Allie Hayes

Few recipients bring the kind of track record Allie Hayes does. This year, she’s receiving the Ruby’s Rainbow Nella Hampton Scholarship Award as she enters her fourth year at Oakland Community College, working toward an Associate’s degree in General Studies, with graduation expected in Spring 2028.

Allie is a powerhouse advocate both on and off campus. In Michigan, she made history by getting a state law passed that bears her name, Justice for Allie, and she’s now working to bring that same legislation to the federal level as HR 7715, which currently has bipartisan support in the House. She was appointed by the Governor to serve on Michigan’s Developmental Disabilities Council, works as an Advocacy Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society, and is a member of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. On top of all that, she’s held a job at Terminal Supply Company since 2017.

When she’s not busy changing laws, Allie loves nature photography, gardening, working out, and baking. Her next goal is to start a blog to share her story and advocacy work with an even wider audience.

Allie is proof of just how far determination and heart can take a person. We’re beyond proud to support you, Allie, keep leading the way!