Being an active member of the historic black community service-based organization, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, has provided me with a platform to make a tangible difference in the communities I occupy. Together with my brothers, we have dedicated our lives to bettering these communities through the fraternity's four national programs, which serve as community outreach mentoring initiatives. These programs, established with specific goals in mind, reflect our commitment to education, senior advocacy, voter empowerment, and the empowerment of young men. Through these programs, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has consistently played a pivotal role in uplifting communities and fostering positive change, and has given me the confidence to do the same. 1. Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College Program: The first program, established in 1922, emphasizes the significance of completing secondary and collegiate education as a path to progress. This program encourages young individuals in our communities to pursue higher education, providing them with the necessary guidance and resources to succeed academically. By promoting the importance of education, we empower individuals to overcome socioeconomic barriers and unlock opportunities for personal and professional growth. 2. Brother's Keeper: The Brother's Keeper program is an essential service initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity's senior brothers, their spouses and widows, as well as retired brothers and vulnerable community members. Through this program, we strive to provide support, advocacy, and resources to those in need. By uplifting our senior brothers and community members facing challenges, we reinforce the importance of unity, care, and compassion within our communities. 3. A Voteless People is a Hopeless People: Initiated during the 1930s, this program addresses the historical disenfranchisement of African-Americans. By focusing on voter education, registration, political awareness, and empowerment, we strive to eliminate barriers preventing individuals from exercising their right to vote. For over six decades, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has played a vital role in educating communities about the voting process and advocating for equal voting rights. Through town meetings, candidate forums, and various outreach activities, we encourage active participation in the democratic process. 4. Project Alpha: Project Alpha is designed to empower young males aged 12-15 by providing education, motivation, and skill-building on responsibility, relationships, teen pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. This program equips young men with essential knowledge and guidance, enabling them to make informed decisions and take control of their futures. By addressing critical issues affecting young men, Project Alpha promotes healthy relationships, personal development, and the prevention of teen pregnancy. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated's commitment to community service through our four national programs is a testament to our unwavering dedication to uplifting and empowering the communities we serve. Through the "Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College" program, we instill the value of education, while the Brother's Keeper program ensures the well-being of our senior brothers and community members. The "A Voteless People is a Hopeless People" program promotes political awareness and empowerment, advocating for equal voting rights. Finally, Project Alpha equips young men with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful future. As an active member of the great fraternity, I take pride in the small contributions I have been able to make to society and will continue to work tirelessly to create positive change and foster thriving communities for generations to come.

Growing up in the inner city of Boston as a product of the public school system, I faced numerous challenges. Raised by a single mother who served as a police officer, our journey was marked by adversity. However, through unwavering faith and indomitable perseverance, we triumphed over difficult circumstances. This essay chronicles my path from Boston to Morehouse College, where I graduated cum laude, and my subsequent foray into the executive search industry. Moreover, it explores my ambition to inspire others by showcasing the transformative power of determination and resilience. As a Boston-born public school alum, the road to success was not an easy one. My single mother's demanding job as a police officer meant that she often had to balance long hours of work with ensuring our well-being. Despite these challenges, she and my family instilled in me the values of discipline, integrity, and the importance of education. I witnessed firsthand her unwavering dedication to serving and protecting others, which inspired me to pursue my dreams with equal fervor. Throughout my academic journey, faith served as a pillar of strength, providing solace during moments of doubt and adversity. When times were tough, my unwavering belief in a higher purpose propelled me forward. High school graduation became a symbol of triumph, not just for myself but for my mother as well. Our collective determination demonstrated that even in the face of hardship, success was attainable. The historic HBCU, Morehouse College, became the next chapter of my educational pursuit. It was at Morehouse that I discovered a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, driven by a shared desire to make a positive impact. Graduating cum laude from Morehouse was a testament to my hard work and the unwavering support of my family and mentors. The experience solidified my belief that education and resilience can truly break down barriers and uplift individuals from any background. In the executive search industry, I have found a platform to not only excel professionally but also to inspire and guide others. Armed with my scholarship, I am determined to empower young men and women from diverse backgrounds to believe in their potential. By sharing my story, I aim to show them that they too can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Through mentorship, outreach programs, and advocacy, I strive to create opportunities and a sense of possibility for those who may have been overlooked or underestimated. My journey from being just a kid from Boston to where I am now has taught me invaluable lessons of faith, perseverance, and the transformative power of education. I am committed to using my experiences and scholarship to inspire young men and women to defy the limitations society may place upon them. I firmly believe that with determination, resilience, and the right support system, anyone can overcome their circumstances and achieve greatness. By uplifting others and fostering a culture of possibility, I aim to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of individuals from all walks of life.

Like so many kids, my dream growing up was always to be a professional football player. I dreamt of playing in the Superbowl for my favorite team (New England Patriots) and leading them to a championship thanks to a game-saving play I made. As many have experienced, reality sets in, and I had to change course. Most Sundays however, during the months of August to February, you will still find me glued to the TV. The older I became, the more I began to fall in love with the business of football, not just the game itself. As much as I love to see all the one-handed catches, big hits, and close calls that altered the outcome of the game, I began to ask the question “why”. Why are the Dallas Cowboys considered “America’s Team”, but aren’t even the only team in Texas? Why is it that no matter where I go in the world, I always see at least 1 person wearing the infamous “NY” on their head or shirt? Why does almost every stadium name start with some large corporation that isn’t directly related to the sport that the stadium houses? Every year when the new Madden, 2k basketball, or MLB The Show games were released, I shied away from playing as the player, and more to the GM or Owner so I can be given more access to the various factors of developing a strong franchise. This curiosity led me to ask even more questions and find answers around the decisions organizations were required to make ranging from player personnel and the management of a team, front office responsibilities and how revenue is created and partnerships come about, to the necessities for the establishment of strong work culture. With all the knowledge I have accumulated, I saw how expansive the world of sports truly is, and how there are so many ways to be involved in it. I knew in time, I would be able to penetrate the industry. The reason I am pursuing a degree in an athletics-related field is because, in due course, I aspire to become a top strategic, and operational executive within the sports industry. Working in the executive search industry, I have gained a unique perspective of where companies are looking to not only find their next leaders, but the skills, experiences, and networks they wish this specific individual to provide with them upon starting in their new role. On the other hand, I, along with my colleagues are tasked with interacting with the various leaders in the space to understand what the market thinks of various companies, industries, and its trends. I consider my ability to work for not only my client, but also my candidate, a strength since very few roles, or sectors expect one to do this daily. I have also been able to gain knowledge of the space on the academic side through some of the merging programs that have become readily available. I was able to receive a Global Sports Management Certificate from New York University’s Tish Institute for Global Sports. Lastly, I hope to be an example to young black leaders who are looking to advance in the sports space and show them that there is still much more to the game after the clock shows double zero. We can be just as impactful in the business of sports – in the boardrooms as managers, agents, executives, and owners.