This is the largest number of students in Ramapo College history to earn the fellowship in one year

April 9, 2025

by Liz Mendicino ’26

An impressive five Ramapo College students were accepted to the Governor’s Hispanic Fellowship for the summer of 2025: Abigail Rojas ‘26, James Pascal ‘26, Cesar Vivas ‘27, Edy Martinez ‘27, and Mishell Lema-Lema ‘27. This demonstrates incredible growth over last year’s two winners, Stefanie Viera ‘25 and Ossiris Garcia ‘27. The five winners span across various majors, from Cybersecurity, to Political Science, to Nursing, to Accounting. 

The Governor’s Hispanic Fellowship, held by the New Jersey Center for Hispanic Policy, Research, and Development (CHPRD), is an eight-week paid internship experience for Hispanic college students. Fellows work in a government, corporate or non-profit setting, as well as participating in leadership training from the CHPRD’s staff, HISPA’s staff, government officials, business professionals and/or current or former elected officials specifically selected for their expertise in the pertinent field.

Abigail Rojas ’26

“My ‘why’ is my family,” said Rojas, a political science major. “They motivate me every day to be better because of how far they have gone, especially my mom, who has no immediate family in the US and despite English barriers, continued her education. She always told me that this country is full of opportunities and to not take that for granted.” Rojas is a heavily involved student leader. She is a First Generation student, vice president of the Democrats Club and the Law School Prep Club, secretary of Ramapo EMS, a member of Phi Alpha Delta, a peer facilitator, a resident assistant (RA) of Bischoff Hall, and a Gilman Scholarship Recipient. In her free time, she is a legal assistant at an immigration firm, a legislative intern for New Jersey’s 38th Legislative District, and an EMT at Englewood Hospital. She detailed in her application that she intends to pursue immigration law due to her upbringing and seeing how Hispanic parents like hers faced immense stigma.

On Applying to the Governor’s Hispanic Fellowship

Edy Martinez ’27

“Hearing the invaluable experience gained from past Ramapo winners, especially a supportive internship and essential professional development was really what drew me into this fellowship,” said Martinez. As a cybersecurity major, an EOF scholar, and a first-generation student, Martinez’s goal is to help others in all that he does. “For me, my ‘why’ was looking for the best ways to improve on myself while staying true to my roots,” Martinez said.

On Applying for Fellowships and Scholarships

“Take your time doing it, and make sure that you ask for assistance if you feel as though you are confused or need some support,” said Pascal. “Also, don’t lose self worth if you don’t get one you apply to, many times it’s not even about your individual qualifications.” Pascal is a political science and international studies double major, as well as a student leader on campus. He is an EOF scholar as well as first generation, secretary of governmental affairs for SGA, treasurer for Project ARCH, president for Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society, and a conference participant for the Model UN. Off campus, he is also a member of the HESAA student advisory committee. He is dedicated to helping his fellow students.

To learn more about the fellowship and scholarship opportunities available to students, visit the Prestigious Fellowships and Scholarships website.