EFWA Announces 2026 Scholarship Recipients

June 10, 2026

The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 scholarship awards. These exceptional individuals represent a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and career aspirations, united by a commitment to advancing their education and careers in accounting, finance, and related fields.

For more than six decades, EFWA has supported women pursuing accounting education through scholarships, mentoring, and professional development opportunities. This year's recipients exemplify resilience, determination, academic achievement, and leadership as they work toward careers that will strengthen the accounting profession and the communities they serve.

"Each year we are inspired by the remarkable stories of our scholarship recipients," said Blane Ruschak, Incoming President of EFWA. "These women are balancing education with careers, families, entrepreneurship, and significant life challenges. Through our scholarship program, EFWA is honored to invest in their futures and in the future of the accounting profession."

2026 EFWA Scholarship Recipients

EFWA Undergraduate Scholarships

Breanna Crockett, Columbia College (Missouri)
Ave Cruz, Stephen F. Austin State University
Ngan Dang, University of Texas at Dallas

American Dream Scholarships

Mikayla Mertes, University of Michigan-Flint
Maria Azucena Vargas Olivares, Saint Mary's College of California

Aspire Scholarship (2 year renewable)

Vanessa Winap, Pima College

Horizons Scholarship (2 year renewable)

Yahaira Fenollal, Southern New Hampshire University

EFWA Global Scholarship

Rymma Kandybka, Washburn University (Kansas)

Laurels Fund Scholarship

Heather Hull, University of Scranton

Continuing Renewable Scholarship Recipients

EFWA is also pleased to recognize two recipients who are receiving the second year of their renewable scholarships.

Tamira Dotson, recipient of the Aspire Two-Year Renewable Scholarship, continues to demonstrate extraordinary perseverance in pursuing her accounting education at Chesapeake College (Maryland) while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. In her scholarship reflections, Tamira emphasized the importance of education as a pathway to opportunity and financial stability, while expressing her desire to use her accounting knowledge to help others navigate complex financial decisions.

Tracy Ralston, recipient of the Horizons Two-Year Renewable Scholarship, continues to excel academically at California State Polytechnic University Humboldt while advancing toward her career goals. Tracy shared how pursuing an accounting degree has strengthened her confidence and reinforced her commitment to lifelong learning. She noted that accounting provides the opportunity to create meaningful impact through problem-solving, ethical leadership, and service to others.

Building the Future of the Profession

This year's recipients include first-generation college students, working mothers, entrepreneurs, immigrants, refugees, career changers, and future educators. Their stories reflect the many pathways women take into the accounting profession and underscore the importance of expanding educational access and opportunity.

Among the recipients are:

• A future CPA who hopes to open her own accounting firm and provide financial education to underserved communities.
• A refugee entrepreneur pursuing accounting to strengthen her business expertise and support other women facing obstacles.
• A doctoral student preparing to become an accounting professor and inspire the next generation of accountants.
• Students whose personal experiences with financial hardship have motivated them to help others build financial stability and confidence.

Through scholarships such as the American Dream, Aspire, Horizons, Global, Laurels Fund, and EFWA Undergraduate Scholarships, the Foundation continues its mission of supporting women at every stage of their educational and professional journeys.

To learn more about EFWA's scholarship programs, mentoring opportunities, and ways to support the Foundation's mission, visit www.efwa.org.

About EFWA

The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships, mentoring, and leadership opportunities to women pursuing careers in accounting and finance. Since its founding in 1966, EFWA has helped thousands of women achieve their educational goals and advance within the profession.