FLIK Hospitality Group’s Entrepreneurial Council Scholarship

I have devoted my life to service by volunteering with multiple non-profits across Houston and have accumulated over 150+ volunteer hours. Some of the organizations that I have worked with include Walk to End Alzheimers Houston, Third Ward Reads, Kids Meal, Inc. of Houston, and the UNCF. These organizations gave me an opportunity to learn more about myself and my community. I met various people from all walks of life, sparking the idea for my latest project. Hands, the word is precisely one syllable, comprised of 27 bones, and is one of the easiest ways to connect with another person. With small delicate hands, impacting my community was bigger than me and was a courageous act. When I joined Girl Scouts in kindergarten, I became committed to improving my community. Some of the activities I have taken part in included working with homeless people in the Houston area, fixing over 10,000 sandwiches for those who lived in food deserts, and protesting with other women who bravely marched in the rain for reproductive rights. However, working with special needs kids touched me. In eighth grade, I volunteered to serve as a life-skills aid for Mrs. Cooks' class. I assisted them with classwork and participated in life skills exercises such as cooking with the teacher. Through our conversations, Mrs. Cooks helped me understand that my community is broad and even includes those without a voice or the ability to use their hands. Not only did the enrichment I took part in during her program touch me, but it exposed me to the lack of inclusivity within discussions about nutrition for special needs students. These programs rarely considered the deformities, lack of mobility, and in some cases inaccessibility of certain foods due to financial restraints. While attending the Spelman Early College Program last summer, I began formulating my Gold Award project for Girl Scouts. I immediately thought about the awareness I could bring to the issue and how passionate I was about it. I planned out my project, which includes a web seminar, an in-person workshop with educational activities, pamphlets for administrators on how they can educate others, and the importance of refraining from using ableist language in their day-to-day lives. I planned to also explain the benefits of teaching these concepts to non-disabled children as well. I began officially filling out my application and starting the process. Praying that the council would approve me, I turned it in and waited impatiently for an email approving for me to start. Soon enough, my mentor delivered a glowing email that I had been approved and could start my project and research. I felt so excited my hands shook. Currently, I am finishing my research, cultivating my website and pamphlets, and pouring intention into this new endeavor. I plan to major in Political Science and Business Administration on a pre-law track at Spelman College fall of 2023. I am passionate about my community, exploring the legality of multiple issues and analyzing the law. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I plan to enroll in law school at Columbia University and receive my JD. I hope to intertwine my passion for education, business, and literature by starting a foundation in honor of my mom. Being able to advocate for those within my community who may not have the means or voice means a lot to me. It has allowed me to be an example for multiple people and I hope to continue to inspire and motivate people to examine the policies being applied within my community and across America as a whole.

As a Black male accounting major, I recognize the importance of creating a positive environmental impact on both my local and global communities in the next five years. Through the lens of finance, I will leverage my skills and knowledge to drive sustainable practices and contribute to a greener future. In the field of finance, I understand that capital allocation plays a crucial role in shaping environmental outcomes. By advocating for sustainable investments and incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into financial decision-making, I can help redirect funds toward companies and projects that prioritize eco-friendly practices. Through my expertise in accounting and financial analysis, I will work towards promoting green initiatives and supporting businesses that demonstrate a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. One avenue through which I can create a positive environmental impact is by encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources. By analyzing the financial viability and long-term sustainability of renewable energy projects, I can help attract investments and promote the transition towards cleaner energy alternatives. This could involve conducting cost-benefit analyses, evaluating tax incentives and subsidies, and advising clients on the financial benefits of renewable energy adoption. By facilitating the financing of solar, wind, or other renewable energy projects, I can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promote a healthier environment. Another way I can make a difference is by incorporating sustainability metrics into financial reporting. By ensuring that environmental impacts are properly measured and disclosed in financial statements, I can enhance transparency and accountability. This information can help investors and stakeholders make informed decisions and encourage companies to improve their environmental performance. I will advocate for the adoption of sustainability reporting frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), to ensure that businesses disclose relevant environmental information accurately and consistently. In addition to my professional endeavors, I also recognize the importance of engaging with my local community to foster environmental awareness and action. I will actively participate in community events, workshops, and seminars to educate others about the financial implications of sustainable practices. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I hope to inspire individuals to make environmentally conscious decisions in their personal and professional lives. Furthermore, as a Black male, I understand the significance of diversity and inclusion in environmental initiatives. I will actively support and collaborate with organizations that promote environmental justice and aim to address the disproportionate impact of environmental issues on marginalized communities. By amplifying underrepresented voices and advocating for equitable access to sustainable resources, I can contribute to a more inclusive and just environmental movement. In conclusion, through my role as a Black male accounting major, I will strive to create a positive environmental impact on both my local and global communities in the next five years. By leveraging my finance skills, I will promote sustainable investments, encourage renewable energy adoption, incorporate sustainability metrics into financial reporting, and actively engage with my community. Through these efforts, I aim to contribute to a greener future and inspire others to take action towards environmental sustainability.

As a member of both my local and global communities, I believe it is my responsibility to make a positive environmental impact in the world around me. I am passionate about the environment and the role that individuals and businesses can play in preserving our planet for future generations. Through the lens of marketing, I plan to create a positive environmental impact by promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices in my local and global communities in the next five years. Marketing is a powerful tool for influencing behavior and driving change. By effectively communicating the benefits of sustainable practices and eco-friendly products, I believe we can encourage individuals and businesses to make environmentally responsible choices. In my local community, I plan to use my marketing skills to promote environmentally sustainable practices in businesses and homes. I will do this by creating educational materials and campaigns to encourage people to reduce waste, conserve energy, and make eco-friendly choices. By partnering with local businesses and organizations, I hope to create a sustainable ecosystem in my community. Globally, I plan to use my marketing skills to promote eco-friendly products and services. As a consumer, I believe we have a responsibility to support businesses that prioritize sustainability. I plan to create content that educates people on the benefits of eco-friendly products and services, such as reusable water bottles, sustainable clothing, and solar-powered energy. By raising awareness and promoting these products, I hope to drive demand for sustainable alternatives and encourage businesses to prioritize sustainability in their operations. In addition to marketing, I am also interested in the field of wellness and believe that wellness practices can have a positive environmental impact. By promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles, we can reduce our impact on the environment and improve our overall well-being. In the next five years, I plan to use my marketing skills to promote wellness practices that are good for both our health and the environment. For example, I will promote the use of public transportation, cycling, or walking as an alternative to driving, which contributes to air pollution. Additionally, I will encourage people to eat more plant-based meals, which have a lower carbon footprint than meat-based meals. By promoting wellness practices that benefit both our health and the environment, I believe we can make a positive impact on both a local and global scale. Finally, I believe that technology can also be a powerful tool for creating a positive environmental impact. In the next five years, I plan to leverage my knowledge of technology to promote sustainable practices and reduce waste. For example, I will promote the use of digital platforms for communication and collaboration, which reduces paper waste and energy consumption. I will also encourage the use of smart home technologies, such as energy-efficient appliances and thermostats, to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency. By using technology in innovative ways, I believe we can make a significant impact on the environment and reduce our carbon footprint. In conclusion, I am committed to making a positive environmental impact in my local and global communities in the next five years. Through the lens of marketing, wellness, and technology, I plan to promote sustainability, reduce waste, and encourage eco-friendly practices. By leveraging my knowledge and skills in these areas, I believe I can make a meaningful contribution to preserving our planet for future generations. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to working with others to create a more sustainable world.

Currently, I work in the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa in the room service and restaurant departments. Here I built rapport with new and returning guests to promote the company's mission and values, optimized workflow by maintaining a clean and organized workplace and managed the reservation log with accuracy and detail, making sure to note any special occasions and requests. After I graduate high school I intend to continue working in this establishment to fund my education as I study to be an Anesthesiologist. I am also part of a program called Upward Bound which provides its student with various opportunities for community service as well as tutoring and college opportunities. Through Upward Bound I have gone to beach clean-ups, removal of invasive plant species, planting native plants, rock painting, Christmas toy donations, and more. After I graduate high school I intend to either continue to work with Upper Bound as a tutor or join other groups that promote environmentalism such as the Environmentalist club at Monterey Peninsula College. In addition to that I plan on raising money to create care packages for homeless shelters and homeless people not residing in shelters. These care packages would Include hygienic products such as tissue, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. as well as first aid supply and feminine products. Within the next five years, in order to create a more positive environmental impact on my local and global communities through wellness and health implement the following into my daily and monthly routines. Promote active transportation: Encourage people to walk, bike, or use public transportation instead of driving alone. This can reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, as well as promote physical activity and improve overall health. Reduce waste: Promote the reduction, reuse, and recycling of waste. This can include composting food scraps, reducing single-use plastics, and opting to use reusable containers. Support sustainable agriculture: Promote local and sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming and regenerative agriculture, which can improve soil health, reduce carbon emissions, and provide healthier food options. Promote plant-based diets: Encourage people to eat a plant-based diet or reduce their consumption of animal products. This can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve health outcomes. Protect natural areas: Protect and preserve natural areas, such as parks and forests, which provide important opportunities for physical activity and mental health. Support clean energy: Advocate for clean energy sources, such as wind and solar power, which can reduce air pollution and improve respiratory health. Encourage community involvement: Support community programs and events that promote health and environmental sustainability, such as community gardens or bike-sharing programs.