduate student, and she learned more about how research is conducted in a lab. She appreciated this experience because she plans to use her chemistry degree for lab research.
Sarah GardnerSarah Gardner is a sophomore in hospitality management and political science from Bakersfield, California. She is the recipient of the Maxine M. Burch Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by a gift from Burch’s estate. Gardner is active in her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. She was involved with her high school Future Farmers of America chapter and hopes to one day lobby for the agriculture industry and women in agriculture.
Samantha HestonSamantha Heston, from Liberty, Missouri, is the recipient of the Katherine Bruntlett Annin Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, which is supported by Annin’s estate. Heston is majoring in kinesiology with a minor in leadership studies. She is involved in Kappa Delta sorority and the SALT Company; is a Student Admissions Representative, a Greek community ambassador and a Best Buddy; and is a member of the Pre-Occupational Therapy Club. Heston also serves as a peer mentor for the Leadership Studies Program. She volunteers with Friendship Ark Homes, Iowa Lutheran Services, the Occupational Therapy Rehab Clinic, Beloit Resident Housing and local Girl Scout chapters. Heston has been named to the dean’s list for multiple semesters and has experience interning at Ability Kansas City Rehabilitation in Kansas City, Missouri. Her favorite Iowa State memory is Homecoming because she loves the atmosphere and the traditions.
Amber KleinAmber Klein is a junior majoring in financial planning and communication studies with a certificate in leadership studies. She is the recipient of the Katherine Bruntlett Annin Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by Annin’s estate. She is a Student Admissions Representative and the sophomore adviser and teaching assistant for the Iowa State President’s Leadership Class. Klein is also on the Iowa State PrISUm Solar Car team and is involved with the University Honors Program. Her favorite Iowa State memory is eating pancakes on central campus during Destination Iowa State and Homecoming. She volunteers with the American Red Cross blood drives, Food at First and St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ames. She has been named to the dean’s list for multiple semesters and was inducted into the Cardinal Key honor society.
Sierra LeedsSierra Leeds, a senior in marketing and speech communication from Boone, Iowa, is the Joanne and Charles Kuster Legacy of Heroines scholar, which is supported by Joanne and Charles Kuster of Johnston, Iowa. She is involved with Business Council, Dance Marathon and the Collegiate Panhellenic Council Judicial Board. She has volunteer experience with the National Governor’s Association, Meals for the Heartland, Hope Ministries and the Family English Camp in Poland. She has been named to the dean’s list multiple semesters and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma honor societies. She has served as an intern for the Iowa Legislature, where she conducted research for the Natural Resource Committee. Leeds’ favorite Iowa State memory is participating in the Homecoming activities.
Mica MagtotoMica Magtoto is from Ames, Iowa, and is a senior majoring in nutritional science, international agriculture and Spanish. She was a member of the Vermeer International Leadership Program’s 2016-2017 cohort and is studying abroad this year in Brazil. This is Magoto’s third year as a recipient of the Helen Jensen Howe Legacy of Heroines scholarship for women in science, which is supported by Helen Jensen Howe of Muscatine, Iowa. Magtoto is a member of AmeriCorps through ISU Extension and Outreach and volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club of Ames. She plans to pursue a master’s degree while working with the Peace Corps or an internship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service Agency. Magtoto hopes to become an international aid worker in the field of development and nutrition education.
Sarah MeischSarah Meisch, from Kansas City, Missouri, is a sophomore majoring in political science and international studies. She is the recipient of the Carrie Chapman Catt Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, which is supported by various donors to the Catt Center’s general scholarship fund. Meisch is a member of the Political Science Club and serves as a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences ambassador. She has been named to the dean’s list multiple semesters and is a Cardinal Leadership Scholar Award recipient. Her favorite Iowa State memory is bonding with the residents on her residence hall floor during her first week at Iowa State.
Mckenzie MeradithMckenzie Meradith is a sophomore majoring in elementary education from Omaha, Nebraska. She is the recipient of the Meylor Family Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by former Legacy of Heroines scholar Sharon Haselhoff of Larchwood, Iowa. Meradith is a member of Chi Omega women’s fraternity and participates in the philanthropies her chapter hosts to raise money for the Liz Kirke Foundation and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Her involvement with the Mentoring and Volunteering Students Club gives her the opportunity to raise funds for Youth and Shelter Services of Iowa. Meradith also works for the Ames Community Preschool Center as a teaching assistant at a local elementary school. She has been named to the dean’s list, and her favorite Iowa State memory is making new friends and connections.
Sarah MoodySarah Moody, from Collins, Iowa, is the recipient of the Maxine Burch Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, which is supported by a gift from the Burch estate. Moody is a sophomore majoring in political science and international studies. She is involved with Freshmen Council, Student Government and the Political Science Club. She has been named to the dean’s list multiple semesters and served as a Cyclone Aide. Her favorite Iowa State memory is her first day of class as a first-year student when she sat in her first political science class and felt an immediate sense of belonging to Iowa State. She knew she made the right decision in coming to Iowa State and majoring in political science.
Sivani ParsaSivani Parsa, from Des Moines, Iowa, is a senior studying genetics. She is the recipient of the Phyllis Davis Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, which is supported by multiple donors in memory of Davis. She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and the Pre-Med Club and was selected for the 2016-2017 cohort of the Vermeer International Leadership Program. She volunteers as a judge and coach for the Ames High School speech and debate team. Parsa also serves as an emergency department medical scribe, where she documents patients’ emergency visits at the Unity Point hospitals in Des Moines. She has been named to the dean’s list each semester, received the highest GPA award from the genetics department for three semesters and is a George Washington Carver scholar. Her favorite Iowa State memory is ice-skating at the Ames/Iowa State ice arena.
Jennifer PonceletJennifer Poncelet, a senior majoring in kinesiology and health with minors in psychology and biology, is a four-time recipient of the Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian R. Binger Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian Binger of Ames, Iowa. She is involved with the University Honors Program; sits on the Iowa State Daily Media Group Board of Directors; and is a research assistant in the Physical Activity Epidemiology Lab, where she completed her honors capstone project. She gives back to her hometown of Spirit Lake, Iowa, as an emergency room and imaging department volunteer. She has been named to the dean’s list multiple semesters and is a member of the Mortar Board national honor society and Cardinal Key honor society. Poncelet had the opportunity to present her physical activity research poster at the state Capitol in the spring of 2017. Her favorite Iowa State memory is being a part of the First-Year Honors Program as a co-leader for a freshman seminar and then as an undergraduate assistant.
Montserrat Ponce-ParraMontserrat Ponce-Parra, from Mexico City, Mexico, is the recipient of the Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian R. Binger Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian Binger of Ames, Iowa. Ponce-Parra is a sophomore majoring in economics and math. She is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and has served as a Destination Iowa State leader. Ponce-Parra enjoys volunteering with the Habitat of Humanity in Des Moines, where she paints houses.
Emily RammEmily Ramm is a senior majoring in elementary education with endorsements in English, language arts and reading from Onawa, Iowa. She is also pursuing a certificate in leadership studies and a minor in child, adult and family services. This is Ramm’s second year as a Rice-Neville Legacy of Heroines scholar, which is funded by Dianne and Keith Bystrom of Ames, Iowa. Ramm is involved on campus and in the Ames community. She is a Student Admissions Representative, a member of the Human Development and Family Studies Club, a Destination Iowa State leader and co-founder of the Leadership Studies Club. Ramm volunteers at Food at First, the Bickford Senior Center, the Scholastic Book Fair, Days for Girls, Goodwill, Family Fest and Central Elementary School in Nevada, Iowa. She also teaches faith formation classes at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ames. Ramm is beginning her fifth semester as the intern for the Vermeer International Leadership Program. Her favorite Iowa State memory is attending Iowa State football games with her friends.
Elizabeth SettlesElizabeth Settles, from Ames, Iowa, is the recipient of the Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian R. Binger Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, which is supported by Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian Binger of Ames, Iowa. Settles is majoring in communication studies and earning a certificate in leadership studies. Active on campus, she is a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma national sorority and has volunteered as a student ambassador for the People to People Career Fair. She was the digital captain for Cyclones for Hillary during the 2016 presidential election. Settles participated in the Global Leadership Study Abroad trip to Sweden in summer 2017, where she had the opportunity to earn class credit and meet her extended family. Her favorite Iowa State memory is meeting feminist icon Gloria Steinem in Stephens Auditorium when she gave a public presentation at the university in fall 2016.
Zoey ShipleyZoey Shipley is a junior majoring in political science with minors in history and sociology. This is Shipley’s second year as the recipient of the Jane Greimann Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by Lowell Greimann of Ames, Iowa. Shipley, a native of Dayton, Iowa, is involved with Student Government, is an Andrew Goodman Foundation ambassador, and works in the Office of Admissions. She traveled to Cloudland Canyon in Georgia to participate in the Alternative Spring Break program and is a member of the political science honor society. Shipley served as an intern with the National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. last year. Her favorite Iowa State memory is being selected to participate in the Student Conference on U.S. Affairs at the West Point Military Academy.
Olivia SkwerskiOlivia Skwerski, from Arlington Heights, Illinois, is a sophomore majoring in civil engineering with a minor in leadership studies. She is the recipient of the Elverna Christian Legacy of Heroines scholar, which is supported by Darleane Hoffman of Oakland, California. Skwerski is a member of the Society of Women Engineers, Alpha Phi Omega and the University Honors Program. She is also a violinist in the Iowa State Symphony Orchestra. Skwerski has volunteered with Merit Badge University, Girl Scouts and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Her favorite Iowa State memory is performing with the orchestra.
Jazlyn TalleyJazlyn Talley is a sophomore majoring in political science and environmental studies with a minor in public relations from West Des Moines, Iowa. She is the recipient of the Phyllis Davis Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by multiple donors in memory of Davis. She is involved in her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi, and SIR magazine. Talley volunteers with the Story County Humane Society, Alpha Omicron Pi Run for the Roses philanthropy event and the Animal Rescue League. She also mentors students at an elementary school. She appreciates the positive impact Iowa State has had on her life.
Alli WeaverAlli Weaver, from Hudson, Iowa, is the recipient of the Haselhoff Family Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by former Legacy of Heroines scholar Sharon Haselhoff of Larchwood, Iowa. Weaver, a sophomore majoring in political science and journalism and mass communication, is involved with the Conservation Club and the Political Science Club. She is also a reporter and photographer for the Iowa State Daily. Weaver has been named to the dean’s list and interned for the Clear Lake Mirror newspaper in 2017 as a reporter.
Cody WoodruffCody Woodruff, a sophomore majoring in political science with a minor in speech communication, is the recipient of the Rice-Neville Legacy of Heroines scholarship, which is supported by Dianne and Keith Bystrom of Ames, Iowa. Woodruff, a native of Carlisle, Iowa, is running for the Carlisle School Board. He currently serves as the vice speaker and is a legislative ambassador for Iowa State’s Student Government. Woodruff is involved with Cyclones for Boulton and enjoys volunteering to register new voters when he has the chance. His favorite memory at Iowa State so far is making new friends.
