Scholar Alum Update 2026

Congratulations Joyce on your Graduation! 

Joyce Lin ~ Scholar 2022-2026

Joyce is a recent graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University, where she earned a B.A. in Sociology, graduating Cum Laude with a 3.95 GPA. Throughout college, she gained experience in finance, marketing, and strategy through internships with organizations including Citi, BlackRock, and L’Oréal. She is currently exploring opportunities in strategy, HR, product / project management, and other financial, analytical, and technological roles as she begins her professional career. Outside of work, Joyce loves cooking all types of cuisines, exploring new cuisines, creating content, and learning new daily fun facts. She is grateful for SMBS and the support that shaped her educational journey. She is excited to carry those lessons into this next chapter.

2026 Scholar Updates

Mathias Parker ~ Scholar 2024-2028

My name is Mathias, and I’m going into my third year at Parsons. The past year has been such a huge learning experience for me, with so many opportunities and events that have helped shape where I want to go in the future.

Last year was filled with so many firsts. I had the opportunity to participate in my first two art exhibitions, at the Greenpoint Gallery in Brooklyn and through MoMA Teens at The Museum of Modern Art. Being able to share my ideas and artwork with such large audiences felt like a huge and pivotal moment for me as an artist and designer.

I also had the opportunity to participate in my very first Fashion Week with Christian Cowan. Working alongside the team and experiencing the energy of the show firsthand was such an incredible experience. The excitement and high energy of that day is something I still carry with me.

Through continuing to develop my fashion design work and create new collections, I’ve been able to narrow my focus and develop a clearer vision of myself as a designer. I’ve had the opportunity to experiment with new materials, prints, and fabrics, all of which have helped inform the choices I make in my work. I’m really excited to take everything I’ve learned into this new school year and continue building on it through each new collection.

This summer, I also had the opportunity to intern at Tory Burch as a Color & Fabric Intern for the Ready-to-Wear team. It was such a huge learning experience and allowed me to see how design works in a corporate setting. I got to see firsthand how different teams collaborate and how many decisions are made throughout the design process, from color palettes and fabric choices to prints. I’m excited to take those skills with me into this school year, and the experience has made me even more excited to start building a career in fashion.

I’m especially excited for this semester because in the spring, I’ll be studying abroad in London at Central Saint Martins. I’m so excited to experience a new culture, explore new places, travel more, and continue growing both personally and creatively.

I’m so grateful to the many, many people who have helped me get this far and who continue to support me throughout this journey. I’m especially thankful to SMBS for always supporting me and being a part of this journey.

Thank you!!

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Eleni Georgiadou ~ Scholar 2025-2029 

Dear S.M.B.S. Inc.,

As I begin my sophomore year, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your continued support through my scholarship. Your belief in my potential lightens my financial load and allows me to stay focused on building a meaningful academic and professional future.

Reflecting on my freshman year, it was an incredible period of growth and learning. I officially started my journey as a Biology major and have begun sharpening my goals for the future. My passion for healthcare and human connection has led me to work toward becoming a Physician Assistant (PA), and I am actively preparing for the path ahead after completing my bachelor's degree.

Outside the classroom, I’ve had a rewarding year balancing hard work, service, and making wonderful new friends. During the week, I work as an after-school teacher from Monday through Thursday, and on weekends, I wait tables from Friday through Sunday. I also spend time tutoring young children in Greek, which allows me to share my love for language and culture with the next generation.

After an incredible summer spending a month in Greece recharging and connecting with family and friends, I am back, refreshed, and ready to tackle another academic year with full energy.

None of this would be possible without your generosity and support. Thank you so much for investing in my education and helping me turn my goals into reality.

Warm regards, Eleni 

PLEASE WISH ALL OUR SCHOLARS A SAFE, PRODUCTIVE AND FUN NEW ACADEMIC YEAR! 

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We take great pride in supporting our scholars financially but also with their social-emotional growth as undergraduate students.  This is why we follow them every year and expect them to keep striving to achieve all they can with the proper supports.   This is fulfilling the organization's mission to support students like Stephanie in their new journey.  

If you feel moved or touched by our work, please do not hesitate to follow us on Instagram or Facebook, reach out and/or join our team.  Donations are also always welcomed and can be sent to: 

The Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship, Inc.

 P.O. Box  370153

Brooklyn, New York 11237

2026 Scholar - Congratulations Leon Johnson!

Leon graduated from Thomas Edison High School in the Jamaica area of Queens, New York this past June 2026.   After carefully reviewing applicants this spring, Leon's exceptional achievements and acknowledgement from recommenders were noticed.   We are proud to announce Leon already started his college journey at the State University of New York in Purchase.     

Please welcome our 2026 Scholar ~ Leon Johnson 

Leon Johnson ~ Scholar 2026-2030

Dear SMB Scholarship Inc.,

I really don’t know what to say right now but to thank you guys over and over for this amazing gift. I worked hard left and right and applied for numerous scholarships to help support my education and ease my mom’s financial responsibilities involving me. Receiving this scholarship means so much to me and it will definitely help ease the financial responsibilities that come with attending purchase. More importantly, it reminded me that there are people who are willing to invest in the dreams and potential of young students. Your generosity motivated me to continue working hard and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way. Art has always been an important part of my identity. It began as something I enjoyed, but over time, it became something I could see myself building a future around. As I begin my college journey, I hope to continue developing my artistic and creative skills while learning how I can turn my passion into a meaningful career. I also hope to build my own creative business and use my work to inspire others. Your support brings me one step closer to these goals. I do not take this opportunity for granted, and I am committed to honoring your generosity through my education, my creativity, and the work I put into my future. Again, I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved in creating and supporting this scholarship and for believing in students like me as we take the next step toward our futures. Thank you again for your kindness, generosity, and belief in my potential. I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the Stephanie Marie Burgos Scholarship, and I hope that one day I can give back to others in the same way you have given to me. 

Sincerely, 

Leon Johnson