Abby Leigh grew up on Bainbridge Island, WA and now lives in Denver, CO. She attends the University of Denver and is working towards degrees in Socio-Legal Studies and Public Policy. Her overarching goal is to become a civil rights lawyer specializing in LGBTQ discrimination.
Third Year GSBA Scholar Walla Walla Community College Adan Longoria Jr grew up in Quincy, WA. and is now living in Clarkston, WA while attending Walla Walla Community College, pursuing a Bachelor in Nursing. Adan understands the discipline of nursing has a broad scope of practice and after completing nursing school he plan to work in an infectious disease clinic, which will allow him to help with the treatment and prevention of HIV. Adan’s long term goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner
Alejandro Graterol is from Issaquah, WA, and is now residing in Tempe, Arizona, attending Arizona State University. He is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Environmental Business. He hopes to use his passion for the natural environment and his entrepreneurial spirit to open his own environmentally sustainable business. Alejandro also has a passion for yoga, mindfulness, healing, and the arts, and would love to incorporate some or all of these into his business.
Alejandro Leon, grew up in Tenancingo, Mexico and is now living in Seattle, WA. Alejandro is currently attending Seattle Central College and is planning to transfer to the University of Washington to study computer science. In the future, Alejandro intends to support LGBTQ students with obtaining their GED.
Alessandro is studying Informatics at the University of Washington with a focus in Data Science and Human Computer Interaction. He hopes to learn as much as he can and in the process create assistive, accessible and mindful technology.
Amanda Schendzielos grew up in Tacoma and surrounding areas, is currently living in Puyallup, while attending Pacific Lutheran University. She is pursuing a degree in education with which she hopes to inspire and encourage youth of all backgrounds with her tools and knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy. A focus on gender, orientation, ethnic identity, and class inclusivity will be her drive and motivation as an educator.
First Year GSBA Scholar Anna Rink grew up in Seattle, WA and is currently a high school senior in Bellingham. She plans on pursuing an undergraduate degree in education in order to follow her dream to possess a career where she is able to create positive change in communities, particularly for marginalized youth.
Giblett Family Scholar-Fourth Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington Anne Bryson-Doyle is an Interdisciplinary-Visual-Art honors student at the University of Washington. Her work explores gender expressions. As the mother of 7 foster children, she is an advocate for the need for stability for children in crisis, winning the Stella Mae Carmichael Award in 2008 and joining the board of directors for Amara in 2011. Anne’s artwork explores family relationships, gender identity, sexual orientation and sexuality.
Fourth Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington Arden Weaver currently resides in Seattle Washington where they study Informatics at the University of Washington. They are devoted to breaking apart the 'boy's club' that is tech. By studying accessible technology they are making way for disabled coders to unite and create technology that helps individuals. Their long term goal is to become the most kick-ass queer nonbinary accessibility dev goddess.
Second Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington Bea Taylor is from Poulsbo, WA and currently lives in Seattle, attending the University of Washington. They are pursuing undergraduate degrees in Social Work and Interdisciplinary Arts and a minor in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. After accomplishing their MSW, Bea plans to use their experience in Art and Social Work to provide identity affirming art therapy programs for LGBTQ youth to fight internalized bigotry through queer culture.
First Year GSBA Scholar Western Washington University Bradlee Thielen grew up in Longview, WA and is now living in Bellingham, attending Western Washington University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in both Graphic Design and Sociology. He hopes to apply both degrees to represent the queer community through visual communication. Bradlee hopes to one day form a queer art collective that can empower and inspire other LGBTQ+ people through illustration, graphic design and community outreach.
Fourth Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington Danisha Jefferson-Abye is a black, white, native, queer nontraditional student & mother. She’s spent the last 20+ years as an Organizer for social justice campaigns and as a Massage Therapist, specializing in treating reproductive issues. Returning to school in pursuit of a medical degree in order to combine her passions for clinical care and policy work, Danisha plans to deliver culturally appropriate primary care while working to develop healthcare systems that better serve marginalized communities.
Elmer Coria-Islas came of age in Guerrero, Mexico and is now living in Tacoma, WA, attending Pacific Lutheran University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Elementary School Education. He hopes to empower children through education and give them a voice to speak against injustice, discrimination, and inequality in our communities. He wants them to embrace their ingenious, sensational selves from an early age!
Third Year GSBA Scholar Bellevue College Eren Dao was raised among the Catholic community in Saigon for 17 years. Moving to Seattle to pursue a life of dignity and freedom as a gay man, Eren also found his passion working in a rehabilitation center to take care of elderly patients. Eren is currently enrolled at Bellevue College in the nursing program. Eren has also developed projects that could create the first Vietnamese LGBTQ youth group in King County.
Ernesto Morfin Montes de Oca was raised in Seattle; but spends his year living in Durham, NC where he attends Duke University. As a pre-med Neuroscience Major, he aims to eventually become a doctor. Although he spends more time in the library than he would like to admit, he knows it will all pay off when he is able to give back to the LGBTQ+ community through service as a physician.
Fatima Al-Rikabi was born in Everett, WA and lives in Marysville. She hopes to attend the University of Washington and pursue a degree in Pre-Medicine and a minor in research. She would like to become a medical researcher and doctor. Her goal is to assist in breaking ground for doctors in the future as an LGBT female Muslim.
First Year GSBA Scholar Whatcom Community College Fialaui'a Lamositele is from Bellingham, WA and Samoa. They currently attend Whatcom Community College and plan to transfer to Western Washington University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Education and Social Justice. She hopes to remain involved in sustaining safe spaces that center, empower and support indigenous, undocumented, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and traditionally marginalized people. Fialaui'a would love to keep facilitating Peacemaking Circles for communities of all backgrounds to promote peace, love, and harmony.
Sounders FC GSBA Scholar, First Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington, Tacoma Frederick Anex-Schnauss is a queer and trans student from Seattle, Washington. They currently are attending UW Tacoma and live on campus. Frederick is studying Business Administration and Management, and minoring in Corporate Social Responsibility. While Fred has a passion for working with youth in outdoor education, they aim to use this degree to focus on shifting hiring practices and policies in organizations, to create workplace access and develop sustainable and just organizations.
Wozumi Family Scholar, Fourth Year Scholar Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Hannah Middlestead is now a senior at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY and is about to get her bachelors in Biochemistry and Biophysics before graduate school. Recently from Port Angeles, WA, she has lived all over the United States, and has been an advocate for LGBTQ rights for most of her life. She continues to support the LGBTQ community as she works toward becoming an ethno-pharmacologist, to contribute to ending diseases such as AIDS.
First Year GSBA Scholar Walla Walla Community College Jessyca grew up in California before moving to Washington. She graduated with honors in 2017, receiving her AA in Psychology before returning for a 2nd degree in Human Services. These are evidence of her commitment to her own personal growth, desire to advance the LGBT community to which she proudly belongs, & help others. She plans to transfer to university pursuing Queer Studies, Women’s Studies, Psychology, & law. She will become a Human Rights Advocate.
Third Year GSBA Scholar Northwest Indian College Johnny Buck is an Indigenous father and ally. He is a junior in the Northwest Indian College Native Environmental Science program, with a long-term goal to obtain a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering focusing on hydrology research to address climate change with Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge integrated with engineering design. He is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ & Two Spirit identified youth through the Native Youth Leadership Alliance and Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Youth Committee.
Fourth Year GSBA Scholar Whatcom Community College Juan Serrano grew up in Yakima, WA and is currently living in Bellingham, attending Whatcom Community College. He plans to create his own degree in three different fields such as Political Science, Social Justice and Education. He hopes to provide skills towards students that learn differently in public schools that are not being well served and transform communities that are conservative. Juan’s long-term goal is to become the United States Secretary of Education, working with students.
Rich Thoelke Scholar, First Year Scholar Western Governors University Kai Winchester grew up in Spanaway, WA and still lives there and attends Western Governors University pursuing a degree in K-12 Special Education. They hope to be a role model and advocate for disabled LGBTQ youth. Their goal is to either teach the Deaf, or teach ASL at the college level to help connect two communities that are often disconnected from one another.
Third Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington Katherine Cavanaugh is from Puyallup and currently attends the University of Washington in Seattle. She studies Political Science and plans to study law after finishing her undergraduate degree, with the goal of working in politics or as a civil rights attorney.
Second Year GSBA Scholar Reed College Keegan Samaniego grew up in Marysville, WA and is now living in Portland, OR attending Reed College. They are pursuing a double major in Political Science and Philosophy. They hope to become involved in civil service or civil rights law to support the LGBTQIA+ community and its many intersections.
Wells Fargo Scholar, Second Year GSBA Scholar Washington State University Kristi Maldonado is a human of color raised in Texas, in a conservative home. They are attending WSU, earning a degree in strategic communication. Kristi believes in active citizenship. They provide a social movement grounded in drag performance. They believe entertainment is a starting point for allies to feel welcome and access a community many have not been exposed to. They work diligently as a community activist to assure others less fortunate are served.
C. White Reade Scholar, First Year GSBA Scholar Leo MacLeod has lived on Vashon Island all his life. He hopes to attend UCSD or UW to study marine biology and fine art. As a deeply committed student leader with a passion for social justice, activism and education are foundational aspects of his life. He plans to use his experience as QSA co-president and founding Vashon Teen Council member to ensure young, queer voices are represented in STEM and the larger community.
First Year GSBA Scholar Cascadia College Mei'lani Eyre was born in Seattle, currently lives in Kirkland, and is a Computer Science student attending Cascadia College where she's pursuing her undergraduate degree in Mobile Application Development. As a member of Lesbians Who Tech and the Rainbow Teen Advisory Board of King County, Mei'lani aims to liberate queer women in computer science and provide LGBTQ+ youth with safe places to be and discover who they are through youth-friendly, LGBTQ+ events.
GSBA Graduate Scholar University of Washington Melissa Ebben grew up in Appleton, WI and is currently living in Mount Vernon, WA, pursuing a doctorate at the University of Washington. She is studying to be a nurse practitioner who cares for patients who have experienced assault or abuse. Melissa currently works as a Forensic Nurse. After receiving her doctorate, as a nurse practitioner, Melissa will provide physical and mental healthcare to trauma survivors emphasizing care of the LGBTQ community.
Graduate Scholar Brandman University Miki Cabell grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, she presently resides in Hoquiam Washington and attends Brandman University, pursuing her Doctoral degree in Education. She hopes to be a change agent by inspiring all people to understand their strength and ability through education and outreach. Miki’s goal is to become a teacher and a transformational leader.
Third Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington Mohamed Elias grew up in Baghdad, Iraq before and during the 2003-war and Turkey after the war. As a refugee, Mohamed attended Green River College and is now pursuing a Bachelor's in Political Science and minoring in Jewish Studies. Mohamed's ultimate-goal of becoming a diplomat drives him to help disadvantaged LGBTQ members of conservative communities in America, Iraq, & Turkey. Mohamed envisions a peaceful Iraq where the LGBTQ+ community and the heterosexual community, Muslims and non-Muslims live in cohabitation.
Meade Thayer Scholar, First Year GSBA Scholar Western Washington University Nate Jo was raised in Richland, WA, a small conservative town. Throughout his life he developed a passion for helping others, specifically his LGBTQ peers. He plans on attending Western Washington University in the fall and pursing a degree in psychology or education. Either way his focus will be on making the world a more equal place and inspiring the next generation of LGBTQ leaders.
Fourth Year GSBA Scholar Claremont McKenna College Nick LaBerge was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. With the help of the GSBA, he has been able to attend his dream school, Claremont McKenna College, in southern California where he will be a senior. Nick is a physics major and is considering a career in research. Nick strives to foster an LGBTQ community wherever his life takes him.
Fourth Year GSBA Scholar Macalester College Nikki Bennington is from Shelton, WA and is currently attending Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. They are pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biology with a Chemistry minor, on the premedical track. Their ultimate goal is to become a physician and work to improve LBGTQ+ healthcare outcomes through research and policy change.
First Year GSBA Scholar Santa Clara University Nolan Platz grew up in Kingston, WA and is now living in California, attending Santa Clara University. Pursuing an undergraduate degree in bioengineering, he hopes to tackle issues of health, especially relating to HIV and cancer studies. Becoming a bioengineer is Nolan's life goal, aiding underprivileged and marginalized communities by providing more affordable, reasonable, and innovative technologies to tackle these global epidemics.
Third Year GSBA Scholar DigiPen Institute of Technology Olivia Barrell grew up in Sequim Washington and is currently attending the DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, Washington, as a third year student and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Real-Time Interactive Simulation. Olivia is hoping to become a strong voice for women in an industry dominated by men.
Glenn Johnson and Michael Melancon Bright Horizons Scholar, Second Year Scholar University of Washington Richard Parra was born and raised in the Tri-Cities, WA and is now attending the University of Washington in Seattle. He is majoring in Bioengineering with a concentration in cells, tissues, and systems. His long-term goal is to become a university professor and research scientist. He hopes to serve as a faculty adviser/program director for organizations that help underrepresented minority students, especially LGBTQ+ youth.
First 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.
Second Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington Ryan Wagstaff was born in Georgetown, Guyana and immigrated to the U.S at age three months. Ryan has lived in Washington state for ten years, currently lives in Seattle attending the University of Washington, studying Public Health. After meeting other Queer and Trans students at GLAAD, Ryan wants to give legal aid to trans and undocumented people and is planning to pursue his interest in law school.
Third Year GSBA Scholar Oregon State University Scout Osborne, a sophomore from La Center, WA, is currently studying biochemistry and Spanish at Oregon State University. He has been an advocate for social justice and LGBTQ rights since high school, where he founded a much needed gay-straight alliance. Now, he works with OSU residential education in social justice outreach to impact the lives of new students on campus. He is dedicated to spreading resources and support to marginalized students and to educating others.
Second Year GSBA Scholar Highline College Spencer D'Avis was born in Bellevue and he is currently residing in Renton attending Highline College, with hopes of transferring to WSU to pursue strategic communications and graphic design. He is involved in student leadership, and works closely with local community organizations to produce advertising materials. He also received his first graphic design job at the age of 15. His goal is to create designs that touch every human on earth and bring light to the LGBT community.
Rosemarie & Theodore Ockels Scholarship, Third Year GSBA Scholar Oregon State University Victor Puoci is from Bothell, WA and is currently a sophomore at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. He is pursuing an Honors degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Music Performance. Victor hopes to help expand the diversity of scientists in STEM by making research opportunities more accessible and educating research groups on how to be more accepting of diversity.
Yohanes was born and raised in Eritrea and currently lives in Spokane, WA. He is pursuing a nursing degree at Washington State University. His goal is to be a nurse and dedicate his career to making sure all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, skin color, or background, get a fair opportunity to live a meaningful and prosperous life.
Third Year GSBA Scholar Edmonds Community College / Outward Bound Alexzander McRae has spent the majority of his life stumbling, growing and thriving in the Pacific Northwest, with Washington being his true roots and home. Zander is an aspiring outdoor educator and adventure enthusiast. He plans to work with youth from underserved communities, by modeling leadership, seizing adventure and providing tools for building community between young people and the natural world through exploration, sport, study and curiosity.
Richard C. Rolfs Scholar, First Year GSBA Scholar Gonzaga University Zoe Jaspers grew up in East Wenatchee, Washington, and now lives in Spokane where they attend Gonzaga University. Zoe is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Political Science, History, and Religious Studies. Zoe sincerely believes in the power of visibility, using their position to connect LGBTQ+ youth and engage wider communities in critical conversations. Regardless of career path, they hope to increase the accessibility of LGBTQ+ history and work with affirming and reconciling religious spaces.