Harmony Grace addressed a crowd of councilmembers, Mayors and other officials from cities at an Association of Washington Cities gathering last month.
She received a scholarship from the non-profit’s Center for Quality Communities program, which promotes civic engagement through municipal leadership development.
“I felt very accomplished and overjoyed, as this opportunity reinstated the confidence I had in myself,” Grace said. “Being a part of the AWC CQC Luncheon was an incredible experience. The other scholarship recipients inspired me as well, it was so wonderful meeting them.”
She also participated in a panel along with the other scholarship recipients at the event.
Each year, all of Washington’s 281 cities and towns can recruit and nominate high school seniors who are active in city leadership, community or school groups to purpose post-secondary education.
Grace found out about this opportunity through Mayor Jake Simpson and Councilmember Iris Guzmán. She decided to apply for this scholarship because of its focus on community engagement, which has played a large part in her volunteering efforts. Grace’s community efforts include litter pickup, hosting blood drives, being a part of the International WeLoveU Foundation, serving as a member of the Superintendent’s Student Leadership Team for Highline Schools, and serving as a Youth Alternate Member for the SeaTac Community Services Advisory Committee.
“Harmony is smart, hardworking and forward thinking,” Guzmán said. “It is an honor to have nominated her for this scholarship and I am so proud she received it. We should all hope to grow up to be like her one day.”
Grace graduated from Tyee High School this Spring and plans to study Human-Centered Design and Engineering at the University of Washington. Grace will pursue a career as a user experience designer, focusing on the experience of people of color. A UX designer defines how users interact with a company, its services, products and the web.
“One of the main reasons I chose UW is because of the engineering major only offered at UW,” she said. “Another reason was because I could imagine myself thriving as a student at UW.”
Grace hopes to work in the technology field for a company like Microsoft, Amazon or Google after she graduates with her degree. She also hopes to travel to a different country and learn more about various cultures.
“I want to contribute to the creation of inclusive technologies and interfaces that cater to the needs of people from diverse backgrounds, particularly those in marginalized communities such as people of color and low-income groups,” she said. “I am committed to giving back to my community in any way possible. Whether it is through mentorship, volunteering, or actively participating in community initiatives, I want to utilize my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact and inspire those around me.”
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