Moody Scholars for Social Change
The Moody College Center for Global Change and Media is excited to relaunch the Moody Scholars for Social Change program for the 2026-2027 academic school year. This program is open to all Moody College undergraduates who are juniors and seniors in the 2026-2027 academic year and who have an interest in media, communication, community, and issues of social justice. Through various forms of research and creative activities, scholars engage with Moody College, UT, and underserved communities in Austin, exploring and examining ways to use media and communication to benefit society. The program seeks to provide undergraduates with experiences beyond the classroom that prepare them for career success. Previous scholars have used their multimodal skills to uncover hidden histories of some of Austin's most prestigious locations, showcasing the rich and diverse narratives within the community. The goal is that scholars make use of the skills they've developed throughout their undergraduate career to create a well-researched social justice project.
The four students selected to join the program will receive a $3,400 stipend for the academic year.
The students will be trained by doctoral students and faculty on research and issues related to media communication.
Applications to the Moody Scholars for Social Change Program are now open for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Scholars will be announced May 2026
How to Apply:
Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria and complete the online application:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Students must be a currently enrolled Moody College undergraduate junior or senior in 2026-2027
- Must have a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or above.
- Must display commitment to social change and community engagement.
- Must be willing to serve as a Moody Scholar for Social Change through the end of the 2026-2027 academic year.
- Must be free Wednesdays 5pm-6pm during Fall 2026
- Work load: 5 hours a week.
To apply, the applicant must:
- Produce a 1-3 minute video addressing your past work in the space of social change.
- This video can be styled according to your preference and should reflect your creative use of audiovisual media.
- In a written statement, describe in 300 words or less how that work will continue in your role as a Moody Scholar for Social Change. At the top of the written statement, please include your preferred name, major(s) and minor(s) or certificate(s), your email address, and phone number.
- Upload the files for your completed video and written statement.
- Please use the following naming convention below to label your file uploads: LastName_FirstName_StudentClassification_Department
- E.g., College_Moody_Senior_RTF.mp4 | College_Moody_Senior_RTF.docx
Application Information:
- Deadline: May 15th
- Scholars chosen for the 2026-2027 academic year will be announced May 2026.
2025-2026 Moody Scholars for Social Change
Raymond Reyes
Raymond Reyes is a Senior Public Relations major at The University of Texas at Austin, pursuing minors in the Global Sustainability Leadership Institute and Business & Public Policy. Passionate about using media for social impact, he is committed to advancing sustainability, uplifting Hispanic and Indigenous voices, promoting sexual health awareness, and exploring the intersection of sports and social change. Raymond has gained experience with Texas Athletics, FGS Global, Optum, and Texas Immersive. He currently serves as Co-President of PRSSA and the PR Director for The Stan Richard School's NSAC team.
Kaylie Pasket
Kaylie Pasket is a Junior Radio, Television and Film Major with a Sports Media Minor from Magnolia, Texas. With a passion for social change and storytelling through media, she strives to connect the two through her work. She has experience in sports, television, and narrative. Her dreams are to create impactful and entertaining media that changes the world.
Joshua Grenier
Joshua Grenier is a first-generation RTF and advertising student at UT. Outside of the class room he is a Content Manager for Tower and Bridge Communications, Videographer for Spark Magazine, and a Service Manager at your local H-E-B. With his media experience he hopes to create work that moves audiences and inspires social change.
Amani Ahmad
Amani Ahmad is a senior Sociology and Advertising student with a minor in Cultural Anthropology. She is interested in the intersections between communications, capitalism, and power from the lens of critical theory and STS. She has done research for the Global Disinformation Lab studying climate disinformation; as well as the Computational Media Lab, where she researched the spread of hate speech on far-right social media platforms. Amani believes deeply in the power of creativity and storytelling in sparking change, and has trained as an art director in the Texas Creative program in the Moody College of Communication. Throughout her college career, she has interned with Texas Appleseed, PayIt, Asian Texans for Justice, and the Texas Tribune (in addition to her personal creative and activist work). Through her project with the Moody Scholars for Social Change program, she hopes to analyze the cultures of capitalism present in the Austin tech industry. In her free time, she is a visual artist and graphic designer.
2024-2025 Moody Scholars
Emma Pardue
Emma Purdue is a Junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Advertising with a minor in Business. Passionate about using media for global change, she has developed skills in technology, global research, and cross-cultural communication. Awarded the President’s Award for Global Learning, Emma conducted ICT research in Japan, focusing on smart cities and disaster resilience, collaborating with universities and startups to enhance support for disabled populations during emergencies. As a cultural ambassador for Texas Global, she engages in cross-cultural exchanges and has studied Arabic and Japanese. She has also served as a NextGen Ambassador for Fort Worth’s Mayor & City Manager’s Office, supporting strategic communication initiatives. As a Moody Media Scholar for Social Change, Emma is committed to exploring innovative, globally-conscious media solutions.
Mirya Dila
Mirya Dila is a Journalism major and Science Communication minor at The University of Texas at Austin, graduating in May 2025. A Moody Media Scholar for Social Change and an Honors Program student, she integrates storytelling with her commitment to social impact. With experience in life and arts reporting, documentary photography, multimedia storytelling, and propaganda research, Mirya focuses on solidarity journalism and community-centered narratives, combining creativity and advocacy in her projects.
Lola Moreno-Flores
Lola Moreno-Flores is a Mexican-American journalist, social media strategist, and entrepreneur from Austin, Texas. In her fourth year at the University of Texas, she focuses on the intersection of media, marketing, and social change. With over five years of social media experience, she has spearheaded initiatives like funding a soccer field in Nueva Rosita, Coahuila, Mexico—an effort that deepened her passion for journalism and social justice. Lola aims to continue using social media and storytelling to amplify voices and issues in marginalized communities.
Aoife Hopkins
Aoife (pronounced “aye-fuh”) is a Public Relations student at the University of Texas at Austin with a focus on nonprofit marketing. With experience managing brands for racial justice groups, museums, and magazines, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Born in Japan and raised in Austin, Aoife combines global insight with local action to inspire meaningful change.
Kendall Washington
Kendall Washington is a second-year college student classified as a Senior, majoring in Journalism with a minor in Media and Entertainment Industries, set to graduate at 19. Aspiring to become a late-night talk show host and media company owner, she has gained extensive experience through internships with Canton Entertainment, Austin City Limits, and Austin Film Festival, while actively mentoring peers and leading initiatives that amplify voices and uplift her community.