The Cereta Perry Scholarship honors Cereta Perry, PhD, co-founder of MSP, and her contributions to both alumni and diversity. The scholarship was established in her name for the purpose of recruiting diverse students to MSP. It is awarded at the beginning of each school year to a promising incoming student in each program who belong to ethnic, racial, cultural, religious, and sexual identity groups that have traditionally been underrepresented populations in the field of psychology. The recipients have also demonstrated a commitment to advancing awareness of issues that impact diverse populations.
This year’s recipients were Vrinda Mot (MA) and Francesca Bellisario (PsyD).
“It is an absolute honor to receive the Cereta Perry Scholarship. As a woman from the developing world and a member of the psychology community, I am deeply committed to advancing mental health awareness, particularly among those facing challenges related to racial identity, sexual orientation, and marginalized communities. This scholarship will enable me to further my studies and contribute to dismantling the discriminatory structures that hinder personal and societal growth.
My goal is to use my knowledge and platform to foster a more inclusive, compassionate world, where all individuals can thrive regardless of their background or identity. I am determined to leverage every opportunity to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the professional field, helping to create a more equitable future for all.”
My personal and academic experiences have informed my dedication to supporting survivors of interpersonal violence. Receiving an Advanced Certificate in Victimology Studies, alongside my degrees in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College, has equipped me with specialized tools to understand issues related to vulnerability, including how ethnicity, immigrant status, sexual orientation, and gender may increase the risk of victimization.
