Meet our 2026-2027 recipients! These women received a $5,000 scholarship thanks to your generosity.
We are thrilled to introduce the 2026-2027 Whatcom Women in Business Scholarship recipients: Josianah “Josie” Cockayne, Naomi, and Petra McDonnell-Ingoglia!
These outstanding women have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference in their communities. We are honored to support their educational journeys and excited to see the impact they will continue to make.
Please join us in congratulating Josie, Naomi, and Petra on this well-deserved recognition!


Josianah “Josie” Cockayne is a Studio Art student at Western Washington University with plans to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree concentrating in painting. Her artistic work explores themes of identity, womanhood, and contemporary social issues, reflecting her belief that art can inspire awareness, empathy, and meaningful dialogue. Throughout her academic journey, Josie has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement and advocacy. She has been involved in organizations focused on social justice, environmental stewardship, and suicide prevention, using both creativity and service to make a positive impact. While balancing part-time employment to help fund her education, Josie has remained dedicated to her artistic and academic goals. She hopes to build a career within galleries and the growing eco-art movement, promoting sustainable artistic practices while highlighting important social issues through her work.
WWiB is honored to support Josie as she continues to use art as a force for education, advocacy, and change.

Naomi graduated from Bellingham High School and Whatcom Community College, earning both her high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously. She is currently attending Gonzaga University, where she is pursuing degrees in Political Science and History with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. A dedicated student leader, Naomi serves on the executive board of Gonzaga’s Mock Trial team, is Vice President of the university’s Phi Alpha Theta chapter, serves as Media Manager for Amnesty International, and was recently elected as a Senator for the Gonzaga Student Body Association. Naomi plans to pursue a law degree after graduation, with interests in business law, human rights advocacy, and legal aid. Through her academic achievements and leadership roles, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, advocacy, and civic engagement.
WWiB is proud to support Naomi as she continues her educational journey and works toward a career dedicated to creating meaningful impact through the law.

Petra McDonnell-Ingoglia is a graduate of Western Washington University, where she earned degrees in History and Holocaust & Genocide Studies. During her time at WWU, she was recognized as both an Outstanding Graduate of the Honors College and a Commencement Speaker. Petra currently serves as an Advising and Outreach Specialist at Whatcom Community College while pursuing a Master’s degree in Higher Education at Central Washington University. She is passionate about creating equitable educational opportunities and empowering students to achieve their academic goals. Her commitment to education and advocacy extends beyond her professional work. Petra has volunteered with Honors Outreach at WWU and served as a spokesperson for the Ray Wolpow Institute for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity. Her advocacy has even taken her before the Washington Supreme Court, where she spoke on the importance of Holocaust and genocide education in schools.
WWiB is proud to support Petra as she continues her work advancing educational access and student success.
Whatcom Women in Business Scholarships
2026-2027 Scholarship Application
Closed - March 31, 2026
(3) $5,000 for 2026-2027 Academic Year
Eligibility & Application Process
Eligibility Criteria
Application Instructions
2025-2026 Scholarship Recipients

Trinity Longoria is currently attending Options High School and will be her class
representative when she graduates this June 2025. She is also a running start student
at Bellingham Technical College where she hopes to earn her associate’s degree in
radiologic technology. This summer Trinity plans to take a phlebotomy course to add to
her skills. Trinity’s goal is to someday work at Seattle Children’s Imaging Center in
Everett. In addition to her studies, Trinity works several hours a week at McDonald’s
and volunteers at the Bellingham Food Bank.

Gabriela Llanos graduated from Ferndale High School in 2014 and is currently
Attending Edmonds Community College to obtain her American Bar Association accredited
Advanced Paralegal Certificate. Her goal is to become a Certified Paralegal and
eventually serve as a supervisor at a Washington State immigration law firm. She
previously attended the University of British Columbia (UBC) where she graduated with
a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Spanish. Gabriela currently works at
Whatcom Community College where she supports students in the English as a Second
Language program and the Adult Basic Education program. Gabriela speaks three
languages in addition to English: Spanish, Portuguese, and French. In her spare time,
she is a volunteer with National Alliance on Mental Illness Whatcom, a member of
Whatcom Young Professionals, and a mentor for the UBC Arts Co-op program.

Sandhya Thapa is currently attending Ferndale High School and will graduate in June
2025. In addition, she will also be completing her associate in arts and sciences DTA
degree at Whatcom Community College. She plans to attend the University of
Washington in the fall where she will major in Business and Marketing. Despite a heavy
academic load, Sandhya found time to participate in activities at both the high school
and the college. At Ferndale she helped create the Asia and Pacific Islander Club,
helped coordinate a Multicultural event, and was a member of the National Honor
Society. In college, she served as the secretary for the student volleyball club. In
addition, she regularly works at her family-owned business, volunteers at Peace Health
St. Joseph’s Medical Center, and volunteers at her church.
