Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Viles & Beckman, has announced Claudia Masmitja Corujo as the recipient of the 2025 Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship. The scholarship, established to honor Marcus Viles's dedication to community improvement, awards $2,500 to students who demonstrate a commitment to bettering their communities.
Corujo, a student at the University of Florida majoring in Health Education and Behavior on a Pre-PA track, was selected for her compelling essay detailing her experiences as a first-generation college student with an international background. Born in Spain to a family with deep Cuban roots, Corujo moved to Miami at a young age. She credits her rapid integration into a welcoming community for inspiring her to support others facing similar transitions.
In her essay, Corujo wrote, "The kindness I received during that difficult transition inspired me to one day become that source of comfort and familiarity for others." This perspective has driven her to actively engage in community support initiatives. At the University of Florida, she joined the First-Generation Leadership Program, which connected her with other multicultural, first-generation students. From 2024 to 2025, she served as the program's Head of Public Relations, aiming to give back to the institution that had supported her growth.
Corujo also partnered with the Member Leadership Program and worked as a substitute teacher with the UF Early Childhood Collaboratory. Her consistency and determination made her an ideal candidate to carry on Marcus Viles's legacy, according to the scholarship selection committee.
The scholarship's $2,500 will help Corujo continue her studies on how economic disparities and social inequities affect marginalized groups, particularly in healthcare. She plans to pursue a Health Education and Behavior Combined Master's Program after graduation and intends to work in pediatrics or neonatal care.
Viles & Beckman, known as "The 5-Star Law Firm," has been serving Florida residents since 1995, focusing on personal injury cases. The Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc., is dedicated to empowering young minds through scholarships and mentorship programs. For more information about the foundation's initiatives, visit Viles & Beckman.
The scholarship selection committee applauds Corujo's compassion and wishes her success in her academic and professional pursuits.
