Walden University’s 2017 Scholars of Change Demonstrate How They Are Making a Difference

Minneapolis—December 12, 2017—Walden University’s newest Scholars of Change are representative of the tens of thousands of Walden students and graduates who lead and contribute to positive global social change every day. Students and alumni submitted inspiring videos for the 2017 Scholars of Change video contest, demonstrating how they are living the university’s social change mission and putting their knowledge to work for the greater good.

Three individuals were named Walden’s 2017 Scholars of Change, each receiving $6,000 plus a $500 donation to the charity of their choice.

• Amina Khan, a PhD in Psychology student from Oakville, Ontario, Canada, is working to improve the health and wellness of South Asian and Middle Eastern communities through the creation of Amanah Fitness—an evidence-based, online fitness program that offers culturally specific diet, nutrition and fitness tips. Her charity is Islamic Relief Canada.
• Caleb Lorensen, an MS in Education graduate from Omaha, Nebraska, created a community development project to help at-risk youth. Through a variety of initiatives, he is doing his part to improve the quality of education for vulnerable youth in Thailand, where he currently resides. His charity is HOPE International Schools, Inc.
• Angela Martilik, a PhD in Forensic Psychology student from Dallas, Texas, was inspired by her police psychology class to support police officers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in an effort to decrease the suicide rate among officers and connect them with available mental health resources. Her charity is Farmers Branch Police Officers Association.

Other inspiring stories of social change from Walden students and alumni include three honorable mention recognitions:

• Shane Clarke from Fort Collins, Colorado, a PhD in Criminal Justice student
• Lovely Thornton from Fort Washington, Maryland, a PhD in Education graduate
• Isheba James from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, a PhD in Clinical Psychology student

Sania Green-Reynolds, MS in Education student, was chosen as the public vote winner, based on online votes for eligible videos.

Walden University provides a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can apply what they’ve learned to effect positive social change. The Scholars of Change program began in 2009 when Walden invited students and alumni to submit short videos showing how they were applying their Walden education and experience to create positive social change in their communities and around the globe.

Visit the Walden Scholars of Change web page to view the winning videos.

About Walden University
For more than 45 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Students from all 50 states in the U.S. and more than 150 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university offers more than 85 degree programs with more than 435 specializations and concentrations. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org. Walden is one of more than 70 institutions in 25 countries that make up the Laureate International Universities network. For more information about Walden, visit www.WaldenU.edu.