Abagail Catania, a first-generation student from UW–Madison, identified a significant gap in diversity within her agricultural business management major, an issue that she addressed in a groundbreaking way. Motivated by her own experiences of feeling out of place in a less diverse environment compared to her educational background in Chicago, Catania took proactive measures to ensure future students of color would have the support she felt was missing. In a remarkable move, she founded a scholarship aimed at supporting students of color pursuing agricultural business management and applied economics. Named the Abagail Catania Agricultural and Applied Economics/Agricultural Business Management Diversity Scholarship, this fund specifically targets sophomores who are actively involved in student organizations, underscoring Catania’s commitment to fostering inclusion and growing her major.
Building a Legacy of Inclusion
Catania’s journey from a diverse educational background to the predominantly white environment of UW–Madison was not easy. Initially, she felt out of place and struggled with the lack of representation in her field. However, rather than succumb to these challenges, she decided to create positive change. Her initiative to establish the scholarship was not just a personal mission; it was an effort to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for underrepresented students in agricultural business management and applied economics. Karen Martin, the scholarship director, highlighted the rarity of a student establishing such a fund while still on campus, pointing to Catania’s exceptional dedication.
The first recipient of the scholarship, Mfonobong Ufot, was awarded in 2018, marking the tangible impact of Catania’s initiative. This award did more than just ease financial burdens; it represented a beacon of hope and a step toward greater diversity in a field that significantly lacks it. Through this scholarship, Catania not only opened doors for others but also set a standard for student-led initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in academia.
A Vision for the Future
Beyond her undergraduate achievements, Catania’s dedication to diversity and inclusion extended into her post-graduate career. After earning a master’s degree from the University of Westminster, she served as the assistant director for diversity recruitment and initiatives at the University of Evansville. This role enabled her to broaden her mission. She now plans to double her scholarship award to $1,000 annually, thereby enhancing her impact and providing greater support to underrepresented students.
Catania credits much of her personal and professional growth to her undergraduate experiences at UW–Madison. She recognizes the university’s influence in shaping her path and is keen to further her mission of increasing opportunities for underrepresented students in agricultural studies. She derives immense satisfaction from her journey and continues to advocate for positive change, remaining a source of inspiration for future generations of students. Her story exemplifies the power of individual initiative and its profound effect on creating a more inclusive and diverse academic environment.
