2022 Jean Shuman Scholarship Awardee

After careful consideration, Ayra Mudessir has been selected as this year’s scholarship recipient! Ayra is a graduate of our 2019 YEA! Chicago cohort and will be studying Health Sciences at DePaul University this fall. She has been an active YEA! Student Ambassador since completing the program, interviewing prospective YEA! students and participating in Business Blast. Ayra hosts the Grow Wealthy podcast and has published the children’s novel Rags 2 Riches: Raise Successful Kids to build financial literacy in youth. 

The Jean Shuman Memorial Scholarship was established by Edgar Shuman and his family as a tribute to his late wife. Jean, a Pittsburgh, PA native, attended the Julliard School of Music. Following graduation, she appeared at Radio City Music Hall and in Broadway shows. Later, while raising her children, she continued to touch thousands of people with her deep love and understanding of classical and popular music, performing at festivals, supper clubs, and concerts throughout the United States and Canada. Jean had a lifelong commitment to education – and even started saving for her future childrens’ college education on her honeymoon. She was recognized by all that knew her as a truly kind and compassionate person and was appreciated for her lifelong commitment to her family and art. Read more about the Jean Shuman Scholarship for YEA! Chicago graduates HERE.

As this year’s scholarship recipient, Ayra has demonstrated the YEA! values and the integrity, courage, and skills necessary to thrive in business and life. Congratulations Ayra!