The Divorce Stigma Scholarship Winners

At Atlanta Divorce Law Group, we see first hand how divorce can lead families to happier, more positive lives post-divorce. Each year we offer The Divorce Stigma Scholarship to hear stories of students whose experience with divorce differentiated from the negative stigma that surrounds divorce, and to contribute to their education. Below are our past scholarship winners:

2023 Winner: Abigail Marks

About Abigail: “My name is Abby Marks and I am a fourth-year human development and family science major, biomedical physiology minor at the University of Georgia. Go dawgs! I am originally from Cumming, GA and an alumna of North Forsyth High School. After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school in pursuit of a career in occupational therapy.”

Abigail’s Reaction: “I was sitting on the beach with my campus ministry when I got the email that I had won the scholarship. I was not expecting the news at all, but I am so thrilled and honored to be this year’s recipient! This scholarship is evidence to me that good is still flowing from my parent’s divorce, even over a decade later. Something that felt so impossible at the time turned into a chance for me to help reach others to end the stigma against divorce and gain support in my education all at the same time!”

2022 Winner: Victoria Gatych

About Victoria: “My name is Victoria Gatych. I was born in Chicago and raised in its suburbs. I am a graduating senior from Ridgewood High School going into Accounting (Class of 2026). I am first generation, with my parents being Polish and Ukrainian. I love to bake and read in my free time.”

Victoria’s Reaction: “I am so thankful for this opportunity. I just wanted to share my family’s experience with divorce and be able to help reduce the stigma surrounding the overall topic. My family and I are so happy to have the financial help for my future. I’d like to thank you once again; thank you for this opportunity towards my future.”

2021 Winner: Josie Myers

About Josie: “My name is Josie Myers and I am a first generation college student from Greensboro, North Carolina. I am currently a sophomore at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. I am a Social Work major and would love to work in adolescent mental health care after graduation. I currently work with my school’s Career Development Center and am also a Resident Assistant. I love to travel, try new coffee shops and watch documentaries. I hope to live in a tiny house and travel the world one day.”

Josie’s Reaction: “Everyday that I wake up I feel grateful for the opportunity to blaze the trail for a better future. College has taught me to be a stronger community member and I am dedicated to using my education as a platform to make the world a better place. This scholarship will ease the financial burden of my college education and allow me more time to spend working on projects to build my professional abilities. I am beyond grateful for the investment in my future.”

2020 Winner: Lupe Sudano

About Lupe: “My name is Lupe Sudano. I was born and raised in West Texas, which is also where I started my education and career in Higher Ed. I have been in my profession since 2003, primarily as an advisor throughout different colleges and universities in Texas. I love this profession and have enjoyed seeing all my students move forward in their achievements. I am currently attending Western Governors University and pursuing my Masters in Management and Leadership.”

Lupe’s Reaction: “I am truly grateful for this scholarship; it is a huge blessing. I cried the moment I read the email. I felt so many emotions looking back at everything I have been through and where I am today. It is humbling to share my personal experience with others to help them overcome the stigma of divorce and start a new chapter in their life.”

2019 Winner: Yohana Beraki

About Yohana: “My name is Yohana Beraki and I am a graduate student at Boston University studying Mental Health Counseling specializing in children and adolescents. I am originally from Indiana and attended Purdue University to earn my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Young people are my passion and I hope to work towards ending the stigma surrounding mental health.”

Yohana’s Reaction: “Receiving this scholarship is truly an honor. I am so thankful to the scholarship committee for selecting me for this award. The stigma surrounding divorce should be erased and I hope to incorporate this mindset into my work with families in the future.”