Ever since I was a little girl sitting at my grandmother’s kitchen table, I have believed that stories hold a power that nothing else can match. My grandmother’s voice carried the lessons, dreams, and struggles of generations before me—reminding me that as an African American girl, I come from a line of resilience, strength, and hope. Yet I also learned early on that in this world, too often, girls who look like me are expected to keep quiet or settle for less than they deserve. That truth has shaped every plan I have for my future. I plan to study Sociology at Howard University because I want to understand the systems that hold my community back, and more importantly, how we can rebuild those systems so they work for us. It is not enough for me to sit back and watch change happen; I want to be a force that makes it happen. My dream is to work in the nonprofit sector as a leader who designs programs that directly uplift young African American girls. I see myself founding a community center that offers mentorship, mental health resources, academic support, leadership training, and creative outlets where girls can express themselves and feel seen. I want to create a safe space where they can talk about their dreams, fears, and struggles—without judgment or limits. I know how much difference that kind of support would have made for me. As a young Black girl, I often felt unheard in classrooms and underestimated in spaces where my ideas were powerful but dismissed. I want to ensure the next generation never doubts that their voices matter. However, making this vision a reality comes with real financial challenges. As a first-generation college student, I carry the responsibility of figuring out tuition, books, housing, and daily expenses largely on my own. This scholarship would remove a huge weight from my shoulders and allow me to fully focus on my education, leadership opportunities, and community service without the constant worry of how to make ends meet. This scholarship is so much more than money to me—it is a belief in my mission. It means I can show up for my community today and prepare for the work I plan to do tomorrow. It is an investment not just in my education but in every young African American girl I will mentor, inspire, and empower through the spaces I will build. One day, I hope to sit across from a young Black girl at her own kitchen table and tell her, “Your voice is strong. Your dreams are valid. And you are never alone.” Thank you for believing in my story, my goals, and my community. With your support, I will turn this vision into reality—so that the stories of African American girls are no longer silenced but celebrated, one powerful voice at a time.

When I was a little girl, I believed staying quiet would keep me safe. If I sat still — feet flat, hands folded, voice soft — maybe someone would notice how hard I was trying to belong. But too often, they didn’t. Teachers’ eyes skimmed past my raised hand. The world labeled girls like me too loud before we spoke, too grown before we were ready, too much trouble before we caused any. These are the stereotypes that cling to African American girls every single day. And if no one helps us push back, we start to believe them too. I refused to stay invisible. When the world wouldn’t listen, I decided to create spaces where it had no choice but to hear us. I started Spill The Tea so young Black girls could gather, speak freely, and be fully themselves — laughing too loud, asking the questions they’re too scared to ask anywhere else, feeling safe to tell the truth. Sitting in those circles showed me that real change starts when we tell our own stories and refuse to be boxed in by anyone else’s version of who we are. When I joined the National Honor Society, I promised myself my service would matter beyond a line on my résumé. That promise led me to create Book Buddies. I knew books had once saved me — they were where I first saw possibilities bigger than my surroundings. I wanted younger students to feel that freedom too. Sitting beside them, sounding out new words, I see what I missed at their age: someone saying, Your words matter. Your story matters. Keep going. These moments shaped my educational goal: this fall, I will study Sociology at Howard University. Howard is more than a university — it’s proof that Black excellence can’t be erased, no matter how hard the world tries. I want to understand the systems that silence voices like mine — and learn how to break them apart and build something fairer and stronger in their place. My professional goal is to lead a nonprofit that doesn’t just patch wounds but stops them from forming. I want to fight the root causes of injustice, so the next generation of Black girls never feels they have to shrink themselves to survive. My commitment to civic service is not just something I talk about — it’s the way I live. Every circle I create, every student I mentor, every stereotype I refuse to accept is part of my promise to help more young voices rise and be heard. I know college will test me — financially, mentally, emotionally. But my purpose is louder than my fear. This scholarship won’t just ease the burden — it will help me keep my promise to every girl still sitting quietly in the back of the classroom, hoping someone will finally see her hand raised. The world tried not to see me. But I’m here. And I’m ready to make sure no girl like me ever wonders if she belongs.

From a young age, I understood what it felt like to be present but unseen. I remember sitting in a classroom as a teacher praised another student for being “so well-spoken” while brushing past my raised hand for the third time that day. I had the answers. I had something to say. But I also had a face and a voice that, too often, the world doesn’t listen to when it looks like mine. That moment didn’t just sting—it awakened a calling in me. I realized that my voice, and the voices of girls like me, mattered—and needed intentional spaces where they could be heard, celebrated, and uplifted. That single experience became the spark behind my purpose. Today, I am pursuing a degree in Sociology at Howard University with the goal of examining and challenging the systems that silence African American communities. I’m not just interested in studying inequality—I am committed to transforming it. My long-term goal is to lead a nonprofit organization focused on empowering Black youth through mentorship, mental health support, and faith-based guidance. I envision developing national programs that provide safe, affirming environments where young people can grow emotionally, spiritually, and academically. This passion led me to create an organized discussion group specifically for African American girls. We meet regularly to hold guided conversations around faith, identity, sisterhood, and emotional wellness. The group has grown steadily, currently supporting over a dozen participants, and it serves as a space where vulnerability is met with love and truth. This initiative fills the very gap I once felt as a young girl—proof that healing begins in community. In addition to my work as a youth leader, I’ve served as a teacher assistant at Wake Preparatory Academy for several years, supporting classroom instruction and, in addition, coordinating a reading program to help improve students’ literacy and confidence. I worked closely with elementary and middle school students, helping with classroom instruction, emotional development, and daily encouragement. Seeing their eyes light up when they grasp a new idea or feel seen reminded me that children thrive when they are supported by adults who truly believe in them. That experience confirmed my deep love for working with youth and solidified my commitment to ensuring that no child—especially one of color—feels invisible. Graduating Cum Laude was not just a personal milestone—it was a reflection of the same values that guide every part of my journey: perseverance, purpose, and a deep-rooted faith. It affirmed that I am capable of rising above challenges and staying committed to the work I believe in. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue walking boldly in my calling—to lead, serve, and build spaces where young Black girls feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. Their stories, like mine, deserve to be nurtured, honored, and heard—and I am determined to be a part of that transformation.

I identify as a "relationship architect," a term that encapsulates my distinctive ability to uncover shared experiences and foster connections that promote vulnerability and understanding among individuals. This talent was discovered in founding "Spill the Tea," an initiative that nurtured and empowered young African American girls. In this carefully structured environment, we engage in guided discussions- which encourage us to articulate our authentic selves, break down barriers, and cultivate deep mutual understanding. Growing up as an African American girl, I have personally grappled with the complexities of societal perceptions, particularly the hyper-sexualization of black girls. The media often exploits our bodies, transforming entertainment into a mechanism that perpetuates damaging stereotypes. Images and narratives in popular culture frequently reduce us to caricatures, undermining our multifaceted identities. This troubling phenomenon not only distorts how we are viewed by society but also profoundly affects how we internalize these representations, often leading to a diminished sense of self-worth. My commitment to challenging and dismantling these harmful stereotypes is personal and profound. I am passionate about revealing the inherent beauty, strength, and rich heritage that define our identities as African American women. My mission is to redefine the negative labels often imposed on us—transforming terms like "aggressive," "loud," and "difficult" into symbols of resilience, courage, and empowerment. It is vital that we assert our identities are not confined to society’s narrow lens, but instead reflect the depth of our history and the promise of our futures. To further this mission, I am pursuing a degree in sociology. This academic path allows me to explore the complexities of social structures and their impact on marginalized communities. Sociology provides critical insights into the dynamics of power, privilege, and oppression, equipping me with the knowledge needed to advocate for social change. I believe that understanding these frameworks is essential for effectively addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality. Ultimately, my goal is to create a world that honors African American women for who we truly are—daughters, sisters, and leaders. I envision a society were we are empowered to define our identities and shape our destinies on our terms. By fostering spaces that encourage authentic dialogue and mutual understanding, I hope to contribute to a broader cultural shift that celebrates our richness and diversity. Through "Spill the Tea" and my future endeavors, I aspire to inspire others to embrace their identities and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable future, one that recognizes and uplifts the invaluable contributions of African American women to society. I want to rewrite the narratives that have long been imposed upon us, transforming perceptions and building a legacy of strength and empowerment.

I call myself a "relationship architect," someone skilled at finding common ground that fosters connection and vulnerability. This realization became clear when I founded "Spill the Tea," a discussion group specifically for young African American girls. In this safe space, we engage in guided conversations that allow us to express our true selves, break down barriers, and build understanding among one another. As an African American girl and proud member of the Lumbee Tribe, I have witnessed firsthand how society distorts our image, particularly through the hypersexualization of Black girls. The media often exploits our bodies, transforming entertainment into a tool that reinforces harmful stereotypes. It’s troubling to see how these distorted views shape public perceptions, especially among those outside our communities who may accept these false narratives as truth. This misrepresentation not only affects how others see us but also how we see ourselves. I am deeply committed to dismantling these damaging stereotypes and revealing the beauty, strength, and heritage that lie beneath them. My passion for helping those in need within my community drives me to create environments where young women can thrive, feel valued, and find their voices. By fostering open dialogue and nurturing relationships, I aim to empower participants to embrace their identities and challenge societal expectations. I want to help change the negative labels often attached to us—turning words like "aggressive" and "loud" into symbols of resilience, courage, empowerment, beauty, and intelligent. We should not be defined by society’s narrow lens but by the richness of our radiant histories and the potential of our futures. My work emphasizes the intersectionality of our experiences, celebrating both my African American and Indigenous heritage. Through educational initiatives and community programs, I strive to create a world that honors African American and Indigenous women for who we truly are: daughters, sisters, and leaders, free to define our identities and destinies. Together, we can build a supportive network that uplifts everyone, fostering a profound sense of belonging and empowerment within our community. In this journey, I hope to inspire future generations to embrace their authentic selves and advocate for the respect and representation they deserve in every community they walk into. Our voices hold immense power, and by amplifying them, we can create a narrative that truly reflects our beauty, strength, and resilience. This mission is not just about us; it’s about paving the way for a more inclusive and understanding society.