Remembering Carina

In Carina’s name, the Carina Mae Owens Scholarship Fund will invest in students across California and the nation to advance issues relevant to her story and fields she devoted her life to: Filipino American culture and leadership, youth development and cancer research.

Carina made her heavenly ascent on May 31, 2024 after battling Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC), a rare and incurable form of salivary gland cancer.

During that period, she met each day with an unwavering smile and unshakable spirit. Her positivity, courage and vibrancy, in both sickness and health, continue to leave lasting impressions and cherished memories with her friends and family.

Her undeniable impact in youth leadership development with the City of San José, social justice with advocating for our World War II Filipino Veterans, and sisterhood and community-building with LEAD Filipino and Kappa Psi Epsilon are only a few examples of her devotion to social change.

We also promised Carina that we would tell her three-year-old son, Owen, all about his loving, fearless and radiant Mama. By recognizing young scholars that imbue and represent Carina’s values, we not only hope to build a growing national community in her name, we hope to pass this Fund to Owen one day.

Thank you for supporting our efforts.

#CarinaForever