Meet Zalena Torya Walker, 2026 Shainberg Scholar
The Shainberg Scholarship honors the legacy of Herbert Shainberg, a Memphis businessman known for his philanthropy and his belief in the power of kindness. His grandchildren carry that legacy forward by funding scholarships for students in the Choose901 Alumni network who have significant financial gaps, whether they're headed to a four year college or an alternative path like trade school or a certificate program. Recipients are known as Shainberg Scholars.
This year, we're introducing you to the students behind that title. Next up is Zalena Torya Walker.
Zalena Torya Walker
Alumni School: Crosstown High School
College: Tennessee State University
Major: Architecture Engineering, minor in Mining Engineering
Where It Started
Zalena grew up in North Memphis with her parents and six siblings, and Crosstown High School gave her room to find her voice.
"I grew up in North Memphis with my parents and siblings. I have 2 brothers and 4 sisters. I attended Crosstown High School and honestly, I really enjoyed my time attending. They brought us out of our comfort zone and let us express ourselves freely."
Building Better Neighborhoods
Zalena is entering her junior year at Tennessee State University, and her major grew directly out of what she saw driving around her own city.
"I always grew looking at the buildings that surrounded me growing up and although there was many building around many were run down and vacant. I used to hate seeing the misuse of such beautiful structures being still and unused. I wanted to be a change to my community. I've always been a STEM girly but during my junior year of high school I knew exactly what I wanted to do in life. I wanted to create homes for low-income communities where they feel heard, supported, and love. I want to show people that we can still offer unique sustainable homes that are still affordable to low-income families. I am studying now to become a developer and use my minor in mining to help me select the best areas to build on and if it has some limitations, I will know how to make it work for me."
She's already building the relationships she'll need to get there, connecting with women in construction who own properties around the city.
"I plan to start connecting with some construction women I have become in contact with who own various properties and will work alongside them this upcoming school year to gain more experience and knowledge about my career in the near future."
What the Scholarship Means
Coming from a low-income family herself, Zalena has always worked to make sure her parents never had to worry about the cost of her education.
"Winning this Shainberg Scholarship means so much to me I can't express in words. This scholarship impacts my life as I can focus more on my studies this year without having to worry about working too much to make sure I can pay my school fees. I can really take this year in and open myself to more networking opportunities for my career and have more time to give back to my community."
Right Now
This past summer, Zalena spent her time investing in the next generation, serving as a science and engineering camp counselor for a local nonprofit.
"Over the summer I had the opportunity to work with a non-profit leadership camp called Why We Can't Wait Inc. Through my time there as one of their science and engineering camp counselors I was able to pour in the kids and give them a summer of fun and unique experiments and lessons."
Beyond the Classroom
When she's not studying, Zalena is skateboarding, playing basketball, cooking for people she loves, or working on her guitar.
"I love to skateboard and play basketball I am a very active person. I absolutely love to cook especially for other people. I play the guitar a bit although I am still learning."
You can usually find her at Raleigh Skatepark, or grabbing seafood at DropeDead Seafood.
Giving Back
"I think it means to actively contribute to the well-being of our city whether that's through service, community, or businesses. It means wanting Memphis to thrive and being the support it needs to do so by being the change you want to see in the world."
Her advice to the students coming up behind her:
"Dream big and take advantage of networking opportunities being on campus provides. Remember nobody's perfect, something might be a challenge for you but don't let that stop you from working hard and achieving your goals. Take advantage of scholarships, they really can be your best friend. It can really help you take the stress off of attending school so you can focus more on your studies."
