For students preparing to enter the court reporting profession, attending an NCRA Conference & Expo offers something that cannot be replicated in the classroom: the chance to see the profession up close, meet the people doing the work, and begin building a professional community of their own.
This summer the National Court Reporters Foundation (NCRF) Conference Registration Scholarship helped 15 students attend the 2026 NCRA Conference & Expo in Bellevue, Wash.
For several recipients, the experience proved to be more than just attending educational sessions. It provided practical insight, encouragement, connections, and a stronger sense of what lies ahead as they pursue careers in court reporting.
For Haley Young of Menifee, Calif., the Conference was all about learning face to face.
“The NCRA Conference was the most valuable educational experience I’ve had this year,” Young said. “The presentations taught me about unintuitive, real-life problems and solutions in the court reporting space, and I received individualized advice and encouragement from the working reporters that I met.”
Young shared her thoughts about her Conference experience in a short video.
For Miquela Goodson of Mossyrock, Wash., the Conference offered an opportunity to connect in person with people who have already played an important role in her journey.
“Transitioning to a new career is intimidating in any set of circumstances, but I have been blown away by the incredible support from the steno community of working professionals, instructors, and fellow students since I began this journey in 2024,” Goodson said.
The Conference gave Goodson the opportunity to learn so much. “I was able to attend this year’s NCRA Conference, where I met my instructor and mentors, connected with other students, and gained valuable insights for my schooling journey,” she said.
For Emily Deans of Birmingham, Ala., receiving NCRF support to attend the Conference was meaningful. “I would like to thank the NCRF for the grants and scholarships I’ve won to attend the Conference. This is my first time winning anything like this, and the world of steno has changed my life,” Deans said.
The Conference also gave students an opportunity to experience camaraderie, which is an important part of the profession.
The 2026 NCRA Conference Registration Scholarship recipients were:
- Haley Young — Menifee, Calif.
- Myriah Perez — La Marque, Texas
- Jessica Williams — San Diego, Calif.
- Vic Germosen — North Brunswick, N.J.
- James Mitchell — Seattle, Wash.
- Luke Fernandes — Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
- Miquela Goodson — Mossyrock, Wash.
- Anna Sohn — North Potomac, Md.
- Patricia Slattery — Lake Ariel, Pa.
- Emily Deans — Birmingham, Ala.
- Kaly Stormer — Citrus Heights, Calif.
- Cici Bui — Riverside, Calif.
- Samantha Veare — Hayden, Idaho
- Therese Pichette — Mead, Wash.
- Kaili Tseng — McKinney, Texas
For these students, the Conference represented an important opportunity to experience the broader professional community. The students’ enthusiasm prior to the Conference was clear.
For Cici Bui of Riverside, Calif., the Conference was an opportunity to widen her educational journey with new contacts. “I am looking forward to connecting with students and working reporters at the Conference to help with my motivation through school and in hopes to find a mentor as well!” she said.
Samantha Veare of Hayden, Idaho, said she was excited about meeting new colleagues and learning court reporting best practices. “I am so excited to meet new people, make meaningful connections, and learn more about this amazing career,” she said. “This opportunity means so much to me as I get to grow personally and professionally while pursuing my dreams of becoming a court reporter!”
Therese Pichette of Mead, Wash., was attending an NCRA Conference for the first time and appreciated that its proximity would allow her to come. “I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to attend an NCRA Conference for the first time in my home state,” she said.
Anna Sohn of North Potomac, Md., looked forward to making new contacts. “I am excited to attend the NCRA Conference and network with and meet professionals and other students,” she said.
Jessica Williams of San Diego, Calif., was excited about attending her first NCRA Conference with all new experiences “I’m most excited to get out of my comfort zone and make some lifelong relationships as I move into the court reporting profession,” she said.
Myriah Perez of La Marque, Texas, was eager to attend the event and noted that she looked forward to meeting many new people and taking home something interesting she’ll learn.
Vic Germosen of North Brunswick, N,J., was excited to meet other court reporting students. “The one thing I’m looking forward to the most is being able to connect with so many other people going through the same journey as me,” he said.
James Mitchell of Seattle, Wash., was attending his first NCRA Conference and said he knew it would be memorable and fun. “As a first-time attendee, I’m looking forward to the inspiration that I know the Conference will provide,” he said.
Luke Fernandes of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, hoped to return home with new ideas and new tips for success. “I’m looking forward to learning from the best in the profession, connecting with fellow students and reporters, and coming home with new motivation and knowledge to cross the finish line,” Fernandes shared.
Kaly Stormer, from Citrus Heights, Calif., said she was grateful for the opportunity to attend her first Conference and connect with others in the profession. “I am most excited about making connections in the community and learning about the latest developments in the field,” she said.
Kaili Tseng, from McKinney, Texas was similarly eager. “I am excited to learn from and connect with other students and reporters from all over the country,” she said.
Patricia Slattery of Lake Ariel, Pa., saw the Conference as an opportunity to learn from and meet working practitioners. “After working hard to enter the court reporting profession, I’m excited for the chance to learn from experienced reporters and build meaningful connections at the NCRA Conference,” she said.
For students, opportunities to attend NCRA Conferences can be an important part of the transition from education to career. To learn more about NCRF scholarships and grants supporting students and new professionals, visit NCRA.org/Foundation.
For questions, contact NCRF Director Jill Parker Landsman at jlandsman@ncra.org or NCRF Manager Alex Vlahopoulos at avlahopoulos@ncra.org.
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