AUSTIN, TX (July 2, 2008) – – –  Yellow Cab, Austin’s largest and most modern taxi fleet, has announced the recipients of the 3rd annual company scholarships. The five $1,500 scholarship awards may be used for college or technical school training and are awarded to the children of independent contractor drivers at Yellow Cab and Yellow Cab employees. The drivers and employees themselves are also eligible. Applications are judged based upon applicants’ essays, transcripts and financial needs.

“Education is essential to reaching one’s full personal and professional potential,” said Ed Kargbo, General Manager of Yellow Cab. “It is gratifying to give back to the independent contractor drivers and employees by helping them and their children pursue their dreams.”

General Manager Ed Kargbo (in suit) with scholarship recipients. From left: Lori Bohannon, Ali Mzouali, Sarah Akunebu, Yana Burwell and Bria Black.

Bria Black is the daughter of Martha and Derek Black. Her father has been an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab for more than 10 years. The two-time Yellow Cab scholarship recipient is entering her junior year at Texas Tech University, where she is majoring in biology and biochemistry.

Sarah Akunebu is the daughter of Tony Akunebu, who has been an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab for more than ten years. Sarah and fellow scholarship recipient Bria Black attended LBJ high school together. This fall, Sarah will enter her junior year at the University of Texas where she is majoring in psychology with a minor in Spanish.  

This is the third year in a row that Lori Bohannon has received a scholarship from Yellow Cab. She is the daughter of Janene Hawkins, who is has been an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab for more than 10 years. Lori is transferring from Austin Community College to the University of Texas. She hopes to attend law school after she completes her undergraduate degree.

Yana Burwell joined the company’s accounting department about 10 months ago. She is pursuing her accounting degree at Texas State University.

Ali Mzouali has been an independent contractor driver at Yellow Cab Austin for 8 years.  He’s working toward an associate’s degree in radio and film production at Austin Community College.