Amelia Hernandez Wins 2025 FASD Scholarship for Advocacy Inspired by Family

Bogin, Munns & Munns, a law firm with a longstanding commitment to community advocacy, has proudly announced Amelia Hernandez as the recipient of its 2025 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Scholarship. A junior at Texas Tech University majoring in Social Work with a minor in Apparel Design and Manufacturing, Hernandez's selection highlights her profound personal connection to the cause. Inspired by her experience growing up with siblings diagnosed with FASD, she has dedicated her academic and personal life to building awareness and advocacy for affected individuals and families, making her story a powerful testament to lived experience driving professional ambition.

For Amelia Hernandez, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a deeply personal family reality, not an abstract concept. As the oldest sibling in a family that adopted three children with the disorder, she has witnessed firsthand the daily challenges and moments of resilience. Her compelling essay, central to her scholarship application, argues that behaviors linked to FASD are frequently misunderstood by educators, caregivers, and social workers, often leading to unnecessary interventions or misplaced blame. She emphasizes that greater awareness and a willingness to look beyond assumptions can be life-changing, stating her goal is to become a social worker who truly understands the disorder's complex presentations. This commitment to bridging the gap in understanding through education, empathy, and advocacy is the core message of her journey.

At Texas Tech University, Hernandez channels her empathy into concrete action as a student representative for the Department of Social Work and Anthropology and through leadership with the Volunteer Service Team at the Wesley Foundation, organizing community outreach in Lubbock. Her academic excellence and service underscore her calling to help others. She plans to pursue a master's in social work after her bachelor's degree, aiming to work in hospitals serving rural and underserved populations to provide resources and hope. The annual Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Scholarship reflects Bogin, Munns & Munns' belief in extending fairness and compassion beyond the legal system, supporting students like Hernandez to inspire understanding and advocacy for families affected by FASD, as detailed on the firm's website. The firm proudly congratulates Amelia Hernandez, confident her passion will make a lasting difference in her community.