Four Westchester Residents Awarded Ruth Taylor Scholarships

United Way of Westchester and Putnam announced the awarding of scholarships collectively totaling $16,000 from its Ruth Taylor Scholarship Fund to four Westchester graduate students pursuing master’s degrees in social work or public health.

The four recipients are Layla Barreto, 21, of Port Chester; Stephanie Blackwell, 46, of New Rochelle; Christopher Chino-Marin, 25, of New Rochelle; and Arden Taylor Guice, 26, of Larchmont.

“Being chosen for the Ruth Taylor Scholarship serves as a reminder that I am not alone in my educational journey,” said Chino-Martin. “Having this financial help will help reduce the burden of money-related anxiety, loans, and some daily stress about being able to afford basic essentials.”

Blackwell, Barreto, and Guice are earning their master’s degrees in social work from Fordham University, Hunter College, and Columbia University, respectively. Chino-Marin is pursuing a master’s degree in public health at SUNY Downstate.

“These individuals are excellent choices for this scholarship,” United Way President and CEO Tom Gabriel. “It truly benefits everyone to have people as dedicated as them to reach their full potential, and if we can help along the way with a scholarship, we are happy to do it. We can’t wait to see each of them continue to thrive.” 

The fund was established in tribute to Ruth Taylor upon her retirement as Westchester County’s Commissioner of Public Welfare, recognizing her nearly four decades of outstanding service. United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Westchester County Government, and the Urban League of Westchester County sponsor the annual awards. Applicants must be residents of Westchester County and enrolled in graduate studies in Social Work or Public Health on a full-time basis.

Since 2008, United Way has awarded a collective total of $216,000 to 77 graduate students through the Ruth Taylor Scholarship Fund.