2026-27 President's Scholars

Anapaula Zavala

Roberts Family President’s Scholar 2026-27

Major: Early Childhood Studies

College of Education & Integrative Studies

Activities: Afrofuturism Initiative 2025-2026 Cohort; Boys & Girls Club Volunteer; Resident Student Association Delegate; Hermanas Unidas Steering Committee; Teaching Assistant, CPP Children’s Center

Anapaula Zavala’s commitment to education is rooted in her belief that classrooms should foster belonging, creativity and justice. Her first job working with children confirmed her desire to pursue a career in education and showed her the importance of providing emotional support inside and outside the classroom. Drawing from her childhood experiences, she hopes to create learning environments where children feel welcomed, understood and encouraged to grow. At Cal Poly Pomona, Anapaula has built that commitment through campus involvement and service. She was part of the Afrofuturism Initiative 2025-26 cohort, serves as a Resident Student Association delegate, participates in Hermanas Unidas and works as a teaching assistant at the Children’s Center. Anapaula admires Kim Hongjoong, the leader of the K-Pop group ATEEZ, for his self-taught creativity and willingness to take risks. In the age of artificial intelligence, she hopes to help students protect their creativity, critical thinking and individual voice. Anapaula approaches education through a social justice lens and plans to start a nonprofit advocating for nontraditional and neurodivergent students.