On November 5, 2022, the world lost a beautiful light, Brenyale Toomer-Byas. Brenyale was a loving daughter, a caring friend, a dedicated colleague, a passionate mentor, a talented strategic thinker, and so much more. The Orange County community is grateful that we had the privilege of knowing and working with Brenyale. She approached life and leadership with happiness and positivity. We will always remember her contagious laugh, listening ear, and warm smile.
Brenyale was passionate about the pursuit of higher education. To honor Brenyale’s life and legacy, we have established the Brenyale Toomer-Byas Scholarship for Emerging Leaders.
Scholarship(s) will be awarded for $2,500 to at least one Orange County non-profit leader seeking to pursue post-graduate studies.
Please choose an option below:
Apply for the Brenyale Toomer-Byas Scholarship
We are pleased to share the Brenyale Toomer-Byas Scholarship opportunity with you.
Here is the timeline for the 2025 Application cycle:
- Release Date: Monday, February 3, 2025, click here to view application details
- Due Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 by 12 p.m.
- Award Decision & Announcement: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
- Award Presentation: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
In order to receive award, applicant must be available to attend in-person on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at our annual Scorecard event. Event details will be provided.
If you have any questions about the scholarship, please contact Carol Kim, Senior Director, Community Investments and Evaluation via email.
Past Recipients
Luisa Estanga
As the Home Visiting Program Director at Abrazar, Luisa is always on the lookout for community agencies to expand the resources they can offer to their clients. She’s currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology.
Cynthia Barajas
A champion of community service, Cynthia is committed to becoming a transformative leader in the field of social work. She is working toward her Master of Social Work degree, with the ultimate goal of addressing systemic issues and creating lasting change in our society.
Melanie Shum
A graduate of UC Irvine, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a concentration in chemical biology, Melanie is pursuing a career in public health.