Investing in Tomorrow
CCF honors 2026 scholarship recipients
By Jenna Abroo
One of CCF’s many strengths is its outreach into the community, providing opportunities that help better the lives of those it serves.
One way CCF fulfills this mission is through college scholarships funded by community donors. On August 14, CCF hosted a community event celebrating this year’s winners alongside their families and donors.
While requirements vary by scholarship, one thing is consistent: winners are bright, committed students—a shining example of the bright future our community can look forward to.
Drs. Nathima and Peter Atchoo Family Foundation Scholarship
I spoke with several recipients about what these opportunities meant to them.
Alexandria Jarbo, 20, of Shelby Township, received the Drs. Nathima and Peter Atchoo Family Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship provides financial assistance to Chaldean students pursuing higher education, including community college, university, and graduate studies, in preparation for a career in the field of their choice.
Jarbo recently graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a Bachelor of Science in Honors Biology on the pre-physician assistant course track. She intends to continue her education in physician assistant studies.
“This opportunity not only helps me continue toward my future career, but also reminds me of the incredible generosity, encouragement, and strength of the Chaldean community,” she shared. “I am so proud to be part of a community that continues to support and uplift its students and their dreams.”
Assil Shawkat, 35, of Macomb, also received the Drs. Nathima and Peter Atchoo Family Foundation Scholarship. Shawkat is a graduate of Purdue Global University with a master’s degree in Adult- Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
“This scholarship is a meaningful support toward my education,” Shawkat said. “I am honored to be recognized by such a generous foundation while continuing to work toward my academic and future goals.”
Abdul Karim and Jameela Sesi Memorial Scholarship
Emily Talia, 18, of Farmington Hills, is one of four recipients of the 2026 Abdul Karim and Jameela Sesi Memorial Scholarship. She will major in public health at Wayne State University.
“I feel so tremendously honored to be selected as one of the recipients and grateful for the opportunity to use these funds to pursue my goals,” Taila said.
Jennah Najor, 18, will study neuroscience at the University of Michigan. She said how honored she was to be selected by the CCF for the Abdul Karim and Jameela Sesi Memorial Scholarship, and how it meant so much to her and her family.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue my education and work toward my future goals,” she said. “I’m excited to represent the Chaldean community and make the most of this opportunity!”
Yvonne Nona Memorial Scholarship
Milana Khemmoro, 22, of Sterling Heights, is a third-year recipient of the Yvonne Nona Memorial Scholarship. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University in nutrition and food science with a minor in neuroscience.
The Yvonne Nona Memorial Scholarship Fund, created in memory of the late Yvonne E. Nona, provides financial assistance to Chaldean women pursuing higher education, including community college and university studies, in preparation for a career in the field of their choice.
“Being a third-year recipient of the Yvonne Nona Memorial Scholarship has truly been an answered prayer and a blessing throughout my education, easing the financial burden of pursuing my degree and allowing me to dedicate more time and focus to my academics as I work toward my future career,” Khemmoro shared. “I am deeply grateful for Yvonne Nona’s legacy, her family, and the continued support of the Chaldean Community Foundation, and I hope to one day give back and support others in the same way my community has supported me.”
Melak Salim, 23, of Sterling Heights, is a 4-year recipient of the Nona Scholarship. Salim holds a bachelor’s degree in public health and will graduate with a Master of Public Health with a concentration in population health analytics and epidemiology from Wayne State University in December. Salim hopes to continue on to medical school and become a pediatric cardiologist.
She presented a speech at the ceremony in which she expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities she has been blessed with. Having moved to the U.S. from Iraq as a young child, she reflected on how she now “stands here in front of you all not as a final product of myself, but as a growing reflection of everyone who has poured their love and support into helping me grow.”
She concluded with a message to all that have supported her: “Donors, and especially the Nona Family, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your time, support, and endless love in helping the next generation of Chaldean Americans thrive through our education.”
Additional 2026 Scholarship Recipients
Savannah Hamama, 18, one of two recipients of the Karim and Bernadette Sarafa General Scholarship, will study biology at Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University.
“I am incredibly grateful to have received this scholarship and for the support of the Chaldean Community Foundation,” she said. “I hope to use my education and future career to give back to the Chaldean community that gave me so much.”
Isabella Mikhail of Birmingham, recipient of the UDM CALSA Scholarship, says that she is so “grateful to everyone at UDM CALSA who helped put this scholarship together.” She looks forward to using the scholarship toward her legal education so that she can further support and give back to her community.
The CCF scholarship program awarded a total of $157,000 to 44 students in 2026. More than $688,000 in scholarship funding has been awarded to more than 200 students since the program began.
For additional information on the event and scholarship opportunities, please visit the Chaldean Community Foundation website at chaldeanfoundation.org.