Twenty years ago, Urban Arts Board Member Niclas Nagler created The Nagler Scholarship to enable high school students from low-income communities to define their future. Each year, one winning scholar is awarded $60,000 to pursue their dreams. We are proud to celebrate 20 Years of the Nagler Scholar and this life-changing initiative, made possible by the generosity of Niclas.
Nagler scholars are artists, computer wizards, designers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and global changemakers. They exemplify leadership in their schools, a demonstrable focus and vision for their post-secondary careers, and a strong desire to use their talents and skills to impact the community.
“Twenty years ago, Niclas Nagler made a bet on potential that many overlook: that a student’s zip code shouldn’t determine their future. Since then, the Nagler Scholarship has done exactly what Niclas envisioned, put $60,000 and full permission to dream big directly into the hands of students who’ve already shown us who they are. Every Nagler Scholar who’s walked across the stage carries a piece of that generosity forward. On behalf of everyone at Urban Arts, thank you, Niclas. Twenty years in, this is still one of the most meaningful investments in young people we get to be a part of,” says Philip Courtney, CEO.
Meet the 2026 Nagler Scholar
Rafael Martos is a senior at Thomas A. Edison Career & Technical Education High School in Queens, where he studies pre-engineering and robotics. Inspired by his stepfather’s work as an electrician, Rafael has been building and tinkering since his childhood—from elevator models to bike safety systems. He produces original music using Ableton and BandLab and founded a Dungeons & Dragons club that brought new students into the Urban Arts community. Rafael plans to pursue rehabilitation engineering, designing affordable and accessible prosthetics for larger communities.
While at Urban Arts, Rafael highlights, “Being able to meet other passionate strangers who turned into friends showed me the power of collaboration on team projects, where different talents combine to make something you’re fired up to create. Even outside of class, attending information sessions, game jams, and college prep helped me build the confidence I needed as a pioneer ready to spark change.”
Rafael embodies so much of what a Nagler Scholar promotes. He’s a problem solver, a community builder, and a creatively confident and technically expert student, as well as resilient and growth-oriented. We are proud to celebrate him as a 2026 Nagler Scholar.
Celebrating a History of Success
Below, some life updates and quotes from past winners!
Marlin Almonte works at a leading bank, bought her first home, and is about to have her second daughter.
“Niclas, I’m forever grateful for the impact you’ve had on my life. Your belief in me and my potential has been a driving force, and I can’t thank you enough for being a guardian angel to your scholars. Your care, support, and genuine interest have made a lasting difference. You’ve treated me like family, and for that, I’m deeply thankful. Thank you for being a beacon of support and inspiration. I am where I am because of your influence—thank you. Being a Nagler scholar has taught me the true meaning of community. Niclas built a family-like bond, and summer theater nights are memories I treasure. Grateful to be part of the Nagler scholar family.” —Marlin
Malik Bamidele graduated from the Clive Davis institute of music at NYU; has contributed to records for artists such as Jim Jones, Lola Brooke, Coi Leray, and A Boogie wit da Hoodie; and was selected for the Converse All‑Star Program.
“Thank you, Niclas, for highlighting and emphasizing art and sharing. Thank you, Niclas, for your commitment to highlighting the importance of art and sharing that love with others. Your dedication to creativity has inspired generations and reminded us how powerful art can be in connecting people to culture, identity, and community. By encouraging artists to embrace where they come from and to be proud of their stories, you helped create space for so many voices to be heard. I’m deeply grateful for your support and for the impact you’ve had on artists like me.” —Malik
Sarwat Siddiqui got her second degree at NYU for Nursing, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research, and just completed a novel.
“Niclas has been a mentor, friend, part-time therapist and fairy godfather merged in one. He doesn’t tolerate pity parties. He makes his opinions known, and most importantly, his love can never be questioned. Thank you for everything, Niclas. Everyone who receives the scholarship has a life story—one of internal struggles, external complexities and injustices they’ve had to confront. Being around other scholars is always humbling, and a reminder of community.” —Sarwat
Amadou Diallo received his degree in Computer Science at NYU’s School of Engineering and began his tech career in Seattle. He currently lives in Chicago with his partner and a (very cute) kid, working at Sargent & Lundy.
Frank Turiano is working full time as a cinematographer and is pivoting into directing.
Darcy Gutierrez is a faculty member at Urban Arts. Darcy also
co-founded a Worker Cooperative Game Studio, and one of her games was nominated for a BAFTA.
“Thank you for believing in me and my dream. If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t have access to the education that I’ve strived for and am so proud of being the first in my family to complete.” —Darcy
“Since being awarded the Naglar Scholarship in 2009, arts and culture have guided my every move. It has led me around the world as a professional musician, from performing internationally (including in Sweden, Niclas’s hometown!), to attending the Grammys as a nominated songwriter. And today, in 2026, I serve as the Director of City Hall Engagement at the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture in Boston. I also just released my first full length album titled MX, an ode to queer brilliance, and the right to exist, create, and thrive on my own terms. Dear Niclas, I am beyond grateful to have been blessed with another mentor, spiritual guide, and bonus parent in my life. Through the many phases of Olivia McClendon turned Billy Dean Thomas, you have been an anchor, grounding me and supporting the evolution of who I am: a scholar, an entrepreneur, and an artist.Thank you for all that you have done, and continue to do, for me, my family, and my legacy. It’s only up from here!”—Billy Dean
After graduating RIT, where she won best animation at the school’s Best of the Best, Katelyn Park’s short films have premiered in venues such as the SVA Theater in NYC, CICA Museum in South Korea, TIFF Lightbox theater at the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International, plus many more in Chicago, Oregon, and Western NY.
“Niclas, I truly would not be where I am today if not for your generosity and endless support. Not only have you helped to jump-start my artistic career, you’ve also welcomed me with open arms into your home and your family. Thank you for putting so much faith into the little high school me, because of it, I was able to grow into someone strong. I’m very proud of how much I’ve grown since then and am so excited to keep you updated as I head towards new opportunities in the future! I love being able to meet the other scholars, and to be able to come back to so many events at Urban Arts, not just as an alumni, but as an ambassador for your students and your cause! And yes, every Shakespeare in the Park has been an insane mind-blowing life changing amazing wonderful experience!”—Katelyn
Having recently graduated EARLY summa cum laude, with a Bachelors in Computer Science from Fordham, Mabel Inoa Mejia is headed to San Francisco, having secured a coveted full time position as a Software Engineer at Salesforce.
Ashton Hiatt is a camera assistant for movies and TV and always exploring options.
“After receiving the Nagler Scholarship I graduated with my B.S. from Medgar Evers College CUNY and then went on to graduate law school (CUNY Law School). I’m now an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, NY. Niclas, thank you. You are a special person that’s not only generous with your resources, but with your time and love. You take strangers into your family and support them unconditionally. We love you! I’ve gained a life long mentor, friend, and emergency contact! A sense of belonging to family especially when navigating life can sometimes pull you away from your biological family.” —Joshua
Rounding out her junior year studying Computer Science at Barnard College, Giselle Muriel was just offered a summer internship at Nintendo as an IT Software Engineer.
“Thank you for always being such a great source of support, Niclas. Thanks to you, I’ve entered spaces I’d never dreamed of stepping into. There really are no words strong enough to describe the gratitude I feel for all you’ve done for me; the magnitude of your impact goes beyond my life, you’ve positively impacted so many other lives in the process as well. All I can say is thank you!” —Giselle
Currently attending Binghamton University, Irene Leung’s team at STICKMAN STUDIOS won a Google Play Mobile Game Accelerator award. She’s studying philosophy, politics, and law with a special interested in intellectual property law.
“Niclas, thank you for believing and supporting my now not-so-distant dreams. Seemingly far-fetched goals now seem possible, and talking with you makes me feel so encouraged. My goal of becoming a philosopher and lawyer is made more concrete. Your self-assurance is infectious.” —Irene
Daniel Glen Schultz, who you might remember as the 2025 Nagler Scholar, is completing his second semester at City College New York, where he is studying Civil Engineering. He joined Engineers Without Borders, building a well to provide communities in Uganda with fresh water.
“Dear Niclas, I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for all you have done. You not only provided me with the wonderful opportunity of going to college debt free, but also provided me with a community of likeminded individuals that I can share my experiences with. This is the greatest gift a person can receive. Happy 20th and to many more!”—Daniel
