2025-26 Awardee: Liora Gay
Liora Gay of Patriot High School attending Virginia Commonwealth University
One Time Award of $400
Liora spoke to the challenges transgender students in Virginia face and her experience advocating for her community as a member of her school’s Student Voice Committee. Liora also initiated her own personal research into bathroom safety and stigma at her school.
“Recognizing that I wasn’t alone, I felt compelled to fight for us and use my voice, especially since many others were uncomfortable expressing their concerns….My commitment to advocating for human rights and the safety of others stems from the belief that every individual deserves these fundamental rights, regardless of their background, race, gender, sexuality, ability, or any other characteristic.”
2025-26 Awardee: Ranger Balleisen
Ranger Balleisen is a Virginia Commonwealth University student transferring to Georgetown University
One-time award of $1,000
Ranger’s long-term goal is to build large-scale legislative support for the LGBTQ+ community across Virginia and America. Ranger spoke to the fear they faced as a queer high school student in Virginia and how working as an EMT helped them to master their fear and use it in pivotal moments.
“Though my advocacy work was initially rooted in terror, I learned how to push through my worry in high-stakes situations in the back of an ambulance… Now, in policy-making spaces, I still get nervous. But I remember that night in the
ambulance, and I know I am confident in my ability to push through my anxiety. Instead of quietly watching during legislator meetings, I confidently explain tiny changes in a bill regulating public housing authorities and their importance. There is no anxiety on my face.”
Ranger will transfer to Georgetown University in the fall to seek a degree in public policy with the goal of building effective coalitions and bipartisan support in the United States Congress.
2025-26 Awardee: Hope Conrad
Hope Conrad (she/her), rising senior at William & Mary studying Anthropology
One-time award of $1,000
Hope is involved in several campus organizations that promote inclusivity and understanding.
“As part of my academic journey, I am currently engaged in research that focuses on the intersectional identity of Black drag queens… Black drag queens not only confront societal expectations of beauty and gender but also resist racial stereotypes, creating spaces for self-expression and empowerment in ways that are often overlooked. Through interviews, participant observation, and analysis of performance, I am examining how these queens use drag as a form of resistance and how their identities inform their performances… Anthropology has provided me with the tools to critically examine societal norms and to understand how power dynamics and historical contexts shape the experiences of marginalized groups… I plan to use my education to dive deeper into anthropological research that examines LGBTQIA+ experiences across the globe. By analyzing how various societies understand and respond to non-binary gender identities and diverse sexualities, I hope to contribute to the academic discourse on sexuality and gender in meaningful ways.”
2025-26 Awardee: Nylah Neal
Nylah Neal (she/her) of New Kent High School, attending Old Dominion University
Award of $1500 over 4 years
Nylah is seeking a degree in Speech Language Pathology and spoke about how she would use her degree to empower LGBTQ+ individuals:
“Communication is a fundamental human right, and I hope to use my career
to empower individuals, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community, who face
barriers to effective communication due to speech disorders or social anxiety stemming from discrimination or bullying. Speech therapy can be a powerful tool for building confidence and helping individuals find their voice—literally and figuratively. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly transgender and nonbinary people, face challenges in aligning their communication patterns with their gender identity. As a speech pathologist, I aim to offer affirming care that respects each person’s identity and supports them in expressing themselves authentically.”
2025-26 Awardee: K'Den Armstead Andoh
K’Den Armstead Andoh (she/her) of Princess Anne High School, attending
Howard University
Award of $1500 over 4 years
“For the past three years, I have worked alongside my mother, a labor and delivery nurse, to host community health events, lead hospital tours, and educate individuals on reproductive and maternal health. During this time, I encountered many LGBTQIA+ individuals and families who shared their struggles in accessing affirming and respectful healthcare. I listened to their stories—of being misgendered, denied care, or facing discrimination simply for existing as their authentic selves. These conversations reinforced my understanding that advocacy must extend beyond personal identity; it requires active participation in dismantling the barriers that prevent equitable healthcare access for all.”
K’Den will begin her first year at Duke in the fall. K’Den’s goal is to create an inclusive healthcare system that prioritizes mental health and reproductive care for LGBTQIA+ individuals through advocacy, education, and direct patient support.
2024-25 Awardee: Icarus Landaker
English and Environmental Science at William & Mary
3 years scholarship of $1,000 per year
Icarus began their LGBTQIA+ Advocacy in high school in response to policies targeting transgender students. They led efforts to coordinate student protests and raise awareness within their local school district, organizing student speakers at school board meetings. Their activism culminated in a TEDx talk where they shared their experiences. Icarus plans to continue advocacy through education and journalism. They aim to use writing to bring representation to the LGBTQ+ community and combat discrimination and are particularly interested in environmental justice and the impact of climate change on marginalized groups.
2024-25 Awardee: Emerson Clevenger
Master of Public Health program at Virginia Tech
one-time award of $1,000
Emerson serves as the Vice President of the Pride Council at Virginia Tech, advocating for LGBTQIA+ students and organizing key events such as Pride Week. They also work as the student programming assistant for Lavender House, a pioneering LGBTQIA+ Living Learning Community. A nonbinary and neurodivergent individual, they focus on infectious diseases in their public health studies, aiming to address health disparities in the queer community. Through their roles and academic pursuits, Emerson is dedicated to bridging gaps in healthcare by advocating for equitable treatment and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
2024-25 Awardee: Mary-Catherine Kain
Elementary Education at Virginia Commonwealth University
one-time award of $1,000
Mary-Catherine is a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ visibility and support, particularly in educational settings. As the co-founder and president of the LGBTQ+ Future Educators student organization at Virginia Commonwealth University, they have built a thriving community of queer and trans future educators. They also serve as the Lead Fellow for the Every Voice Coalition, advocating for queer survivors of sexual violence across Virginia. With a strong focus on mental health and education, they are pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and plan to advance their career in School Psychology to further support vulnerable students.
2024-25 Awardee: Avekra Yenerni
Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech
One-time award of $250
Avekra is committed to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ and APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) communities at Virginia Tech. They are actively involved in organizations supporting LGBTQ+ and Asexual/Aromantic identities including Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) and spAAce (club for anyone on the asexual and/or aromantic spectrum) and regularly attend events at the Pride Center, demonstrating a strong commitment to community engagement. Avekra seeks out opportunities to meet new people and expand their network within these communities and is particularly passionate about increasing visibility for queer people of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) backgrounds, especially those from India.
Past Winners
Casa BruMar Foundation is very excited to announce the first ever winner of the Rise Up Scholarship: Jordyn Harris from Prince William County, Virginia!
Jordyn will be studying Political Science and hopes to becomes a Congresswoman where she will further advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Jordyn has shown exemplary leadership, and describes herself as resilient, creative, optimistic, courageous, and positive.
The teacher who recommended Jordyn noted her drive and authenticity. Jordyn displayed an ability to open her fellow students’ eyes to the history of the LGBTQIA+ community and minority groups, “bringing to light injustices and actively trying to think of new solutions to better the community's
American experience.” Congratulations Jordyn! Casa BruMar Foundation looks forward to following your achievements and advocacy.
Casa BruMar Foundation is pleased to announce Nahazha Young, of Prince William County, Virginia, as a 2023 Rise Up LGBTQIA+ Advocate Award winner.
Ms. Young is interested in pursuing a career in nursing, citing current healthcare inequities the LGBTQIA+ community faces in America as a motivation. Nahazha spoke to her commitment to making healthcare settings safe for LGBTQIA+ patients by advocating for increased training for staff. The teacher who recommended Ms. Young noted her strong leadership abilities and passion to help others, noting her history of educating and organizing her fellow students. Congratulations Nahazha!