Ramon Cazarez
My name is Ramon Cazarez, and I am a full-time student at North Seattle College pursuing an Associate of Arts in Business while working as a peer mentor and caseworker. I am proud to be the first in my family to attend college, setting a new standard for future generations. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, my family and I relocated to Seattle in 2008 and fell in love with its vibrant community.
At 34 years old, my academic journey stands apart from many of my peers. It began with earning a GED, overcoming challenges such as substance abuse, homelessness, incarceration, and institutionalization. Today, I am living proof that transformation is possible. Now completely sober and deeply committed to my goals, I am determined to earn my degree and reach new heights.
My life is dedicated to giving back to the community that has supported me. Through my fulfilling work, I help others by facilitating conferences and webinars on fair chance hiring, bringing awareness to justice-impacted individuals, and speaking at events advocating for second chances. As a student, I’ve come to realize the immense value of education in shaping my future aspirations. In Winter 2027, I plan to attend the University of Washington to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a major in Entrepreneurship. My ultimate goal is to become a business owner, creating opportunities for justice-impacted individuals through employment and mentorship while fostering the growth of future entrepreneurs. In my free time, I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, working out, and spending time with my family.
I applied for the Martin Family Scholarship seeking financial support for my education. While initially a part-time student, I embraced the scholarship’s full-time enrollment requirement as a challenge and an opportunity for growth. With encouragement from a colleague who believed in my potential, I applied with confidence, knowing this scholarship would enable me to achieve my goals and continue making a positive impact.
Goals
In the near term, my goal is to complete my Associate of Arts in Business at North Seattle College while continuing to mentor justice-impacted individuals and raise awareness about fair chance hiring through community initiatives. Looking ahead, I aspire to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a major in Entrepreneurship at the University of Washington. I am eager to become a part of the UW community, where I can contribute to its dynamic environment, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable experiences that will shape my journey. Ultimately, I aim to establish my own business that provides employment and mentorship opportunities for justice-impacted individuals, fostering empowerment and growth in my community.
Tips
Do your best and be genuine when applying for this scholarship. It’s your story that makes you who you are and be confident when sharing your story. Surround yourself with a good support team that can help you review the material and revise it before submitting. Start early so you have the time submit your application. Have fun and have faith.
