2025 GMGSF College Scholars
We are proud to introduce the 2025 Girls Make Games College Scholars embarking on their
educational journeys at some of the top institutions in the US.
SERENITI ASHLEY
University of Southern California ‘29
KYRA EZIKEUZOR
Columbia University ‘29
MALISSA HARBICAN
Florida State University ‘29
SAHITI DASARI
University of Pennsylvania ‘29
As part of the program, all 4 Scholars will receive:
$10,000 College Tuition Grant,
4 years of Mentorship,
Games Industry Internship & Job Placement Support through graduation
The 2025 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 2025 Scholars
Sereniti Ashley
Hi! My name is Sereniti Ashley. I’m from Marietta, Georgia--about an hour away from Atlanta. I'm a game designer and an artist who loves telling stories. My dream is to be a part of an indie game group that makes games the audience can connect with. Currently, I’m a freshman at the University of Southern California and majoring in game design and interactive media.
I grew up playing games with my family, and that sparked my passion for game development and design. I've always been a creative person, but I'm also a tech nerd. I love computers and coding, but I also have a deep love for the arts. Game design turned out to be the perfect way to bring both sides of my brain together. I’m really passionate about game design because growing up, I didn't always see characters like me in the games I loved. So I’m determined to design inclusive, meaningful experiences that reflect diverse voices and spark connections.
Generally, I enjoy all types of games, but my favorite genres would be RPGs and JRPGs. I love story rich games, but I also like any game that will let me customize my outfit too.
Kyra Ezikeuzor
My name is Kyra Ezikeuzor and I recently graduated from St. Agnes Academy in Houston, Texas. Houston is a true melting pot, and I grew up surrounded by its culture, from the rodeo and the Astros to the incredible mix of food and people.
This fall I’m heading to Columbia University to study computer science. I’m excited to experience New York City because it shares the same multicultural spirit I love about home. In my free time I enjoy running, writing, reading, and watching new shows with my family and friends.
Malissa Harbican
I spent my childhood and teenage years in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I currently attend Full Sail University online from Utah, where I live with my most amazing and wonderful husband.
My chosen degree path is FSU’s Game Art Bachelor of Science. I love listening to fantasy books as I work on my projects.
Sahiti Dasari
Sahiti Dasari is a student from Atlanta, Georgia attending the University of Pennsylvania in the Jerome Fisher Management & Technology (M&T) program, double majoring at the Wharton School of Business and in Computer Science.
She is passionate about the intersection of entrepreneurship, finance, and human-computer interaction, particularly in tech-driven businesses. Her mission is to create impact by expanding access to opportunities through technology.
In their words
“Being selected for this scholarship means everything to me. It really affirms that all of the all-nighters I pulled, the hard work, and the challenges I faced weren't for nothing. It's an honest reminder that my dreams of becoming a game designer are not far-fetched, but possible, and other people believe in it too. This opportunity goes on to show that even within a male-dominated industry, there is a community that will be there to uplift, support, and guide people. The encouragement and welcoming environment that GMG offers is evidence of that. It reminds me that I truly belong in this space and that there is room for my voice, stories, and games.”
- Sereniti
“Receiving the GMGSF scholarship means so much to me. I’m completely ecstatic about now being supported by such a vibrant and encouraging community. Playing video games and being part of immersive stories has always been one of my favorite things, and I’m excited to share that passion with people who care deeply about game development. I’m also incredibly grateful to be part of a space that uplifts girls in tech and inspires us to keep reaching for what we love.”
- Kyra
“Receiving the GMGSF scholarship has had a multiplicative effect on the support that my husband and my family have given me. To think that near strangers are not only telling me that I can accomplish my dreams but are physically supporting that dream means everything to me.”
- Malissa
“To me, receiving the GMGSF scholarship means being welcomed into a powerful community that is breaking barriers and building futures in the game development and STEAM industries. I’m incredibly honored to be recognized for my passion for using technology to create impactful experiences and for my commitment to making these fields more accessible for others.”
- Sahiti
2025 College Scholarship Judges Panel
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ALAN LEWIS
VP of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc
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JENNIFER CLARK
GMGSF BOARD MEMBER
Senior VP, Head of Global Corporate Communications and ESG at Sony Interactive Entertainment
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SHAWN LAYDEN
GMGSF BOARD MEMBER
Former Chairman of Playstation Worldwide Studios for Sony Interactive Entertainment -
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PAMELA BLIZZARD
GMGSF BOARD CHAIR
Founder and Former Managing Director, Research Triangle High School
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LAILA SHABIR
GMGSF FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIR
CEO LearnDistrict Inc.
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DREW STANECKI
GMGSF BOARD TREASURER
Controller at The Malala Fund
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FRANCINE KATZ
GMGSF BOARD MEMBER
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Intealth
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![KAMINI TIWARI]()
KAMINI TIWARI
Vice President of Social Impact at Humble Bundle
