Spirit Cultural Exchange proudly announces Daniela Ugalde as the recipient of its 2024 Spirit Scholar Award. The Spirit Scholar Award provides financial support to exceptional Americans interested in pursing a cultural exchange experience abroad. Daniela is a doctoral student at Rush University in Chicago, Illinois. This outstanding individual, dedicated to “leaving spaces a little bit better than they were found,” will be traveling to Cochabamba, Bolivia, in 2024 for a three-month cross-cultural occupational therapy experience.
Alonso Ramirez with Project Excel, a first-generation college support program based in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, recommended Daniela for the Spirit Scholar Award and has worked with Daniela during her time at Palatine High School.
“Daniela was an exemplary student in Palatine High School’s Project Excel program and she continues to demonstrate core values of grit, leadership and community service. We are proud of her dedication to the field of healthcare and her passion to serve her community.” Project Excel’s mission is to develop the next generation of leaders through community engagement, college preparation, and leadership development. “Daniela is just one example of hundreds of first generation college students who have completed our program and gained a pathway towards success,” added Alonso.
Daniela’s Background
Daniela’s journey was shaped by a profound commitment instilled by her mother – to leave the world better than she found it. This philosophy led Daniela to pursue a career in occupational therapy, aiming to empower communities and advocate for change. Her academic journey from Palatine High School to Rush University reflects a dedication to working with individuals with disabilities, particularly in the Latinx community, fostering equitable access to healthcare.
“I really like taking this approach where we’re working with everyone,” Daniela says. “And especially in the Bolivian culture, it’s really hard to think of people as a single individual on a lone island. It’s really about what you’re doing with the family. If one thing happens to one family member, it happens to all of us.”
Capstone Experience in Bolivia
Daniela’s dream of combining her passion for occupational therapy and love for her Bolivian culture is coming to fruition. The capstone coordinator at Rush University guided her to CEOLI, a clinic in Cochabamba that provides low-cost therapy services to children and adolescents. Daniela will spend three months at CEOLI, providing occupational therapy services and contributing to the development of occupational therapy programs in Bolivia.
Community Engagement and Cultural Integration
Daniela, the daughter of Bolivian immigrants and a proud Project Excel graduate, seeks to integrate cultural practices with her passion for helping children with disabilities. She aspires to learn about Bolivian customs, practices, and daily experiences, using this knowledge to educate CEOLI employees and families about the benefits of occupational therapy.
“I really do feel like I’m learning a lot about myself and about where I come from through this experience,” Daniela says.
Spirit Scholar Award Impact
The funds from the Spirit Scholar Award will be instrumental in supporting tuition and travel costs during Daniela’s stay in Bolivia. The experiences and relationships formed during this journey are expected to make a lasting impact on both Daniela and the CEOLI community, contributing to a better world for current and future members of CEOLI.
Spirit is honored to support an individual with such remarkable dedication to making a positive impact on communities. Daniela’s journey exemplifies the spirit of the Spirit Scholar Award and the efforts of Project Excel, promoting diversity and fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchanges.
If you would like to follow along with Daniela’s journey, follow her Instagram account.
About Spirit Cultural Exchange
Spirit Cultural Exchange is a leading international exchange organization committed to facilitating meaningful people-to-people cultural exchange experiences. With a focus on diversity and international education, Spirit Cultural Exchange strives to create opportunities for individuals to connect, learn, and grow on a global scale.
About Project Excel
Project Excel is a transformative first generation college support program based in the Chicago suburbs that provides mentoring and support to high-potential high school students. The program empowers students to overcome barriers and achieve academic success, guiding them through crucial stages of their educational journey.
