Generational Impact Award

I value support for underrepresented communities. Growing up, I have seen that at every step in life, there is this certain group of people who face some or other kind of barrier, hindering them from achieving what everybody else gets because of inequalities. That's meaningful change, and that matters most: speaking out loud for these communities and taking pragmatic steps to make things work in their favor. This commitment to amplifying the voices of those who are unheard is something I will continue with beyond. The underrepresented communities always face enormous challenges, including a lack of access to education, resources, and opportunities. This really serves to block people's path to achieving their potential and eliminates barriers to prevent the crystallization of inequality. These areas of support can come in different ways, either by advocating for changes in policy or offering direct service projects. I am excited to attend Florida Memorial University, where I will be majoring in Cybersecurity with a minor in Criminal Justice. This combination will give me both technical skills in security and a deeper understanding of the social issues that contribute to injustice. I merge the study of technological and legal aspects in security, hoping to fill the gap between technology and law so that underrepresented communities do not continue falling behind as our world becomes digital. Technology can bring equality, but if it is not taken into consideration, it can deepen inequalities. My minor in Criminal Justice will also give me the insight to approach systemic issues in the justice system that are inordinately affecting marginalized communities. I want to advocate for policies promoting fairness and protecting everybody's rights. Eventually, I would like to make digital spaces safer and more inclusive for all people. I am president of my Dillard's Rotary Club and have led multiple service projects to help others. The motto for Rotary, "service above self," has shown me how much we can do for those in need. From food drives to providing underprivileged students with school supplies, the projects reinforce my belief that little acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of people in underrepresented communities. Being the representative of "Rally to Tally" to get increased funding towards all other clubs in Broward County Public Schools only added the fuel to help those that seemed to be always overlooked. My presentation was around the resource deficit the smaller, so-called niche clubs, had when it dealt with the struggle to provide core activities for specifically students from deprived groups. Hence, this furthers my passion to stand in defense of, despite difficulty or obstacles, things right and did, in large measure, cause me to embrace the concept of advocacy. Continuing into the future, I will continue to support underrepresented communities in whatever personal or professional aspect comes my way. I would continue participating in service projects, inspiring others from a leadership perspective. This is where the efforts made with Rotary, along with other advocacy done, better prepared me for this continuous battle of helping the most needy. Using my education and resources is important in building change.

As a young Black girl from Broward County, FL it’s an abnormal idea to have a passion for Theatre. Presumed to be a predominately white art form, it's intimidating to have goals to pursue theater after high school and most certainly after college. Those constant questions, Why Theatre?, put me in an awkward position- questioning my passion, God-given talent, and purpose in life. A lot of that doubt stems from not seeing others like me in the places I want to go. In my sophomore year, I discovered my true passion for Theatre, committing myself to study and perfect it. Playing Celie in The Color Purple pushed me to confront my self-doubt, realizing the key to growth was self-belief. Whilst I’d say it wasn’t my utmost performance as a lead, the experience transformed me. In 2023, being awarded “Best Choreographer” at the South Florida Cappies further solidified my path, reminding me that my journey in theatre is about both personal growth and creative expression. It reinforced my dedication to pursuing theatre as my lifelong passion. My post-graduation goals are to attend a four year university to obtain my BFA, preferably at Florida State University or Howard University, in musical theatre and minor in education. I want to pursue these goals because I feel there isn't enough representation for black girls in theatre or even the black culture as a whole which may cause them to choose a path they don't actually yearn for. To be able to be in the industry and teach kids would make such an impact. Theatre and teaching has also always been a very strong passion of mine since elementary school and to pursue it as a career would be surreal. My community suffers from believing we can without people in certain areas that represent us. My passion for theatre has been questioned by many, but it will not stop me from achieving the dream I've dreamt my entire life. Furthermore, this war will go on for years to come, we must not be afraid to be the one to take the first step in change. My passion for representing black girls in theatre goes beyond performing on stage...I desire to start a movement for girls like me. The constant questioning and doubting of younger girls, creates a boxed in future, which leads to hindrance in progression within our community. It is essential for inspiration/representation to grow in the near future when allowing young black girls to live out their wildest artistic dreams. The arts as a whole is already deemed to struggle, says society, but I'm willing to prove those people wrong and provide true factors and facts for the arts- more specifically Theatre. A scholarship would significantly reduce the financial burden on my mother and step-father, who are also raising 3 other children. As a second-generation college student, I'm learning from my mother the importance of applying for scholarships. Her lack of applying for scholarships led her to a 33k student loan debt, which sticks in the back of my brain. This scholarship would not only support my academic career but also help me to overcome financial obstacles that often limit access to arts education. With this opportunity, I will continue challenging the limits of underrepresentation in theatre while gaining the skills necessary to inspire and teach future generations of Black students who dream of a similar path.

The word “college” has resonated with me from the moment I could fully understand its importance. Now that I am a senior and I am at the beginning of a new chapter in my life, it feels like a huge puzzle I must piece together. My journey to this very moment has been developed with so many challenges thrown my way, but it was a chance to rise and press forward with a renewed mindset. As I prepare for the future at Florida State University I can't wait to continue to grow and achieve without limits. Supporting underrepresented communities is crucial because it promotes equity and inclusion. When we uplift those around us, we provide them with opportunities to succeed and impact their communities. This creates a more diverse and balanced society, improving all areas of life, including education, the arts, and media. In the world of journalism, where storytelling influences social change, it is especially important to ensure that voices from underrepresented communities are heard and valued. As an aspiring journalist with a passion for sports media, I have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference. My career can serve as a platform to promote diversity and inclusion, particularly in areas where underrepresented communities are often misrepresented. One of the most impactful ways I can give back is by focusing on mentorship and providing opportunities for others in similar positions like me. For instance, the sports media club at Dillard High School played an essential role in shaping my passion for journalism. This environment nurtured my love for sports journalism and provided a foundation that allowed me to pursue my goals. By returning to this space and offering mentorship, I can help the next generation of aspiring journalists who are interested in venturing into that career. Offering guidance, sharing my experiences, and providing resources can empower these students, giving them the confidence and tools to pursue their dreams in the media industry. Furthermore, as a journalist, I can use my platform to tell the stories of underrepresented athletes, coaches, and communities. I can share the stories of these people that highlight their contributions, struggles, and triumphs. Covering a diverse range of sports figures not only enriches the conversation but also helps to bring much needed visibility to communities that are often overlooked. This could mean focusing on athletes from different backgrounds, small sports organizations, or local community events that don’t always receive media attention. Finally, I can continue to give back to Dillard High School and other institutions that have shaped my journey. Whether through guest lectures, hosting workshops, or partnering with local media organizations to create internship opportunities, these initiatives can make a significant impact. By promoting a culture of support and inclusion, I ensure that mentorship and opportunity continues, benefiting both current and future generations of young journalists.

Underrepresented communities are incredibly important because they bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas that enrich our society. Supporting these communities can bring joy to their hearts and souls, creating a more vibrant and inclusive environment for everyone. During my four years at Dillard High School, I have dedicated three of those years to giving back to my community and supporting underrepresented groups. Living in a small underrepresented community myself has fueled my desire to help and uplift those around me. In my community, we celebrate our heritage and unity through events like the Martin Luther King parade and the Sistrunk parade. Both parades take place in the city of Sistrunk and travel along 6th Street. I participate in these parades with my marching band as a dancer, showcasing our talents and celebrating our culture. We also perform at the park, where we engage with the community and often dance with younger children. Throughout the year, we host various small events, where we teach young girls about dance and encourage them to express themselves creatively. These experiences have shown me the importance of participating and supporting underrepresented communities, as they can inspire individuals to strive for greatness. Looking ahead, I plan to attend an HBCU, specifically North Carolina Central University. I intend to major in biology, achieve my bachelors, along with attending medical school and residency to pursue a career as an OBGYN, while also minoring in dance. Dance has been my long time passion and I aspire to help other young black kids to follow their dream. While doing both what you want and love to do you can make an amazing difference in the world. My goal is to make a meaningful impact by applying my knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges. Whether through research, projects, or collaborations, I aspire to contribute positively to society and leave a lasting legacy. I want to inspire others, particularly younger generations, to pursue their passions and make a difference in their unique ways. Overall, I'm driven by a desire to learn, grow, and positively impact the world around me. I'm genuinely excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the field I’m passionate about. By supporting underrepresented communities and pursuing my goals, I hope to create a ripple effect of inspiration and empowerment that encourages others to follow their dreams and contribute to a brighter future for all.