The Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc., in connection with Viles & Beckman, has selected Claudia Masmitja Corujo as the recipient of the 2025 Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship. The scholarship honors Marcus Viles's commitment to community betterment and recognizes students who demonstrate similar dedication to supporting others.
Corujo, a University of Florida student majoring in Health Education and Behavior on a Pre-PA track, stood out for her extensive community involvement and personal background as a first-generation college student with international roots. Her scholarship essay detailed how her experiences shaped her perspective on community support and inspired her to help young people seeking guidance.
Born in Spain to a family with deep Cuban roots, Corujo moved to Miami as a child and experienced rapid integration into a community that embraced her multiple identities. She noted that the kindness she received during this difficult transition inspired her to become a source of comfort and familiarity for others facing similar challenges.
At the University of Florida, Corujo joined the First-Generation Leadership Program, connecting with other multicultural, first-generation students seeking support. From 2024 to 2025, she served as the program's Head of Public Relations, working to give back to the institution that helped her develop personally and professionally. She also partnered with the Member Leadership Program and worked as a substitute teacher with the UF Early Childhood Collaboratory.
The $2,500 scholarship will support Corujo's studies examining how economic disparities and social inequities disproportionately affect marginalized groups, particularly in healthcare. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Health Education and Behavior Combined Master's Program and work in pediatrics or neonatal care.
The scholarship selection committee praised Corujo's consistency, determination, and compassion, noting her exceptional efforts to connect with people around her and develop supportive relationships. Her background and commitment to community service make her an ideal candidate to carry on Marcus Viles's legacy of community improvement.
The Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc. maintains its mission through programs like this scholarship, which you can learn more about at https://www.vilesandbeckman.com. The foundation focuses on empowering young minds and creating lasting change through education, empowerment, and compassion across Southwest Florida.
