​​While growing up in the Philippines, Erish Mae Araneta witnessed how inadequate medical care can negatively impact a community. Now a fourth-year nursing student at Cal State Long Beach, she has received awards for completing over 850 hours of community service, lobbied in Washington, D.C., for federal policies that better support community college students and is involved in her university’s California Nursing Students’ Association with hopes of mentoring her peers. 

Erish’s ambitions include expanding the reach of STEM education and inspiring the next generation of scientists. She plans to earn a doctorate in nursing and work as a clinical instructor.