Catie McGee is a junior at Saint Mary’s College in Indiana where she is majoring in marketing with a concentration in finance. On campus, she is a member of class council serving as a representative for the class of 2028, as well as the outreach coordinator for the Future Business Leaders club. Catie also studied abroad in Ireland during the Spring 2026 semester, continuing her educational goals while simultaneously traveling across Europe and exploring different cultures. Over the summer, Catie has been working as a marketing intern for Wacker Chemical Corporation, developing different skills and learning more about the chemical industry. After graduation, Catie plans to continue working in marketing and advancing her career.

Dana Passerman is a junior at Boston University studying Human Physiology on a pre-med track. In addition to her coursework, she is the secretary of Terpsichore, BU’s premier treble-voiced acapella group, a volunteer at Massachusetts General Hospital, and is in the process of obtaining her EMT certification with plans to work as a campus EMT in the fall. Outside of academia, she loves music and songwriting, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. After graduation, she aims to attend medical school and eventually become a physician. She hopes to continue to impact her community through service, patient advocacy, and spreading the importance of patient-focused care in medicine.

Zach Kilpatrick is a junior Biochemistry major at the University of Scranton. He is a member of the University’s men’s soccer team and has worked as a pharmacy technician at CVS Pharmacy for the past year, gaining experience in patient care and the pharmaceutical field. His coursework provides hands-on experience that has strengthened his passion for pharmaceutical research and his goal of developing new medications. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research and continue his education through graduate or Pharmacy school.

Jacob Marryott is honored to have been chosen for this generous scholarship. I thank all of the Mafto sponsors involved. I am going to be a senior at Carlow University  and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I have been a member of the schools’ Men’s Volleyball team since freshman year. He works summers at the YMCA day camps with children. I love animals and want to own my own rescue farm someday.

Will Kasunich is a rising second-year student from Pittsburgh, PA, studying at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY. He is enrolled in Syracuse’s School of Architecture and is taking part in a five-year Bachelor’s degree in Architecture program that the school provides. Through recent work experiences, including serving as a learn-to-play hockey instructor for children and as a seasonal manager at a local county pool, Will has developed a love for giving back to others. These teaching and leadership roles have helped Will to understand his strengths and to push for a strong sense of community wherever he goes. In the coming years of college, Will is eager to pursue his passion for architecture while also fostering a sense of community across various educational and social environments

Mikaela Watson grew up in the small town of Haddonfield, New Jersey. She is an upcoming sophomore at the University of Alabama, where she is pursuing a degree in Business. She plans to concentrate in Management while also earning a minor in Sales. During her first year of college, Mikaela joined Alpha Chi Omega, an experience that has encouraged her to work hard, grow as a leader, and build meaningful relationships. She enjoys challenging herself both academically and personally while preparing for a successful career in business. After graduation, she hopes to use her education and leadership experience to build a rewarding career in business and sales.

Elisabeth Rhodes is a rising senior at Franklin & Marshall College, where she is majoring in Psychology, minoring in Sociology, and pursuing a Certificate in Education. She is currently involved on campus as Co-President of College Against Cancer and as a member of Chi Omega. During the spring of 2026, Elisabeth studied abroad in Vienna, Austria, where she taught English to third-grade students, an experience that strengthened her passion for working with children. She enjoys combining her interests in psychology, education, and community service through both her academic and extracurricular experiences. After graduation, Elisabeth plans to pursue graduate studies in child psychology and hopes to build a career helping children and families through assessment, counseling, and advocacy.

Ryan Benjamin is entering his sophomore year at Kutztown University, where he is majoring in Business with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. As a member of the Kutztown Golden Bears football team, Ryan has embraced the challenges of being a student-athlete, demonstrating dedication, discipline, and perseverance both on the field and in the classroom. After college, Ryan plans to pursue a career as an electrician while continuing to build the knowledge and experience needed to one day own and operate his own electrical contracting business. His entrepreneurial mindset and strong work ethic have shaped his goals of creating a successful business that will serve his community and provide opportunities for others. When he’s not studying or playing football, Ryan enjoys working out, spending time at the beach, golfing, and sharing his passion for the game by training young football players. He believes in leading by example and values the importance of hard work, integrity, and giving back. Ryan is honored and grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Mid Atlantic Food Trade Organization Scholarship. He sincerely appreciates the organization’s investment in his education and future, and he thanks the members of MAFTO for their generosity and commitment to supporting students as they pursue their dreams.

Originally from Manalapan, New Jersey, Maxwell Salonna is a Food Marketing and Business Intelligence & Analytics major with experience across the food industry, including roles in serving, bussing, catering, and cashiering. He is currently a Business Insights Co-Op at C.A. Ferolie, where he leverages data and analytics to support strategic decision making, and previously completed a co-op at PepsiCo in Foodservice Sales Management on the Digital Menu Optimization team. On campus, Max serves as Vice President of Marketing in the Food Marketing Association and as a Haub Ambassador, actively engaging with students and industry partners. Passionate about the intersection of food and analytics, he is committed to continuing to grow and make an impact in the industry

Originally from Bucks County, PA, Drew Parlee is a junior at Saint Joseph’s University studying Food Marketing and Business Intelligence & Analytics. Building on early experience in the foodservice industry, he is currently completing a Business Insight Co-op with C.A. Ferolie and will join Church & Dwight this summer as a Sales Analyst Intern on the Revenue Growth Management team. On campus, Drew is a highly engaged leader, serving as the Interim President and VP of Recruitment for the Interfraternity Council, Director of Outreach for the Food Marketing Association, and as an Ambassador for the Haub School of Business. He is also a brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon and a member of the Men’s Club Soccer team. Through these experiences, Drew has developed a strong passion for data analysis and strategy, which he is eager to bring to the CPG industry post-graduation.

We appreciate the support of the food industry so that we may continue to assist those students studying Food Marketing. These students will be soon joining us in the work force and eventually become leaders in the food industry.

Thank you to the following companies for their direct contribution to the MAFTO scholarship program:

Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services

If you would like to add you/your companies name to this list, please click here.

Please contact Scholarship Chair JJ Brennan on how you can participate directly with the Scholarship Program. 

610-869-4100