2026-27 Kohlmeier Mikulencak Scholarship Recipients

Driven by a passion for advocacy and systemic reform, I am a psychology major at Western Washington University preparing for a career in public interest law. As a mother of three incredible daughters, my academic journey is fueled by a commitment to community advocacy and a deep desire to show my girls that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. This scholarship directly aligns with my life goal of using the law to elevate others and dismantle systemic barriers. Following my graduation from Western, I plan to relocate my family to Seattle to begin a three-year law school program. My ultimate career objective is to use my legal training to protect civil rights and ensure that low-income, underrepresented, and marginalized communities have a fierce, dedicated advocate fighting for them in the courtroom.

I am a Human Services senior at Western Washington University, a solo mother of four, and a lifelong student of people. I am fascinated by the ways our stories, relationships, and experiences shape who we become. Through parenting, advocacy, community work, and my studies, I am continually drawn to understanding what helps people heal, grow, and thrive.  As a survivor of religious abuse and intimate partner violence, the values behind the Ray Wolpow Scholarship resonate with me because I believe every person has inherent worth and deserves to be treated with dignity. My own experiences have strengthened my commitment to social justice and to creating spaces where people feel truly seen and understood. After graduation, I plan to become a sex and relationship therapist working with individuals, couples, LGBTQIA+ communities, survivors of trauma and religious abuse, and people in diverse relationship structures. I hope to spend my career helping people discover new possibilities within themselves and their relationships.