Andy Cao | El Monte, CA

Andy is a driven leader dedicated to expanding opportunities for first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students. As the son of Vietnamese refugees, he has translated his family's resilient background into a mission focused on community empowerment and scientific innovation. His dedication to these values was recognized when he was selected as a Horatio Alger National Scholar, fueling his commitment to dismantling educational barriers.

Andy’s most impactful work is as the founder of the Collaborative Learning and Outreach (CLO) Initiative under the California Youth STEM Project (CYSP). Driven to bridge systemic gaps in STEM education, he has organized public symposiums and spearheaded major grassroots fundraisers, including $34,700 to purchase science textbooks for underfunded Los Angeles County schools, equipping Southern California students with the agency and resources to navigate STEM opportunities and careers.

This dedication to community wellness and science is deeply personal. Inspired by supporting a close family member from breast cancer diagnosis to remission, Andy channeled his focus into oncology research, investigating epigenetic factors at the Harvard OpenBio Laboratory and Molecular Pathways at UC Berkeley. He also bridges biotechnology with entrepreneurship as an operations associate for the Caltech Entrepreneurs Forum.

Andy also conducts quantitative economic research on regional income trends and resource gaps to help pave the way for a more equitable America. He plans to merge his interests in biochemistry, technology, and business to become a university professor or healthcare leader. His ultimate goal is to create practical pathways that help other FGLI students succeed and achieve their own professional ambitions.

Amaya Williams | Fayetteville, GA

Amaya's cultural background traces to Jamaica and the United States, shaping her into a resourceful, empathetic, and resilient leader, qualities that reflect her character in both social and academic settings. As a low-income student and passionate advocate, Amaya embodies an  unwavering commitment to help her community. 

Currently, Amaya is an Advanced Placement student and a Youth Ambassador at Elite Scholars 

Academy in Georgia. She also  participates in  Dual Enrollment at Clayton State University, where she  earns college credit. Drawing from her background as a youth advocate, she co-founded the Royal Planeteer Club, a student-led organization dedicated to reducing food waste and food insecurity through initiatives like produce gardens, composting projects, and local volunteering in the metro-Atlanta area. 

Amaya also serves as a Survey and Evaluation Analyst with Diversify Your Narrative (DON), a student-led nonprofit committed to  advancing  inclusive and anti-racist education nationwide. Working alongside the Executive Director, she analyzes  consumer behavior, develops survey  frameworks  and supports initiatives serving hundreds of  school districts. Her commitment to DON’s mission is deeply influenced by her personal experiences with racism as an African American. 

Having witnessed economic disparities and environmental crises in underrepresented communities in both Jamaica and the United States, Amaya aspires to become an environmental engineer and change-maker who is devoted to contributing to Sustainable Development Goals. Throughout her journey, Amaya takes every opportunity and transforms it into a positive impact, striving for a future that promotes prosperity while protecting the planet.

Amaya Guardia Espinoza | Falls Church, VA

Amaya is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate attending Justice High School in northern Virginia. She and her family have recently faced financial and emotional hardships after her father’s decision to leave the country. Despite these challenges, Amaya shows the same resilience she’s seen her mother display. This pushes her to continue finding success at school and in her community.  

At home, Amaya helps her mother run a small baking business making Peruvian desserts and cakes. She also takes pride in her connection to her aunt and cousin. She recently assisted them in completing their U.S. naturalization application and has spent hours tutoring her cousin with his math assignments. Amaya’s family inspires her to continue helping others. 

Amaya is most proud of her work as the executive director of Scholars of Other Languages in English (SOLE), a student-led organization focused on supporting multilingual learners (MLLs) in her school community through tutoring.  She’s also a dedicated member of the National English Honor Society. She volunteers at her community’s monthly mutual aid, distributing food and hygiene items to 200+ families.  

Inspired by her own teachers, Amaya hopes to become a high school math teacher. She wants, not only to help students feel confident in their math skills, but also to support them as they navigate difficult times. She has started doing this as a math tutor, knowing that her future career will let her spread the enthusiasm and care she has received from her own mentors.

Allison Limon | Houston, TX

Allison Limon is highly driven by a profound sense of purpose and a commitment to providing dignified care to her community. Raised by a single mother, Allison developed a powerful drive to learn, serve, and pave the way as the first in her family to attend college. Allison's most striking achievement is rooted in a park in the heart of her Houston neighborhood. Recognizing the stark disparities and lack of resources in underserved populations, she partnered with her local community center to permanently establish a "Hygiene Pantry". Allison secured over 5,000 donated items (value $10,000) to launch the initiative. She’s also built a lasting collaboration with park staff, who have become like family, and she distributed over 300 boxes of food and led community festivals and workshops for local families. Allison believes that leaders don't need the loudest voice, but have the skills to work hand-in-hand with those who need change.

Allison collaborated with local elementary schools to raise over 1,000 donation items for Communities of Resources (COR) Houston, serves as an executive officer for several school clubs, and volunteers at Memorial Hermann Hospital. To maintain her personal balance, Allison channels her creativity into a successful baking business and  shares her love for wellness by leading weekly youth workshops focused on healthy habits.

Allison credits her background and family as the foundation of her motivation, striving to ensure their collective sacrifices pave the way for a brighter future. Allison finds success by serving those who need a voice, and this fulfillment inspires her to do more.

Abisola Akintola | Houston, TX

Abisola is humorous and caring. Growing up while facing challenges made her an empathetic person who always seeks to include others. 

Abisola is most proud of her Storytelling and Book Exchange Event with AliefVotes,  a student advocacy organization. Inspired by her little brother, she hosted a book donation and giveaway event for elementary schoolers, and taught her peers the importance of advocating and event planning. 

She is also part of her school’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where she helps support initiatives like the Tea Bar and the Member of the Month. Through FBLA she competed in Event Planning, where she earned two awards at the area and state levels. She is in the Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy, a group cultivating the next generation of leaders through service projects. 

She deeply loves her Nigerian culture. Last year, she took part in a Nigerian dance competition, connecting with people from her culture and helping to bridge their disconnect from it. 

Growing up, she watched her mom struggle as a single parent, which made her realize that many families face similar circumstances. Looking back, she understands that her mother was both parents, which inspires her to work hard to make life easier not only for her, but for families similarly situated.