Growing up in a small, tight knit African American and Afro-Caribbean family, I was constantly reminded that our identity carries both the weight of history and the power to shape the future. My family never let me forget that our ancestors contributions within history extended far beyond national borders they helped build the world we live in today. Those early lessons gave me pride, direction, and a deep sense of responsibility. I learned that every generation must add to that legacy, and that has guided my life, education, and business journey. As I pursue a degree in Construction Technology at Monroe Community College, I see education not just as a personal achievement but as a pathway toward empowerment for my community. At the same time, I lead A&A Environmental Consulting LLC, a company I founded to address critical issues of environmental safety, particularly in underrepresented and historically neglected neighborhoods. My business specializes in asbestos abatement, mold mitigation, and demolition services fields that directly impact the health and safety of residents. The combination of classroom learning and real world work experience has strengthened my technical foundation and my understanding of how equitable access to safe environments directly affects quality of life. Despite progress, the construction and environmental industries remain areas where African American and Afro-Caribbean professionals are underrepresented. On most job sites I visit, I am reminded how rare it is to see someone who looks like me leading a crew or managing a project. This lack of representation doesn’t just affect visibility it shapes how opportunities are distributed and who gets access to the next level of growth. Financial pressures compound this challenge, especially as I work to keep my business current in an ever evolving technological landscape. Investing in new environmental education, safety equipment, and certifications requires resources that small, minority-owned firms often struggle to secure. Yet, these challenges have never discouraged me they have motivated me to work harder and to lead by example. I’ve learned that perseverance and purpose can turn barriers into stepping stones. Every project my company completes, every client we serve safely, and every new skill I master at MCC reinforces the mission that started this journey to make safety and environmental health accessible for all communities. My future vision is rooted in impact and expansion. I plan to grow A&A Environmental Consulting into a training and employment pipeline for underrepresented individuals interested in construction and environmental work. By combining the knowledge I gain through my Construction Technology program with my hands on experience in the field, I hope to mentor young professionals, teach them the technical and leadership skills they need to succeed, and inspire them to pursue careers that improve their communities. We all deserve to live in healthy, safe environments and I believe that change begins with education, opportunity, and representation. The Kim Moon Bae Underrepresented Students Scholarship will help me continue my education, expand my company’s reach, and uphold the values that my family instilled in me: pride, service, and the determination to leave the world better than I found it.

Construction is in my blood. My grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncles were all masons by trade. I grew up hearing stories about the discipline, pride, and brotherhood that came with union work. Inspired by their example, I began my own journey as an apprentice with Local 3 BAC masonry union. What makes my story unique is that I didn’t just take on the demands of apprenticeship I also balanced it with being a full-time college student and athlete. I started college at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania on an athletic scholarship while maintaining my role as a union apprentice. Juggling both worlds taught me discipline, resilience, and how to manage pressure. Later, I transferred to Bacone College in Oklahoma again on an athletic scholarship and continued my union work while pursuing my education. These experiences sharpened my time management skills and deepened my appreciation for what it takes to succeed in both the classroom and on the job site. While I began my career in masonry, carpentry is the trade I’m most passionate about today. Carpenters are essential at every stage of a project from framing to finishes and their role demands both skill and creativity. I love how carpentry brings structure to a project, and I’m drawn to the precision and problem-solving it requires. As someone who is also studying construction technology and civil engineering, I’m excited about integrating modern tools and sustainable practices into traditional craftsmanship. One of the biggest challenges I’ve noticed across job sites is inconsistency in safety practices. Especially for new or younger workers, safety training is often limited to brief orientations or outdated checklists. I want to be part of the change that improves how we teach, model, and enforce safety on site. I believe we can create stronger, safer work environments by implementing peer mentorship safety programs, where experienced union members guide apprentices through hands-on safety scenarios in real-world conditions. Learning by doing under trusted guidance can have a far greater impact than PowerPoint slides in a classroom. Additionally, I’d like to see unions take a more active role in updating safety protocols to address modern jobsite risks, such as extreme weather, digital equipment, and newer materials. By staying ahead of industry changes, we can better protect workers and prepare them for evolving challenges. I also believe in the importance of creating a culture where workers feel empowered to speak up about hazards or confusion without fear of judgment or retaliation. Unions have always been leaders in protecting and advancing the rights of workers. With my background as a multi-generational tradesman, student, athlete, and apprentice I bring a well-rounded and committed perspective to the future of construction. I know what it means to work hard, show up early, stay late, and give my all to a task. I also know how critical it is to look out for those working beside you. Receiving this scholarship would support my continued training and education while allowing me to give back to the union and construction community that has given me so much. I’m not just pursuing a trade I’m continuing a family legacy and working to make that legacy safer, stronger, and more sustainable for generations to come.