Eddie L. Smith Sr. Memorial Scholarship

My name is Treazure Williams I am from New Orleans, Louisiana, and I am young woman of color. My story begins with being the youngest of three, born to a teen mother and incarcerated father. One may believe that due to those circumstances it would have been usual for a grandparent to step in from either side of my parents, but even that part of my story is unusual. By the age of one I had lost both my paternal grandparents. My grandfather through senseless violence was murdered and my grandmother had been incarcerated for her own acts of violence. As a school age kid with so many odds stacked against me, I flourished in the urban public school system. I attended Kipp Ernest Morial Middle School, where I reigned as the Inaugural Homecoming Queen, Founded Black Girl Magic Organization, was the President of The Future Business Leaders Association, and Alpha Honor Roll. Currently, I am a senior at the historical Ursuline Academy of New Orleans, where I have been recognized as an esteem leader throughout the school and my community. I received recognition for Beta Honor Roll, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, National High School Scholar Society, Principal’s Award, and the St. Angela Award (the highest award achieved by a student at Ursuline). Additionally, I serve as an officer of the school’s Executive Board Cabinet, Retreat Facilitator, School’s Ambassador, Community Outreach Coordinator, and the Basketball and, Track and Field Team Manager. I am a member of the City of New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Youth Advisory Board under the leadership of the first African American female Mayor Latoya Cantrell I am a youth mentor for Healing the Princess Within non-profit organization. I am a 2023 Forever a Lady Debutant for the Potter’s House of Dallas, Texas under the leadership of Bishop T.D Jakes and First Lady Serita Jakes. I was recently recognized by Divine Foundation non-profit organization for exemplifying power within the youth in the City of New Orleans. This organization featured me and my accomplishments on billboards throughout the City of New Orleans. My most recent and most proud accomplishment is being consecrated as a Licensed Minister at The Abundant Life Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Tyrone G. Jefferson Jr. This achievement has made me the youngest and first female youth minister of this community led church that has been in existence for 30 years. December 2023 I was accepted into my dream school, Spelman College for the Fall 2024-2025 year. I will be majoring in Political Science on a Pre-law track. Afterwards, I will be entering law school. My goal is to practice Criminal Law. I believe that there are a lot of disparities and inequities and I want to be a part of the change. In this career I know that there will be a plethora of opportunities to make a positive impact on the world. So, through my work, I will help to uphold the rule of law, ensure that people's rights are respected, and make society more just and fair for everyone knowing that would make the greatest impact on the world.

My journey toward making a positive impact on the world through my career begins with a deep-rooted passion for finance, analytics, and the potential they hold to drive transformative change. From a young age, I've been drawn to the intricate workings of markets, the power of data-driven insights, and the complexities of economic systems. This fascination has only grown stronger over the years, fueling my determination to leverage these disciplines to make a meaningful difference in the world. As I look ahead to my future at LSU studying finance with a concentration in analytics, along with double minors in sociology and economics, I see a pathway to not only acquiring knowledge but also gaining the skills and perspective necessary to effect positive change. Through rigorous academic coursework, hands-on learning experiences, and exposure to real-world challenges, I aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of how financial systems operate and how they intersect with broader societal issues. My vision for making a positive impact extends beyond personal achievement to encompass the broader community and economy. With roots in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city rich in history, culture, and resilience, I am committed to giving back to my hometown and contributing to its continued growth and prosperity. By immersing myself in the local real estate landscape and understanding the unique challenges and opportunities it presents, I hope to identify innovative solutions that not only drive economic development but also promote social equity and inclusivity. One avenue through which I plan to enact change is by establishing my own private equity firm or investment banking firm focused on the Louisiana market. This endeavor aligns with my long-term goal of becoming an influential leader in the finance industry while also allowing me to direct capital toward projects and initiatives that have the potential to make a positive impact. Whether it's revitalizing underserved communities, supporting small businesses, or investing in sustainable infrastructure, I see my future firm as a catalyst for positive change, driving both financial returns and social value. Furthermore, my commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond business endeavors to include active engagement with the broader community. Through volunteering, mentorship, and advocacy, I seek to uplift those around me and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. By leveraging my education, skills, and resources, I hope to empower others to pursue their dreams and overcome systemic barriers to success. In all of my endeavors, I am guided by a strong sense of purpose and a belief in the inherent potential for progress and prosperity. While the challenges facing our world may seem daunting, I am confident that with determination, creativity, and collaboration, we can build a brighter future for generations to come. Through my career in finance and real estate, I aspire to be a catalyst for positive change, driving economic growth, fostering social inclusion, and leaving a lasting legacy of impact and inspiration.