Norco College alumna Juliett Santana Ruelas has been named a recipient of the ATHENA of Riverside Scholarship, a prestigious award presented through the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce that recognizes outstanding women who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, public service, and a commitment to mentoring others.
The scholarship is awarded annually to female students from select institutions throughout Riverside County, including Riverside Community College District colleges, California Baptist University, University of California, Riverside, and La Sierra University. Recipients are selected based on their academic success, service to their communities, and dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Juliett attended Norco College for two years before transferring to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where she is now a third-year student majoring in Political Science and Public Law with a minor in Environmental Studies.
During her time at Norco College, Juliett established herself as a dedicated student leader. She served as president of the Pre-Law/Political Science Club, worked as a student coordinator for a campus voting campaign that educated students about ballot measures and encouraged civic engagement, and represented students as a senator with the Associated Students of Norco College. She also founded Fashion For Change, a nonprofit initiative that repurposes clothing and provides clothing to individuals in need.
Receiving the ATHENA Scholarship is helping support an international internship opportunity in London through the UCSD's Future Innovators program, which connects students with internship experiences abroad. Juliett was selected and interviewed for an internship with the International Water Association, a nonprofit organization focused on addressing global water challenges.
"This specific internship was the one I selected because it's a nonprofit organization and works to give back to people," Juliett said. "I will be doing media and marketing for them."
Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in public service, potentially through environmental law, policy, or elected office.
Juliett credits much of her growth and confidence to the foundation she built at Norco College.
"Norco College helped me become the best college student version of myself," Juliett said. "All of my leadership positions, being close to home, my friends and professors helped me become confident in myself to come here to UC San Diego. It helped me get accustomed to doing schoolwork and how to talk to people. I'm always thankful and think back to my time at Norco College."
She encourages current students to pursue opportunities even when they may feel uncertain about their qualifications.
"I would tell other students who are hesitant to go for it," Juliett said. "They are their own best supporters and know their capabilities better than anyone else. They have to market themselves."
The ATHENA Scholarship recognizes women who exemplify leadership, service, and academic excellence. For Juliett, the award reflects years of dedication to community engagement and public service, and provides support as she continues to pursue opportunities to make a positive impact both locally and globally.