Past Dressel Scholars

Leland Adams is a Senior in the Milgard School of Business at the University of Washington majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Data Analytics. Leland serves as a student advisor on The Milgard Diversity Equity & Inclusion Council. This council is an advisory and recommending body to the dean on inculcation of best practices and policies and promotion of DEI knowledge. Leland plans to pursue an MBA to increase his business acumen, but also to set a standard for his family as a first-generation student. Leland hopes to start a business management firm that will focus on partnering with businesses of color in the Seattle/Tacoma area. Leland aims to create real impact for entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities while living out his aspirations to create a foundation that provides resources for urban black students in the Seattle area.

Though born in Southern California, Azja French grew up in Honolulu, Hawai’i. As a recent transplant to Washington she completed her Associate in Arts at Tacoma Community College. Now a transferring sophomore at the University of Washington Tacoma, Azja intends to major in communications and minor in human rights. Azja though scholastically driven has explored a variety of interests through attending Winners' Camp, a nonprofit organization in her home town to assist youth in learning the skills to succeed in life through seminars and outdoor activities. Throughout her five-year tenure at the camp from junior high to sophomore year in high school, Azja realized a passion for compassion and empathy. She is committed to upholding civic duty including, but not limited to, voting in every election and enjoys opportunities to engage with and serve her whole community as a professional Health Care Aid (HCA). As a citizen of our global society, Azja has a driving curiosity about the world and strives to understand and encourage equity and diversity while broaching difficult discussions exploring social justice. Azja believes that every person can be an advocate and has a story to tell. She seeks to empower the narratives that our dominant society systematically suppresses, particularly in regard to issues surrounding race, identity and equity."

Johnny Heredia III is a first-generation college student working at his bachelor’s degree in computer science. After graduation in 2023, Johnny intends to make a video game company that would be successful enough to provide jobs for the people of Washington State and internship/mentoring opportunities for students seeking higher education. Johnny wants to give back to the community that made him and hopes that he will be able to inspire others to work towards their goals. He also likes to work out, play video games, spend time with family and friends, and explore new topics that interest him in order to continue his growth in learning.

Andre is a junior studying Law & Policy and minoring in Global Engagement. He hopes to pursue a law degree upon graduation. Post law school he plans to explore public service career options, which may include legal advocacy, policy reform, and/or elected office. Andre currently serves as the Student Leadership Council Co-Chair for the UW Global Honors Program. He also serves as a Commissioner on the City of Tacoma’s Human Rights Commission, which studies, investigates, and mediates community issues that may result from discrimination. Prior to pursuing his undergraduate education, Andre worked in the non-profit sector as a fundraiser and development associate. In what little free time he has between working at the Tacoma Community College Foundation and studying he enjoys spending time with his wife Jazmyne, and 6 month-old daughter, Ivy.

Aaliya is a sophomore pursing a Bachelor of Science in Urban Design. After falling in love with woodshop in high school, she went on to study Interior Design at Clover Park Technical College. She believes it is imperative for a space to be beautiful and allow maximum function. Post-graduation, Aaliya would like to open her own interior design firm to help people create their own personal sanctuaries. When she is not working or studying, Aaliya loves to travel inside and outside of the United States.

Exita Lealofi is a first-generation student at UW Tacoma, a sophomore who intends to double major in Law & Policy and Communication with the main focus in Global Engagement. After graduation, she plans on attending law school and become a criminal defense/immigration attorney. Currently, she works with first-year, transfer, and Running Start students by navigating them around campus and assisting them in any academic situation. Exita is also a Cultural Coordinator for the Asian Pacific Islander Student Union and aims to promote a more critical and comprehensive understanding of APIA issues and identity while advocating for the needs of APIA community. Outside of UWT, she is an assistant advisor and mentor to the Mount Tahoma High Schools Polynesian Club where she assists students in focusing on leadership development and providing educational dialogue focused on the complex heritage of Asian Pacific Islander Americans. She is passionate about being one of the voices for the APIA community to empower community members to take more active role in shaping their experiences at the University and beyond.

Elisia Sanchez is a junior majoring in Social Welfare. She is very passionate about human rights and has spent the last year serving with AmeriCorps at Community Youth Services working with vulnerable youth. She also served at an elementary school and transitioned to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southwest Washington. She currently works with Safe Streets at Prairie Ridge Community Coalition providing resources to youth. Additionally, she has created a successful donation drive for the houseless community in Olympia and have started many clubs. In the future, She hopes to start her own non-profit and continue to work with the underrepresented community, helping share the voice that many have lost.

Jada Simpson is a sophomore at the Milgard School of Business and plans to major in Marketing. She became involved in the Milgard Success Center and received her Milgard Gold Business Certificate. She is currently working in the Student Transitions and Success office as a Pack Advisor. Jada’s role as a Pack Advisor is working with freshman, running start and transfer students. She helps them get acclimated with the UW Tacoma campus and provide resources that help support them mentally, academically and financially. Jada’s passion for helping people was manifested when she volunteered at the YMCA and raised money to provide a year's membership for two families. Driven by a desire to help more people and reduce student loan debt, Jada started a nonprofit business and is in the process of establishing a scholarship foundation. Jada plans to obtain her Master’s in Business Administration and apply the knowledge and skills gained toward her nonprofit and other business ventures. In her spare time, Jada enjoys reading and exploring new languages and cultures.

Noordeep Singh is first-gen Punjabi Sikh senior at the UW Tacoma majoring in Business Finance with a minor in Data Analytics from the Milgard School of Business. Being from such a diverse background, he believes he can bring a unique perspective to the table not only through the lens of a minority background, but in a professional sense as a finance major. He hopes to pursue a career in financial analytics and gain the tools in his arsenal to tackle business decisions for companies. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering at Sikh Gurdwaras teaching martial arts to young Sikhs and being a general mentor in the process. He continues to add more volunteer experience with Khalsa Gurmat Center, a registered non-profit based in Federal Way, Washington. Noordeep is also passionate about cars, computers, coffee, and photography. As we transition back to in-person classes, Noordeep hopes to make his final year at the UW a memorable one filled with organic class discussions and networking connections for his career path moving forward.

Dennis is a senior in UW Tacoma’s School of Urban Studies in the Urban Design program. In his time at UWT Dennis served as the Urban Studies Senator for the Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUWT) and was elected the 2020-21 ASUWT Director of University Affairs. Dennis’ involvement in campus led to him receiving the 2019-2020 School of Urban Studies Dean’s Award for service to the program. His motivation to pursue a career in urban design is fueled by his love for cities, and community development. Before his senior year, Dennis worked as an Environmental Educator, teaching children about the environmental impacts of development, and ecology. After he graduates Dennis hopes to refine his design skills by working as a municipal urban designer, or as a development consultant. One of Dennis’ passions is mentorship, and in the future, he hopes to create a community mentorship program. In his free time Dennis enjoys doing carpentry projects, photography, and spending quality time with his loved ones. His desire to serve others is a result of his childhood love of Spider-Man and his motto.

Teresa is a junior studying politics, philosophy, and economics with the intention of pursuing a law degree upon graduation. While at UW Tacoma, Teresa has served as the Election Administration Chair for the Associated Students of the University of Washington Tacoma (ASUWT) and has been awarded The Dean’s List Scholarship. Prior to beginning her undergraduate education, Teresa toured as a professional musician and devoted her spare time to mentoring young girls, volunteering in nursing homes and schools, and supporting local food banks with her musical group. Teresa has worked as a legal assistant for the past few years, balancing home and work responsibilities as a military wife. Post law school Teresa is planning to pursue a legal career in public service.

Drew is a sophomore in the Milgard School of Business with plans to major in accounting and minor in applied computing. He is currently volunteering as the Sophomore Senator for the Accounting Student Association and has recently registered to do Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Since last year, Drew has been working part time at the Readiness Acceleration Innovation Network as the CFO’s assistant. Upon graduation, Drew will pursue a master’s program in accounting or taxation so he can be eligible to pass the CPA exams. Once a CPA, Drew plans to build a strong foundation in accounting by working at a large public accounting firm before exiting into an industry role that he is passionate about.

Johnny Heredia III is a first-generation college student working at his bachelor’s degree in computer science. After graduation in 2023, Johnny intends to make a video game company that would be successful enough to provide jobs for the people of Washington State and internship/mentoring opportunities for students seeking higher education. Johnny wants to give back to the community that made him and hopes that he will be able to inspire others to work towards their goals. He also likes to work out, play video games, spend time with family and friends, and explore new topics that interest him in order to continue his growth in learning.

Lauren is a Junior working to achieve a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After graduating, she plans on going to a graduate program for school psychology. In this field, she will be able to assess students for learning disabilities and work with parents, teachers, and therapists to create educational plans which will help them best succeed. Lauren has always had a passion for learning and helping others and will be able to combine these two devotions in her career path. She currently manages a coffee stand, but if she’s not at work or school she is most likely at orange theory, or hanging out with friends and family. She is thankful for the meaningful connections she is already making through her mentors and is excited for this new journey.

Andre is a junior studying Law & Policy and minoring in Global Engagement. He hopes to pursue a law degree upon graduation. Post law school he plans to explore public service career options, which may include legal advocacy, policy reform, and/or elected office. Andre currently serves as the Student Leadership Council Co-Chair for the UW Global Honors Program. He also serves as a Commissioner on the City of Tacoma’s Human Rights Commission, which studies, investigates, and mediates community issues that may result from discrimination. Prior to pursuing his undergraduate education, Andre worked in the non-profit sector as a fundraiser and development associate. In what little free time he has between working at the Tacoma Community College Foundation and studying he enjoys spending time with his wife Jazmyne, and 6 month-old daughter, Ivy.

Exita Lealofi is a first-generation student at UW Tacoma, a sophomore who intends to double major in Law & Policy and Communication with the main focus in Global Engagement. After graduation, she plans on attending law school and become a criminal defense/immigration attorney. Currently, she works with first-year, transfer, and Running Start students by navigating them around campus and assisting them in any academic situation. Exita is also a Cultural Coordinator for the Asian Pacific Islander Student Union and aims to promote a more critical and comprehensive understanding of APIA issues and identity while advocating for the needs of APIA community. Outside of UWT, she is an assistant advisor and mentor to the Mount Tahoma High Schools Polynesian Club where she assists students in focusing on leadership development and providing educational dialogue focused on the complex heritage of Asian Pacific Islander Americans. She is passionate about being one of the voices for the APIA community to empower community members to take more active role in shaping their experiences at the University and beyond.

Madeline Zent is an academically driven first-generation junior in Computer Science. After exploring a variety of interests including interning for the epidemiology unit at Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, working for the Nature Conservancy of Reno, being a legal secretary in liability law, a laser technician team leader, and volunteering to teach English abroad in Japan, Madeline discovered her passion for Computer Science. She recognized coding would allow her to solve and work with a diverse amount of problems and help myriads of people. Madeline spends her free time running half-marathons, attending hackathons, line-dancing, hiking, camping, snowboarding, and volunteering by planting trees.

Bethany is a senior in the Milgard School of Business and is studying Business Administration. In her time at UWT, she has become passionate about committee service and currently serves on three committees: the New Student Enrollment and Orientation Fee Committee (NSEOFC), the Council for Campus Engagement, and the Services and Activities Fee Committee (SAFC). When she is not serving on campus, she helps lead the Black Student Union as Treasurer. After graduating in June 2020, she plans to enter the workforce and apply the knowledge she has gained at the Milgard School of Business. One of her long term goals is to pursue her M.B.A. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis and relaxing with her family and friends.

Teresa is a junior studying politics, philosophy, and economics with the intention of pursuing a law degree upon graduation. While at UW Tacoma, Teresa has served as the Election Administration Chair for the Associated Students of the University of Washington Tacoma (ASUWT) and has been awarded The Dean’s List Scholarship. Prior to beginning her undergraduate education, Teresa toured as a professional musician and devoted her spare time to mentoring young girls, volunteering in nursing homes and schools, and supporting local food banks with her musical group. Teresa has worked as a legal assistant for the past few years, balancing home and work responsibilities as a military wife. Post law school Teresa is planning to pursue a legal career in public service.

Drew is a sophomore in the Milgard School of Business with plans to major in accounting and minor in applied computing. He is currently volunteering as the Sophomore Senator for the Accounting Student Association and has recently registered to do Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Since last year, Drew has been working part time at the Readiness Acceleration Innovation Network as the CFO’s assistant. Upon graduation, Drew will pursue a master’s program in accounting or taxation so he can be eligible to pass the CPA exams. Once a CPA, Drew plans to build a strong foundation in accounting by working at a large public accounting firm before exiting into an industry role that he is passionate about.

Susie is a first generation college student who is working on her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. After graduating, she intends to go back to her reservation and other reservations (as a homicide detective) to work in solving the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women cases. Susie wants to inspire young Native Americans to pursue a higher education. She loves to workout, spend time with friends and volunteer in the Native American communities in her free time.

Johnny Heredia III is a first-generation college student working at his bachelor’s degree in computer science. After graduation in 2023, Johnny intends to make a video game company that would be successful enough to provide jobs for the people of Washington State and internship/mentoring opportunities for students seeking higher education. Johnny wants to give back to the community that made him and hopes that he will be able to inspire others to work towards their goals. He also likes to work out, play video games, spend time with family and friends, and explore new topics that interest him in order to continue his growth in learning.

Lauren is a Junior working to achieve a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After graduating, she plans on going to a graduate program for school psychology. In this field, she will be able to assess students for learning disabilities and work with parents, teachers, and therapists to create educational plans which will help them best succeed. Lauren has always had a passion for learning and helping others and will be able to combine these two devotions in her career path. She currently manages a coffee stand, but if she’s not at work or school she is most likely at orange theory, or hanging out with friends and family. She is thankful for the meaningful connections she is already making through her mentors and is excited for this new journey.

Avery is a Senior in the Milgard School of Business who is very involved in the business school and loves helping others. Avery has discovered his passion for learning, solving problems, and entrepreneurship. He is currently working on AllegeunMedia, a social media marketing company and Hieroflux, a big data analytics company that focuses on providing actionable solutions from qualitative & quantitative information. He volunteers at the Veteran’s Incubator for Better Entrepreneurship (VIBE) weekly where he consults with local startups. In his free time, he enjoys going on walks, spending time with friends and engaging in community events.

James Northup is an undergraduate student working towards a bachelor’s degree in advanced mathematics with a special interest in number theory and computer programming. He plans to pursue Ph.D. studies once completing his master’s degree. Prior to pursuing higher education, James served as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant in the U.S. Army for seven years. During his service, James trained international forces in multidisciplinary skills ranging from medical mission planning to advanced trauma management in East and South East Asia. James is also a certified paramedic, with further training in mountain medicine. In his spare time James enjoys volunteering with his veterinarian wife, Isabelle, to help animal charities in the Tacoma and Seattle area.

Madeline Zent is an academically driven first-generation junior in Computer Science. After exploring a variety of interests including interning for the epidemiology unit at Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, working for the Nature Conservancy of Reno, being a legal secretary in liability law, a laser technician team leader, and volunteering to teach English abroad in Japan, Madeline discovered her passion for Computer Science. She recognized coding would allow her to solve and work with a diverse amount of problems and help myriads of people. Madeline spends her free time running half-marathons, attending hackathons, line-dancing, hiking, camping, snowboarding, and volunteering by planting trees.

Diana Algomeda is a first-generation college student studying Ethnic, Gender, and Labor Studies, Global Honors, and Education. Diana is currently serving as the Director of Internal Communications and Affairs for the Associated Students of the University of Washington Tacoma (ASUWT). Due to her experience as a first-generation college student, she helped start First Generation Fellows (FGF) in 2017. FGF is a program that provides support to first-generation college students with their transition to college and completion to graduation. Diana hopes to continue to address and alleviate social issues and to impact her community positively.

Drew is a sophomore in the Milgard School of Business with plans to major in accounting and minor in applied computing. He is currently volunteering as the Sophomore Senator for the Accounting Student Association and has recently registered to do Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Since last year, Drew has been working part time at the Readiness Acceleration Innovation Network as the CFO’s assistant. Upon graduation, Drew will pursue a master’s program in accounting or taxation so he can be eligible to pass the CPA exams. Once a CPA, Drew plans to build a strong foundation in accounting by working at a large public accounting firm before exiting into an industry role that he is passionate about.

Sierra is a senior in the honors program, studying Communications research with minors in education and community engagement, law and policy, and global engagement. As a first-generation college student, she understands the value of education and hopes to pursue a career in educational policy after completing law school. Sierra has served marginalized populations in the greater Seattle-Tacoma area for over 15 years and is currently a mentor for the UNCF Portfolio Project. In addition to serving the community and raising two toddlers, Sierra works as the program assistant for the ACCESS in STEM Scholars Program and serves as the School of Education Senator for the Associated Students of the University of Washington Tacoma (ASUWT).

Isabell is currently a senior studying Law and Policy. In addition to being inducted into the first cohort of Dressel Scholars, Isabell has earned Honors Distinction through the Global Honors program, has achieved her minor in Global Engagement, is the current President of the Pre-Law Society, as well as a co-founding Officer of the Collaborative Association for Reintegration and Education (C.A.R.E.). Isabell currently serves as Miss Pierce County through the Miss America Organization, advocating for juvenile justice through #KidsNotCriminals and interning at the Pierce County Juvenile Court as a Juvenile Detention Officer Intern and Probation Officer’s Aide. Isabell hopes to attend law school next year to achieve her dream of becoming a criminal defense attorney.

Avery is a junior in the Milgard School of Business. Avery is very involved in the business school and loves helping others. Avery has discovered his passion for learning, solving problems, and entrepreneurship. He is currently working at the Milgard Success Center, startup AllegeunMedia, and a project based on visualizing data. He volunteers at the Veteran’s Incubator for Better Entrepreneurship (VIBE) weekly and in his free time he enjoys taking nature walks and hanging out with his friends and two dogs, Ozzie and Chloe.

James Northup is an undergraduate student working towards a bachelor’s degree in advanced mathematics with a special interest in number theory and computer programming. He plans to pursue Ph.D. studies once completing his master’s degree. Prior to pursuing higher education, James served as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant in the U.S. Army for seven years. During his service, James trained international forces in multidisciplinary skills ranging from medical mission planning to advanced trauma management in East and South East Asia. James is also a certified paramedic, with further training in mountain medicine. In his spare time James enjoys volunteering with his veterinarian wife, Isabelle, to help animal charities in the Tacoma and Seattle area.

Davis is a senior who is double-majoring in the Computer Science and Computer Engineer & Systems programs. He is currently working as a math and computer science tutor as well as an undergraduate researcher. After completing his bachelor's degree, he plans to enter a graduate program to gain more knowledge and insight in his fields of interest.

Ashley Richards is a senior in the Sustainable Urban Development program and serves as a student chair on the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Sustainability. Ashley recently completed the Bamford Fellowship in Global Engagement offered through the Global Honors program, where she studied the role of community based organizations in addressing inequities in community development efforts and education. After graduating, Ashley plans on pursuing a graduate degree in international planning and development.