Space Camp Scholarship Recipients

Briseyda Loescher – Student

Briseyda Loescher is driven by curiosity, creativity, and a passion for space. Briseyda embraces challenges, leveraging her unique talents to make a positive impact on the world, while continuously seeking new adventures to broaden her horizons.

Briseyda says: “As a woman of color majoring in software engineering, I am passionate about exploring new horizons and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Therefore, I believe attending space camp would be an incredible opportunity for me. As a woman of color, I believe that my presence at the space camp would be especially meaningful. Women and people of color are underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). I am eager to be part of changing that. By attending a space camp, I hope to inspire other young women and people of color to pursue careers in STEM. I believe that representation is crucial in encouraging diverse perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, which is especially important in the field of technology. Overall, attending space camp would be a dream for me, and I believe that the experience will not only help me develop my skills as a software engineer but also contribute to a more diverse and inclusive future in the STEM fields. Moreover, I am excited about the meaningful friendships and all the fun activities that I will be able to enjoy at this camp.”

Alisa Cooper – Faculty

Alisa has been a full-time professor at Glendale Community College for the past 14 years and 25 years in Maricopa, where she teaches hybrid and online freshman composition, journalism, and literature courses. She currently serves as eCourses faculty lead for the college where she helps guide and oversee the development and delivery of online courses at the college. 

Alisa says: “While growing up I always felt like there was a lack of representation for young black girls like me. I didn’t have my first black teacher until I was in college, at an HBCU, and she was the only one. I didn’t think I could be what I wanted to be because I didn’t see anyone doing the job that looked like me. After I became a teacher, I was always cognizant that I might be someone’s first black teacher, so I always tried to leave an impression on ALL my students. Going to Space Camp will be another opportunity for me to share with students that they too can achieve their dreams.”

Stephen Ruiz-Diaz – Student

Stephen Ruiz-Diaz was born and raised in San Diego, CA, and is a student at Santa Barbara Community College. Stephen enjoys surfing, and currently serves in the U.S Navy in Aviation.

Stephen says: “Space camp would be able to give me an opportunity to learn the science involved in flying objects, such as aircrafts. It’ll be very helpful for me in the long run since I’m trying to become an officer in the Navy, specifically a fighter jet pilot. Meanwhile, I’m currently serving as an enlisted. Another reason would be because I’ve always enjoyed looking at the night sky, especially when I went out to sea because you can see everything that light pollution has blocked us from seeing.”

Amber Brock – Student

Amber is a California native who loves to garden, write, and study the stars. She is most passionate about spreading awareness about the effects of domestic violence against women. 

Amber says: “I was afforded an opportunity to spend a year in Turkey as an exchange student. Being 7,081 miles away from Los Angeles was challenging. The language, cultural, and religious differences led me to seek out commonalities I shared with the Turkish natives. As I sat amongst my host-family gazing at the moon, I found comfort knowing my family at home would also see the moon in its orbit. I cleaved to the idea that our wishes would fall on the same stars and the sun would kiss us all the same. When I returned to California, I leaned on the same sentiments about my Turkish family. After, a hobby of reading horoscopes, studying my astrological sign, and following the moon cycles evolved into much more. My multicultural experiences led me to astrotheology and its effects on human beliefs. I developed an insatiable appetite for the complexities of our galaxy. I once felt light years away from achieving the level of excellence Dr. Proctor obtained. Because of her pioneering efforts, I continue to reach for the stars. The stardust sprinkled around Space Camp will help me refine my star stuff as a creative writer, astrology enthusiast, and woman of color.”

Keziah Tinkle-Williams – Faculty

Dr. Keziah Tinkle-Williams, an award-winning instructor, creative technologist, and researcher, has a long history of supporting diversity and inclusion. In addition to teaching English Composition, Humanities, and African American Studies, Dr. Tinkle-Williams serves as co-Chair of the Ethnic Studies Instructional Council making decisions that impact ethnic studies course offerings for Maricopa County Community Colleges District.

Keziah says: “I remember when I went to the planetarium for the first time at age 6. As part of a school field trip, we went to learn about the names of the constellations that surrounded us nightly. As a black child born to a single white mother in the 1970s, I was sent to an orphanage for the first few months of my life as the family decided what to do with a child who didn’t belong. When seeing the Cosmos at that planetarium, however, I had an unfamiliar feeling of belonging. I felt home. I have longed to return to that feeling ever since.”

Walida Hicks – Faculty

Walida Hicks is currently in the Doctoral program at Walden University. Walida has worked as a staff member at a community college for over 19 years, and has taught Hip-Hop Dance/Lecture and also a Music Business course. Walida loves music and dance!

Walida says: “Greetings! I’d love to attend the Space Camp to learn more about Earth, the Universe and everything else within it. My children and grandchildren will be so proud. Also, I’d like to expand my knowledge of Science. I’ve always had an interest in Science and particularly in the study of Biology. Attending the Space Camp will open my eyes to new prospectives of life, and possibly many things that I never knew existed. I’m excited and hope to be a part of this incredible learning experience. Thank you for this opportunity.”