4th Year GSBA Scholar | Wozumi Family Scholar Washington State University
Adan Longoria Jr grew up in Quincy, WA and now resides in Clarkston, WA. Adan is proud to be the first in his family to graduate from college and recently completed an associate degree in nursing from Walla Walla Community College-Clarkston. Adan will attend Washington State University Spokane to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Adan’s long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner, requiring a doctorate which he hopes to obtain at WSU.
4th Year GSBA Scholar | David Barzilai Scholar Arizona State University Alejandro Graterol, is originally from Issaquah, WA and is currently living in Tempe, AZ, studying Business Sustainability and Design at Arizona State University. He plans to work for a socially responsible business where he can gain the skills needed to eventually start a business merging his passion for health & wellness with his passion for sustainability. Ultimately he hopes to use his education to inspire a more environmentally friendly and health conscious world in which everyone works to help one another.
4th Year GSBA Scholar | Microsoft Scholar University of Washington Alessandro Lou is currently enrolled at the Information School at the University of Washington and is a computer science tutor at Seattle Central College. He is currently conducting undergraduate research and volunteers as a software developer at the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association – Evergreen Chapter. He also founded queer.Code(); an LGBTQ mentorship program, after he noticed a disconnect between the LGBTQ community and accessibility to learning computer programming.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar | GSBA Founders Scholar Pacific Lutheran University Amanda Schendzielos grew up in Tacoma, WA and is now living in Puyallup, attending Pacific Lutheran University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in English Education. Her goal is to obtain her master’s degree immediately after graduation and to subsequently create an English classroom wherein students of all identities and backgrounds can develop empathy and worldly understanding through dialogues on literature. She also hopes to write Young Adult novels with proper representation of LGBTQ+ youth.
1st Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington
Angel Aguilar-Corrales grew up in Mount Vernon, WA, attended Skagit Valley College and then transferred to the University of Washington. He is pursuing an undergraduate degree in American Ethnic studies and a minor in Education. His long term goal is to become a guidance counselor for students of marginalized communities. He hopes to work closely with low income, immigrant and LGBTQ+ students to help create equitable spaces.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington Anna Rink currently attends the University of Washington and is hoping to double major in English and Anthropology, and to then pursue a master's degree in Education. 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 | Olympic Hot Tub Scholarship Seattle Central College Astro Pittman was born in Italy, raised in Texas, and calls Austin his hometown. Astro has lived in Seattle for over a decade, and is in his sophomore year at Seattle Central College, pursuing his Baccalaureate in Applied Behavioral Science/Social Work. His focus is on the LGBTQ+ recovery community, specifically those struggling with active substance use disorders and addictions. A recovered addict himself, he seeks to be a beacon of hope while helping others recover.
3rd Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington
Bea Taylor grew up in Poulsbo, WA and currently lives in Seattle, attending the University of Washington where they are pursuing undergraduate degrees in Honors Interdisciplinary Visual Art and Social Welfare. After accomplishing their MSW, they hope to work for the Department of Arts & Culture to develop welfare programs that encourage artistic literacy and promote self-love through creative expression.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Columbia Basin College Bee McVicker grew up in Vancouver, WA and is now living in Richland, WA attending Delta High School. They are planning to go to Columbia Basin College to get his AA and then transfer to WSU Pullman to become an entomologist. Their life goal is to contribute to LGBTQ diversity in the STEM fields and to help other LGBTQ people in his own personal life.
Cashayla Rodgers grew up in Seattle, and is now attending Seattle Central College, pursuing an Associates of Science transfer degree, to continue her education at an HBCU. Her goal is to confront and reform the education system which has historically been designed to oppress and marginalize LGBTQ students. Cashayla's long-term goal is to become a human rights lawyer who will defend the rights of marginalized communities while using her voice to empower others to enact change.
1st Year GSBA Scholar University of Washington Elle Harwood was born and raised in Spokane, WA, and is anticipating her freshman year in college. She hopes to attend the University of Washington and pursue an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry. She is resolute in becoming a pediatric research oncologist. Elle hopes to expand LGBTQ representation in the scientific community and inspire queer youth to pursue their curiosities and passions despite the lack of revered queer people in the scientific domain.
3rd Year GSBA Scholar | Sounders FC GSBA Scholar Pacific Lutheran University
Elmer Coria-Islas came of age in Mexico City and presently resides in Tacoma, Washington where he attends Pacific Lutheran University, pursuing undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Hispanic Studies. He yearns to address LGBTQ issues of immigration, social justice, and discrimination by creating optimized support networks and spheres of influence. Elmer’s longstanding goal is to elevate the voice of LGBTQ immigrant and refugee communities in regional chambers of commerce via economic, legislative, and community-based initiatives.
Elyse Decker was born in Seattle, WA, where she lived until she was six years old. She then moved to Kansas for three years and eventually moved back to Seattle, where she lives currently. She hopes to go to Swarthmore College to pursue a degree in International Relations. After earning her degree, she aspires to help LGBTQ people around the world by becoming a college professor who teaches International Relations with a focus on Gender Studies to open her students’ minds and fight stereotypes.
4th Year GSBA Scholar Highline College Eren Dao is now in the registered nursing program at Highline College. He is excited to graduate in 2020 and hopes to work at one of the hospitals in King County. Since Eren was 18, he has been an untiring advocate for queer immigrants and sexual assault victims. As a catholic, Eren's wish is to bridge the gap between faith and people of diverse sexualities.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Evon Mahesh was born and raised in Sammamish, WA, and is planning on attending university to study education. An advocate of learner-centered schooling, he hopes to become an educator, working with underserved youth to receive the education they deserve. Evon's long-term goal is to work in education policy, focusing on making schools safe and equitable for LGBTQ youth.
Fatima Al-Rikabi was born in Everett WA, and lived in Iraq for her primary years. She is now living on campus at the University of Washington where she is pursuing degrees in History and Political Science. She hopes to one day earn a PhD and have a career as a politician so that she can be an out Gay Muslim politician who will inspire others like her.
Fialaui'a Esther Lamositele is from Bellingham, WA and Samoa. They are currently studying at Western Washington University’s Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies concentrating in Healing, Leadership, and Group Dynamics for Change and minoring in Education & Social Justice. They hope to be a director for spaces and places dedicated to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Fiafia's long-life goal is to work for a more peaceful, loving, and empathetic world for the next generations to follow.
Frederick Anex-Schnauss is from Seattle, Washington. They are currently living in Tacoma, Washington studying Business Administration focused on management and Corporate Responsibility at University of Washington Tacoma. Frederick uses their background in resource navigation and working with youth to bridge the needs of the nonprofit and corporate worlds. Fred aims to support LGBTQ workforce access through their work in Human Resources and by being an out advocate for justice in all spaces they occupy.
Inés Marti Devolx grew up in a suburb outside of The Hague in The Netherlands and was raised in Santiago, Chile, and Boulder, CO. She is now living in Spokane, WA, attending Gonzaga University and is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biology on the Pre-Med track. She aims to utilize her unique perspective and background in the medical field, where she hopes to inspire youth to strive for their dreams, regardless of how they identify.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar | Rich Thoelke Memorial Scholar Western Governors University Kai Winchester grew up in the Puget Sound area and is currently working toward becoming a teacher. He hopes to provide a safe space within the classroom for students from all walks of life. Queer students, including students of color, are often denied compassionate, understanding role models with whom they can identify, and Kai's goal is to prove to them that living authentically is possible.
Katherine Cavanaugh is from Puyallup, WA, and now attends the University of Washington in Seattle. She studies Political Science, History, and Labor Studies. After graduation, she will pursue her PhD in History, hoping to reshape how history is taught. She works towards a revolution in history education that tells the too-often forgotten stories of the working class, immigrants, people of color, women, and LGBTQ folks.
Keegan Samaniego grew up in Marysville, WA and now lives in Portland where they attend Reed College, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Music. They hope to pursue a career in music education and have a goal of spreading the healing powers of music to marginalized people in their communities and beyond.
3rd Year GSBA Scholar Washington State University Kristi Maldonado grew up in Austin, TX and is now living in Aberdeen, WA where they attend Washington State University, Global campus and are pursuing an undergraduate degree in Integrated Strategic Communications. They hope to continue to be an agent for change and a beacon for their LGBTQ community by using their platform and furthered education to spread acceptance and tolerance for the LGBTQ community. Kristi has made it their goal to become an advocate and voice for change.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar | C. White Reade Scholar University of Washington Leo MacLeod has lived on Vashon Island all his life. He currently attends the University of Washington and is working on a dual major in Marine Biology and Oceanography. 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 in these areas to support queer individuals within STEM and make science more accessible for everyone.
LIO is a 17-year-old scholar born in Renton, Washington. She grew up and still lives in South Park, Washington. She plans to attend college in New York City at Cornell College – where she will study Child Development, Psychology, and Film in the Fall of 2019. Her goal is to depict psychological, racial, sexual differences in the film industry with mainstream films that are entertaining, realistic, attainable, inclusive and overall mind-blowing.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Washington State University Luz Estrada was born in Mexico and moved to the United States at age two. She has lived in Wenatchee, WA for 18 years. She is currently attending Wenatchee Valley College, and will be transferring to Washington State University to pursue a degree in Sociology. She hopes to work with queer youth and to empower them to fight for change within institutions. Luz's career goal is to create a queer youth center.
1st Year GSBA Scholar | L. Robb Scholar Magdalena Pink Sanchez has lived on Bainbridge their entire life. They attend Bainbridge High School and plan to go on to a four-year university to pursue a BFA in Film. As the president of their school’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance, they have worked to create a more welcoming and educated environment within their school for LGBTQ youth. They hope to continue this pursuit as a filmmaker by giving a platform to those who's stories aren't always told.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Washington State University
Manny Lopez was raised Conyers, GA, later moved to Washington, and currently lives in Edmonds. She recently finished a two year transfer degree at Cascadia College and intends to finish at the University of Washington with a degree in Microbiology. She hopes to be an advocate for the LGBTQ community and hopes to create a community of scientists who give back to their communities and help foster future scientists to study and contribute with their passion.
Mei'lani Eyre is from Seattle and currently resides in Kirkland. She's a third-year student at Cascadia College where she's studying Mobile Application Development. In the future, Mei'lani hopes to become a software developer with a specialty in accessibility and CS Education, so that she can foster diversity and inclusion both the tech industry and for its consumers.
GSBA Graduate Scholar Sciences Po An Iraqi refugee, Mohamed-Moshe Elias is a University of WA graduate who studied Political Science and Jewish Studies. He aspires to bring change to religious and racial/ethnic minorities and marginalized groups in the U.S. and his birth-country through socio-political actions. Coming from a Muslim-Jewish household, Elias, an aspiring diplomat, strives to build bridges between Muslims/Arabs & Jews/Israelis through bringing communities together in unity & peace. Elias will be pursuing a Master's in International Relations/Diplomacy at Sciences Po in France.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Perry Technical Institute Monique Herrera was born and raised in Yakima, WA. She is currently attending Perry Technical Institute in Yakima, WA studying Instrumentation and Industrial Automation. She hopes to inspire LGBTQ youth and minority women to study and major in more STEM programs. One of Monique's long term goals after graduation is to own an instrumentation and industrial automation contracting company which she would use to give back to LGBTQ and minority persons.
GSBA Graduate Scholar Lewis & Clark Law School Mylexia is a social activist living in Vancouver, WA. She plans to pursue a legal degree and combat the injustice she has witnessed and experienced throughout her life.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar Western Washington University Nate Jo was raised in Richland, WA, a small conservative town. Throughout their life they developed a passion for helping others, especially in advocating for queer youth. Nate studies leadership, queer theory, education, and graphic design at Western Washington University and their goal is to inspire the next generation of queer leaders though their work.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Western Washington University
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.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Perry Technical Institute
Nick Takahashi grew up in Kapolei, HI and currently lives in Yakima, WA. They are enrolled in the Instrumentation and Industrial Automation program at Perry Technical Institute. They are a drag performer and volunteer with the Yakima Pride Committee and the Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane. One of their long-term life goals is to build on their current experience with LGBTQIA+ organizations to be a more effective advocate in their community.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar Santa Clara University Nolan Platz grew up in Kingston, Washington and is now attending Santa Clara University in California. Currently a sophomore pursuing a major in Environmental Science and minors in Chemistry and Environmental Studies, he is eager to help those who are marginalized such as the LGBTQ+ community. Nolan eventually hopes to obtain a master’s degree in Environmental Chemistry and tackle issues of environmental justice by focusing on the disproportionate effects that pollution and climate change have on marginalized communities.
1st Year GSBA Scholar Boston University Quinn Angelou-Lysaker grew up in the Mount Baker and Beacon Hill areas of Seattle, WA and now lives in Boston, MA. She attends Boston University where she is pursuing a Political Science major with a Deaf Studies minor and is heavily involved in BU's black cultural organizations. She hopes to enter the NGO sphere working on either housing insecurity or prison reform.
Richard Parra grew up in Kennewick, WA and is now living in Seattle, attending the University of Washington. He is majoring in Bioengineering and double minoring in mathematics and diversity. Richard’s long-term goal is to earn a PhD in bioengineering and work as a University professor and research scientist. He hopes to create change by creating and leading programs that help underrepresented minority students and LGBTQ+ youth attend and thrive in college.
1st Year GSBA Scholar | Yetman Memorial Scholar Edmonds Community College Ro Boyce grew up in Miami, FL and now resides in Lynnwood, WA where she attends Edmonds Community College. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Nursing. Ro has made becoming a Nurse Practitioner her goal. She hopes to open a clinic dedicated to veterans and transgender patients. She has also dedicated to being a voice for the QTPOC (Queer and Trans People of Color) community.
Rowan Postyeni is pursuing a degree in Fine Arts at DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, Washington after having spent 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.
Ryan Wagstaff was adopted from Georgetown, Guyana and currently attends University of Washington Seattle where he is studying Public Health with a focus in Behavioral Health and Public Policy. Their career goal is to get a Master’s of Public Administration to develop policy for unauthorized citizens who are LGBTQ+. Their life goal is to promote the behavioral health of LGBTQ+ youth who have had adverse childhoods like himself by becoming a Public Health practitioner.
1st Year GSBA Scholar DigiPen Institute of Technology Sam Jordan has grown up all throughout the United States, from Texas to Washington, and is now living in Redmond to where they attend DigiPen Institute of Technology in the hopes of earning a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design. They hope that with their work in video games, they can help to expose and educate the masses about the LGBT+ community and work towards a more accepting society.
4th Year GSBA Scholar Oregon State University Scout Osborne is currently double-majoring in Biochemistry and Spanish at Oregon State University. He attended high school in rural La Center WA, where he founded a much needed gay-straight alliance. He has since worked as a social justice educator for OSU’s Pride Center and the university’s first ever Pride Floor, an inclusive housing opportunity for LGBTQ first-year students. He aims to promote social justice and equity in academia when he pursues a graduate degree.
1st Year GSBA Scholar | Rachelle Mileur Scholar University of Washington Shannon Gatta moved from Little Elm, Texas to Seattle, Washington to finish her Bachelor's degree in Informatics and Mathematics at the University of Washington. She is currently a NASA Pathways Co-op at NASA Langley and serves in the Army National Guard as an Intelligence Analyst. She aspires to be a positive example for women of varying identities in STEM careers and works to give the LGBTQ community a voice in the government sphere.
3rd Year GSBA Scholar Seattle Central College Spencer D'Avis was born and raised in Renton, WA and is currently attending Seattle Central College where he is completing his associates degree with the intent of transferring and pursing a bachelor’s degree related to marketing. He hopes to bring awareness through marketing to local organizations in an effort to bring more knowledge of local resources for underserved groups. His goal is to ensure that our community is informed and aware of the resources available to those that need them most.
Tori Puoci grew up in Bothell, WA and now lives in Corvallis, OR where he attends Oregon State University. He is pursuing an Honors Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a certificate in Scientific, Technical, and Professional Communication. Tori plans to unite science and social justice through a career in science communication, where he will improve the accessibility of science by developing the scientific community’s understanding of how to best serve diverse audiences.
4th 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 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.
2nd Year GSBA Scholar | Richard C. Rolfs Scholarship Gonzaga University Zoe Jaspers grew up in East Wenatchee, WA, and now lives in Spokane, where they attend Gonzaga University, pursuing undergraduate degrees in History and Religious Studies, with minors in Leadership Studies, Gender Studies, and Philosophy. They hope to one day engage in work that makes LGBTQ+ history accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, as well as work in religious communities to affirm and support LGBTQ+ people of faith.