The Wentcher Foundation
spotlight

Amado Candelario

Activist. Artist. Trailblazer.
Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Current Scholar

A First-generation low income student at Harvard University and President of the queer advocacy group Shades, Amado Candelario talks to us about what it’s like to be a computer science major, his upcoming role at Microsoft, and his creative interests.

Joseph Spaulding

Computer Scientist. Aspiring Philanthropist.
Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Current Scholar

A freshman at Truman State and newly inducted member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Joseph Spaulding talks to us about what it’s like to be a computer science major, a member of the football team, and part of the historic legacy of Black fraternities..

Robert Slay

Auditor. World Traveler. Bold Dreams. Wentcher Foundation
Alumnus & Board Member

Robert Slay talks to us about how he became a Board Member for the Wentcher Foundation and his travel experience working as an auditor.

Jack Timperley

Motivational Speaker. Part-Time Superhero. Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Alumnus

Jack Timperley talks to us about his new start-up venture in which he takes on the

alias Captain Marrow.

Sejahari Saulter-Villegas

Playwright. Fashion Designer.
Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Alumnus

Sejahari Saulter-Villegas talks to us about producing his own play at NYU, and his plans post-graduation as a Marshall scholar in London.

Amanda Hoyne

Media Coordinator. Entertainment Industry Veteran. Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Alumna

Amanda talks to us about what it is like working in the entertainment industry

during COVID times.

Sarah Martin

International Teacher. Avid Traveler.
Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Alumna

Sarah Martin talks to us about what it’s like working abroad in South Korea teaching middle school English.

Linda Hoffmann

Finance Hero. Travel Maven.
Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Staff Member

Linda Hoffmann talks to us about how she became an accountant, working for the Wentcher Foundation, and her travel plans. 

Ester Perez

Chemical Engineer. Aspiring Technologist. Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Alumna

Ester Perez talks to us about what it is like being a woman of color in STEM while working as a chemical engineer.

Patrick Bogusz

Mentor. Aspiring Philanthropist.
Bold Dreams.
Current Wentcher Scholar

Patrick Bogusz talks to us about his experience volunteering with Chicago Public School students on the city’s south side and his future plans.

Tramell Moore

Law Student. Activist. Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation
Alumnus & Volunteer

Tramell Moore talks to us about the importance of giving back and his experience volunteering for the Wentcher Foundation.

Jonathan DIAZ

Civil Engineer. Environmental Problem Solver. Aspiring Pianist. Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Alumnus

Jonathan Diaz talks to us about his Pathway Internship and civil engineering projects in the Army Corps.

Vera Demchenko

Systems Engineer. Astronomer. Dance Enthusiast. Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Alumna

Vera Demchenko talks to us about working in the space industry as a Systems Engineer on the Artemis Program. 

Abigail Afriyie

Artist. Fashionista. Future Designer.
Bold Dreams.
Current Wentcher Scholar

Abigail Afriyie talks to us about attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), her passion for fashion, and her latest art exhibition.

Palak Desai

Hematologist. Oncologist. Sport Enthusiast. Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Alumnus

Palak Desai talks to us about working with cancer patients as a Hematologist and Oncologist in a clinic and hospital.

Noel Miranda

Carpenter. Outdoors Enthusiast.
Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Alumnus

Noel Miranda talks to us about his aspirations to work in carpentry after leaving the Police Academy admissions process.

Kira Cook

Storyteller. Emmy Award Winner. Mother.
Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Alumna

Kira Cook talks to us about her journey through the arts and entertainment industry that has led her to LA.

Keely Reardon

Reserves Officer Trainee. Equestrian.
Bold Dreams.
Current Wentcher Scholar

Keely Reardon talks to us about her time in ROTC, her love of horse riding, and her post graduation plans in the service.

Brian Fitzpatrick

Relational Leader. Traveler. Photographer
Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Staff Member

President of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Wentcher Foundation, Brian Fitzpatrick talks to us about his relationship with Ernie Wentcher, his role, and Wentcher’s future.

Toccara Castleman

Emmy Award Winner. Playwright.
Lifelong Learner. Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Aluma

Tocarra Castleman talks to us about writing her own play, winning an Emmy, and working at the prestigious Goodman Theater.

Maryam Hanif

Bioengineer. World Traveler.
Bold Dreams.
Wentcher Foundation Alumna

Maryam Hanif talks to us about her career in the biomedical field working for a Med-tech startup , her travels abroad, and love of outdoor activities.