Accelerate Faculty

Today, Alverno College and Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) announce the recipients of the Kohl’s Scholars scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year. The Kohl’s Scholars program includes six $3,000 scholarships and one $5,000 scholarship that includes one-on-one mentoring with a leader from Kohl’s. Last year the program awarded five scholarships. All of the scholars will have opportunities to connect with Kohl’s women in leadership.

The 2023-24 Kohl’s Scholars are:

• Jessica Becerra Martinez, a junior from Milwaukee with a double major in business and management and Spanish (winner of the $5,000 scholarship)
• Liliana De Leon, a senior from Milwaukee majoring in human biology
• Michal Irfan, a junior from Menomonee Falls majoring in biomedical sciences
• Fernanda Jimenez, a senior from Racine with a double major in global studies and community engagement and activism
• Vanessa Lund, a senior from Milwaukee majoring in communication
• Yesenia Perez Velazquez, a sophomore from Milwaukee majoring in biology
• Evy Xayasone, a junior from Milwaukee majoring in psychology

“The partnership between Alverno College and Kohl's continues to support aspiring women in their career journey,” said Cheryl Moore, Ph.D., executive director of Career Development at Alverno College. “It is essential for students to have experiences beyond internships, traditional job shadows and informational interviews. Mentorship is necessary for the career development of women. Kohl's has shifted the focus of the next generation investment with intentional mentorship.”

The Kohl’s Scholars program includes “A Day at Kohl’s,” a bi-annual event where students will meet with Kohl’s female leadership through a women’s leadership roundtable, tour the corporate headquarters and get a firsthand look at what it’s like to work in corporate retail.

"We are proud to continue the Kohl's Scholars Program in partnership with Alverno and provide financial support, as well as experiential learning opportunities, for the next generation of leaders," said Mari Steinmetz, Kohl's chief people officer. "Kohl’s knows how valuable a solid foundation is, so we are excited to award six deserving Alverno students with our Kohl’s Scholars Scholarship. We look forward to connecting with these students through networking and mentorship opportunities as they continue their education and build successful careers for themselves."

Current Alverno undergraduate students were eligible for the scholarship, and priority was given to first generation college students and/or women of color, with preference given to students in their sophomore or junior year who are majoring in business, communication or STEM fields. Students were also chosen based on their understanding of Kohl’s philosophy of community service and their grasp of Alverno’s eight abilities – analysis, aesthetic engagement, communication, effective citizenship, global perspective, problem solving, social interaction, and valuing in decision making.

About Alverno College

Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college for women. Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Certificate programs, digital badges, degree completion programs and graduate programs are open to all genders. A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The college, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranks among the top schools in the Midwest for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and innovation by U.S. News & World Report.

About Kohl's

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading omnichannel retailer built on a foundation that combines great brands, incredible value and convenience for our customers. Kohl's serves millions of families in our more than 1,100 stores in 49 states, online at Kohls.com, and through our Kohl's App. For a list of store locations or to shop online, visit Kohls.com. For more information about Kohl’s impact in the community or how to join our winning team, visit Corporate.Kohls.com.