The PennZone

BOSTON - PennZone -- Chronic Boss is thrilled to announce the winners of the fourth annual Chronic Boss Scholarship.

The scholarship seeks to support entrepreneurial-spirited women living with chronic conditions who are determined to make a difference. Scholarships are awarded in the amount of $1,000 to five outstanding recipients.

The Chronic Boss Scholarship program is the brainchild of Lilly Stairs, 2x founder, patient advocate, and Board Chair of the Autoimmune Association.

"It is an honor and a privilege to uplift the next generation of Chronic Bosses," said Lilly Stairs, Founder & CEO of Chronic Boss. "Our winners are redefining what it means to live boldly with chronic illness. They are resilient, creative, and committed to building a better world."

This year, the Chronic Boss Scholarship is proud to include a sponsored award from Mentally Fit Founder, a division of Lauren Perna Communications. The sponsored scholarship reflects a shared commitment to investing in student entrepreneurs who are building impact-driven ventures while navigating chronic illness and mental health conditions.

"As a mental health advocate, I am dedicated to supporting fellow advocates, and there is no better way to demonstrate that commitment than sponsoring Chronic Boss scholar, Tesia Shi," said Lauren Perna, CEO of Lauren Perna Communications. "I'm so impressed with the impactful work Tesia has done as an undergrad and is now doing as a Counseling Psychology PhD student."

Since its inception, the scholarship has received nearly 2,000 applications from remarkable women. Applications are reviewed by an expert judging panel made up of founding members of the Chronic Boss Collective.

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2025 Chronic Boss Scholarship Recipients

Amanda Berk
While pursuing graduate degrees in Social Work and Public Health at the University of Texas, Amanda launched LIORA, a virtual advocacy platform designed to help women prepare for medical appointments. She's using her lived experience to support others navigating invisible illness and reproductive care challenges.

Madeline Scott
Madeline is a graduate student and former herbal apothecary owner who now focuses on educational accessibility in online learning. Her academic research centers on disability advocacy and creating a more inclusive digital learning environment for all.

Marie‑Chantal Nyirahategekimana
Marie‑Chantal is a dual tech founder and grad student at Johns Hopkins. Her ventures combat healthcare bias and protect endangered African languages through machine learning. Her entrepreneurial drive is fueled by the belief that cultural preservation and systemic equity go hand-in-hand.

Christine Wilson
A U.S. veteran, Christine leads the Wilson Education and Mental Wellness Foundation, supporting first responders and their families with scholarships and trauma-informed care. She is pursuing her graduate degree while expanding her foundation's impact nationwide.

Tesia Shi
A graduate student at the University of Minnesota, Tesia co‑founded Lean On Me College Park, an anonymous peer-to-peer mental health text line at the University of Maryland. Her work has reached countless students and reshaped the conversation around mental health on campus.

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Tesia's scholarship is proudly sponsored by Lauren Perna Communications and The Mentally Fit Founder, in recognition of her powerful contributions to student mental health and wellness.

Amanda Berk, Madeline Scott, Marie‑Chantal Nyirahategekimana, Christine Wilson and Tesia Shi join a growing community of trailblazing Chronic Boss Scholars who are using their stories and skills to lead with purpose.

To learn more about the Chronic Boss Scholarship and read about past recipients, visit www.chronicboss.com.

About Chronic Boss

Chronic Boss is a mission-driven media platform for ambitious women living with chronic conditions. At the intersection of career, chronic illness, and women's health, Chronic Boss creates content, programming, and opportunities that empower individuals to build sustainable careers and businesses on their own terms. Through original media, community experiences, educational resources, and initiatives like the annual Chronic Boss Scholarship, Chronic Boss is redefining what success looks like for people with chronic illness.

About Lauren Perna Communications and Mentally Fit Founder

Lauren Perna Communications is a Boston-based marketing and communications consultancy serving the life sciences and healthcare ecosystem. LPC partners with organizations to elevate their visibility through strategic content, compelling storytelling, brand messaging, and LinkedIn programs. CEO and Head Writer Lauren Perna also founded Mentally Fit Founder, a platform that aims to change the narrative on mental health through relatable, insightful, and actionable discussions.

Contact:
Lilly Stairs
Founder & CEO, Chronic Boss
hello@chronicboss.com
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