FIRST PLACE WINNER - $10,000 SCHOLARSHIP
Emilio Cervantes
My name is Emilio Cervantes. In Fall 2025, I will begin my Master’s in Structural Engineering at Stanford University. I recently graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Construction Management and a minor in Architectural Engineering, completing my studies in just three years. During my time at Cal Poly, I served as a department tutor for two years, supporting students through some of our program’s most challenging courses. I also competed for two years in the Associated Schools of Construction competition as part of the Virtual Design and Construction team.
I am incredibly passionate about the built environment and the beautiful intersection between structural engineering and construction. The idea of bringing together seemingly simple materials to create structures that improve lives and shape communities has always inspired me.
This summer, I’ll be interning with Webcor Construction as a Project Engineer. My family and I are incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I hope to one day pay it forward to the next generation of builders.
SECOND PLACE WINNER - $8,000 SCHOLARSHIP
Hannah Hamawi
My name is Hannah Hamawi, and I'm entering my junior year at Santa Clara University, majoring in civil engineering with a minor in construction management. I grew up in Los Angeles, near Pasadena. Some of my hobbies include soccer, surfing, and shopping.
On campus, I'm involved in several engineering organizations. I’m a project manager for the ASC Commercial Team, as well as the vice president for the Santa Clara ASC chapter. I also serve as a peer advisor for engineering students and assist in AutoCAD lab sessions to help fellow classmates learn the software.
Outside of class, I’ve interned with Clark Construction at Disneyland and South Bay Grading as a cost estimator. I also conduct research through an environmental ethics fellowship, studying the effects of levee failures on marginalized communities.
I decided to minor in construction management because it blends hands-on work with real, visible results. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow and gain experience in the field. This summer I am returning to Clark Construction as an intern and I am assisting with the site work at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
THIRD PLACE WINNER - $5,000 SCHOLARSHIP
Juan Zepeda
My name is Juan Sebastian Zepeda, and I’m a first-generation college student from the Bay Area pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. I’m transferring to California State University, East Bay after earning my Associate’s Degree in Engineering from Chabot College. Over the past few summers, I’ve had the opportunity to intern in the construction industry as a project engineer, which has only strengthened my passion for the field. My interest in construction began with my father, who has worked in underground utilities for over 20 years. Watching him take pride in his work inspired me to follow a similar path. I’ve interned with both subcontractors and general contractors, including my current internship with Plant Construction, where I’m continuing to learn how job sites are managed. I hope to take all of this experience with me and eventually start my own successful construction company. At the end of the day, I can’t see myself anywhere else besides the construction industry!
THIRD PLACE WINNER - $5,000 SCHOLARSHIP
Lauren Dryden
Lauren Dryden is a freshman at Baylor University majoring in business. She is a 5th generation Californian who grew up in a family immersed in real estate, finance and construction. This fueled her interest in pursuing a business degree and she hopes to translate that into working in real estate development. She is thankful to the CFMA board members and scholarship committee for this scholarship to jump-start her college career! Go Bears!
FOURTH PLACE WINNER - $4,000 SCHOLARSHIP
Josiah Rangel
My name is Josiah Rangel. I am going into my senior year as a Marketing Media student at The Master's University in Santa Clarita, California. For the past two summers I have worked with Creative Window Interiors, a provider of custom designed window coverings, first as Sales Intern and then as the Marketing and Branding Intern. The skills gained in these internships as well as my past two years of education have lit a desire in me to create my own marketing agency, first for real estate and then eventually for construction companies. My goal is to make a meaningful impact through the promotion of good people and good companies. This past year I served in dorm leadership helping students connect with others and assimilate into college life. My love of sports led me to organize college level pick up soccer games with up to 40 students. I am excited to see where these passions and skills will take me, and I am very grateful to be able to continue my education and finish well.