Meet the ASU Helios Pathway Scholars
Leonardo Cruz Soto
Arizona State University, Economics
“My desire for education has only grown as I reach a stage in my academics where I look forward not just to my next semester, but also to my next goal of applying to a career where I can make a change in the world around me.”
Leonardo grew up in Mexico where even basic school supplies were a luxury, but his hunger to learn never faded. After moving to the U.S., he taught himself to master English and kept chasing education, even when money, time, and doubt stood in the way. Now, as a first-generation college student with a plan to study economics at Arizona State University, Leonardo fights every day to turn his family’s sacrifices into a future of leadership, service, and lasting change for his community.
Makayla Greybear
Arizona State University, Philosophy
“My long-term goal is to become a lawyer and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, a mission deeply rooted in my own experience as a survivor. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education but also in my future efforts to support and empower others who have faced similar challenges."
Makayla, a full-blooded Lakota Native American woman from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, is the first in her family to attend college, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at Arizona State University. Makayla’s journey of resilience and advocacy fuels her passion for law and her mission to support and empower others navigating adversity. With plans to become a lawyer, she is committed to using her education to drive legal reforms and uplift vulnerable communities.
Benjamin Leo Randolph Koehler
Arizona State University, Psychology
“Psychology is such an expansive profession, making education a critical part of understanding the field. Psychologists are faced with ethical concerns, and pursuing a proper education is one way that we reinforce the level of care that clients deserve every day.”
After leaving high school to support his family, Benjamin earned a GED and enrolled at Glendale Community College, a decision he feels drastically changed his life. He discovered his passion for psychology and helping others through their mental health struggles. He will now pursue his bachelor's degree as a Barrett Honors student at Arizona State University, where he ultimately plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. He’s committed to serving his community with knowledge, compassion, and integrity.
Jasmine Martinez
Arizona State University, Special Education
“I never gave up on the dream of providing a better quality of life for my children. I realized that finishing my degree was not just about career advancement. It was about proving to myself and my children that it’s never too late to achieve your goals.”
A single mother of two boys, Jasmine’s educational journey is a testament to resilience and determination. After working in the medical field for 18 years, she returned to school to break cycles, build a legacy, and inspire her children to dream big. She is transferring to Arizona State University and aspires to be an educator and advocate for youth, primarily those in special education.
Krishna Morales
Arizona State University, Neuroscience
“Without being knocked off my feet and forced to redirect my plans that I swore were set in stone, I would not have learned the importance of resilience and adaptability. Facing setbacks is a part of life, and knowing how to bounce back is just as valuable as academic success. Rejection is redirection.”
Ever since high school, Krishna knew she wanted to be a lawyer. An internship at a big law firm introduced her to varying fields within law, where she discovered she wanted to be an intellectual property attorney. Pursuing her bachelor's in neuroscience at Arizona State University is a step toward this goal.
Susana Nava Leyva
Arizona State University, Business Administration
“My mother, who, due to financial constraints, only finished the eighth grade in Mexico, always reminded me that she wanted better opportunities for us. This constant encouragement to achieve a better future motivated me.”
Susana’s journey has been shaped by perseverance, responsibility, and a deep commitment to her family and community. As a first-generation college student at Mesa Community College and a nonprofit advocate, she overcame the challenges of undocumented status and financial hardship to pursue higher education. Today, through her work at Aliento and her pursuit of a degree in business administration at Arizona State University, Susana leads by example, proving that resilience and education can transform lives. Her ultimate goal is to earn a master’s degree in global management, specializing in nonprofit leadership and management.
Johnavel Marie Ninoy
Arizona State University, Civil Engineering
“Education is my guiding handrail of hope as I continue to traverse the trail of life. Now that I am admitted to Arizona State University to continue my journey, I am more than determined to finish what I started.”
At the University of the Philippines – Diliman, one of the top universities in the Philippines, Johnavel Marie worked her way to the top to earn a spot. She paused her academic journey in the Philippines to immigrate to the United States with her mother and start a new life. Headed to Arizona State University in the fall, she plans to use her passion for mathematics to become a civil engineer.
Sheccid Ortiz
Arizona State University, Studio Art
“I found motivation and healing through art and school, both of which became outlets for my growth and self-expression. I want to unleash my full potential, and I know that completing my degree and whatever comes next will take me far.”
Sheccid is studying industrial design at Arizona State University to prepare her for a future in a field she has fallen in love with. The daughter of a migrant family, she has seen the hard work and sacrifices her parents have made to give her a better life. As a first-generation student, she is honored to make her parents proud and be the first member of her family to graduate after transferring from Arizona Western College.
Taide Pineda
Arizona State University, Marketing
“The key to my success has been my unwavering motivation driven by my responsibility to provide a better future for my two young children. Their well-being inspires me to stay focused and committed.”
A father of two, Taide is pursuing a marketing degree at Arizona State University. His academic journey hasn’t been easy. After two unsuccessful attempts at college, he restarted his education two years ago with renewed determination and has thrived ever since. He knows that graduating will transform not only his life but also his family’s future.
Taylor Smith
Arizona State University, Neuroscience
“School no longer feels like a necessity. For so many years I had to go to school because it was the safest environment for me. Now, I go to school because I want to be there. I am genuinely fascinated by my studies, and this fact is what powers me through the long days.”
Taylor’s journey to higher education has been challenging, but each obstacle revealed her resilience. After losing her scholarship before the pandemic due to circumstances beyond her control, she relied on the EMT license she earned in high school to find stability and take on leadership roles in healthcare. By 19, she was a full-time employee, later re-enrolling in college with renewed determination. Now an honors student studying neuroscience and Portuguese, Taylor hopes to become a neonatologist or ophthalmologist serving underserved communities both in the U.S. and abroad.