The 2025 Shainberg scholars
Every college student’s journey is different—but most can relate to the challenge of figuring out how to pay for tuition. That’s why the Shainberg Scholarship exists: to support and uplift young people from Memphis.
In partnership with Give901, the Shainberg Family is investing in graduates of the Choose901 Alumni program—whether they’re earning a degree or pursuing a trade.
This year, we’re proud to announce the four incredible 2025 Shainberg Scholars: Lesly Urbina, Lakescia Hicks, Ruby Winters, and Sheltoria Love. Each pursuing different degrees and majors, they have one thing in common: they’re all working hard to fulfill their dreams and make Memphis a better place.
What is the Shainberg Scholarship?
Created by the Shainberg Family and awarded through Give901, the Shainberg Scholarship supports Choose901 Alumni students from Memphis to assist them in pursuing higher education.
The scholarship is named for Herbert Shainberg, a beloved Memphis businessman known for his generosity, kindness, and fierce commitment to fairness and justice. He owned a department store on Main Street and left behind a legacy of compassion that continues through his grandchildren today. The name Shainberg means “beautiful mountain”—a fitting image for students climbing toward their goals.
Meet the 2025 Shainberg Scholars
Lesly Urbina
📍 Christian Brothers University | 🎓 Computer Science Major
🧠 Intern at MLGW | 💡 Coordinator at Bits, Bytes & Bots
🏫 Alumni: The Collegiate School of Memphis
“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.”
Lesly’s journey from Berclair to the tech world began with a coding class at Collegiate. Now, she’s leading K–8 tech programs, interning at MLGW, and dreaming of a career that blends software development with education and outreach.
Lakescia Hicks
📍 Middle Tennessee State University | 🎓 Agricultural Science, Pre-Vet
🏫 Alumni: The Soulsville Charter School
“Winning this scholarship truly does mean a lot to me because it’s now part of my journey to be the person I’ve been striving to be.”
A proud Whitehaven native and future pre-vet, Lakescia is transferring to MTSU with renewed focus and a deep love for animals. Her scholarship is helping her continue a dream she’s held since childhood.
Ruby B. Winters
📍 University of Memphis | 🎓 Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
🧠 Therapist, College Counselor, Research Assistant
🏫 Alumni: The Collegiate School of Memphis
“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.”
Ruby is a licensed professional counselor earning her doctorate to empower the next generation of culturally competent clinicians. Her roots in North Memphis fuel her research and her mission to make mental health more accessible in underrepresented communities.
Sheltoria Love
📍 Washington University in St. Louis | 🎓 Master of Social Work – Social Impact Leadership
🧠 Graduate Assistant, Community Liaison, Nonprofit Consultant
🏫 Alumni: The Soulsville Charter School
“Being awarded a Shainberg Scholarship is a meaningful honor because Herbert Shainberg’s legacy of fairness, justice, and kindness deeply aligns with my own values and commitment to social impact.”
Sheltoria is a powerhouse in community leadership, currently managing youth and family programs, supporting charter school partnerships, and guiding nonprofit leaders. With a passion for Memphis, and she’s determined to give back by shaping system-level solutions.
MORE TO COME!
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Apply for the 2026 Shainberg Scholarship
If you’re part of the Choose901 Alumni program and interested in applying in 2026, follow the Choose901 Alumni newsletter for updates and announcements.
offering a scholarship?
Partnering with Give901 to manage your scholarship means you can support Memphis students without pulling time and resources away from your team. We handle everything—from promotion and applications to student follow-up—ensuring your scholarship has real impact. Plus, with Give901’s strong track record in student support and proven marketing reach, your investment goes further—amplifying your brand while helping students succeed. Learn more.
