2023 Hamilton Scholar Emely Lopez from Homestead, FL, is a committed, independent, and courageous student and individual; full of drive, sheperseveres with a winning attitude unmatched by peers – always kind, attentive, and engaged.

Of her numerous community service projects and activities, founding Hearts to Heal best showcases Emely’s leadership. In partnership with Florida International University Professor Dr. Asia Eaton Hearts to Heal spreads awareness on domestic abuse through seminars and club meetings. Alongside 30+ student volunteers – from Homestead, to Miami’s Medical Academy for Science and Technology, John A. Ferguson High School, Terra Environmental Research Institute, and so many more – Hearts to Heal donates feminine products, hygiene products, diapers, baby bottles, bed sheets, and clothing to local women shelters.

Her leadership extends into school as Emely devotes herself to seven extracurricular clubs, of note is her service as Junior President for Student Advocates for Speech. Emely does not see obstacles – she sees opportunities. In pursuit of her career in trauma surgery, Emely has diligently accumulated over 150 community service hours volunteering as a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Home Health Aide for Century Medical Center alongside Dr. Nelson Gonzalez and Dr. Yeney Lopez. Without question, Emely is a well-rounded individual deserving of every opportunity before her.

In the classroom, Emely excels as an intelligent scholar, devoting her time to her studies – familiar with long, late nights at the Miami Dade College library – to ensure her 4.7 weighted GPA remains unscathed. Although Emely is balancing three Advanced Placement classes, three Miami Dade College classes, and two Florida Virtual Classes she still finds time for herself and those around her – especially her family. As a Cuban-American, first-generation daughter, she wants to provide for her family – whether it be cooking dinner and cleaning the whole house before her single other gets home from her two jobs, or surprising her with a hot cafecito that will surely make her day – Emely always finds a way to step-down as a leader and be a friend, daughter, sister, and student.