Meet Shainberg Scholar: Lesly urbina
Christian Brothers University
Computer Science
The Collegiate School of Memphis alum
Bachelor’s Degree (Graduating May 2026)
Lesly Urbina is one of four 2025 Shainberg Scholars, awarded $4,000 to support her Computer Science studies at Christian Brothers University. An intern at MLGW and a matcha lover, Lesly is blending her passion for tech and education to make a meaningful impact in Memphis.
BACKGROUND AND COLLEGIATE
“I was born and raised in the Nutbush/Berclair area of Memphis by a single mother who had to give up her education in Honduras after Hurricane Mitch in 1999. Since she was 13, she worked to pay for her own schooling, so coming to America was not a light decision. She’s always worked hard and made sure that I kept my education as a priority.
I started my education at Berclair Elementary, where many of the teachers felt like family. They supported both me and my mom and encouraged us to apply to The Collegiate School of Memphis, a school deeply committed to preparing students for college.
At first, Collegiate felt daunting. With its no-excuses policies, uniform checks, and rigorous coursework, it was unlike anything I had experienced before. I entered as a shy preteen trying to find my place. But over time, with the support of dedicated teachers and mentors, I found my confidence. I helped lead events, designed flyers and t-shirts, and even started my own clubs. The relationships I built with both peers and faculty helped shape who I am. Naming everyone who impacted me would take too many lines, so instead I will emphasize that the love, encouragement, and warmth Collegiate gives its scholars is something they’ve always done right and something I continue to carry with me.”
college experience
“When it came time to choose a college, I knew I wanted to hold on to that sense of community and wasn’t quite ready to leave Memphis. I enrolled at Christian Brothers University, but my journey didn’t start smoothly. I began college during the pandemic, which made the transition difficult and ultimately led me to take a year off to reassess my goals.
During that year, my 9th grade English teacher, Amy Roberts, reached out. Her husband, Dan Roberts, was looking for a summer camp instructor for Bits, Bytes and Bots, and my name had been recommended by Collegiate's technology teacher. That opportunity changed the course of everything. I spent that year running around Memphis, working with students, and falling in love with both computer science and education. Dan eventually asked me to help coordinate the business, and together we've grown Bits, Bytes and Bots into what it is today.
In fall 2022, I returned to CBU with a renewed sense of purpose and was welcomed back with open arms. Professors greeted me with warmth and encouragement. Many of my peers have even joined our teaching team at Bits, Bytes and Bots. CBU has helped me rediscover how special Memphis is, and I’m proud to be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in a place that feels like home.”
Choosing Computer Science as a Major
“I first took a computer science class in 10th grade and picked it up naturally. However, I was discouraged by the lack of women in the class and in the field in general, so I shifted my focus to art and entrepreneurship. Collegiate is a small school, and I embraced every opportunity to design t-shirts, lead events, and start clubs. In 12th grade, due to a scheduling conflict, I landed in another computer science class. The class was taught by Mr. Lin who was latino and allowed me to see myself in that field more clearly. He helped me start a hack club to get together other scholars interested in computer science. Then Mr. Lin, along with a former teacher and mentor, Mr. Wakabi, encouraged me to pursue it more seriously. I’ve never looked back.
Now, as a computer science major, I’m especially interested in how technology can be used to do good. It’s a powerful tool that shapes how we live and work, and its accessibility matters to me deeply. Working with K–8 students, I’ve seen how many kids lack basic tech literacy and troubleshooting skills. In contrast, at my internship, I’ve met older individuals who adapt to technology more confidently than expected. That gap motivates me to bridge understanding across age groups.
After graduation, I hope to pursue a career that blends development, education, and outreach. I want to make technology more approachable and easier to understand, especially for communities like the one I grew up in. I’ve found that kind of alignment at MLGW, where employees are deeply dedicated to making life better for Memphians and ensuring that essential utilities and services are accessible to everyone.”
Winning the Shainberg Scholarship
“The Shainberg Scholarship is more than financial support, moreso it’s peace of mind. It relieves the pressure my family feels about paying for school, which allows me to focus fully on finishing strong. As I enter my final year with both Bits, Bytes and Bots and CBU, this scholarship allows me to do so without the heavy weight of financial uncertainty. It helps me close this chapter on a high note and prepares me to begin the next one with confidence.”
About the Shainberg Scholarship
The Shainberg Scholarship, made possible through the generosity of the Shainberg Family and Give901, is an investment in the future of Memphis. Designed to support students with significant financial need, the scholarship is open to those pursuing a wide range of educational paths—from four-year universities to trade schools, certificate programs, apprenticeships, and more.
Inspired by the legacy of Herbert Shainberg, a beloved Memphis businessman known for his kindness, fairness, and philanthropy, this scholarship honors his spirit by helping students climb toward their full potential. His grandchildren continue that legacy today, making it possible for recipients—proudly known as Shainberg Scholars—to focus on their goals and rise to new heights.
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