NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship

Pronouns: She/her

Kayla Abramowitz is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Communication and Leadership. At age 11, she founded a nonprofit organization, Kayla Cares 4 Kids, which has provided over 50,000 entertainment and educational items to children’s medical facilities across all 50 states and in 3 countries, in an effort to “help sick kids feel better one smile at a time.’ The nonprofit was created from her own experiences of needing to find positive distractions while sick in a hospital bed with nothing to do. She now aspires to create media content to directly entertain sick kids. In 2023, she interned at Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit that powers Sesame Street, where she helped create content surrounding disability inclusion and understanding.

Pronouns: She/Her

Makayla is a senior at California State University, Northridge, majoring in Cinema and Television Arts Entertainment Media Management. In her academic career, she served as a Production Manager and Writer for the Cinematography Program at Pasadena City College. Living with autism, Makayla has channeled her experiences into an influential force for advocacy and inclusivity. Demonstrating a strong commitment to her community, one of her most impactful experiences was her involvement in the Autism In Entertainment event. This event is a collaborative effort between the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group, the California Department of Developmental Services, and film and media production companies aimed to create employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum in various entertainment-related fields. Makayla played a pivotal role in this initiative and is grateful to be part of a community that values her contributions. Her involvement in this event strengthened her commitment to advocating for greater representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. After graduation, Makayla intends to pursue a Master’s degree in Marketing and Public Relations. She envisions a career as a marketing creative and media manager within the film, television, and sports industries, where she will use her talents to create impactful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Using writing and graphic design as powerful tools for self-expression, allowing her to communicate creatively, Makayla plans to create a digital magazine and platform that highlights the voices of athletes, artists, disabled individuals, and the BIPOC community. She firmly believes in the transformative power of storytelling to effect change and cultural enrichment. Her ultimate goal is to revolutionize the entertainment industry, advocating for underrepresented voices and making a resounding impact. She envisions a future where authentic representation in the media landscape can powerfully influence society and shape perceptions and the broader entertainment industry. Makayla is deeply grateful for the support of the NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship, which will help her further her education and advocacy.

Amanda DeJesus is a graduate student at New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute studying multimedia journalism. She believes in advocating for a more equitable news media industry that represents people with disabilities with nuance. As someone with a chronic illness, she is passionate about solutions-based and trauma-informed approaches to journalism, especially covering marginalized communities.

Pronouns: He/him/his

Qusay Hussein is an education advocate, doctoral student, and motivational speaker. In 2006, Qusay survived a suicide bombing in Mosul, Iraq, sustaining multiple injuries and losing his sight. After 70 reconstructive surgeries, he transformed this traumatic experience into a drive to advocate for marginalized communities and individuals with disabilities. In 2010, Qusay traveled to Jordan for medical treatment. During his recovery, he volunteered as a patient-counselor for Doctors Without Borders (MSF), organizing recreational activities for patients recovering from war-related injuries. Qusay resettled in the United States in 2012, quickly integrating into American society by learning English and attending GED classes and later college. Qusay earned his BA, BSW, and MSW at the University of Texas at Austin where he is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Social Work. Qusay is extremely active in his community. He serves on the board of directors for Doctors Without Borders USA. Additionally, the UT Austin Student Advisory Committee for students with disabilities, and is the co-chair of the Community Advisory Council for the Texas Center for Disability Studies. 

Qusay is passionate about motivational speaking and educating about disability. When he has time, he can be found cheering for the Iraqi National Football Team.

Pronouns: She/They

Emma O’Neill-Dietel is an aspiring historian and writer. She received her bachelor’s degree in World Literature and Spanish from Smith College. After receiving her degree, she spent two years at WETA, the PBS station of Washington, D.C., working on social media and other digital projects that highlighted D.C.’s local history. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in public history, the practice of sharing history with the public outside of academia. Emma has Stickler Syndrome and is hard of hearing, identities which have led her to prioritize researching and sharing Deaf and disability history in her work.

Pronouns: He/Him

Dylan is a distinguished martial artist, veteran, and community advocate. Raised in a hardworking, blue-collar family, he excelled academically and developed a strong sense of duty influenced by his grandfathers’ military service. His understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities began with insights from his mother, Kay Miller, who dedicated over 30 years to teaching special education in public schools. She remains his greatest inspiration and hero.

In 2007, Dylan discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and achieved a Black Belt after 12 years of rigorous training. He currently holds the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt. Dylan has taught and competed across multiple states and countries, including training US Air Force personnel in Germany. He served as an Infantryman in the US Army. Happily married to an active-duty service member, Dylan enjoys life with their four Aussiedoodles at home.

Dylan is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre with a concentration in Acting at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he maintains a 3.95 GPA and has received numerous academic awards. Dedicated to representing individuals with disabilities in media, Gary aims to create documentaries that raise awareness and advocate for disabled veterans, fostering inclusion and personal growth. Diagnosed with ADHD and several physical disabilities, including Horner’s Syndrome, Gary’s personal experiences and adversities inspire his commitment to stand up for others dealing with disabilities. He seeks to remind everyone of our shared humanity, urging us to recognize our interconnectedness and to love one another unconditionally.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Pearl Zhang (she/her/hers) is a graduate student at Harvard University Graduate School of Education where she is enrolled in the Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology program. She cares deeply about disability justice, technology accessibility, and increasing educational equity for students. She is a recent graduate from Swarthmore College where she studied computer science and education studies. She is deeply grateful to be selected as a Tony Coelho Media Scholarship recipient and immensely thankful for NBCUniversal‘s support of her education.