Nine University of Iowa undergraduate students are able to study abroad in 2025 thanks to support from the Leona Zaharis Scholarship, a fund that was established in 2022 by Cathy Zaharis (BBA finance ’82) in memory of her mother.
Cathy’s mother, Leona, never went to college, but she made it a priority to explore the world. Cathy wanted to give University of Iowa students the opportunity to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Meet some of this year’s recipients:
January 2025
Idella Edwards is a fourth-year student majoring in exercise science with a minor in psychology, and on the pre-physical therapy track, from Sioux City, Iowa. Edwards studied abroad on the Women’s Empowerment in the Dominican Republic program.
“I chose this program because I’ve always wanted to study abroad, and the opportunity to learn from a professor I admire made it even more appealing. I was excited to experience a new culture firsthand and see how it connects to my future goals in healthcare. This felt like the perfect chance to grow both personally and professionally.
Studying abroad in the Dominican Republic gave me a deeper understanding of global inequality and my own privilege as an American citizen. It challenged me to think more critically about social responsibility and the role I can play in promoting equity. This experience also strengthened my commitment to becoming a culturally aware healthcare professional who can serve diverse communities with empathy and respect.
The Leona Zaharis Scholarship made this life-changing experience possible for me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support. Without it, studying abroad would have been out of reach. This scholarship not only helped ease the financial burden but also gave me the chance to grow academically, personally, and professionally in ways I never imagined.”
Samantha Youngren (BBA marketing ‘25), from New Lenox, Illinois, studied abroad on the International Business in Sydney program.
“I chose this program because it had always been a dream of mine to study abroad. I also thought Australia was such a beautiful place and was very excited to learn about the culture and see the amazing sites it had to offer. This experience will positively impact my future by knowing I am able to get out of my comfort zone and go to new places with people I am unfamiliar with. It also makes me excited to explore other parts of the world and potentially look for marketing job roles outside of the U.S.
To me, the Leona Zaharis Scholarship means opportunity. Without this scholarship I may not have been able to explore Australia or meet the amazing people that I was able to on this study abroad experience. I could not be more grateful to have received this scholarship and all the knowledge about the Asia Pacific that came with it.”
Summer 2025
Ifrah Mohamed is a fourth-year student majoring in global health studies and while she is originally from Somalia, she has spent half of her life living in Iowa. Mohamed is currently completing an IES internship abroad in Vienna, Austria.
“I’m interning with VAEV R&D Research and Development Agency, which works on improving education and learning through sustainable, community-based projects. Their mission to empower vulnerable groups and advocate for policy change really connects with my passion for global health and equity. I chose this program because it’s a unique chance to get real-world experience in an international setting. I’m looking forward to working with local organizations in fields like international relations and psychology, while also immersing myself in Austrian culture. It’s a great opportunity to build my skills and gain experience that aligns with my goals. This internship is already helping me grow in cross-cultural communication and global collaboration, which are so important for my future career in global health. It’s also broadening my perspective on how different cultures approach health and social issues, which I know will make me a stronger candidate for medical school or jobs down the line.
Receiving the Leona Zaharis Scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me. It not only eases the financial burden of studying abroad but also connects me to a legacy of curiosity and exploration that I deeply admire. This support encourages me to continue pushing boundaries, seeking new experiences, and growing as a global citizen. It motivates me to give back to my community through mentorship and advocacy, honoring the spirit of the scholarship every day.
Leona Zaharis’s spirit of curiosity and love for exploration is deeply inspiring. I feel a strong connection to that spirit, especially as someone who has always sought to learn across cultures and borders. I carry this gift with both pride and responsibility, and I’m already committed to giving back, not just in the future, but now through mentorship, advocacy, and service.
I’ve been in Vienna for three days now, and honestly, I’m so happy and inspired. Being here feels like a dream come true, and it’s already shaping how I see the world and my place in it.”
Jenana Sinanovic is a first-year student majoring in psychology and international relations, with a focus on international business, from Urbandale, Iowa. Sinanovic is currently completing an IES internship in Vienna, Austria.
“I chose this program because Vienna is a global hub for international relations, and because it is home to one of the four main United Nations offices. I’ll be interning with the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international advocacy and policy. I’m especially excited to deepen my understanding of Austrian culture, work in a new environment, and grow both personally and professionally through this experience.
Completing this internship abroad will expand my cultural awareness, adaptability, and global perspective—skills that are essential for my future in international law. Living and working in a new environment will challenge me to navigate unfamiliar systems, communicate across cultural differences, and think more critically about international issues. This experience will also strengthen my confidence and independence, both personally and professionally, while helping me build international connections that could shape my future career path.
As a first-generation college student, managing the cost of college can be overwhelming. The Leona Zaharis Scholarship lifts a huge burden and allows me to pursue a life-changing experience in Vienna. This scholarship shows me that others believe in my potential and the value of my goals, which is a powerful reminder that I’m not navigating this journey alone.”
Fall 2025
Yasmine Nour is a second-year student majoring in industrial engineering from Iowa City, Iowa. Nour will be studying abroad on the CIEE Barcelona Intern + Study abroad program in Spain.
“I picked the Barcelona program because the city blends innovation and culture in a way that fits perfectly with my industrial engineering studies. I’m excited to see how engineering works in a different environment and to experience life in such a vibrant city. Studying abroad will give me a fresh perspective, help me adapt to new situations, and teach me how engineering solves problems globally. This experience will definitely help me grow both personally and professionally.
I’m really grateful to receive the Leona Zaharis Scholarship. It takes away financial stress and makes studying abroad possible for me when it wouldn’t have been otherwise. This support lets me focus fully on my studies and make the most of this opportunity. I’m committed to working hard and getting the most out of this experience.”
Alexandra Williams is a first-year student majoring in art with a minor in art history, from Cedar Falls, Iowa. Williams will be studying abroad on the WorldStrides South Korea: Korea University program.
“I chose this program because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and experience a culture completely different from my own. I’ve always been curious about Korean culture, and I wanted the chance to experience it firsthand, not only in the classroom but in everyday life. I’m excited to explore the art, traditions, and daily rhythms of Seoul, and to learn through real experiences like visiting cultural sites, talking with locals, and just being part of a totally different environment for a while.
I think studying abroad will challenge me in the best possible way. Being in a completely new environment means I’ll need to navigate unfamiliar situations, adapt quickly, and become comfortable with uncertainty. I believe that kind of growth stays with you. It will also give me a deeper, firsthand understanding of how art and culture connect across borders, something I could never fully grasp from a textbook alone.
Receiving the Leona Zaharis Scholarship is an incredible honor. It represents more than financial support— it celebrates the spirit of curiosity and exploration that the scholarship itself embodies. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity this scholarship provides me to pursue this experience and grow both personally and academically. It has also inspired me to approach my time abroad with the same passion for discovery and appreciation for the world that Leona had.”
The Leona Zaharis Scholarship supports up to two $1,000 scholarships for summer and winter sessions, up to two $2,000 scholarships for fall and spring semesters, and up to two $3,000 scholarships for academic or calendar year programs.
To help more University of Iowa students go abroad, make a gift today!
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.