Announcing the 2026–27 Changemaker Cohort

Christian is a high school senior carrying forward Caver Ties into its second year. Caver Ties equips first-generation students with tools and confidence to successfully navigate the college application process. As a first-generation student who moved to the United States from another country, Christian understands how overwhelming it can feel to navigate the college application process. This experience inspired her to continue Caver Ties and help other students access the support and college access opportunities she wishes were more available to first-generation students.

Outside of her project work, Christian enjoys learning about neuroscience and public health, spending time with her family, and trying new matcha spots. For Christian, being a changemaker means turning problems she has witnessed into solutions that make a difference for her community.

Claire is a senior leading Tomball Stride, a project focused on improving walkability in her town. Her interest in the project comes from her experience growing up in a community where families could easily walk to parks, restaurants and bookstores. Her goal is to help create the same sense of connectivity for others by improving the infrastructure around Tomball.

Outside of her project, Claire spends time volunteering with the children’s ministry at her church, where she is a teacher’s assistant for a class of three- and four-year-olds. Claire believes that being a changemaker means caring about those around you and putting in the effort to make a positive impact on your community.

Eliel is a high school senior leading STEM Connect, a project he has been involved in since his freshman year of high school focused on exposing high school students to careers in the STEM field. Eliel has witnessed the impact STEM Connect has had on his peers and is motivated to continue creating opportunities for students to get excited about STEM. In his second year as a Changemaker, Eliel believes that being a changemaker is to put forth your best effort to make your community better in any way you can.

Outside of STEM Connect, Eliel loves understanding the intricacies of computers and exploring engineering problems, having recently built two computers from scratch.

Elio joins his twin brother in co-leading STEM Connect, a project he deeply cares about and has been a part of throughout his high school career. Inspired by the project’s former leader and his own experience as a participant, Elio understands the importance of ensuring all students have access to STEM resources and opportunities to explore careers in the STEM field.

Outside of STEM Connect, Elio enjoys learning new engineering concepts and discovering the creative ways engineers turn ideas into reality. He also enjoys playing guitar, drawing, and archery. For Elio, being a changemaker means going beyond recognizing what doesn’t work to understanding what does and using that knowledge to foster a sense of community among others.

Anne is a high school junior carrying forward The Dewasters, a project she’s been involved with for two years focused on educating residents about climate change in coastal cities. Driven by the environmental issues she sees in her own community, Anne wants to make conservation accessible and raise awareness about actions that may receive less attention but can still make a difference. She is also passionate about educating younger students and helping them understand that their actions matter.

Outside of The Dewasters, Anne plays cello in an orchestra and enjoys listening to music and watching K-dramas. For Anne, being a Changemaker means taking action on something you care about and inviting others to join you, helping them recognize their own ability to make an impact.

Haylee is a junior leading HERO MD into its second year as a project. HERO MD educates young people on potential healthcare careers and uses social media and community events to spread awareness of healthcare-related opportunities. For Haylee, being a changemaker means helping students pursue their interests and build confidence in their skills and their futures.

In addition to leading HERO MD, Haylee enjoys swimming, learning about marine life, and watching anime. Through both her interests and project work, Haylee is drawn to learning more about medicine and the various healthcare careers that exist.

Iman is a senior carrying forward IMPACT, which stands for Inclusive Muslim Program for Awareness, Community, and Tolerance, a project focused on strengthening students’ sense of belonging. After three years with IMPACT, Iman continues the project because of what it means to her personally and the opportunity to help create spaces on campus where students feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

Outside of IMPACT, Iman spends time learning and practicing different languages. For her, being a changemaker means making a positive impact on others and helping her community grow.

Jashua is a high school senior carrying forward Project OTTER, a project he has been involved with since its start. Project OTTER focuses on increasing students’ access to STEM opportunities and building their confidence in the subject. Jashua experienced the impact firsthand. His involvement with the project helped strengthen his interest in STEM and gave him the confidence to pursue biomedical engineering as a major in college. The guidance he received from previous club leaders was especially meaningful, and Jashua hopes to recreate an environment where other students can have a similar experience.

In addition to leading Project OTTER, Jashua enjoys playing basketball, spending time with friends, and learning complex statistical concepts. For Jashua, being a changemaker means creating a positive change in the community around him.

Tatianna is a senior leading Reaching Out to Our Talented Scholars (ROOTS), a project in its second year focused on increasing the diversity of students participating in Advanced Placement STEM classes. Inspired by the project’s success in its first year and the impact she saw it have on younger students’ confidence in themselves, Tatianna is excited to grow the project’s reach and impact.

Outside of leading ROOTS, Tatianna spends her time learning about science and sociology concepts. For her, being a changemaker means recognizing opportunities for improvement, taking initiative, and encouraging others to create the change they want to see.