2025 MLFP Scholarship Winners
In 2025, The MLFP diversity scholarship was open to students in academic good standing enrolled in their second year of the Master of Legal and Forensic Psychology Program and covered the students' tuition for spring quarter 2025. Applicants were either a member of a historically underrepresented group in higher education (African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or Hispanic-American), a first-generation college student, and/or had a history of overcoming a significant disadvantage. Three awards were given for spring 2025.
Angel Otamendi
Angel is a first-generation college student, graduating in 2023 (Cum Laude) from California State University, Fullerton, with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Psychology. While an undergraduate student, Angel worked as a Community Service Officer for his University’s Police Department. Angel now works as a non-sworn Campus Safety Specialist for California State University, Fullerton’s Police Department. In this role, he responds to non-emergency/life threatening calls for service and also works with the Mobile Crisis Team where he responds to mental health crises. Through his professional experience and the knowledge, he has gained in the MLFP program, Angel has deepened his understanding of the importance of empathy and culturally responsive practices in public safety. After graduating with his Master’s Degree in Legal and Forensic Psychology, Angel would like to pursue a career in law enforcement, and improve the image of police, especially among underrepresented communities. Angel hopes to inspire others to pursue a degree in higher education and a career in law enforcement where diversity and representation is essential.
Abigail Rosales
Abigail is a first-generation college student, graduating in 2023 (Cum Laude) from University of California, Santa Cruz, with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Legal Studies. Abigail worked as a Prevention Education Intern as an undergraduate for U.C. Santa Cruz’ Center for Advocacy, Resources and Education, where she was responsible for conducting trainings that address sexual violence, stalking and relationship violence. Abigail currently works as mental health worker and medication coordinator at the John Henry Foundation, a non-profit organization that serves adults living with schizophrenia. Abigail is also a Research Assistant with Dr. Elizabeth Cauffman’s Development, Disorder and Delinquency (3D) Lab, where she participates in research including conducting interviews with justice-involved youth in the community. After completing her Master’s degree in Legal and Forensic Psychology, Abigail would like to work for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a Correctional Program Technician, and eventually a Correctional Counselor. Abigail believes the MLFP program prepared her for this role, and would allow her to incorporate research-based interventions to assist those who are impacted by the justice system.
Carmen Santos
Carmen is a first-generation college student, graduating in 2023 (with honors) from California State University, Dominguez Hills, with a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration. Balancing working full-time while being an undergraduate student was not easy, but Carmen managed to main her high GPA at California State University, Dominguez Hills, while being President of the Criminal Justice Honor Society, Alpha Phi Sigma. Carmen currently works for a non-profit mental health agency that helps connect families, children and individuals to the mental health resources they may need. After graduating with her Master’s degree in Legal and Forensic Psychology, Carmen would like to obtain a job working with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, specifically working at a correctional facility. Carmen would like to work with incarcerated individuals, creating individualized intervention plans targeted at reducing recidivism. Carmen’s long-term goal is to continue her education and become a forensic psychologist, specializing in providing mental health services to justice involved individuals.
2024 MLFP Scholarship Winners
- Carly Kajiwara
- Carolyn Taylor
- Nancy Jimenez
2023 MLFP Scholarship Winners
- Akaysia Hill
- Cristian Godinez
- Michelle Sacks
2022 MLFP Scholarship Winners
- Amanda Boehrer
- Sienna King
- Sydney Zuiker
2021 MLFP Scholarship Winners
- Yuliya Iskendzerava
- Edna Montes
- Andrea Morales-Casasola
2020 MLFP Scholarship Winners
- Serenity Cripps
- Clara Ramirez
- Cornise Seawood
2019 MLFP Scholarship Winners
- Joi Goynes
- Iris Mejia-Cobian
- Joshua Phillips
- Amanda Wagner