For as long as I can remember, my life has been centered around service, beginning in the most personal way, supporting my older sister Naomi, who is autistic, developmentally delayed, and lives with epilepsy. Growing up with her taught me invaluable lessons about patience, compassion, and the power of unwavering support. She was my first teacher in service. Supporting my sister sparked a natural instinct to help others. Over time, this evolved into something greater: it became the foundation for the nonprofit I co-founded to serve families in need, particularly those facing homelessness. The idea for Compassion Champions began when I noticed more shelters opening in my community, with families struggling to access basic resources. Witnessing children go without essential items deeply moved me. I knew I had to do something. What started as a small initiative, collecting school supplies for a few families, quickly evolved into something greater. With the support of friends, classmates, and local organizations, we’ve provided over 200 backpacks with school supplies, 300 hygiene kits, over 400 toys, 50 coats, plus winter clothing, books, diapers, and food hampers reaching over 900 people. One moment that solidified my passion happened during a backpack giveaway in August 2024. A young girl stood at our table, carefully choosing between a Little Mermaid and an Elsa backpack. The excitement in her eyes reminded me why I do what I do: because small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Of course, leadership isn’t always easy. There were moments of doubt, like when our winter coat drive struggled to collect enough donations. I worried some children would be left without coats and warm clothing. But I refused to give up. I reached out to local businesses, expanded our outreach, and rallied our team. In the end, we met our goal. That experience taught me that leadership means being persistent, resourceful, and solution-oriented. Through volunteering and with Compassion Champions, I’ve discovered that service isn’t just about giving; it’s about truly understanding and listening. Each project has allowed me to connect with people in meaningful ways, recognize the challenges underserved communities face, and seek out ways to make a lasting impact. These valuable experiences have not only shaped my values but have also inspired my academic and professional aspirations. I'm excited to dive into how workplace cultures and social systems can better support marginalized individuals. In college, I plan to study Business Administration with a concentration in Labor Relations and Human Resources, where I can develop tools to promote inclusive practices and create programs that uplift those who often go unnoticed. All my achievements trace back to my wonderful older sister. She opened my eyes to the importance of leading with empathy, resilience, and purpose. Supporting her has taught me that true leadership shines through advocacy, inclusion, and uplifting others, especially those who might not always have a voice. Thanks to her, I’ve discovered my passion and my journey toward making meaningful, lasting change in both my personal and professional life.

My life has been centered around service for as long as I can remember. It started in the most personal way, with my older sister, Naomi. Naomi is autistic, developmentally delayed, and has epilepsy. Growing up with her taught me invaluable lessons about patience, compassion, and the power of unwavering support. She was my first lesson in service. I was eight when Naomi had a seizure. Even at that young age, I instinctively knew to stay calm, get help, and ensure her safety. That moment reinforced our bond and solidified my role as her protector and advocate. By age ten, I began volunteering at the YMCA with children with differing abilities, further shaping my understanding of inclusion and empathy. My experiences at home motivated me to do more. In ninth grade, I joined Best Buddies as an ambassador, fostering friendships with students with special needs. While Best Buddies allowed me to promote inclusion, I wanted to expand my impact. Last year, I founded Compassion Champions, a youth-led charity supporting underserved families, especially those experiencing homelessness. Since our founding, we’ve distributed over 200 backpacks with school supplies, 300 hygiene kits, 400 toys, 50 coats, as well as books, snacks, and hampers to children and families. But numbers don’t tell the whole story. I’ll never forget the little girl who clutched her brand-new backpack and beamed with happiness, or the mother who was overjoyed to receive hygiene kits because she could now spend her last few dollars on food. These moments remind me that even small gestures can create meaningful change. Meeting families experiencing homelessness has reshaped my understanding of social responsibility. I’ve come to see that homelessness is not just a lack of shelter but a symptom of larger systemic issues like job insecurity, healthcare inaccessibility, and educational barriers. This realization has fueled my desire to advocate for long-term solutions. In addition to my community work, I lead school initiatives that drive lasting impact, provide resources, and inspire action. As Vice President of Students Against Destructive Decisions, I advocate for mental health awareness and have worked to implement peer support initiatives. As President of the Red Cross Club, I’ve organized blood drives and mobilized students for disaster relief efforts. Advocacy, I’ve learned, isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about creating real, lasting change. Since 2020, I’ve also volunteered at the Yes We Can Community Center, dedicating over 500 hours on weekends, holidays, and school breaks. Whether facilitating STEM programs, supporting events, or simply being a listening ear to a child or teen who feels left out, I’ve learned that service isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about showing up, consistently, with empathy and care. In college, I plan to study Business Administration with a minor in Human Resources and Labor Relations. I’m especially interested in how workplace and labor policies affect marginalized communities. My goal is to collaborate with businesses and nonprofits to develop inclusive practices and promote fair employment opportunities for all. Through my relationship with Naomi, I’ve learned the power of advocacy, compassion, and leadership. Supporting her has shaped me into who I am and continues to fuel my lifelong commitment to service. Lena B. Davis' example of sewing into others through daily kindness, love, and faith reminds me that service is about connection and inspiring others to act. I’ve seen firsthand how one act of compassion can change a life. Inspired by Naomi and the legacy of Lena B. Davis, I will continue to lead, serve, and uplift others because real change begins with compassion, and every act of kindness sows the seeds for a brighter future.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and how you plan to make a positive impact on the world through your future career. In December 2020, while in eighth grade, I saw a flyer for my school district’s Academy of Finance (AOF) program and thought, this could be an opportunity to learn something new. But there was one problem: I would have to leave behind the friends I had known since kindergarten. With my mom’s encouragement, I applied, interviewed, and was accepted in June 2021. I felt both excitement and fear, excited for the opportunity, yet nervous about starting over at a new school. Three and a half years later, joining AOF was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Beyond gaining financial knowledge and earning 36 college business credits, I have grown into a confident leader with a deep understanding of financial services and their power to drive economic opportunity. Growing up as the youngest in my family, I saw my parents work tirelessly to provide for me and my sister Naomi, who has developmental delays and epilepsy. Their sacrifices shaped my understanding of finance as more than a business tool, it became a means of empowerment for individuals and communities. My goal is to pursue a career in Business Administration, Human Resources, and Labor Relations within the financial services industry, specializing in talent management and workforce investment strategies. I believe that financial success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people. Behind every company’s bottom line are employees whose skills and innovation drive growth. I want to develop financial strategies that not only maximize profitability but also invest in employee development, ensuring businesses thrive alongside their workforce. By combining finance and human capital strategies, I aim to create inclusive policies that support long-term economic stability for businesses and employees alike. My passion extends beyond business. As co-founder of Compassion Champions Inc., a charity dedicated to empowering underserved families through initiatives like hygiene kit distributions, food drives, and backpack donations, I’ve gained hands-on experience in financial planning and community outreach. Our mission is to create sustainable change by providing essential resources to families in need, and this role has deepened my understanding of how strategic financial decisions can directly impact individuals and communities. These experiences reinforced my belief that finance is not just about transactions, it’s about transformation. Receiving the Chris Ford Scholarship would provide the necessary financial support to pursue my degree in Business Administration and Human Resources with a concentration in Labor Relations, helping me advance my career. As a leader in AOF and a community-driven nonprofit, I bring a passion for empowerment, a track record of impact, and a vision to create inclusive financial solutions. With Chris Ford Scholarship support, I am committed to learning, sharing my experiences, ensuring that financial services are accessible and impactful for underserved communities, and making financial services more accessible and transformative for all.

In December 2020, in eighth grade, I saw a flyer for my school district’s Academy of Finance (AOF) program and thought, “This could be an opportunity to learn something new.” There was just one problem: I would have to change schools, leaving behind friends I had known since kindergarten. With my mom’s encouragement, I applied for the program and interviewed in January 2021. When I was accepted in June 2021, I felt both excitement and fear. I was excited for the opportunity, yet nervous about starting over at a new school where I knew no one. Three and a half years later, I would definitely say joining the AOF program was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Through its rigorous coursework and hands-on opportunities, I have gained financial knowledge and will earn 36 college business credits, but I’ve also grown into a more confident student leader. Growing up in a first-generation immigrant family, I saw firsthand how financial insecurity can limit opportunities. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for me and my sister Naomi, who has developmental delays and epilepsy. Their sacrifices opened my eyes to the importance of financial knowledge and access to resources, not just for businesses but for individuals and entire communities. These experiences sparked my curiosity about how social systems can better support individuals with different abilities. I look forward to deepening my understanding of inclusive practices through my studies in Business and Finance, Labor Relations, and Human Resources while focusing on becoming an innovative leader. My goal is to work in labor relations and human resources with a focus on talent management because success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people. Behind every company’s bottom line are employees whose ideas, skills, and dedication drive success. I want to develop financial strategies that drive profitability and invest in workforce development, ensuring employees have the resources and support to grow. By working in HR and with leadership teams, I hope to bridge the gap between financial strategy and people-centered policies, fostering inclusive, innovative workplaces where talent can thrive and contribute to long-term organizational growth. This passion extends beyond the corporate world. As co-founder and project leader of Compassion Champions, I’ve seen how financial planning can create change. Managing budgets, securing donations, and building partnerships have allowed me to be impactful to underserved families. Whether assembling hygiene kits, organizing food drives, or distributing backpacks for children in shelters, I’ve learned how resource allocation can turn ideas into action. These experiences reinforced my belief that finance is not just a tool for business; it’s a tool for empowerment. These experiences sparked my curiosity about how social systems can better support individuals with different abilities. I look forward to deepening my understanding of inclusive practices through my studies in Business and Finance, Labor Relations, and Human Resources while focusing on becoming an innovative leader. I am excited about college and learning new things. As a leader in my school’s Academy of Finance and a co-founder of a community-driven nonprofit, I bring a passion for financial empowerment, a track record of leading initiatives that make an impact, and a deep commitment to creating inclusive solutions. I look forward to college, learning from peers, sharing my experiences, and working together to make the workforce more accessible and transformative for all.

To be a big sister means being both a protector and a teacher, crafting a world of safety, support, and love that shapes a younger sibling’s journey. My bond with my sister Naomi has deeply shaped my identity from an early age. Although she is seven years older, I naturally became her protector and guide. This role wasn’t out of obligation but a choice made from love. Naomi is autistic, developmentally delayed, and has epilepsy, yet she has always been a source of joy and inspiration. Growing up with her taught me invaluable lessons about patience, compassion, and unconditional love. I was eight years old when Naomi had a seizure while sleeping. Even at that early age, I instinctively knew to stay calm, get help, and ensure she was safe. That moment taught me the importance of remaining grounded in a crisis, a lesson I’ve applied throughout my life. Throughout my childhood, I went by many nicknames: "Abs," "Abby," and "Gail," but one that stands out is "Little Big Sis." I wasn’t called this because I was the shortest in the family; instead, as the youngest, I embraced the responsibilities of an older sibling. Whether it was watching Naomi while my mom did chores or ensuring she was okay as my dad rested, I was always there for her. At age ten, I started volunteering with children with different abilities, where I learned firsthand the impact of compassion and standing up for others. My volunteer experiences in high school made me even more passionate about this cause. As a co-founder and project leader for Compassion Champions, I partnered with community partners to distribute coats, food, toys, books, and backpacks for homeless youth. Each role helped me connect with others, listen to their needs, and take action while reminding me of the values of inclusion and understanding I’ve learned from interactions with my sister. These experiences sparked my curiosity about how social systems can better support individuals with different abilities. I look forward to deepening my understanding of inclusive practices through my studies in Business Administration, Labor Relations, and Human Resources while focusing on becoming an innovative leader. In high school, while childhood nicknames faded, the lessons I learned from caring for Naomi stuck with me. The sense of responsibility I developed as a child still guides me, and I’ve continued to find ways to advocate for others. These experiences helped me grow not just as a sister but also as a leader. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about organizing events or taking charge; it’s about listening, understanding, and caring for others, especially those who might not have a voice. As I prepare for the next chapter of my life, I realize how much these experiences have shaped me into someone who leads with empathy and understanding. I’m grateful for my relationship with Naomi, which has become a huge part of who I am. It’s shown me what unconditional love looks like, and because of her, I’ve learned to take on the responsibility of speaking up for others. While being Naomi’s "Little Big Sis" has shaped my identity, I’m excited to expand this role as I move forward in my academic journey. I can’t wait to learn how inclusive leadership and thoughtful policies can create spaces where people with different abilities can thrive. As I look to the future, I do so not just as Naomi’s "Little Big Sis” but as a young woman committed to championing change through compassion, leadership, and advocacy. I’m ready to face the challenges ahead, connecting and learning with others who share my passions.