2023

Vanessa Conchas Rodriguez is a graduate of DSST: Cole High School in Denver, Colorado. In addition to her strong academic achievements, Vanessa was an active member of Student Council and a community service leader providing mentorship and food access in her neighborhood. As a first-generation Latina college student, Vanessa plans to use her passion for technology to improve the lives of people in marginalized communities — particularly by increasing representation of Hispanic women in STEM. Vanessa will attend Metropolitan State University of Denver where she will pursue a degree in Computer Science. GO ROADRUNNERS!

Bradli Powell is a graduate of Los Alamitos High School in Southern California, whose drive, passion, and community focus set her apart from the very start. In addition to her academic dedication, Bradli is the owner and operator of Bradli's Smoothie Bar, a board member of the non-profit Murdock Community and Care Services, Inc., and an active member of Jack and Jill of America, the USC Environmental Youth Advisory Council, ASB, softball, the Los Angeles Urban League Biz School, The Global Youth Academy, and Politics for Young Women. A bilingual Spanish speaker, Bradli has volunteered with the city's 3 in 1 program and mentored young women in her community. Her passion project, "Be There", is a concept app designed to connect everyday people with nonprofits in need — creating a dedicated platform for volunteering, donations, and philanthropy that she believes can transform how communities support one another. As Bradli puts it, "alone I can't be there for everyone, but together we can be there for us all." Bradli will attend the University of Southern California. FIGHT ON TROJANS! ✌️

Savannah Smith is a graduate of Los Alamitos High School in Southern, California.  In addition to excellent scholastic achievements Savannah was a member of Singing-Applied Music Studio, Founder/Co-President of Los Alamitos ACLU Club, CTEEN Shabbaton Jewish Leadership Conference, Seal Beach Leos and Hebrew High Chabad Los Alamitos.  Savannah plans on using her "inexplicable" pull towards Chemistry to make a positive impact for her community by fighting climate change.  Savannah will attend the University of California, Berkeley where she will major in Chemistry.  GO GOLDEN BEARS!

Kayleen Sanchez Flores is a graduate of Strive Prep in the Denver Public School System.  Kayleen excelled academically graduating #1 in her class.  On top of her outstanding scholastic achievements Kayleen was widely recognized as a leader in the classroom and various community service efforts such as being President of NHS.  Her education will take her to Colorado School of Mines where she will study to become an orthopedic surgeon.  Kayleen will give back by offering talks on the importance of STEM to high school girls and providing health care and guidance to her community.  GO OREDIGGERS!

Ha Le is graduate and valedictorian of John F Kennedy High School in Denver, CO.  Ha will study medicine at Harvard University on her quest to become a general surgeon.  On top of her academic achievements Ha was a leader in the JROTC Program and volunteered at various organizations such as the American Legion, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and is passionate about social justice issues.  The SOARforCHANGE Foundation is so proud of you Ha, VERITAS!

Asha Mahamud is a graduate of Montview High School in Denver, CO.  Asha strives to be a lawyer and will begin her studies at  University of Colorado Boulder.  Influenced by her father, a Somali refugee, Asha volunteers at the Aurora Public Schools Welcome Center International Family Engagement Event and desires to create an organization that helps refugees from around the world.  The SOARforCHANGE Foundation is so proud of you, GO BUFFS!