Elenis Tamayo is a student at Hartnell College currently earning her associate’s degree in liberal arts with a pathway in Health Sciences. She participated in Girls’ Health in Girls’ Hands (GHGH) and received a GHGH Women’s Fund Scholarship to help her achieve her academic and career goals. She shared her story at the May 8, 2026 Women’s Fund Luncheon, where she received a standing ovation in recognition of her many accomplishments.
Please watch or read her remarks below.
Good afternoon everyone, first, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for giving me the opportunity to speak here today. It is truly an honor to be here and to share my story with all of you. I would also like to give a heartfelt thank you to the Girls Health in Girl’s Hands program and the Women’s Fund for supporting students like me.
Receiving this scholarship means so much to me because it has helped ease the financial burden of paying for school. It has helped me pay for textbooks, transportation and a CNA program that will help me gain experience and continue working toward my dream of becoming a nurse, and one day, applying to a Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia program to become a CRNA.
My name is Elenis Tamayo, and I am a Latina student at Hartnell College currently earning my associate’s degree in liberal arts with a pathway in Health Sciences. Education has always meant more to me than just earning a degree. It represents opportunity, growth and the chance to create a better future for myself and my family.
Growing up, I was raised by a strong single mother who carried so much on her shoulders while still making sure her children had everything we need. As the oldest of four children, I have always carried a deep sense of responsibility. I know that my younger siblings are always watching me, learning from me and looking up to me.
Because of that, I want them to see that hard work matters, that setbacks do not define you and that education can open doors no one can take away from you. I also want them to know that it’s okay to ask questions when they’re confused and to never be afraid to ask for help, because asking questions can take you far in life.
I want them to grow up with the confidence to spread their wings, to explore life and education without fear and to believe that they are capable of creating their own future. I want to show them that even when life gets difficult, we keep going, we keep believing and we keep working toward something better.
This scholarship is more than financial support. It is hope. It is encouragement. It is fulfilling the dream of my family members who didn’t get the opportunity to receive a higher education. It is a reminder that there are people who believe in students like me and invest in our futures."
My connection with Girls Health in Girl’s Hands began during my junior year at Greenfield High School when I joined the school club. I continued participating during my senior year, and the same year I was honored to be selected for the Girls Leadership Network program where I served as Vice President. These programs helped me find my voice in ways I didn’t even realize I needed.
They encouraged me to ask questions, to ask for help without feeling ashamed and to speak up for myself, even when it felt uncomfortable. They showed me that it’s okay to not be okay, and that I didn’t have to go through things alone. Because of these programs, I feel seen, heard, and supported and I learned that reaching out is not weakness, but a strength.
Through this, I built confidence and was reminded of the power women have when we uplift one another.
One of the hardest obstacles I faced growing up was learning how to navigate life without my biological father, who left when I was very young. For a long time, that absence raised questions about belonging, stability and self- worth. That pain could have broken me, but instead it led me to one of the greatest blessings in my life; my stepdad, Victor Martinez, the man I proudly call my father. He stepped into my life with open arms, unconditional love and the kind of support every child deserves.
He showed me that family is not always the people who share your blood, but the people who choose to stay, choose to love you and choose to be there when it matters most. Because of him, I learned that love is shown through actions, sacrifice and presence. That experience made me stronger and motivated me to work harder, not only for myself, but to prove that our past does not define our future.
I especially want to thank my mom, Maricela Jaimes, for always believing in me, supporting me and encouraging me to keep going even on the days when I feel tired, overwhelmed or unmotivated. Her strength inspires me every day, and without her love and guidance, I would not be where I am today. She didn’t just raise us; she carried us through some of the hardest moments with strength and grace and I will forever be thankful for that. My mom is with me today – thank you!
Along the way, I’ve also learned the importance of giving back to the community that helped shape me. Giving back has made me more compassionate, helped me grow into myself, and allowed me to be who I truly am while uplifting others. It’s meaningful to me because it reminds me where I come from and gives me a sense of purpose in supporting those around me.
I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in my South County community through church events, volunteering, and helping with recreational soccer programs for children. Those experiences have shown me the power of connection, mentorship and simply being there for others.
My dream of becoming a nurse, and eventually a CRNA, comes from watching my great-grandfather go in and out of the hospital. During those times, I saw firsthand the impact that nurses had on him and on our family. They provided not only care, but comfort, patience and reassurance during some of our hardest moments. That stayed with me. It made me want to be that person for others, just like they were for him.
Now, that dream has grown even deeper. I don’t just want to do this for myself or in honor of him, but also for my baby brother. I want to understand what he goes through when he gets sick or is hospitalized and be someone who can truly support and advocate for him in those moments.
This scholarship is more than financial support. It is hope. It is encouragement. It is fulfilling the dream of my family members who didn’t get the opportunity to receive a higher education. It is a reminder that there are people who believe in students like me and invest in our futures. Your generosity is helping me move one step closer to my dream of becoming a nurse and for that I will always be grateful.
I promise to continue working hard, to honor this opportunity and to one day give back in the same way you have given to me. Thank you all so much for your kindness, generosity and support.
CFMC is proud to work with students like Elenis and our generous scholarship fund holders to invest in future leaders and create healthy, safe, vibrant communities for generations to come.
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit: cfmco.org/scholarships