Bogin, Munns & Munns has awarded the 2025 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Scholarship to Amelia Hernandez, a junior at Texas Tech University majoring in Social Work with a minor in Apparel Design and Manufacturing. The scholarship recognizes Hernandez's dedication to raising awareness and advocating for individuals and families affected by FASD, a cause deeply personal to her as the oldest sibling of three adopted children with the disorder.
Hernandez's essay for the scholarship detailed how behaviors associated with FASD are often misread by educators, caregivers, and social workers, leading to unnecessary interventions or misplaced blame. She emphasized that understanding the disorder can make a life-changing difference. "Situations like this are often misread because too few people truly understand the disorder or its complex presentation," Hernandez said. "That's why I'm going to become a social worker who does understand the various displays of FASD." Her goal is to bridge the gap in understanding through education and advocacy.
At Texas Tech, Hernandez serves as a student representative for the Department of Social Work and Anthropology and leads outreach programs through the Wesley Foundation's Volunteer Service Team. After earning her bachelor's degree, she plans to pursue a master's in social work and work in hospitals serving rural and underserved populations. "I hope to provide resources and a sense of hope to patients and their families," she said.
The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Scholarship is part of Bogin, Munns & Munns' commitment to fairness and compassion beyond the legal system. Since 1979, the firm has supported awareness and advocacy for those facing challenges. Bogin, Munns & Munns congratulates Hernandez, whose passion for advocacy and empathy embody the award's spirit.
