TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama junior and Birmingham native Camila Lopez has been awarded the Obama Foundation’s Voyager Scholarship that recognizes college students with a passion for public service.
Lopez is one of 100 students from around the nation to receive the award also known as the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. According to the Obama Foundation, recipients exude a passion for helping others, experience serving in or building community, and an expansive view of what’s possible through public service.
Lopez is the second UA student to win the award since its inception in 2022.
“Public service is a vital attribute to possess not only for an individual who wishes to work in the sphere, but for the entire community it affects,” Lopez said. “By having to listen to your neighbors, directly dismantle barriers blocking people’s healthy lives, and ensure proper representation for all members in your area, you develop this empathy that brings people together.
“The sense of connectedness is what truly creates a thriving community and by being someone who intentionally strives to help others, you bring people together to make that dream possible.”
Lopez is a double major in legal history and political science on the pre-law track while being a Shelby Scholar and Blackburn Scholar. The Shelby Institute allows her to hear outstanding leaders both in Alabama and nationwide to learn how to leave an impact in her work. Through the Blackburn Institute, Lopez travels throughout the state to identify challenges faced by various communities to find her passion in creating change.
Lopez serves as president of UA’s Hispanic-Latino Association, providing leadership and helping develop cultural and career programming for the group’s more than 600 members.
Through The University of Alabama System’s Capitol Scholars Program, Lopez served as an intern in Rep. Terri Sewell’s office in Washington, D.C. over the summer. She is currently interning with the Tuscaloosa County Office of Public Defender.
The Voyager Scholarship was created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, co-founder and chief executive officer of Airbnb, to help shape young leaders in public service. The scholarship provides $25,000 in last-dollar support for the last two years of college; $10,000 and housing for a summer internship after the recipient’s junior year; $20,000 in travel funding for the decade after college; and intensive mentoring with a broad network of people, including a fall summit for all winners.
“By being awarded this scholarship, I no longer have to pick between my financial security and getting the most out of my higher education,” Lopez said. “This award amplifies my voice and motivation of serving my Hispanic community and allows me to develop my skills these next two years to provide adequate resources in Alabama.
“What this award means to me is that my passions are something tangible. That despite my family’s situation, I have the capacity to make the change I have always wanted to see.”
The UA Office of External Scholarships and Fellowships assists students in the pursuit of national and international awards. Students interested in applying for awards that require an institutional endorsement can learn more on the External Scholarships and Fellowships website.
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides a forward-thinking environment and over 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.