Claudia Masmitja Corujo Awarded 2025 Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship

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, honoring Marcus Viles's commitment to community betterment. Corujo, a University of Florida student majoring in Health Education and Behavior on a Pre-PA track, stood out for her compelling essay detailing her experiences as a first-generation college student with an international background that shaped her perspective on community support.

Born in Spain to a family with deep Cuban roots, Corujo moved to Miami as a child and was rapidly integrated into a community that embraced, understood, and celebrated all of her identities. She explained that the kindness received during that difficult transition inspired her to become a source of comfort and familiarity for others. This foundation drove her to support young people seeking guidance, particularly through her involvement with the First-Generation Leadership Program at university, which connected her with other multicultural, first-generation students.

Corujo's engagement with the First-Generation Leadership Program allowed her to expand her personal network and access mentorship opportunities. From 2024 to 2025, she served as the program's Head of Public Relations, aiming to give back to the institution that supported her growth. Simultaneously, she partnered with the Member Leadership Program and worked as a substitute teacher with the UF Early Childhood Collaboratory, demonstrating her dedication to educational and community development.

The scholarship selection committee recognized Corujo's consistency and determination as ideal qualities for carrying on Marcus Viles' legacy. Her essay illustrated exceptional efforts to connect with others and develop symbiotic, supportive relationships. When discussing the scholarship's impact, Corujo noted that the $2,500 award will help her continue studying how economic disparities and social inequities disproportionately affect marginalized groups, especially in healthcare. She plans to pursue a Health Education and Behavior Combined Master's Program after graduation and work in pediatrics or neonatal care. The Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc., and Viles & Beckman applaud Corujo's compassion and wish her success in her studies. For more information, visit https://www.vilesandbeckman.com.