Gheyden

When Gheyden stepped off the plane from the Philippines and onto Californian soil, she carried more than just a suitcase; she carried the weight of dreams rooted in grit, resilience, and hope. At only 17, Gheyden had already lived the stark realities of life in a third-world country, where poverty was not an abstract idea but a daily obstacle. Yet, her father’s wisdom - diskarte, the Filipino ethos of resourcefulness and strategic hustle - became the compass that guided her through the challenges of her new life in the United States.

California was not the land of endless opportunities for Gheyden - at least, not immediately. As a young woman of color in a low-income community, the deck often seemed stacked against her. Undeterred, she made a quiet promise to herself: not only would she pursue higher education, but she would pave the way for others who shared her struggles.

At Morse High School, where resources are limited, Gheyden sought every opportunity to break barriers. She joined First Gen Scholars, a program that offered mentorship and guidance, and through it met a few influential mentors. Their encouragement ignited a passion in her to serve underrepresented communities. Gheyden took this passion further, co-founding San Diego’s first student-led nonprofit for Asian American and Pacific Islander youth. This initiative addresses challenges like the "model minority myth" while creating a safe, empowering space for AAPI students to thrive.

Her ambition doesn’t stop there. Inspired by her mentors and her own lived experiences, Gheyden has set her sights on becoming an engineer - a field where women of color remain vastly underrepresented. With limited financial resources and a school system unequipped to nurture STEM dreams, she has had to summon immense confidence to even envision herself in this space.

Through it all, Gheyden remains steadfast in her vision: not only to succeed herself, but to lift others as she rises. Her ultimate goal is to empower disadvantaged youth with the tools, resources, and inspiration to dream beyond their circumstances.

How You Can Help Build the Bridge

With your support, Gheyden can access the mentorship, funding, and resources she needs to make her dream of becoming an engineer a reality. Your contribution will also help Gheyden continue her work in her nonprofit, fostering community and shattering stereotypes for generations to come.