Learner Tutoring Innovators of Color in STEM Scholarship

From the moment I wrote my first line of code, I felt a spark, a voice emerging in a world where voices like mine are too often absent. Growing up as a Filipina, I frequently navigated spaces in STEM where I did not see myself reflected. That absence, at times isolating and discouraging, instead ignited a determination in me: to not only pursue computer science but to excel and carve pathways for others like me. Every algorithm I master, every project I lead, and every system I build is driven by the belief that diversity is essential, that innovation thrives when voices from every background are welcomed and celebrated. My journey in STEM has been fueled by both curiosity and urgency, the urgency to use technology to create meaningful impact. At the University of Central Oklahoma, I immersed myself in data structures, algorithms, deep learning, cloud web applications, and cybersecurity, relentlessly seeking ways to turn theory into practical solutions. I applied this learning in real-world contexts: developing AI agents at Wayfair that track market trends, engineering competitive intelligence dashboards, and leading cross-functional initiatives at Microsoft for Xbox Discovery and Ads Experiences, reaching tens of millions of users globally. Each of these experiences reaffirmed my conviction that technology can transform industries and uplift communities, but only when diverse minds have a seat at the table. Equally important is the work I have done to mentor and empower others. Teaching STEAM programs at iCode School, creating PILA, a language-learning mobile app connecting learners with Philippine languages and culture, and leading initiatives through the Asian American Student Association have allowed me to lift others as I climb. These experiences are deeply personal: I understand the barriers that underrepresented students face, and I refuse to let those barriers define who has access to opportunity and innovation. I want to ensure that the next generation of Filipinas and students of color in STEM does not have to navigate this journey alone, that they see themselves represented in labs, boardrooms, and codebases around the world. This scholarship would not merely relieve financial barriers; it would amplify my capacity to make systemic impact. It would allow me to dedicate more time to mentoring, to developing technology that is inclusive and accessible, and to championing initiatives that celebrate diverse perspectives in STEM. My vision is a future where Filipinas and other students of color are not exceptions but integral voices shaping the tools, systems, and innovations that define our society. By supporting my education and aspirations, this scholarship invests in a future where diversity drives discovery, creativity, and transformative change, a future where no student feels invisible, and every voice matters.