The Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Viles & Beckman, has selected Claudia Masmitja Corujo as the recipient of the 2025 Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship. The $2,500 scholarship honors Marcus Viles's dedication to community betterment and supports students who demonstrate similar values. Corujo, a University of Florida student majoring in Health Education and Behavior on a Pre-Physician Assistant track, was chosen for her exceptional commitment to supporting others through her personal experiences and leadership roles.
Corujo's background as a first-generation college student with international roots significantly influenced her perspective on community support. Born in Spain to a family with deep Cuban heritage, she moved to Miami as a child and experienced rapid integration into a community that embraced her multicultural identity. This transition inspired her to become a source of comfort for others facing similar challenges. In her scholarship essay, she explained that the kindness she received motivated her to support young people seeking guidance, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.
At the University of Florida, Corujo joined the First-Generation Leadership Program, connecting with other multicultural, first-generation students. Her involvement grew from participant to leadership; she served as Head of Public Relations from 2024 to 2025, focusing on giving back to the program that aided her development. Simultaneously, she partnered with the Member Leadership Program and worked as a substitute teacher at the UF Early Childhood Collaboratory, further demonstrating her dedication to educational support and community engagement.
The scholarship committee highlighted Corujo's consistency and determination as key factors in her selection, noting her efforts to build symbiotic, supportive relationships. The $2,500 award will enable her to continue studying how economic disparities and social inequities affect marginalized groups, particularly in healthcare. Corujo plans to pursue a Health Education and Behavior Combined Master's Program after graduation, with career aspirations in pediatrics or neonatal care. The Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc., and Viles & Beckman applaud her compassion and wish her success in her academic and professional endeavors. For more information about the foundation's initiatives, visit https://www.vilesandbeckman.com.
