MEET SHAINBERG SCHOLAR: RUBY WINTERS
University of Memphis
Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision
The Collegiate School of Memphis ALUM
Doctorate (Graduating 2027)
Ruby B. Winters is one of four 2025 Shainberg Scholars, awarded $4,000 to support her doctoral studies in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Memphis. A practicing therapist, college counselor, and researcher, Ruby is using her education—and her passion—to make mental health care more accessible and equitable in Memphis.
Background and College Experience
“I grew up in Memphis, TN. I attended Vollentine Elementary School for kindergarten through fifth grade, Memphis Business Academy for 6th and 7th grade, and Collegiate School of Memphis for 8th–12th grade. I had a positive experience at each school. Collegiate did very well in preparing me for higher education.
I chose to pursue a doctorate in counselor education and supervision because I am currently practicing as a full-time licensed professional counselor in TN and I wanted to ensure that I can continue to contribute to the mental health field even when I retire from clinical work years from now. I have also had some amazing professors and supervisors who nurtured me into the clinician that I am present day and I want to help other counselors in training become compassionate, culturally competent clinicians in the field.
College solidified that I wanted to pursue a career in mental health. I had a wonderful professor, Dr. LaShawn Thompson, who taught me about how expansive the mental health field is and I never looked back. I decided to pursue a doctorate after practicing for some years and realizing that my impact could go beyond my clinical work. I aspire to be a faculty member at a university one day so that I can pour into counselors in training the way my professors and supervisors poured into me.”
winning the shainberg scholarship
“This scholarship means a lot to me as it will allow me to continue my research and further my knowledge about making mental health care more accessible to ethnic minorities. This has been a passion and goal of mine for years and it is why I got into the mental health field. This scholarship not only helps me, but also ethnic minorities in Memphis as it will allow me to continue to conduct research that raises awareness about disparities in mental health for people of color. I am immensely grateful for this honor and opportunity.”
Giving Back to Memphis
“Giving back to Memphis means using my skill set, knowledge, and the opportunities that I have been afforded to the benefit of the Memphis community. It is very important to me as I was born and raised in North Memphis and I know the challenges that can come with living in Memphis. I have always aspired to provide the support that I was fortunate enough to receive when I was younger.
Memphis has always been home to me. This city is very unique in that there is no other place like it. Everything from our food, culture, the way we speak is unique to Memphis. Although there is more work to be done to better the city, I love Memphis as it has taught me a lot about myself and nurtured me into the woman I am today. I plan to make an impact in Memphis by raising awareness to the disparities in mental health and making mental health more accessible and culturally competent for people of color in the city.”
About the Shainberg Scholarship
The Shainberg Scholarship, made possible through the generosity of the Shainberg Family and Give901, supports students across Memphis who are facing financial barriers to higher education. Whether pursuing college, trade school, apprenticeships, or certificate programs, Shainberg Scholars receive the financial boost—and belief—they need to reach their next goal.
Inspired by Herbert Shainberg, a Memphis businessman known for his kindness, fairness, and dedication to justice, this scholarship carries forward a legacy of generosity and opportunity. Like climbing a beautiful mountain, every student’s path comes with challenges—and the Shainberg family is helping make those climbs possible.
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