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Alissa Whitfield

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Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Real Estate
  • Food And Eating

Bio

I am an 18-year-old second-year Business Administration student at Florida A&M University with a passion for entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating opportunities for others. Originally from Fort Pierce, Florida, I graduated from Lincoln Park Academy and Indian River State College before continuing my education at FAMU. My long-term goal is to become a licensed real estate agent, earn my MBA in the future, and eventually open my own real estate firm. I believe business is a powerful tool for building generational wealth and making a lasting impact in my community. As a dedicated student, I work hard to maintain my academic success while preparing for my future career. However, paying for college remains a significant challenge, and I rely on scholarships to help cover the cost of my education. Receiving scholarship support would allow me to focus on my studies, continue pursuing my goals, and take the next steps toward earning my MBA and building a successful career. I am committed to making the most of every opportunity, giving back to my community, and proving that with determination, hard work, and the right support, anything is possible.

Education

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Bachelor's degree program

2024 – 2028

Majors:
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations

Indian River State College

Associate's degree program

2021 – 2024

Majors:
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Desired degree modality:
In-Person, Full-Time
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Contracting

    Commercial Real Estate · Palm beach county housing authorities

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Real Estate
Work experience:
1 year
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Entrepreneurship
Heron Wolf Commercial Real Estate Scholarship
I am currently pursuing my Master of Business Administration at Florida A&M University, where I have continued to build on my passion for business, entrepreneurship, and real estate. My long-term goal is to build a successful career in commercial real estate and eventually own my own real estate business. I became interested in commercial real estate because it combines several areas that interest me, including business strategy, finance, property development, and entrepreneurship. Commercial real estate also has the potential to create long-term wealth and positively impact communities. I am especially interested in learning how properties, businesses, and investments can work together to create opportunities for both individuals and communities. Receiving this scholarship would be a meaningful investment in my future. As I continue pursuing my MBA, I am also working toward becoming licensed in real estate. Financial assistance would help me cover important expenses associated with reaching that goal, including the cost of my real estate licensing exam. Passing the exam would be an important step toward gaining practical experience in the real estate industry and beginning my professional journey. This scholarship would allow me to focus more on preparing for my exam and developing the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in commercial real estate. Ultimately, I hope to use my education and experience to build a real estate business and create opportunities within the communities I serve. The most influential person in my life is my mother. Education has always been important in my life, and my mother has been one of the biggest reasons why. She has earned three degrees, and watching her continue to invest in her education has shown me the value of determination and lifelong learning. Her accomplishments have taught me that education is something that can continue throughout your life and that earning a degree requires commitment, discipline, and perseverance. Seeing her work toward and accomplish her educational goals has motivated me to continue pursuing my own. My mother has also influenced the way I view my personal goals. She has shown me that success requires patience and the willingness to continue moving forward even when things become challenging. Her example has encouraged me to aim high and not limit myself. From earning my Associate degree before graduating high school to continuing my education at Florida A&M University and now pursuing my MBA, I have learned that each step of my educational journey is preparing me for something greater. My goal is to take the lessons I have learned through education and apply them to my future career in commercial real estate. With continued determination, education, and opportunities like this scholarship, I hope to turn my goals into a successful career and eventually create a lasting impact through business ownership and real estate.
Charlene K. Howard Chogo Scholarship
Women’s empowerment has a personal meaning to me because I know what it feels like to have big goals while also facing challenges that make those goals seem difficult to reach. As a young Black woman, I have learned that confidence and perseverance are not things that always come naturally. There have been times throughout my educational journey when I felt stressed, overwhelmed, and unsure of myself. However, I continued to push forward. My journey has taught me that being empowered does not mean never struggling; it means believing in yourself enough to keep going despite those struggles. My effect on women’s empowerment begins with the example I hope to set for other young women. I started taking college courses at a young age and earned my Associate of Arts degree before graduating high school. Although this accomplishment is something I am proud of, the journey was not easy. Starting college early came with pressure and challenges that I had to learn how to manage. Continuing my education at Florida A&M University and now pursuing my Master of Business Administration has shown me how much growth can come from refusing to give up. I hope that other young women can look at my journey and understand that they do not have to have everything figured out to be successful. I also hope to empower women through my future career in real estate and entrepreneurship. My goal is to become a successful real estate professional and eventually build my own real estate business. I want to create opportunities for myself while also encouraging other women to explore careers in business, entrepreneurship, and real estate. I believe financial independence and business ownership can be powerful forms of empowerment. I want other women, especially young Black women, to see that they can become leaders, make important decisions, build wealth, and create businesses that positively impact their communities. Ultimately, I want my impact on women’s empowerment to go beyond my personal accomplishments. I want to be someone who encourages other women to believe in themselves, even when they feel uncertain or face obstacles. My experiences have taught me that success is not always a straight path, and struggling does not mean you are incapable of achieving your dreams. As I continue my education and pursue my career goals, I hope to inspire other women to take chances, remain determined, and recognize the strength they already possess. If my journey can encourage even one young woman to believe that she is capable of creating the life she wants, then I know I have made a meaningful impact.
Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
The impact I want to make begins with the people who have shaped who I am, especially my grandmother. She is one of my greatest inspirations because of her strength, determination, and passion for cooking. Growing up, I saw how food could bring people together, create happiness, and make others feel loved and welcomed. My grandmother taught me that cooking is not simply about preparing a meal; it is about creating memories, serving others, and bringing people together. Her example has inspired my dream of one day owning my own cooking business. I want to use my education to turn that dream into a reality. I believe education will give me the knowledge, skills, and confidence I need to become a successful entrepreneur. I want to learn about business management, finances, marketing, communication, and leadership so that I can build a strong and sustainable business. While my passion for cooking will be at the heart of my business, I understand that education will help me develop the tools necessary to make my vision successful. My goal is to create a cooking business that is about more than making a profit. I want it to become a place where people in my community feel welcomed, appreciated, and connected. I hope to create employment opportunities for others, especially young people who are looking for their first job or an opportunity to learn valuable skills. I want my business to teach others that hard work, dedication, and believing in yourself can open doors to a better future. Giving back to my community will also be an important part of my success. I hope to participate in community events, provide meals to families in need, and support organizations that help people who are struggling. Food is something that everyone needs, and I believe having the ability to provide a meal to someone who needs it can make a meaningful difference. I want my business to be known not only for good food, but also for compassion and service. My grandmother has shown me that you do not have to start with everything figured out to make a difference. What matters is having a vision, working hard, and continuing forward even when things become difficult. Her determination inspires me to pursue my education and build a future that reflects the values she has taught me. Ultimately, I want my education to help me create a life that benefits both myself and the people around me. I want to take my grandmother’s love for cooking and combine it with the knowledge I gain through my education to build something meaningful. My vision is to create a successful business, provide opportunities for others, give back to my community, and create a legacy that my grandmother and I can be proud of. I hope that my journey will inspire others to pursue their dreams, just as my grandmother has inspired me to pursue mine.
Taylor Swift Fan Scholarship
The Taylor Swift performance I find most moving is her performance of “Long Live” during the Eras Tour. What makes this performance especially meaningful to me is that it represents more than a single song. It feels like a celebration of the journey between an artist and the people who have supported her throughout every stage of her career. “Long Live” has always represented gratitude, perseverance, and remembering the people who were part of important moments in your life. Seeing Taylor perform it in front of thousands of fans makes the message even more powerful. Her career has included incredible achievements, but it has also required years of dedication, criticism, change, and constant growth. In that moment, the performance feels like a reminder that success is not only about reaching a destination. It is also about appreciating the journey and the people who help you along the way. This performance is particularly moving to me because it connects to my own goals. As I work toward completing my education and building a successful future, it can sometimes feel like I am focused entirely on the next assignment, the next opportunity, or the next goal. “Long Live” reminds me to appreciate the present and recognize the people who encourage me when challenges become difficult. I am also inspired by the confidence and emotion Taylor brings to her performances. She has built a career by continuing to grow while remaining connected to her experiences and her audience. Watching her perform reminds me that pursuing a dream requires vulnerability as well as determination. Sometimes, achieving something meaningful means taking risks, learning from mistakes, and continuing forward even when the outcome is uncertain. The performance of “Long Live” is moving to me because it represents the idea that the most meaningful accomplishments are often connected to the journey behind them. I hope that as I pursue my own education and career, I will remember not only the goals I achieve but also the challenges I overcome, the lessons I learn, and the people who support me along the way. Taylor’s performance reminds me that success is worth celebrating, but the journey to reach it is what gives that success its meaning.
Sabrina Carpenter Superfan Scholarship
I am a fan of Sabrina Carpenter not only because of her music, but because of the determination and growth she has shown throughout her career. Watching her develop from a young actress and performer into a successful artist has reminded me that success does not happen overnight. Her career demonstrates the importance of patience, hard work, and believing in yourself even when your path may not look exactly like everyone else’s. One of the things I admire most about Sabrina Carpenter is her willingness to continue evolving. She has explored different opportunities, developed her own voice as an artist, and continued working toward her goals over many years. Her success today is the result of persistence and consistent effort, which is something that has personally impacted me. It has encouraged me to be more patient with my own journey and to understand that growth takes time. Her music has also been meaningful to me because it reflects confidence, personal experiences, and the challenges of growing into yourself. As someone working toward my own educational and professional goals, I often think about the importance of staying motivated and not allowing setbacks or uncertainty to define my future. Sabrina’s career is an example of how taking chances and continuing to improve can lead to opportunities that may not have been visible at the beginning. What impacts me most is that her journey shows that it is possible to reinvent yourself while still remaining committed to your goals. I have learned that I do not have to have every part of my future figured out immediately. Instead, I can continue learning, gaining experience, and adapting as new opportunities arise. As I pursue my education and work toward building a successful future, Sabrina Carpenter’s career serves as a reminder that dedication and confidence can make a meaningful difference. Being a fan has given me more than music to enjoy, it has given me an example of persistence, growth, and the importance of continuing to believe in yourself. Those are lessons I hope to carry with me as I pursue my own goals and work toward making a positive impact in my future career and community.
Joe Gilroy "Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan" Scholarship
My primary goal is to build a successful and stable future by completing my education, developing valuable professional skills, and establishing a career that provides both financial security and opportunities for personal growth. I understand that achieving long-term goals requires more than ambition; it requires careful planning, realistic budgeting, consistent effort, and the ability to adjust when circumstances change. My first priority is completing my education successfully. To reach this goal, I plan to attend classes consistently, maintain strong academic performance, and use available resources such as professors, academic advisors, tutoring services, libraries, study groups, and career counseling. I will create a weekly schedule that includes dedicated time for classes, studying, assignments, work responsibilities, and rest. Proper time management will be essential because balancing multiple responsibilities can become overwhelming without a structured plan. Financial planning is another important part of reaching my goals. My budget will focus first on essential expenses, including tuition, books, housing, transportation, food, and necessary personal expenses. I plan to reduce unnecessary spending and track my income and expenses regularly. I will also explore scholarships, grants, financial aid, and work opportunities to reduce the amount of debt I may need to take on. If I am employed while studying, I will try to save a portion of each paycheck for emergencies and future educational or career expenses. Having an emergency fund, even a small one, will help me manage unexpected challenges without completely disrupting my plans. After completing my education, my next goal is to secure a position in a field that matches my skills and interests. To prepare, I plan to gain practical experience through internships, part-time employment, volunteer opportunities, certifications, networking events, and professional organizations. I will also develop a strong résumé and practice interviewing. Building professional relationships will be important because mentors, instructors, supervisors, and peers can provide advice, recommendations, and information about opportunities that may not be widely advertised. I recognize that there may be more than one path to success. If my original career plan does not work as expected, I am prepared to consider related careers, additional training, certifications, or further education. I will regularly evaluate my progress and adjust my goals when necessary rather than viewing unexpected obstacles as failures. Flexibility and persistence will allow me to continue moving forward even if my timeline changes. My overall timeline is divided into short-term and long-term steps. In the short term, I will focus on academic success, financial responsibility, and skill development. Within the next few years, I plan to complete my education and gain relevant work experience. Over the longer term, I aim to establish financial independence, advance professionally, and continue learning throughout my career. Ultimately, my plan for success depends on discipline, preparation, and adaptability. By managing my time carefully, using available resources, maintaining a realistic budget, and remaining open to different opportunities, I believe I can overcome challenges and steadily achieve my educational, professional, and personal goals.
Khalil Mack 52 Scholars Program
Growing up in Fort Pierce, Florida, I learned early that success is not determined by where you start but by the choices you make every day. My turning point wasn’t a single dramatic moment, it was the realization that education could become the foundation for the life I wanted to build, not only for myself but for my family and my community. As an 18-year-old college student, I have always understood that earning a degree would require determination, sacrifice, and resilience. There have been moments when balancing academics with financial responsibilities felt overwhelming, but those challenges never made me question my goals. Instead, they strengthened my commitment to pursuing them. Every obstacle reminded me why I started and motivated me to keep moving forward. One of the experiences that has shaped me the most has been serving my community. Whether mentoring young students, volunteering through community organizations, or simply encouraging others to believe in themselves, I have discovered that leadership begins with service. Seeing the impact that guidance and encouragement can have on someone’s life inspired me to become the kind of leader who creates opportunities for others. Those experiences taught me that success is measured not only by personal achievements but also by the lives we positively influence. My educational journey has also played a significant role in shaping who I am. As a Business Administration student at Florida A&M University, I have developed a deeper appreciation for entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy. Every class challenges me to think critically, solve problems, and prepare for the responsibilities that come with leading a business. I chose business because I want to create opportunities that extend beyond myself. My long-term goal is to become a licensed real estate agent, earn my MBA, and eventually establish my own real estate firm. I want to help individuals and families build wealth through homeownership while creating jobs and mentoring future entrepreneurs. The future I am building is rooted in the belief that education creates possibilities. Every scholarship I receive is more than financial assistance, it is an investment in someone determined to make a lasting difference. As someone who needs help funding my education, scholarships allow me to focus on learning, developing professionally, and preparing for the career I have envisioned for years. They bring me one step closer to turning my dreams into reality without allowing financial barriers to define my future. Looking ahead, I hope to use my education to give back to the communities that have supported me. I want to mentor young people who may not yet realize their own potential, support initiatives that promote financial literacy, and show others that their circumstances do not determine their future. I believe that success comes with the responsibility to lift others as you climb. My story is still being written, but its direction is clear. The challenges I have faced have strengthened my resilience, my community has taught me the value of service, and my education has given me the confidence to dream bigger than I ever imagined. I am committed to building a future defined by purpose, leadership, and impact. With the support of scholarships like this one, I will continue working toward that future and, one day, become the kind of leader whose success creates opportunities for generations to come.
Alissa Whitfield Student Profile | Bold.org