1st Year GSBA Scholar | Novasio Wilson Scholar University of Washington Abbigale Smith is from Lewiston, ID and now lives in Mansfield, WA. She plans on going to the University of Washington and majoring in Mathematics while becoming a certified high school math teacher. She hopes to leave a lasting positive impact on the world and plans on doing it by being a supportive role-model for younger generations to come. She hopes that by being open with younger generations about LGBTQ she can help end the stigma surrounding it.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Yakima Valley College
Alexander Pacheco first grew up in Aberdeen, WA, but now lives in Union Gap, WA. He is currently a senior in A.C Davis High School, but is trying to apply to many colleges like Western Washington University, Eastern University, Central Washington University but due to his financial status, he may be applying to Yakima Valley Community College to save up money. He is planning to earn a Bachelor's Degree to become an art teacher for middle school to high school students, in order to teach them that art can be a good coping mechanism. In the long-term, he also wants to teach how art can be a safe-space for closeted or out LGBTQ students to be in to express themselves in their art. He wants to help students feel safe and relaxed in his class.
3rd Year GSBA Scholar | Founders Scholar Pacific Lutheran University
Amanda Schendzielos grew up and is now living in Tacoma, attending Pacific Lutheran University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in English. She aspires to obtain a master’s degree in education and teach literature in the public education system; creating an environment and pedagogy of inclusivity. Her secondary goal is to author and publish narratives centering queer and LGBTQ characters.
3rd Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington
Anna Rink currently attends the University of Washington, and is studying English, Spanish, and social studies with the goal of teaching in public schools and eventually even shaping education policy. She understands the importance of a strong and inclusive support system, particularly while growing up, and strives to help build community in all she does.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Skagit Valley College
Arath Orozco was born in Moreno Valley, CA and is now living in Mount Vernon, WA. He is attending Skagit Valley College and Mount Vernon High School and plans on continuing to a four-year university to pursue a nursing career. Arath wants to get his BSN, and then after some experience, he wants to go back to school and get his Master's Degree to become a Nurse Practitioner and continue to work with Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood is a nonprofit organization that he has been working with since the beginning of the 11th grade. He plans on working for this organization to help provide accurate and inclusive medical care to the LGBTQ community, especially for when patients can't afford care or if it is unsafe for them to use insurance.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar | Olympic Hot Tub Scholar Seattle Central College
Astro Pittman was born in Italy, raised in Texas, and has called Seattle home for 13 years. Astro attends Seattle Central College in the Applied Behavioral Science Baccalaureate program, and plans to go on to complete his Masters of Social Work degree. Astro works with at-risk LGBTQ+ youth as a drug and alcohol counselor, focusing on homeless queer youth of color. Astro is also President of Seattle Central's LGBTQ-focused student club, Queer Cooperative; and is the Editor-in-Chief of the college's newspaper, The Seattle Collegian. Astro's hope is to blend these spheres of influence into a collective vehicle for social welfare and justice in his communities.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Western Washington University
Bee Fenner grew up in Suquamish, WA, and is now attending Western Washington University in Bellingham, pursuing a BS in Psychology. They serve as a leading officer for WWU Queer Club, and hopes to inspire and give voice to other LGBTQ+ students pursuing science. Creating an academic environment that embraces people of all identities, backgrounds, and abilities is something they are very passionate about. Bee is working to become a counselor for LGBTQ+ youth, while also doing research that challenges the hetero-patriarchal institutions in psychology and beyond.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar | Beeks Family Legacy Scholar Columbia Basin College
1st Year GSBA Scholar North Seattle College
Bryan Rincon-Ochoa grew up in El Plan Del Zapote, Mexico, his family Immigrated to Yakima, Washington and he is now living in Mountlake Terrace, WA. He would like to induce change by, motivating LGBTQ youth to perceive their very own ability to learn and change the world. Bryan is Pursuing an Associate in Business DTA/MRP at North Seattle College with the goal to transfer to the University of Washington in winter quarter of 2020. Bryan has made becoming a Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon their long term goal, he wants to provide medical access to his community members that are not served with adequate dental care due to their social and financial status.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Cascadia College
Bryant Allen grew up all around the Seattle area and is now living in Issaquah, attending Cascadia College finishing his associate transfer degree in Cultural Ethnic Studies. He hopes to inspire others with his story and promote wellness through healing, inspiring LGBTQ youth to recognize their own potential, and understanding that true healing and compassion come from within. Bryant plans to transfer to Life Chiropractic College West in Hayward, California to pursue his doctorate in Network Spinal Analysis. Bryant has made becoming a Chiropractor his long-term goal, working with communities, marginalized LGBTQ youth, and ultimately providing them with chiropractic care so they can perform at their highest potential.
1st Year GSBA Scholar The Evergreen State College
Casey Williams grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and is now living in Olympia, Washington, where he attends The Evergreen State College. He is studying liberal arts, with a focus on ethics and cultural studies. He hopes to become a lawyer someday, in order to advocate for people in underserved communities. He feels it is important to have a presence as a lawyer and activist, as his black and transgender identities help to bridge the gap between homogeneous legal boards and the general public.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar | Giblett Family Memorial Scholar Seattle Central College
Cashayla Rodgers grew up in Seattle, WA, and is now attending Seattle Central College, pursuing an Associates of Science transfer degree, to continue her education at a Historically Black University. Her goal is to confront and reform the education system designed to oppress and marginalize LGBTQ students. Cashayla will become a human rights lawyer, to advocate for the rights of students, families, and communities furthest from educational justice; while using her voice to empower others to enact change.
1st Year GSBA Scholar | Wozumi Family Scholar University of Portland
Chivon Ou was raised in Hillsboro, OR and now lives in Vancouver, WA as a student attending the University of Portland. He is a first-generation, Khmer-American student pursuing an undergraduate degree in Nursing with a Neuroscience Minor. Inspired by the stories of his parents’ survival as refugees of the Khmer Rouge regime, Chivon aspires to become a nurse researcher to serve communities that are disproportionately affected by trauma. One of Chivon’s long-term goals is to invalidate the practice of conversion therapy with research. He also has an interest in pursuing research related to HIV using his experience as a biomedical intern. Chivon hopes that along his journey he will inspire LGBTQ+ youth to confidently pursue their ambitions.
1st Year GSBA Scholar | Kenny Olson & John Reed Scholar University of Washington
Dawson Dang grew up in the small town of Longview, Washington. He is the first in his family to pursue a higher education and is now going to school at the University of Washington in Seattle. Dawson will be pursuing a degree in Nursing with a minor in Nutritional Sciences. Dawson hopes to enter into the healthcare field to provide the LGBTQ+ community with quality and inclusive health services. Specifically Dawson would love to work in fertility or surrogacy services to help LGBTQ+ couples or individuals start families. Dawson is forever grateful for his chosen and biological family and would like to help start or grow families in the LGBTQ+ community.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington
Elle Harwood grew up Spokane, WA and is now living in Seattle, attending the University of Washington and pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Religion and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. They anticipate pursuing a career as a pediatric research oncologist and being a visible member of the LGBTQ community in STEM, something she did not see growing up. They hope to also participate in activism surrounding LGBTQ rights and equity for those who have spent time in the foster care system.
1st Year GSBA Scholar | Symetra Empowers Scholar Undecided
Ellie Spencer grew up in rural Packwood, WA. She now lives in Tacoma and is graduating from Stadium High School this June. She has not yet decided on her college. Ellie was born with a rare biological condition giving her male chromosomes and hormones, but female organs and an externally female appearance. Having grown up with this condition, Ellie has a unique view on gender, sex, and human biology. Intersex people have often suffered from misunderstanding, hate and have been subjected to surgeries to "fix" their bodies without consent. Ellie hopes to raise awareness for Intersex people and their struggles through online advocacy and education. At college, she plans to study business administration with a minor in LGBTQ studies.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar Swarthmore College
Elyse Decker grew up in Seattle, WA and is now going to school right outside of Philadelphia at Swarthmore College. She is planning to major in International Relations or Global Studies so she can create an impact for the LGBTQAI+ community worldwide. She has been becoming more involved with her Indigenous history and tradition and is planning to study the intersections between Indigenous culture and LGBTQAI+ history. Elyse is hoping to continue in academia by becoming a professor to help guide the next generation to be more open and comfortable with expressing themselves.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar | #BeYou T-Mobile Scholar University of Rochester
3rd Year GSBA Scholar | Chester Podlodowski Scholar University of Washington
Fatima Al-Rikabi grew up in Everett, WA and in Iraq off-and-on for most of her childhood. She is currently pursuing a double-major at the University of Washington in Sociology and History. She is hoping that she can utilize what she learned in her undergraduate career to focus on a career in Politics. Once she has graduated from the University of Washington, she hopes to attend law school. She hopes to use a specialization in Civil Rights Law to advocate for minorities and fight the injustice in our legal system that oppresses LGBTQ individuals. She hopes to direct this into a Political career where she will be the first-out-Muslim-female senator.
3rd Year GSBA Scholar | Sandy Peterson Scholar Western Washington University
Fialaui’a Lamositele is from Bellingham, WA. They are attending Western Washington University's Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies creating their own concentration of Healing in Education, Leadership, and Organizational Change emphasis in Indigenous and Ethnic Studies while Minoring in Education and Social Justice. They hope to keep honoring indigenous ways and tools to address contemporary issues for healing individuals and communities. Fia is a long-time poet and co-facilitates workshops focusing on identity, reflection, art, and self-community care. Their life plan is to continue to love and serve our community by honoring our ancestors, ourselves, and future generations to come.
1st Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington
Fukui Shen, born in Hsinchu, Taiwan. He immigrated to Vancouver, WA and he's lived in Vancouver for 4 years. He's a student of Vancouver iTech Preparatory and a running start student at Clark College. Currently, he's studying for his AA General but he's considering moving to UW Seattle. He'll be studying Urban Planning, Drama, or Political Science if he attends UW. His career goal is to become a transportation planner and he will design a third restroom for nonbinary/gender-inclusive passengers. He will provide an additional space for non-traditional gender people. In his senior year, he has begun working with local LGBTQ community such as Q Center and QSA at Clark College.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar Gonzaga University
Inés Marti Devolx was born and raised in The Netherlands by her Spanish parents for the first nine years of their life, lived in Chile for the next four, and finally moved to Boulder, CO, in 2013. They identify as nonbinary and their preferred pronouns are she/her/they/them. They are now studying Biology at Gonzaga University on the Pre-Med track and are currently working in a biology lab at Colorado State University as they study remotely this fall.
Isa Jolie, born in Greenbrae, California, grew up in San Antonio and then Fort Worth, Texas before moving to Bellingham, Washington to pursue their undergraduate degree in urban planning and sustainable development at Western Washington University. They have been avidly involved in LGBTQ+ rights and activism for much of their life, and have found their niche in queer eco-justice, intersecting queer liberation with climate justice. They plan to continue their trek in establishing themselves as a public speaker and figure at various protests, strikes, marches, and other events, on top of addressing coming climate disasters which often leave LGBTQ+ people at the frontlines by becoming an urban planner.
1st Year GSBA Scholar
Isabella Richter de Medeiros is pursuing a BA in Cinema Studies. Already an award-winning filmmaker with her debut 2017 short "Cheers and Queers," she will use her degree to continue to create content that represents LGBTQ people. Beyond on-screen representation, however, she will fight for her and other LGBTQ creators' place at the table in every aspect of production in the cishet-male-dominated film industry, creating spaces for LGBTQ people to tell their own stories on their own terms.
1st Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington - Tacoma
Jace Grubbs grew up in Southern California and is now residing in Camas, Washington. He is going to attend University of Washington - Tacoma in order to major in psychology. Currently, he is sharing his story through public speaking with local high school staff, trying to reform the school system and improve it for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse youth. He is working to become a gender therapist who councils LGBTQ+ youth, while continuing to impact school systems through speech and leave a positive impact on many.
Jace Reyes was raised in various places around the Puget Sound and has now settled in Seattle, WA to attend the University of Washington, in order to pursue an undergraduate degree in sociology. He hopes to continue to graduate school for counseling, with the ultimate goal of becoming a counselor for marginalized (specifically LGBTQ+ and POC) and displaced individuals who would otherwise have limited access to mental health services due to cultural or financial barriers.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Columbia University
James McAndie grew up in rural Carson, WA, attending Stevenson High School through his sophomore year. He then transferred to Mountain View High School in Vancouver, WA where he is currently a senior. He still lives in Carson, WA, and commutes to Vancouver to school. He hopes to attend Columbia University in the fall of 2020, where he plans to study business. James plans to represent the LGBTQ community by being successful in his chosen career and be a positive role model for others.
1st Year GSBA Scholar | Sounders FC Scholar Undecided
Jesse Reidy was born in Pennsylvania but now lives in Port Orchard, Washington. He is a senior at South Kitsap High School, looking forward to attending college at Washington State University or University of Washington. He has a passions for sports, photography, and telling stories - all things he is excited to incorporate into a communications major. He hopes especially to connect with LGBTQ athletes and give them a platform to share their experiences, with the ultimate goal of empowering young LGBTQ people who may feel marginalized in the sports they love.
3rd Year GSBA Scholar Washington State University – Tri-Cities
Jessyca Ramonette currently lives in Washington, after love brought her here from Hawaii, though she grew up in Southern California. Having witnessed so much injustice, Jessyca has developed a very deep connection to social justice and community education. She studies bio-psychology at Washington State University - Tri-Cities, with the goal of gaining a background in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), to research resilience as a solution to ACES. Jessyca's passion for justice has her bound for law school after undergrad, University of Pennsylvania Law School, to be exact. She plans to tackle legislative and systemic issues targeting marginalized communities.
1st Year GSBA Scholar | Richard C. Rolfs Scholar Heritage University
Jesus Tonatiuh Grajales was born in the beautiful town of Zacatepec, Morelos, Mexico. He moved to the United States at the age of three, to the Yakima Nation Reservation. Jesus attended the Mt. Adams School district and graduated from White Swan High School. He is currently attending Heritage University, one of the few Universities in the United States that is on Reservation land. He is currently a junior in the BSN program. Jesus wants to work to increase access to care, especially for vulnerable populations, and to overcome social determinants of health inequities. He wants to make sure that everyone has access to care no matter what race, gender identity, sex, or legal status.
June Amundson was raised in the north end of Seattle, Washington. After graduating high school, they moved to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University. They're pursuing a double-major in biology and community health, striving to increase access to queer-inclusive and gender diverse sex education across the world. They began their work at the local level in Seattle, holding panels and creating lesson plans for health classes in their high school.
Graduate GSBA Scholar University of Arizona
Kai Winchester, born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, is currently living in Spanaway, WA; and is furthering his education skills with a graduate degree in teaching American Sign Language through the University of Arizona. As an educator, he intends to provide positive, open-minded spaces for learning for all students regardless of their socio-economic or identity status. He is particularly interested in supporting and including LGBTQIA+ and/or disabled students. Additionally, Kai hopes to apply the knowledge from his Masters to his passion for theater - to develop and encourage the use of ASL on stage, especially in LGBTQIA+ productions.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Smith College
Katherine "Katie" Wehrman was born and raised in Washington State. She is currently a senior at Lake Washington High School. In the fall of 2020, she will attend Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts to pursue studies in psychology. She aspires to become a mental health therapist in the future. She has always felt most authentically herself while helping others understand and grasp their own worth. Being a member of the LGBTQ community has been a critical part of her identity for her entire life, and she hopes to find ways to continue to be involved with the community and to help allow others to find pride in their identities for the rest of her life.
4th Year GSBA Scholar Western Washington University
Keegan Samaniego grew up in Marysville, WA and is now living in Bellingham, WA, attending Western Washington University pursing an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Gender Studies. They hope to join a branch of public service as a social workers or teacher. They hope to center LGBTQIA+ people in their work. Keegan also founded the Intersex History Project to collect ethnographic information and educate the world about intersex people in an attempt to create a more equitable society.
Kendrick Jackson is from the small town of Lynden, WA and is now living in the city of Bellingham, WA to attend Western Washington University. At Western Washington University, he is seeking to earn his Bachelor's degree as a double major, the two majors being Sociology and Human Services. He hopes to cultivate an understanding of many identities and communities that make up our progressing society to offer help to those in need. Coming from a background in the foster-care system as well as in the LGBTQ+ community, he has withstood adversity and hopes to use his education paired with his experiences to provide aid to those in need - whether that be social work or other professional fields that reach out to underrepresented folks.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar Western Washington University
Kevin Alexander Estrada Alamo grew up in Seattle, WA and is now living in Bellingham, attending Western Washington University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. They hope to help change the way medicine is implemented, personalizing the practice to improve an individual’s health, but also global health. Kevin Alexander has the goal of using the patient’s DNA or the DNA of the disease to engineer a personalized treatment.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar Undecided
Lash O'Cain is a queer film and art history buff born in Renton, WA. After growing up in South Park, WA she is currently living in Mount Vernon to attend Cornell College for the rest of this academic school year, intending to transfer to California for sophomore year to study film in a more opportunistic atmosphere. She has many goals, One now being to get closer to the entertainment industry where she plans to execute incorporating more queer identities of color in stories untold. Lash has decided that art is a passion she cannot step away from, and intends to graduate with a Bachelors in Film Study or Acting by using connections made through the poetry and music communities where she's been involved for several years.
3rd Year GSBA Scholar | C. White Reade Scholar University of Washington
Leo MacLeod grew up on Vashon Island but currently lives in Seattle to attend the University of Washington. He is studying marine biology and geological oceanography, with a focus on outreach and communication. As a deeply committed student leader with a passion for social justice, activism and education are foundational aspects of his life. Through work as an undergraduate TA, treasurer for the SeaDawgs marine sciences club, and employee of the Burke Fish Collection, Leo has been able to work on bringing more diversity into science.
1st Year GSBA Scholar | Thoelke-Gaspari Scholar Western Washington University
Lindze McCarley was raised in Nettleton, Mississippi and is now living in Burlington, WA, attending Western Washington University. She is pursing an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering following a career as an Aviation Electricians Mate in the US Navy. Lindze hopes that she can become an inspiration to aspiring LGBTQ youth planning to pursue a career in a STEM field.
Lisa Ha was born in Tacoma, WA and she is now living in Kent, WA. She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science at Pacific Lutheran University. She aims to become a software engineer in hopes of empowering students from underrepresented and underserved communities, including LGBTQ youth, to explore STEM and college access opportunities
2nd Year GSBA Scholar | L. Robb Memorial Scholar Loyola Marymount University
Magdalena Pink Sanchez was raised on Bainbridge Island, WA and now lives in Los Angeles, CA, attending Loyola Marymount University. She is pursuing a double-major in Film Production and Screenwriting with hopes of adding a minor in Psychology. Magdalena has a passion for storytelling and hopes to use her background in fine arts to make compelling films that highlight LGBTQ voices and provide a platform to those whose stories aren't always told.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar | Glenn Johnson & Michael Melancon Bright Horizons Scholar University of Washington
Manny Lopez is originally from Georgia, but has lived in Washington for a few years now. She currently lives in Edmonds, WA. She is a student at the University of Washington, majoring in Microbiology. She hopes to be working in a research lab after she graduates, with the intention to support HIV and AIDS research. She is determined to use her education and experience to help support other queer women of color in STEM fields. She is considering her options to further her education after her bachelors, hoping to earn a PhD, so that she can lead scientific inquiry. Her goal is to change scientific research involving infectious disease so that it uplifts disadvantaged communities, and to use her queer identity to empower equity in research.
Graduate GSBA Scholar | Wells Fargo Scholar Duke University
Originally from Brazil, Marlon Do Couto has lived in Seattle for seven years. He has a B.A. in Finance from Seattle University and will pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics at Duke University in North Carolina. Marlon wants to use data analytics to increase diversity within companies and to advocate for social and environmental responsibility. He also wants to use his background in finance and analytics to help LGBTQ immigrants of color who want to launch businesses. By helping these entrepreneurs to access resources and capital, Marlon hopes they will be able to establish and grow their companies, creating thriving and diverse business communities across the country.
1st Year GSBA Scholar | Microsoft Scholar University of Washington
Milla Zúñiga is from Seattle, WA and is currently attending the University of Washington Seattle Campus pursuing an undergraduate degree in Computer Science. She hopes to be a role model to LGBTQ youth and women in the STEM fields through her own journey. Milla hopes that her work in her field in the future allows her to create more opportunities for minorities to learn and become involved in technology.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar | Symetra Empowers Scholar Perry Technical Institute
Monique Herrera grew up in Yakima, Washington and is currently attending Perry Technical Institute in Yakima. She is studying Instrumentation and Industrial Automation. She hopes to help pave the path for women, POC, and the LGBTQ community to take an interest in STEM. Her long-term goal is to one day own her own instrumentation contracting company where she can use her platform to help inspire the youth by providing more safe spaces/ LGBTQ spaces in lower income communities.
3rd Year GSBA Scholar | Ockels Memorial Scholar Western Washington University
Nate Jo grew up in Richland, WA and now lives in Bellingham where they attend Western Washington University. Nate is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics and also hopes to minor in Queer Studies and Environmental Justice. Nate is passionate about creating change through leadership in student affairs for LGBTQ students and students of color. Nate also seeks to make a meaningful difference in the world by addressing homelessness, especially where it affects LGBTQ youth.
A proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, Nichole Vargas was born in El Centro, CA, grew up in Federal Way, WA, and is now living in Bellingham, WA attending Western Washington University. She is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Environmental Policy. The environment and politics are not her only passions as she is also passionate in advocating for and strengthening the queer community, especially the queer and trans POC community.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar Perry Technical Institute
Nick Takahashi grew up in Kapolei, HI and currently lives in Yakima, WA. They are currently enrolled in the Instrumentation and Industrial Automation program at Perry Technical Institute. Their long-term goal is to become an International Society of Automation certified controls systems technician and become a mentor for LGBTQ students that are interested in a career in the technical trades. They hope to inspire LGBTQ youth to live their lives authentically and follow their dreams.
1st Year GSBA Scholar | Symetra Empowers Scholar Bellevue College
Omid Assadi grew up in Karaj, Iran, and now lives is Lake forest Park, WA , where he attends Bellevue College and is pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Healthcare Informatics. His dream is empowering his skills and social communications to help Iranian LGBTQIA refugees. Omid has a background in Nutrition Science and a passion in Information Technology, and the combination of these lead him to a interdisciplinary major, healthcare informatics. One of his visions is developing a cell phone application to help youth LGBTQIA track their required health services.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar Boston College
Quinn Angelou-Lysaker (she/her) grew up in Seattle, WA, and now lives in Boston, attending Boston University. She is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in Deaf Studies. She is considering a career path in the nonprofit world with a focus on education and service to children and youth. She hopes to bring a queer lens to this work and help improve access to education and youth serving resources for queer people. Some additional goals of hers are to return to academia in the future to do her own political science research and to continue using her ASL, potentially interpreting one day.
Ranulfo Molina, born and raised in Skagit County, is currently living in Sedro-Woolley WA. He is a graduate of Skagit Valley College, where he obtained associates in arts degree. He is currently attending Western Washington University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Creative Writing and a minor in Education and Social Justice. Ranulfo community motivates him to become an educator to support the youth of marginalized communities. He hopes to empower and inspire the LGBTQ-POC community youth to recognize the true potential in engaging within their intersectionality. Ranulfo has made it his mission to become an agent of change through the education system, working with marginalized communities to have access to educational resources.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar | Yetman Memorial Scholar University of Washington
Ro Boyce grew up in Miami, FL and is now living in Lynnwood, attending the University of Washington, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Her hope is to continue the conversation and inspire LGBTQ youth, especially QTPOC to recognize their own power, to learn and be the transformation the world needs. Ro has made becoming a Speech and Language Pathologist her long term goal. She will continue working with communities that are frequently marginalized and denied access to medical resources due to their identities.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Reed College
Robin Hardwick was born and raised in Kelso, Washington and now attends Reed College in Portland, Oregon as a political science and chemistry student. After college, he plans to pursue chemical education, using his knowledge of STEM and political science to help students in any school district—regardless of their economic status or place in a minority group—have equal access to STEM. Historically, students in low-income school districts and minority groups have less opportunity to succeed in STEM compared to their more privileged peers, which is due to lacking resources. His goal is thus to provide these needed resources to students through his knowledge of policy and STEM.
3rd Year GSBA Scholar DigiPen Institute of Technology
Rowan Postyeni is pursuing a degree in Fine Arts at DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, Washington, returning to Washington State after many years in Bend, Oregon. He aspires to become involved with character design in the video game industry and to be a voice in increasing positive representation for LGBTQ individuals in mainstream entertainment.
1st Year GSBA Scholar | Microsoft Scholar Tufts University
Sam Lacet-Brown lives in Tacoma, WA, and plans to study Cognitive Science. He hopes to find a way to make algorithms more inclusive by working to mitigate the amplified marginalization of minority groups such as people of color and the LGBTQ+ community that occurs with many machine learning models.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Shoreline Community College
Samantha Ayers grew up in Shoreline, WA, and has lived in the same area all her life. She is planning on going to Shoreline Community college, and study communications to become an event planner. Samantha has made her long-term goal a focus in event planning around accessibility for all, including LGBTQ+ people.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Seattle Central
Skylar uses they/them pronouns, grew up in the small suburban town of Upland, California, and are now living in Seattle, Washington. They attend Seattle Central Community College and are pursuing an associate's of arts transfer degree. Skylar plans on transferring to the University of Washington to pursue a bachelor's degree in social welfare with aspirations to be a social work researcher in LGBTQ issues which help address various disparities the community experiences. Skylar's inspiration is drawn from overcoming various social economic and institutional barriers and challenges they experienced while growing up in a single-parent home.
1st Year GSBA Scholar | David Barzilai Memorial Scholar University of Washington
Tiffany-Ashton Gatsby is a student-artist and activist living in Seattle, currently working on their undergraduate studies at the University of Washington where they are double-majoring in Medical Anthropology Global Health and Interdisciplinary Visual Art. As a queer person with Multiple Sclerosis, they are passionate about disability rights and access to healthcare as a fundamental human right. Their art focuses on representing issues faced by the queer-disabled community, socioeconomic disparities, urban sprawl, political dissonance, and climate change through various forms of abstraction. Tiffany-Ashton plans to continue their education in graduate studies where they hope to explore healing through art in the queer-disabled community.