2024 GMGSF College Scholars
We are proud to introduce the 2024 Girls Make Games College Scholars embarking on their
educational journeys at some of the top institutions in the US.
ARIANA WALCOTT
City Tech ‘28
GMGSF x Take-Two Scholar
SAMANTHA CRUZ
Cornell University ‘28
GMGSF x PlayStation Scholar
KATHLEEN CASTELLANOS
San Bernardino Valley College‘28
GMGSF x Humble Bundle Scholar
As part of the program, all 3 Scholars will receive:
$10,000 College Tuition Grant,
4 years of Mentorship,
Games Industry Internship & Job Placement Support through graduation
The 2024 GMGSF College Scholarship Program is made possible through the generous support from
Take-Two, PlayStation, Humble Bundle and the GMGSF community
Learn more about the GMGSF College Scholarship program here.
Meet the 2024 Scholars
Ariana Walcott
Take-Two Scholar
Hi! My name is Ariana Walcott; I am an Afro-Latina, Half Panamanian, and black born and raised in Brooklyn. I’ll be attending City Tech as a CS student.
I am passionate about using design and technology to improve the environment and community.
I like to write poetry and stories, read fantasy and historical fiction books, create, and hang out with my friends. You’ll most likely find me playing CK3 or The Sims 4 for hours on end.
Favorite Video Game: CK3 or The Sims 4
Samantha Cruz
PlayStation Scholar
Hey, I’m Sam! I’m a first-generation Dominican-American born in the Bronx, New York but raised in South Florida. I like to make games, play games, and eat! I’ll be attending Cornell University hoping to double major in computer science and cognitive science with a minor in game design so I can make edutainment tools!
Growing up making games with my siblings fostered a passion for game development. However, the online gaming sphere was not as welcoming. Through doing summer programs surrounding women in technology I felt more at ease being a girl who plays games and wants to continue to spread that kindness.
Favorite Video Games: Dont Starve Together
Kathleen Castellanos
Humble Bundle Scholar
Greetings! My name is Kathleen Castellanos and I am a Multimedia Artist. I specialize in all things art! and my dream would be to become a concept artist in the gaming industry! Born and raised in San Bernardino, I experienced homelessness for several years during middle school and high school. Despite these challenges, I was fortunate to have mentors and role models outside my immediate environment who guided me. Growing up observant, I learned valuable life lessons by watching others and understanding what not to do. Like a diamond in the rough, I developed resilience and determination.
As a passionate gamer, I enjoy both retro and modern games, particularly on the GameCube and PC. Drawing has always been my escape and means of self-expression, blooming my creativity and drive in life. Thanks to the support and help I’ve received, I’ve come a long way and aspire to give back to the community that has helped shape me.I wish to have a beautiful career filled with different experiences, to be a jack of all trades by the time I'm older, to take care of my mother, and to have a husband and kids someday.
I kindly ask that you read this quote and carry it with you :):
”If you are feeling disheartened, that you are somehow not enough, set your heart ablaze. Dry your eyes and look ahead. You may feel like digging your heels in, but the flow of time waits for no one." - Kyojuro Rengoku
Favorite Video Games: Retro and modern GameCube and PC games,
In their words
“Receiving this scholarship means everything to me. I’ve always dreamed of my grand goals and dreams, but this scholarship is an active endorsement to follow my dreams and make them a reality. It also means having support and guidance and opening up future career opportunities to develop myself professionally.”
- Ariana
“Receiving the Girls Make Games scholarship means my game development dreams are not just a fever dream. The daunting male-dominated field is no more as I have a ton of support and an entrance through a welcoming environment. Something a younger me would’ve never thought possible.”
- Samantha
“Receiving the GMGSF scholarship is truly encouraging and motivating for me. It feels rewarding to work hard toward a goal and see that effort recognized. Beyond that, I believe this scholarship opens doors to new opportunities, especially the chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share my passions, such as, you guessed it- gaming! I'm excited about the future and the experiences this scholarship will bring! It makes me feel less alone in my career aspirations.
As a woman in a field like game development—where art and technology meet—I've often felt isolated, especially since many people don't fully understand how these areas connect. This scholarship helps me make connections with people! , and it's a step toward proving that creative and technical careers like game development are valid and valuable paths.
It also inspires me to give back in the future, I notice those in smaller communities may have trouble reaching game studios and opportunities. To give back to my community, I'm having ideas of potentially starting a nonprofit or some kind of project for aspiring game designers in my area. I think building that kind of support network would be a game-changer for others like me!
- Kathleen
2024 College Scholarship Judges Panel
-
![]()
KAMINI TIWARI
Vice President of Social Impact at Humble Bundle
-
![]()
ALAN LEWIS
VP of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc
-
![]()
JENNIFER CLARK
GMGSF BOARD MEMBER
Senior VP, Head of Global Corporate Communications and ESG at Sony Interactive Entertainment
-
![]()
SHAWN LAYDEN
GMGSF BOARD MEMBER
Former Chairman of Playstation Worldwide Studios for Sony Interactive Entertainment -
![]()
FRANCINE KATZ
GMGSF BOARD MEMBER
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Intealth
-
![]()
PAMELA BLIZZARD
GMGSF BOARD CHAIR
Founder and Former Managing Director, Research Triangle High School
-
![]()
LAILA SHABIR
GMGSF FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIR
CEO LearnDistrict Inc.
