°Õ³ó±ðÌýCereta Perry Scholarship honors Cereta Perry, PhD, co-founder of º£½ÇÂÒÂ×, and her contributions to both alumni and diversity. The scholarship was established in her name for the purpose of recruiting diverse students to º£½ÇÂÒÂ×. It is awarded at the beginning of each school year to a promising incoming student in each program who belong to ethnic, racial, cultural, religious, and sexual identity groups that have traditionally been underrepresented populations in the field of psychology. The recipients have also demonstrated a commitment to advancing awareness of issues that impact diverse populations.
This year’s recipients were Fatou Dieng (MA) and Sampada Fotedar (PsyD).Â
“It is an absolute honor to receive the Cereta Perry Scholarship. As a first-generation Senegalese American and emerging clinician, this recognition affirms both my academic journey and my commitment to serving communities that have historically been marginalized in mental health spaces.
My passion for psychology is deeply rooted in lived experience, navigating cultural identity, intergenerational trauma, and the silence that often surrounds mental health in immigrant and Black communities. These experiences have shaped my desire to become a culturally responsive therapist who centers empathy, access, and advocacy in clinical work. I am particularly interested in trauma-informed care and supporting individuals and families impacted by systemic inequities.
This scholarship provides meaningful support as I continue my graduate studies and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate field of psychology. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow within º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s supportive community and to use my education as a tool for healing, empowerment, and change.”
“Receiving the Cereta Perry scholarship is both an honor and a profound affirmation of my commitment to becoming a clinical psychologist. It eases the financial burden of my training and allows me to focus more fully on developing the clinical, research, and ethical competencies necessary to serve diverse and underserved populations. This support strengthens my resolve to pursue advanced training, engage in trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice, and contribute meaningfully to the mental and sexual health field through clinical work, advocacy, and research. Ultimately, this scholarship brings me one step closer to my goal of providing accessible, evidence-based care and helping individuals and communities heal and thrive.”