Shaped by Global Honors: Husky 100 Scholars Mia Escobar and Cameron Cyprain

At the University of Washington, being named to the Husky 100 is more than an academic honor, it is a recognition of students who turn learning into action, shaping their communities in meaningful and lasting ways. For Institute for Innovation and Global Engagement (IIGE) students, Mia Escobar and Cameron Cyprain, both members of the University of Washington Tacoma Global Honors Program, that impact has taken shape through mentorship, research, lived experience, and a shared commitment to improving access and equity.

Mia Escobar: Accessibility in Mathematics
Graduating in 2026 with a B.S. in Mathematics and a minor in Global Engagement, Mia has intentionally built an interdisciplinary path through the Global Honors Program. Her work ranges from quantum information systems and partial differential equations to human rights–based approaches to HIV in the Asia Pacific region.

As a Latina woman in mathematics, Mia has also taken on the role of expanding who feels welcome in the field. During her tenure as president of the UW Tacoma Math Club, she has worked to create inclusive, supportive spaces for students of all backgrounds. She also served as a tutor at the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC), ensuring complex subjects were more accessible and helped others see themselves as capable learners.

Mia encourages students to take risks and trust in opportunities:
“Take opportunities outside of the classroom! For example, before I started working at the TLC, my professor said I should apply for the position there. I wasn’t sure I would have the time for it, but it has become my entire life. I am so happy I did! I met so many amazing people! There are a lot of opportunities on campus that you may not think you are capable of. You will always be your worst critic. If someone says you should try it, then they are seeing something in you that you don’t see. Listen to them!”

Cameron Cyprain: Creating System Level Change
A NextGen Civic Leader Corps student, a Business Administration major with a minor Global Engagement, Cameron is a Navy veteran who has experienced housing insecurity firsthand. Lived experience has driven him to better understand and improve the systems meant to support vulnerable communities through systems-level change.

What began as a personal inquiry has grown into an extensive research project. Cameron has conducted more than 80 interviews with displaced individuals and service providers across Tacoma.

He has translated this work into policy recommendations, including a proposal presented to the mayor of Olympia focused on improving the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), a key tool in coordinating services.

His reaction to being named a Husky 100 honoree:
“It was pretty shocking because I never planned for this,” he said. “I also found out while I was going through a lot of stuff. I had randomly checked my email and saw I was selected and they wanted to schedule a photo shoot.”

Cameron’s work has also been recognized at a national level. He was recently named a Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow, an honor bestowed upon student leaders committed to civic leadership, community engagement, and creating positive social change.

Surprise Honor from Speaker Jinkins
Gaining praise from Speaker of the Washington House of Representatives, Laurie Jinkins, through personal letters came as a complete surprise for Mia and Cameron, making the recognition as a Husky 100 more memorable.

Mia was not only elated but shocked.

“I just got a letter from LAURIE JINKINS?!”

Impact of Global Honors
Mia and Cameron’s Husky 100 recognition is a direct reflection of their experience in the Global Honors program. The program’s global focus, interdisciplinary thinking, and community-engaged mindset is woven directly into their success as changemakers and emerging leaders.