Assemblymember Ransom Helps Students Achieve Their Educational Goals with Prestigious Minerva Scholarship

STOCKTON, CA - As part of her continued work to connect local students with educational opportunities available through the State of California, Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom is proud to announce that Malika Conteh of Stockton and Suzana Magaña Gomez of Tracy have each been awarded a prestigious $3,000 Minerva Scholarship.

As a member of the California Legislative Women's Caucus, Assemblymember Ransom helped bring the statewide scholarship opportunity directly to students in Assembly District 13 and encouraged students to apply.

Conteh and Magaña Gomez were selected from approximately 2,300 applicants statewide and are among only 129 recipients in the seventh class of Minerva scholars. The scholarship, administered by Women in California Leadership in collaboration with the California Legislative Women's Caucus, recognizes promising women for their academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and commitment to their educational and career goals.

"There is tremendous power in the young people of San Joaquin County. I have seen firsthand how scholarships can expand access to education and give students the support to learn, grow, and shape their futures. I am proud to bring these opportunities locally and invest in the rising leaders of San Joaquin County."

-Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom

Meet Malika Conteh

Conteh, a recent graduate of Ronald E. McNair High School, will attend the University of California, Riverside this fall and plans to pursue a career as a marriage and family therapist. She graduated near the top of her class while serving as president of the Black Student Union, secretary of AVID, an officer in the National Honor Society, and a Link Crew mentor to younger students.

As president of the Black Student Union, Conteh helped revive the organization and led food drives, fundraisers, and efforts supporting the school's blood drive. She also helped operate Eagle Eye Vintage, a student-led thrift store that donated its remaining clothing to Open Arms, a nonprofit providing clothing and hygiene products to children in Sierra Leone.

Meet Suzana Magaña Gomez

Magaña Gomez is transferring from San Joaquin Delta College to the University of the Pacific, where she will enter as a junior and continue preparing for a career as an immigration attorney. A first-generation college student, she earned associate degrees in paralegal studies and social studies, as well as a Paralegal Studies Certificate. She earned a 4.0 GPA during her final two terms at Delta College and received President's List recognition.

Through her work with Faith in the Valley and Empower Stockton, Magaña Gomez has helped organize bilingual Know Your Rights workshops, distribute legal information, and connect immigrant families with community resources. She also founded Wings Without Borders, or 'Alas Sin Fronteras', a bilingual platform that shares information about immigrant rights, civic engagement, and available resources. Most recently, she was selected to represent Delta College's Career Technical Education graduates as a student speaker.

Students and families can learn about additional scholarships and other educational opportunities by visiting Assemblymember Ransom's Opportunities for Youth page.