Homecoming Scholars

Leslie, a Ph.D. candidate in Human Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE), designs community-engaged, culturally relevant interventions to support Black birthing people. Her research bridges Black feminist thought, service design and health justice, centering community knowledge as both method and outcome. She is the creator of Cradles & Culture, a community baby shower initiative piloted in Seattle, WA, that affirms Black motherhood through care, culture and connection. Leslie’s commitment to supporting Black birthing people and deep understanding of the impact of community and Black culture fuels her work.

Samson is a PhD student in Bioengineering whose research bridges high-resolution ophthalmic imaging and genetics to better understand retinal diseases. He is passionate about building community for international and underrepresented students at the UW. Samson mentors students navigating research and scholarships, drawing from his own journey to help them build confidence and access opportunities he once struggled to find. He also leads global health outreach through iCare Network International, a nonprofit he founded to expand access to vision care in underserved communities. Through research, mentorship and service, Samson aims to make science more inclusive and improve health equity around the world.

Alondra is a first-generation Latina student and aspiring educator dedicated to creating inclusive and equitable spaces for BIPOC students. She believes empathy and storytelling are important ways to advocate for underrepresented communities. This has led her to be a part of the Student Senate and Latino Leadership Initiative, where she co-created the Equity in Education event on campus to advocate for college students’ rights. Through LLI, she built a meaningful community that helped shape her Husky experience and passion for social justice. Alondra is committed to uplifting future generations through representation and inspiration both inside and outside the classroom.

Unapologetically Muslim and Somali, Zahra uses her identity to guide her work. She believes in the transformative power of education beyond traditional systems of learning, but rather as opportunities for joy and growth. She views her work in academia as a medium to change the world for the better. As a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, she aims to focus on educational equity and community-centered design, exploring how user-centered research can address issues in educational systems, especially for underserved communities globally. Her ultimate goal is to become a research professor who advocates for and designs inclusive educational tools and community resources.

As a first-generation Vietnamese American, Dylan has always had a passion for numbers and problem-solving. Now entering his fourth year at the Michael G. Foster School of Business, he is pursuing a double major in Finance and Information Systems. Through his involvement with the UW Consulting and Business Development Center, Dylan has been able to bridge classroom theory with real-world impact, supporting local businesses and driving meaningful change in the community. Upon graduation, he hopes to continue in the consulting field, using his skills to help organizations grow, innovate and thrive.

Krisha is passionate about using technology to drive positive societal change. Through her involvement in social computing research, her work as a Teaching Assistant at the Allen School, and a student assistant at Academic Support Programs, she has developed a deep commitment to supporting students by creating accessible resources and inclusive educational environments, and she hopes to continue doing so in the future.