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 2024-2025 academic school year. This program is open to all Moody College undergraduates who are juniors and seniors in the 2024-2025 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 five students selected to join the program will receive a $2,750 stipend for the academic year.
Current 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.
Applications to the Moody Scholars for Social Change Program are closed for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will be announced in Fall 2025.
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.
- 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 Media Scholar for Social Change through the end of the 2024-2025 academic year.
To apply, the applicant must:
- Produce a 1-3 minute video addressing 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 Moody Scholars for Social Change.
- 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:
- Applications to the Moody Scholars for Social Change Program are closed for the 2024-2025 academic year. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will be announced in Fall 2025.