Every year, PYD and GEICO team up to award ten young adults with disabilities the PYD/GEICO Changemaker Scholarship to support them in furthering their education goals. This year’s scholarship winners span across seven different states, majoring in a variety of subjects, including Cognitive Science and International Relations. We asked the winners how the scholarship will impact their educational journey. Here’s what they had to say:
Elina Crosby
State: Rhode Island
Major: Marketing
“It is an honor to have been awarded that changemaker scholarship. This scholarship will allow me to continue to pursue my studies as I prepare to graduate in the spring. I would like to thank all of those who have made this scholarship possible and those who have supported me through my undergraduate career.”
Christine Kim
State: Texas
Major: Data Science
“My last semester of university will be packed with my interdisciplinary studies and multifaceted pursuits, which includes my honors thesis and extracurricular activities. Winning this scholarship means I can redirect my time, energy, and focus to these pursuits. I am extremely grateful for PYD’s and Geico’s generosity and support!”
Felix Menges
State: Iowa
Major: Business
“I’m very honored to be chosen for the GEICO Changemaker Scholarship. Winning this scholarship not only supports me in pursuing my education but also affirms my efforts to create positive change within the disability community. With this support, I hope to continue pursuing my interests in transportation and accessibility, working to create more equitable and inclusive communities for all.”
Surrya Mukkara
State: Massachusetts
Major: Management Information Systems
“What this scholarship means to me is that I am being recognized for my efforts by a well-known organization. When I was younger, I realized I had to work harder for things that people around me already had. This feels like a culmination of all my efforts, and to be recognized is an honor.”
Doan Tran
State: California
Major: Computer Engineering
“Winning the PYD–GEICO Changemaker Scholarship is both an honor and a source of reassurance for me. As a student navigating higher education while managing disability-related challenges, this scholarship represents more than financial support — it is validation that my persistence, advocacy, and commitment to creating positive change matter.This scholarship reminds me that I am not pursuing this journey alone. Knowing that PYD and GEICO believe in my potential motivates me to continue pushing forward, lifting others as I grow, and using my education to create meaningful, lasting impact.”
Anthony Toney
State: Massachusetts
Major: Computer Science
“Winning the scholarship helps me to achieve my long-term goal of working in the computer field. I am very grateful for the scholarship as it will help me financially toward my future career.”
Hannah Wimpy
State: Massachusetts
Major: Computer Science; Computational Biophysics
“Winning this means my approach to building – whether it’s my company, consulting firm, research, or making my own major – is seen as leadership rather than workaround. Living with EDS and being neurodivergent has made me relentlessly focused on first principles: I can’t just copy what works for others; I have to understand why it works and rebuild from there. This scholarship affirms that different ways of thinking produce different solutions – and sometimes better ones!”
Scholarship Winner*
State: Massachusetts
Major: International Relations
Being selected as a PYD Gecko Changemaker means feeling truly seen. It is a reminder that the effort I put into building my future, even on days when my health makes things harder, still matters. Living with Crohns has taught me how to move through challenges quietly, stay disciplined, and keep showing up for my goals even when things are not easy. This scholarship affirms that resilience, responsibility, and intention are valued, and it gives me motivation to keep building something meaningful.
Scholarship Winner*
State: California
Major: Cognitive Science
Winning the PYD Scholarship is a meaningful affirmation of my dedication to my education. As a financially independent student balancing a full academic course load, multiple research roles, an on-campus job, and PhD applications, this support directly helps cover my tuition and eases a significant amount of financial stress.
*Winner opted out of listing their name and photo.
Congratulations to this year’s winners of the Changemaker Scholarship from GEICO and PYD! We wish all our winners the best of luck in their education and look forward to their future endeavors.
