Scholarship supports Five Outstanding Young Women Pursuing STEM Careers

MCLEAN, Va., July 1, 2025 – The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), the region’s premier trade association representing the technology community, proudly announces the five recipients of the 2025 NVTC Foundation Kilberg Scholarship. Now in its fifth year, the scholarship fund was established in 2021 at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA) to support young women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Each recipient will receive a $5,000 award to support their higher education journey in STEM disciplines.

“Congratulations to the 2025 Kilberg Scholarship recipients,” said Jennifer Taylor, President and CEO of NVTC. “This scholarship represents NVTC’s commitment to nurturing a robust pipeline of emerging talent and championing women who are poised to lead in STEM fields. Supporting these young women isn’t just an investment in individual futures — it’s strategically important to help build an inclusive, innovative workforce that drives Northern Virginia’s continued economic growth.”

The 2025 Kilberg Scholarship Recipients:

  • Mena Ahmed – Graduate of Centreville High School; attending George Mason University
  • Uma Foster – Graduate of Battlefield High School; attending University of Pittsburgh
  • Amy Fernandez Garcia – Graduate of Falls Church High School; attending George Mason University
  • Raneem Hammouda – Graduate of Gar-Field High School; attending Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Ana Rivera Martinez – Graduate of Tuscarora High School; attending Virginia Tech

The NVTC Foundation Kilberg Scholarship Fund honors retired NVTC President and CEO Bobbie Kilberg’sspirit of community service in theNorthern Virginiatechnology community. Scholarships are awarded annually to high school seniors or high school graduates pursuing post-secondary education or certification training in STEM-related fields. Selection criteria include demonstrated financial need, residency, and a clear commitment to a STEM-focused academic path. Applications are reviewed by a volunteer committee to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.

“These extraordinary young women reflect the promise of tomorrow’s workforce,” said Bobbie Kilberg. “Their academic drive and commitment to service exemplify the spirit of this scholarship. I am truly inspired by their dedication to both personal growth and the betterment of their communities.”

The Community Foundation forNorthern Virginia, a public charity that fosters regional philanthropy and social impact, manages the scholarship fund on behalf of the NVTC Foundation.

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Contact
Jennifer Taylor
Northern Virginia Technology Council Foundation (NVTCF)
jtaylor@nvtc.org

About the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC)
NVTC is the trade association representing the Northern Virginia technology community. As one of the nation’s largest technology councils, NVTC serves companies from all sectors of the industry, from small businesses and startups to Fortune 100 technology companies, government contractors, as well as service providers, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations. More than 500 members look to the organization as a resource for networking and educational opportunities, peer-to-peer communities, policy advocacy, industry promotion, fostering of strategic relationships, and branding of the region as a major global technology center. Learn more at www.nvtc.org. 

About the NVTC Foundation (NVTCF)
The NVTC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, empowers and connects populations traditionally underrepresented in the technology industry to educational and employment opportunities with technology careers in Northern Virginia. The Foundation supports programs that connect women and communities traditionally underrepresented in the tech industry to in-demand tech careers. Learn more at https://www.nvtc.org/nvtc-foundation/

About the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA)
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is building a region that works for everyone by advancing equity through philanthropy and community leadership. Since 1978, it has united thousands of generous Northern Virginians with the causes they care about through donor-advised funds, permanent funds, giving circles, and charitable endowments. The Foundation cultivates enduring partnerships with nonprofits, foundations, government, businesses, and community members to maximize impact and drive meaningful change.

ThroughInsight Region®, its center for community research, the Community Foundation delivers data-driven insights that reveal the trends and issues shaping Northern Virginia’s future. It proudly serves all Northern Virginians in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties, as well as the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park.