Throughout my short lived 19 years, I feel that I have made many accomplishments that set me on the path I am currently pursuing. But above all, my greatest achievement to date is getting accepted into the nursing program at the illustrious Howard University, completing my freshman year, and continuing to pursue through the hardships I face. Growing up, I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. A predominantly Caucasian state, with an African American population of only 4%. As you can imagine this low percentage alluded for a multitude of situations where I was, if not the only, one of very few African Americans in a room or even entire setting. Whether I wanted too or not, my skin color forced me to stick out like a sore thumb. Through the struggles I faced with my race, I began to embrace my culture and feel confident in my own skin. This longing for my own culture is what drove me to attend an HBCU and inspired me to thrive to become an advocate for other African Americans in underdeveloped communities. Howard University is a Black Ivy League, HBCU (Historically Black College University) with an acceptance rate of only 35%. I have always taken education extremely serious, considering how hard I worked just to get accepted into Howard, that in itself is an accomplishment. I was able to graduate from Pickens Technical College in both 2022 and 2023, acquiring over 60+ college credits, before receiving my high school diploma and graduating in 2023 from Vista Peak Preparatory. I earned both my Culinary Arts certification as well as becoming a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant). I used any opportunity to take college courses that was available to me. My college credits allowed for me to obtain a 4.6 GPA upon graduation with an overload of extra credit. I was not only a part time college and high school student, but I also worked part-time at a rehabilitation home called Advanced Health Care of Aurora and was the cheer captain of my school's varsity cheer team. Pursuing a higher education has given me the platform to advocate for my peers. As a sophomore in college, I have been given immense opportunities to become a strong student advocate for women rights and health in the African American community. I am currently an active chair member of ColoradoHBCUConnect a nonprofit organization that provides Colorado residents the opportunity to connect with peers in their state that attend HBCU's. Our mission is to allow a platform for African American students to connect and build a foundation on the importance of their education through our cultural community. Our organization brings a collective passion to strive for greatness amongst black youth. In the near future, upon completion of my BSN (Bachelor's of Science of Nursing) degree I will continue to further my education and receive my CNM (Certified Nursing Midwife). This certification will allow for me to pursue my dream of becoming a midwife and returning home to Colorado to open my own birthing clinic, where I can assist the minorities and lower-income families in my community, giving them the best pre- and post-natal care and experience for the mother and the baby. My birthing clinic will allow for me to significantly lower the African American mortality rate for women and infants which is the highest mortality rate for anyone in the world. I strive on providing prestige care for my patients and their young that will keep patients at their best health before and after birth, lowering the mortality rate one patient at a time.

Nursing. Caring for individuals, sick or in health, providing for the overall wellbeing of humanity. To be a nurse is an inspiration within itself. I have chosen to pursue a career in nursing to provide for women who are minorities and women in low-income communities in my city. I am currently enrolled at the illustrious, Black Ivy League, HBCU (Historically Black College University), Howard University located in Washington D.C. I am currently on the path to receive my BSN (Bachelor of Science of Nursing). I will obtain this degree by 2026. After completing my bachelor’s program, I will join a Nursing master’s program to receive my CNM (Certified Nursing Midwifery) degree. Upon completion of my CNM program, I then plan to open my own birthing clinic where I can provide upmost quality care for all women but specifically underrepresented African American women to lower the mortality rate for African American women and infants. Growing up, I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, a predominantly Caucasian state, with an African American population of only 4%. As you can imagine this low percentage alluded for a multitude of situations where I was, if not the only, one of very few African Americans in a room or even an entire setting. Whether I wanted too or not, my skin color forced me to stick out like a sore thumb. My actions were viewed differently than my Caucasian peers, I was always viewed as “quick to anger” and I felt as if I had to defend myself 24/7. Through the struggles I faced with my race, I began to embrace my culture and feel confident in my own skin. This longing for my own culture is what drove me to attend an HBCU and inspired me to thrive to become an advocate for other African Americans in underdeveloped communities through nursing. I am inspired to become an advocate for the minorities in my community and provide my fellow African American peers the platform to thrive in their authentic identity without watering themselves down for society and those around them. I am advocating through ColoradoHBCUConnect, which is a non-profit organization that gives Colorado native HBCU attendees a platform to share experiences and knowledge through culture. Furthermore, pursuing my CNM to accommodate to the specific needs of pregnant African American women will be a fulfillment to my success, bringing life into the world is an exhilarating and a mind-blowing thing that women are capable of doing. We are powerhouses to life in our society and no one deserves to be robbed of the opportunity to provide life or live to care for that life due to ones malpractice or lack of interest in providing upmost care simply because the individual comes from a different background or cannot afford it. I will provide a place for all childbearing individuals whether that be African American or underrepresented Caucasians or Hispanics, where they will be in FULL control of their pre/post natal care, without outstanding bills, because everyone and their child deserve the most effective, efficient and inexpensive care.

Nursing. Caring for individuals, sick or in health, providing for the overall wellbeing of humanity. To be a nurse is an inspiration within itself. I have chosen to pursue a career in nursing to provide for women who are minorities and women in low-income communities in my city. I am currently enrolled at the illustrious, Black Ivy League, HBCU (Historically Black College University), Howard University located in Washington D.C. I am currently on the path to receive my BSN (Bachelor of Science of Nursing). I will obtain this degree by 2026. After completing my bachelor’s program, I will join a Nursing master’s program to receive my CNM (Certified Nursing Midwifery) degree. Upon completion of my CNM program, I then plan to open my own birthing clinic where I can provide upmost quality care for all women but specifically underrepresented African American women to lower the mortality rate for African American women and infants. Growing up, I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. A predominantly Caucasian state, with an African American population of only 4%. As you can imagine this low percentage alluded for a multitude of situations where I was, if not the only, one of very few African Americans in a room or even entire setting. Whether I wanted too or not, my skin color forced me to stick out like a sore thumb. My actions were viewed differently than my Caucasian peers, I was always viewed as “quick to anger” and I felt as if I had to defend myself 24/7. Through the struggles I faced with my race, I began to embrace my culture and feel confident in my own skin. This longing for my own culture is what drove me to attend an HBCU and inspired me to thrive to become an advocate for other African Americans in underdeveloped communities. I am inspired to become an advocate for the minorities in my community and provide my fellow African American peers the platform to thrive in their authentic identity without watering themselves down for society and those around them. I am advocating through ColoradoHBCUConnect, which is a non-profit organization that gives Colorado native HBCU attendees a platform to share experiences and knowledge through culture. Furthermore, pursuing my CNM to accommodate to the specific needs of pregnant African American women will be a fulfillment to my success, bringing life into the world is an exhilarating and a mind-blowing thing that women are capable of doing. We are powerhouses to life in our society and no one deserves to be robbed of the opportunity to provide life or live to care for that life due to ones malpractice or lack of interest in providing upmost care simply because the individual comes from a different background or cannot afford it. I will provide a place for all childbearing individuals whether that be African American or underrepresented Caucasians or Hispanics, where they will be in FULL control of their pre/post natal care, without outstanding bills, because everyone and their child deserve the most effective, efficient and inexpensive care.

Nursing. Caring for individuals, sick or in health, providing for the overall wellbeing of humanity. To be a nurse is an inspiration within itself. I have chosen to pursue a career in nursing to provide for women who are minorities and women in low-income communities in my city. I am currently enrolled at the illustrious, Black Ivy League, HBCU (Historically Black College University), Howard University located in Washington D.C. I am currently on the path to receive my BSN (Bachelor of Science of Nursing). I will obtain this degree by 2026. After completing my bachelor’s program, I will join a Nursing master’s program to receive my CNM (Certified Nursing Midwifery) degree. Upon completion of my CNM program, I then plan to open my own birthing clinic where I can provide upmost quality care for all women but specifically underrepresented African American women to lower the mortality rate for African American women and infants. Growing up, I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. A predominantly Caucasian state, with an African American population of only 4%. As you can imagine this low percentage alluded for a multitude of situations where I was, if not the only, one of very few African Americans in a room or even entire building. Whether I wanted too or not, my skin color forced me to stick out like a sore thumb. My actions were viewed differently than my Caucasian peers, I was always viewed as “quick to anger” and I felt as if I had to defend myself 24/7. Through the struggles I faced with my race, I began to embrace my culture and feel confident in my own skin. This longing for my own culture is what drove me to attend an HBCU and inspired me to thrive to become an advocate for other African Americans in underdeveloped communities. I am inspired to become an advocate for the minorities in my community and provide my fellow African American peers the platform to thrive in their authentic identity without watering themselves down for society and those around them. Furthermore, bringing life into the world is an exhilarating and a mind-blowing thing that women are capable of doing. We are powerhouses to life in our society and no one deserves to be robbed of the opportunity to provide life and live to care for that life due to malpractice or lack of interest in providing upmost care simply because the individual comes from a different background or cannot afford it. I will provide a place for all childbearing individuals because everyone and their child deserve the best care.

Born and raised in Colorado, I have faced many struggles with racial identity and discrimination. Colorful Colorado is an extreme overstatement of the diversity demonstrated throughout the state. Colorado is a predominantly caucasian state that has an African American Population of only 4.5%, lower than the hispanic and asian population. The overtly low population caused for me to constantly be put in situations where I was, if not the only, one of very few African Americans in a room, a program, or even an entire building. These situations I believe both benefited and harmed my development as a child. Being surrounded by no one I could relate to personally made me feel the need to conform to my peers and attempt to be more like them to “fit in”. I struggled with my racial identity and authentic personality, I often found myself being “too black” for the caucasian/hispanic community and “not black enough” for the African American community, constantly searching for a way in the crowd. As I became older, Black Excellence, Black Girl Magic, and Black Power was something I desired to be apart of. I was determined to do everything in my power to be the best version of myself I could possibly become, which for me meant I needed to pursue higher education. The way of the world also was shifting, media outlets began to focus on the accomplishments of Black Americans rather than the harsh negative stereotypes. This was inspiring to see all that African Americans were capable of becoming but saddening at the same time. I felt as if I were robbed of my culture simply due to my environment. Through sports, I was able to advocate for myself and my fellow African American peers. In gymnastics, I was All-Around champion 3 years in a row, and competed in Track and Field and Cheerleading as well. My senior year of high school, I was nominated to be captain of the cheer team and took a lot of pride into my role, allowing me to accumulate “Cheerleader of the Year” “Senior of the Year” and “Easiest to Talk To” Awards. Throughout High school, I thrived to become a strong advocate for underrepresented African American students in my school being President of Black Student Alliance and an Officer of the National Honor Society, I pushed for fairness and inclusion in all aspects. I was also the only African American student to complete 2 years of Dual enrollment at Pickens Technical College, earning my Culinary Arts and Medical Assistant certification. I am now part of ColoradoHBCUConnect, which is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing a safe environment for Colorado HBCU attendees to work together and spread awareness of HBCU’s and cultural importance. I am now enrolled in the illustrious, Black Ivy League, Howard University as a Nursing Major, Business Minor. I plan on pursuing a masters degree to receive my CNM (Certified Nursing Midwifery) and return to Colorado and open my own birthing clinic where I can help serve African American, low income, and underprivileged women through the process of their pregnancies to allow a safe space for woman and lower the high mortality rate for both African American woman and children.

Nursing. Caring for individuals, sick or in health, providing for the overall wellbeing of humanity. To be a nurse is an inspiration within itself. I have chosen to pursue a career in nursing to provide for women who are minorities and women in low-income communities in my city. I am currently enrolled at the illustrious, Black Ivy League, HBCU (Historically Black College University), Howard University located in Washington D.C. I am currently on the path to receive my BSN (Bachelor of Science of Nursing). I will obtain this degree by 2026. After completing my bachelor’s program, I will join a Nursing master’s program to receive my CNM (Certified Nursing Midwifery) degree. Upon completion of my CNM program, I then plan to open my own birthing clinic where I can provide upmost quality care for all women but specifically underrepresented African American women to lower the mortality rate for African American women and infants. Growing up, I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. A predominantly Caucasian state, with an African American population of only 4%. As you can imagine this low percentage alluded for a multitude of situations where I was, if not the only, one of very few African Americans in a room or even entire building. Whether I wanted too or not, my skin color forced me to stick out like a sore thumb. My actions were viewed differently than my Caucasian peers, I was always viewed as “quick to anger” and I felt as if I had to defend myself 24/7. Through the struggles I faced with my race, I began to embrace my culture and feel confident in my own skin. This longing for my own culture is what drove me to attend an HBCU and inspired me to thrive to become an advocate for other African Americans in underdeveloped communities. I am inspired to become an advocate for the minorities in my community and provide my fellow African American peers the platform to thrive in their authentic identity without watering themselves down for society and those around them. Furthermore, bringing life into the world is an exhilarating and a mind-blowing thing that women are capable of doing. We are powerhouses to life in our society and no one deserves to be robbed of the opportunity to provide life and live to care for that life due to malpractice or lack of interest in providing upmost care simply because the individual comes from a different background or cannot afford it. I will provide a place for all childbearing individuals because everyone and their child deserve the best care.

Throughout my short lived 19 years on this earth, I feel that I have made many accomplishments that set me on the path I am currently pursuing. But above all, my greatest achievement to date is getting accepted into the nursing program at the illustrious Howard University, completing my freshman year, and continuing to pursue through the hardships I faced. Howard University is a Black Ivy League, HBCU (Historically Black College University) with an acceptance rate of only 35%. Considering how hard I worked just to get accepted into Howard, that in itself is an accomplishment. I was able to graduate from Pickens Technical College in both 2022 and 2023, acquiring over 60+ college credits, before receiving my high school diploma and graduating in 2023 from Vista Peak Preparatory. I earned both my Culinary Arts certification as well as becoming a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant). I used any opportunity to take college courses that was available to me. My college credits allowed for me to obtain a 4.6 GPA upon graduation with an overload of extra credit. I was not only a part time college and high school student, but I also worked part-time at a rehabilitation home called Advanced Health Care of Aurora and was the cheer captain of my school's varsity cheer team. Even with everything I had on my plate, I was able to juggle around a multitude of responsibilities and show up for those around me. My senior year I was awarded the "Cheerleader of the Year" award as well as "Senior of the Year" and smaller awards such as, "Easiest Person to Talk too". My freshman year of college was an extremely trying time for me as an individual. Attending an HBCU was a dream of mine, but I was not prepared for all the new responsibilities that came with simply just being a college student. Coming from Denver, Colorado, a predominately Caucasian state with a 4% African American population. I was used to being the only African American in many aspects of my life, whether it was school, extracurriculars, sports, or even summer camps, eyes were always on me as one or one of very few African Americans in the room. This caused me to stand out in my own way and change the norms in certain elements in my community. Going to Howard, I was surrounded by those who not only could relate to me mentally but could also relate to my experiences of being African American in a White America. Suddenly, I did not feel so alone, I did not feel like the odd one out. I was able to express my emotions without suppression and worrying of how others may view me. The overall experience of being surrounded by likeminded individuals who also share the same skin color as you is a particular aspect that I believe some people overtly take for granted. Being able to struggle firsthand amongst those who you relate to on such a deeper level allowed for me to blossom into the most authentic version of myself. I learned not to dwell in the battles we must face, and that comparison is the thief of happiness. I learned to live for nobody but myself, create my own goals and not be heavily influenced by all the outer force surrounding me. I have absolutely grown majorly as an individual and stopped conforming to the norms of society to make everyone around me happy. I sulk in my authenticity and would not trade who I am now for anything in the world. In the near future, upon completion of my BSN (Bachelor's of Science of Nursing) degree I will continue to further my education and receive my CNM (Certified Nursing Midwife). This certification will allow for me to pursue my dream of becoming a midwife and returning home to Colorado to open my own birthing clinic, where I can assist the minorities and lower-income families in my community, giving them the best pre- and post-natal care and experience for the mother and the baby. My birthing clinic will allow for me to significantly lower the African American mortality rate for women and infants which is the highest mortality rate for anyone in the world. I strive on providing prestige care for my patients and their young that will keep patients at their best health before and after birth, lowering the mortality rate one patient at a time.

Social issues in America alone vary in many multitudes. From discrimination to healthcare, an immense amount of social issues arise affecting women, particularly women of color. African american women are viewed in a negative light, making them extremely vulnerable to many social issues. They are also the least represented group of individuals in places like government, the workforce, and are extremely discriminated against in healthcare. Growing up in Denver, Colorado, a state with a total population of 4% African Americans, it was on rare occasions that I was put in situations where I felt similar or related to my peers. In early school life, I was typically the only African american child in a classroom and one of very few in a school. This caused the feeling of being an outcast and different from those around me and it was transparent that some of my peers reflected those negative connotations. The defeatism reining from my peers incited a lack of confidence within my character and how I authentically represented myself. I began to naturally gravitate to other African american students because they gave me the sense of security and non judgment that lacked in my relationships with other peers outside my race. Regardless of the struggles I faced as a child, I have overcome discrimination of my race and I am pushing for change in our society by pursuing a degree in nursing and midwifery. I am currently enrolled at The Howard University an illustrious, black ivy league, HBCU (Historically Black College University) located in Washington D.C.. Leaving my predominately caucasian state to attend Howard was one of the biggest decisions I had ever made. Howard University is 97% African American students, and is located across the country. This to me was a drastic change from my normality of Colorado public school and everyday life. As a Sophomore in college, I have been given immense opportunities to become a strong student advocate for women rights and health in the African American community. I have participated in a Sickle Cell Awareness march, spoken with panels regarding African american healthcare statistics, and conducted Wellness Wednesday's for my peers. I am currently an active chair member of Colorado HBCU Connect a nonprofit organization that provides Colorado residents the opportunity to connect with peers in their state that attend their home HBCU or another HBCU. Our mission is to allow a platform for African american students to connect and build a foundation on the importance of their education and enlightenment through our cultural community. Our organization brings a collective passion to strive for greatness amongst black youth. As an African american woman, it is vital to me that my community is given the opportunity to use all of the resources available to them that I lacked access to. A group of like minded individuals, of all ages, all from similar backgrounds able to connect and share their experiences. Furthermore, upon completion of my BSN (Bachelors of Science of Nursing), I will continue my education to pursue a CNM (Certified Nursing Midwife). After obtaining this license I plan on returning to Colorado to open my own birthing clinic, where I can assist minorities in child birth and give them the best shot at survival. Overall lowering the mortality rate for African american women and children.