Sherifah Munis, Founder and Executive Director, Newwave Foundation

Raised by parents who were the first in their families to attend college, Sherifah Munis learned at a young age that education is a gift, never to be taken for granted. As an adult, she also has a clear view of the critical role technology plays in today’s world. She and her husband own NewWave Technologies, based in Elkridge. Three years ago, Munis took a leap of faith, launching the Newwave Foundation, creating a meaningful connection between her passions for education and technology by supporting aspiring leaders.

“The core mission of the Newwave Foundation is to inspire the next generation of dreamers by creating opportunities for educational equality,” said Munis, founder and executive director. “We encourage kids to dream, to think about their futures and to value the opportunities they have to learn.”

Recognizing that life circumstances can sometimes create barriers to education, the Newwave Foundation introduced a scholarship program available to students at HCC. The scholarship is offered exclusively to students who are the first in their family to attend college to study in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field.

“Through my professional experiences, I have seen the impact technology has on our lives, first-hand,” said Munis. “You have to embrace it in our world today. Scholarships support the people who are doing that and who will lead our community in the future.”

And there would be no better place to offer that support than in her own backyard, Munis explains.

“I believe charity begins at home,” she said. “Our business is headquartered in Howard County. We see the positive impact HCC has on our community, and we believe in what the school stands for. It’s a natural partnership and fit.”