January 2023
Cooke Scholars and Alum at the Philadelphia Chapter’s Mr. Cooke’s Birthday Celebration
Compass Feature: Anastasia Neuman
2014 College Scholar, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
In the video below, Anastasia Neuman shares how a research experience reinforced her love for science and strengthened her desire to push the boundaries of human knowledge. Anastasia is currently a Chemical Engineering PhD Candidate at the University of Pennsylvania.
Check out more of Anastasia’s videos here.
Mario Alberto Mutis Rodriguez
2012 Graduate Arts Scholar, University of Florida
Mario was awarded the 2022 Faculty of the Year by the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC). A professor at Sante Fe College in Gainesville, FL, Mario was one of four finalists who had to present a lecture normally given to their students in under 15 minutes. His lecture was titled, “Approaching Art from Diverse Points of View.” Mario will also be featured in the February Alumni Buzz for his recent work teaching a once-lost metal casting technique to the Indigenous Mhuysqa Community of Sesquile in Columbia.
You can see some of his artwork here.
Ola Canty
2002 Young Scholar, 2007 College Scholar, Harvard University
Ola recently accepted a new role as Director of Intelligence Solutions at Decision Foundry. Her new role will involve data strategy for technology solutions.
When asked what she is most looking forward to, Ola shared that, “Over the years, I have gained skills across the breadth of data, including data analysis, engineering, governance, and visualization. Although I enjoyed each of those roles, I was always looking for an opportunity to apply all of these skills at once. This new role is exciting, because I can help clients address their data needs from many angles using any of the skills up my sleeves.”
You can learn more about Ola’s academic and professional journey here.
Bess Greenberg aka KidBess
2006 Graduate Scholar, Bard College
Bess Greenberg, aka KidBess, a musician and visual artist based in Upstate New York, recently released her debut studio album “Pearls” from Descending Order records.
In her pursuit of authentic beauty that comes from within, Bess has found personal truth in creating her music. A self-taught musician, Bess spent the past few years exploring her sound, and finding ways to encourage the music inside of her to come out.
An expression of love, “Pearls” features powerful and passionate vocals, and bridges many types of music, including electronica, pop, and alternative folk. Bess hopes that her music connects with listeners in a way that makes them breathe deep, feel strong, and possess the resolve to keep going.
She is excited to perform her music with her full band, KidBess & The Magic Ring, this upcoming year.
To follow KidBess’ music and upcoming events, click here.
Apply for the 2023 Quinn & Belcher Prizes
The Foundation is now accepting applications for the Quinn Prize and the Belcher Prize. Recipients will be chosen based on extraordinary achievement in an academic field, the arts, or public service. Such achievements might include the development of an innovative solution to a societal problem, creation of a significant community program, or publication of an important work.
The deadline to apply is Friday, March 3, 2023.
Learn more information about the Quinn & Belcher Prizes and apply here.
The Latest from the CookeAlumni.org Blog
Natasha N. Piñeiros, M.Ed.
2015 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, College of New Jersey
Natasha N. Piñeiros (she/her/ella) recently joined the Cooke Foundation as the newest Dean of Scholar Support. As a 2015 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, and a current Cooke Alum, Natasha reflected on how her academic and professional journey came full circle, “After being involved with the Foundation as a Scholar and Alum over the past 7 years, I am grateful to have the opportunity to give back and be involved in a professional capacity.”
Having been in the Scholars’ shoes, Natasha is acutely aware of the thrilling experience that is being a part of this extraordinary community. She has dedicated her career and academic research to supporting the development of historically marginalized students in their pursuit of a quality education. Natasha’s commitment to this work stems from her own experiences as an immigrant, first-generation, low-income student who benefitted from passionate, student-centered professionals that guided her academic and professional journey. Natasha is grateful to continue working with this community and feels ready to make immediate and valuable contributions at the Cooke Foundation.
You can learn more about Natasha’s professional journey here.
Mindfulness BINGO Challenge
Deadline: Tuesday, February 28th
Click the photo above to download a copy of the BINGO sheet.
As we kick off 2023, we wanted to create an activity that promotes wellness and mindfulness and aligns with our #CareForYourself critical action!
The Cooke Alumni 2023 BINGO Challenge is a call for Alums to engage with various activities that center wellness, community, and mindfulness.
Download a digital copy of the BINGO sheet, or print out a paper copy to fill out during the months of January and February. Your goal is to complete as many activities as you can - no need to complete them in any particular order!
You may choose one square or more per day and write in the day that you complete the activity. If you post your activities on social media, you can use the hashtag #CareForYourselfJKCF.
Any BINGO sheet with 15 or more completed squares must be emailed to thrive@jkcf.org and then your entry can be submitted for Thrive Together points here.
Latest Photos from Regional Chapter Celebrations and Meet-Ups
Share an update with us!
Alums, do you want to be featured in an upcoming Alumni Buzz? Do you have an academic, professional, or personal update to share? We would love to hear it!
Throwback Photo: Cooke Scholars and Alums at the Scholars Weekend 2011 Banquet