Amy G Injury Firm Access to Education Scholarship Winners

The personal injury lawyers at Amy G Injury Firm aim to overcome adversity and create a better life for underserved populations and their communities.

Acting on that belief, the Amy G Injury Firm has proudly created the Access to Education Scholarship to award $1,000 to the applicant who offers the most innovative and insightful idea for improving accessibility to higher education and clearly articulates the importance of doing so.

2023 Winner: Bryan Rodas

After learning he won the 2023 scholarship award, Bryan had this to say:

“I am absolutely thrilled and honored to learn that I have been chosen as the recipient of the Access to Education Scholarship. This news has left me speechless, and I am overflowing with gratitude for your belief in my abilities and potential. Receiving this scholarship means more to me than words can express. It is a validation of my hard work, dedication, and commitment to pursuing higher education. This generous award will undoubtedly alleviate some of the financial burden associated with my education, allowing me to focus on my studies and further honing my skills.

Bryan Rodas grew up in the bustling city of Antioch, California, and was surrounded by technology from an early age, much like other kids his age. However, unlike most children, he was more interested in the intricate workings of technology than simply using it. For example, at the age of nine, he took apart his remote-control cars to study their internal circuitry and components in order to create his own customized RC car. After completing high school, Bryan decided to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. During his service, he worked on advanced fighter jets and obtained his Airframe and Powerplant Certification. He also took advantage of the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, demonstrating his unyielding dedication to personal and professional growth. This upcoming fall semester, he will be attending the University of Southern California’s Master’s program in Electrical Engineering and Engineering Management program, furthering his commitment to education and his passion for technology.

2022 Winner: Rachael Lopez

After learning she won the 2022 scholarship award, Rachael had this to say:

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be selected for this scholarship. Thank you, Amy G. Injury Firm! I appreciate that Amy G. Injury Firm has provided an opportunity for me and for others to pursue educational and career goals with more financial peace of mind. Pursuing higher education can come with many challenges — access, support, resources, etc., but with the help of this scholarship, many of these needs are addressed. This scholarship will allow me to access the resources I need to become a successful physical therapist while having the reassurance that those at Amy G. Injury Firm support my journey.”

Rachael grew up in Fort Lupton, Colorado, and received her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science & Health Promotion from Colorado State University-Pueblo. She later received a Master’s in Business Administration from Colorado Christian University and is pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia. One day, Rachael hopes to work in a rural community where she can impact the lives of many through physical therapy. Rachael’s goal is to encourage others to live healthy, active lives while addressing pain or limitations that may keep them from doing the things they enjoy.

2021 Winner: Aaishah Kelani

Aaishah had this to say when she learned she was the Access to Education Scholarship winner:

“I am beyond ecstatic to learn that I am the recipient of the 2021 Amy G. Injury Firm Scholarship! Graduate school is often a financial burden for students. The financial support of this scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies and relieve some of the financial stress of attending school. It is humbling to know that there are others who believe enough in me and my mission to invest in my journey!”

Aaishah Kelani was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, into a rich community of Nigerian immigrants. She received her Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Loyola Marymount University. She is currently enrolled in a Computer Science master’s program at the University of Southern California.

Upon graduation, she is eager to apply her new skill set in the healthcare industry ensuring underserved populations receive the service and care that they need.

In her free time, Aaishah prioritizes service within her community. She recently served as Chair of the External Committee of her company’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers. As chair, she worked diligently to ensure women in STEM from all backgrounds were given access to career opportunities that may otherwise have been unknown. Aaishah also enjoys acting and performing improv as a creative outlet.

2020 Winner: Tabitha Edson

When Tabitha Edson found out she won the 2020 Amy G Injury Firm Access to Education Scholarship and had this to say:

“I am so grateful to Amy G Injury Firm for providing me with this scholarship to continue my undergraduate studies. This scholarship has helped me immensely by decreasing the financial burden of attending college, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this award, I will have more time to spend on my studies and volunteer service. Thank you for investing in me!”

Tabitha grew up in Sandy, Utah, and is currently studying Public Health as a pre-med student at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tabitha is a proud member of the Legacy Scholars program at Westminster, which is a program that supports first-generation and underrepresented college students. She hopes to serve rural communities as a doctor, increasing access to quality and affordable healthcare in those communities. Off-campus, Tabitha is an advocate for survivors of sexual assault and an avid skier.

2019 Winner: Taggra-Nicole Jackson

When Taggra-Nicole Jackson found out she won the Amy G Injury Firm Access to Education Scholarship and had this to say:

“Wow, this is amazing news! I want to thank Amy G Injury Firm for giving students like me an opportunity to continue their educational pursuits. This scholarship will make a huge difference in my life. The money will be used for school related fees that I wouldn’t be able to afford on my own due to my financial hardships that I am currently facing. I am beyond grateful!”

Taggra grew up in Los Angeles, CA, and is currently attending the University of San Francisco to earn her Master’s degree in Biotechnology. She has hopes of using her degree toward her research distinguishing host responses of bacterial vs. viral infections. This work will help save lives in emergency rooms worldwide by providing doctors with more resources to administer antibiotics in a more cost-effective manner.

In addition to grad school, Taggra is also a spokesperson for two adoption advocacy groups (AdoptUSKids and SCFAA). She is also a leader of the intercultural program, M.O.V.E, a program that educates underrepresented high school students about college, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, educating middle-school students in LA about scholarships, President of the Black Student Union (BSU), student government, and was a dorm council representative for all 4 years of undergrad.

2018 Winner: Ethan Higa

“My name is Ethan Higa, and I am attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Born and raised in the diverse state of Hawaii, I have a passion for understanding and experiencing culture. My experiences working with refugees during an internship in Atlanta revealed a need for advocates of the voiceless. As a Christian, seeing first-hand the dignity restored to those who had endured such hardship humbled me and energized my passion to serve.

I plan on making a difference by safeguarding every American’s right to live a fulfilling and thriving life. With my experience in crossing differing cultures and my desire to help those who hurt, I hope that my skills and passion will change lives.”

Upon hearing the news of winning the scholarship, Ethan said, “I am extremely excited to have been chosen for your scholarship. With the high cost of law school, creating an affordable opportunity to pursue a law degree significantly helps me prepare myself to serve other people. I am so thankful that your company supports students like myself in pursuing our dreams!”