Liya Kebede

As a College Application Support Intern at First Gen Scholars, I worked closely with first-generation students to support college applications, essays, and academic planning. This experience reinforced my commitment to educational equity while developing strong mentorship and student advocacy skills.

As an Illumina STEM Scholar, I gained hands-on experience with genomic technologies through laboratory work, collaborative projects, and professional development workshops. I explored the real-world applications of genomics in healthcare while gaining first-hand exposure to diverse STEM career paths and industry professionals,

Participated in a week-long ACLU advocacy program focused on social justice and civic engagement. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative action, I engaged directly in the legislative process by organizing and participating in protests, meeting with policymakers, writing letters to elected representatives, and participating in call-banking efforts. This experience strengthened my understanding of legislation, the legal process, and effective strategies for social advocacy.

Accepted into San Diego Squared program, a program focusing on support for underrepresented students in STEM. Engaged in company site visits to foster relationships with industry professionals. Developed networking skills through direct engagement with STEM leaders.

I had fostered a deep appreciation for reading, as I leveraged it as a tool for personal adaptation to language barriers. Led volunteer initiatives at a local library, engaging with younger audiences to instill a love for books and learning.

I am an active choir member at my local Ethiopian Orthodox church, and I teach little children Amharic on saturdays. I have been part of the choir at my church for over 7 years, however I have only made the commitment to teach young children Amharic beginning last year. In addition, I play the traditional drums, as well as the traditional harp as a form of community service for my church.

I participated in spring break externship at emergency closet to enhance accessibility of clothing for unhoused individuals, refugees and others in need, in hopes of making a large source of joy for me accessible to all.

I took on the commitment of tutoring kids in a lower-level math course to use my skills in math and desire to help people to further promote understanding and the importance of making connections in the subject. I went on to co-found an online tutoring business, Bright Minds, to strengthen my role in my community and empower more learners.

I participated in First Gen Scholars, a year-long non-profit program designed to support first-generation-to college students throughout their college application process and in their post-high school journeys. As the only student in my district when participating, I began a similar club at my high school, to use the knowledge I learned to further support other first-gen students in their college process.