Eden Rapp – Shepherds College (Kelsey’s Krew Scholarship Award)

Eden is a three-time Rockin’ Recipient and this year’s recipient of the Ruby’s Rainbow Kelsey’s Krew Scholarship Award. This fall she begins her third year at Shepherds College, where she is majoring in culinary arts. She plans to work as a prep chef after she graduates from her program.

Eden’s hobbies include playing guitar and piano, reading, writing, and advocacy. She is very proud to be a cofounder of UpVoice, a book club for young adults with disabilities that helps members grow in the areas of advocacy, independence and reading skills. Eden’s interests also include growing in her faith as well as in her independence, leadership and advocacy skills, and writing and speaking abilities, so she can make a difference.

She earned a Competent Communicator award from Toastmasters and has lobbied locally, regionally and in Washington D.C. She has also been a presenter at various conferences and workshops. She is active in the California Self-Determination Program and has embraced supported decision-making. In 2022, she co-hosted both an UpVoice advocacy workshop series and a Sign Dance Zoom class. She also serves as a co-researcher with Boston University’s inclusive DS to the Max research team.

Eden, you are so accomplished, multi-faceted and amazing—we think you rock!