Being an underrepresented minority has always been a part of how I move through the world, even before I had the words to describe it. Growing up, I was often one of the only people in my classrooms who looked like me. I learned early how to adapt, speak up when necessary, and sometimes stay quiet just to fit in. While those experiences made me resilient, they also made me aware of how exhausting it can be to constantly feel like you’re representing more than just yourself. When it came time to choose a college, I knew I wanted something different. I decided to attend a Historically Black College or University because I wanted to experience what it felt like to be the majority for once. I didn’t want to spend another chapter of my life questioning whether I belonged in the room. I wanted to walk into spaces where my presence was normal, expected, and valued. Attending an HBCU has been one of the most affirming decisions I’ve made. Being surrounded by people who share similar backgrounds, cultures, and experiences has allowed me to show up as my full self. I no longer feel pressure to code-switch or explain who I am. Instead, I’m encouraged to speak confidently, take up space, and pursue opportunities without hesitation. Seeing Black professors in leadership roles and Black students excelling in their fields has made success feel realistic and attainable, not like something meant for “other people.” This experience has changed the way I see myself and my future. I’ve gained confidence not just academically, but personally. I’ve learned that my identity is not a limitation, it’s a strength. Being in an environment that celebrates Black excellence has motivated me to set higher goals for myself and take my education seriously, especially as an accounting major entering a field where people who look like me are still underrepresented. Looking ahead, my identity will continue to shape the path I take. I plan to enter professional spaces knowing that I belong there, even if I am once again one of the few. My time at an HBCU has prepared me for that reality by giving me a strong sense of self and community to lean on. I want to be someone who opens doors, challenges stereotypes, and creates space for others who may not see themselves represented. Choosing an HBCU wasn’t just about academics, it was about choosing myself. It was about stepping into an environment that allowed me to grow without shrinking who I am. Being the majority has reminded me of my worth, strengthened my confidence, and helped shape the person I am becoming. That foundation will stay with me as I continue building my future.

Legacy, to me, is not defined by wealth, titles, or recognition, but by the impact you leave behind and the opportunities you create for others. Legacy means making life easier, clearer, or more possible for the people who come after you because of the choices you made. It is the story people tell about how you changed the direction of what was once considered normal or expected. My upbringing has shaped how I view life, responsibility, and success. Growing up, I learned the value of hard work early on. I watched my single father navigate the challenges of parenthood without many resources or role models to help guide him. He knew very little about financial literacy and never worked in a professional environment. These realities did not weaken me, they pushed me to thrive for more. I had to learn how to ask questions, seek guidance, and figure things out on my own, often through trial and error. Being raised in that environment taught me self-reliance, but it also revealed cycles that I knew I wanted to change. One of those cycles is the lack of general knowledge. Important information about finances, education, and career planning is learned too late or not at all in my family. Another cycle is the idea that survival is the goal. I want more than survival, I want stability, growth, and freedom. Recognizing these patterns pushed me to be intentional about my decisions and motivated me to pursue higher education and a career path that offers both security and impact. I plan to break these cycles by becoming a source of knowledge and access. As a first-generation college student pursuing accounting and working toward becoming a CPA, I am building a foundation that extends beyond myself. I want to normalize conversations about money, planning, and long-term strategy within my family and community. I plan to share what I learn, mentor others who feel lost at the beginning of their journeys and show that it is possible to build a life that is not defined by constant struggle. At the same time, I aim to continue the positive aspects of my upbringing resilience, humility, and a strong work ethic. These values keep me grounded and remind me where I come from. They ensure that as I grow, I remain connected to my purpose and to the people who shaped me. Legacy, to me, is proof that change is possible. It is breaking limiting cycles while honoring where you started. It is becoming an example that others can follow, not because the path was easy, but because it was intentional. Through my choices, I hope to leave behind a legacy of progress, access, and possibility one that continues long after I take my last step forward.

Being a first-generation college student means navigating a world without a map. It means carrying pride and pressure at the same time, pride in being the first in my family to pursue higher education, and pressure to succeed without fully understanding the unspoken rules of college. My family supports me deeply, but they cannot always guide me through academic systems, professional networking, or long-term career planning. Everything I’ve learned has come through trial, error, and persistence. One of my biggest challenges was learning how to advocate for myself and create opportunities from scratch. During my first year of college, I struggled to find my place academically and professionally. I didn’t know how to build a network, seek mentors, or prepare for internships. At times, this made me question whether I truly belonged in college. Instead of giving up, I chose to lean into discomfort. I began attending organization meetings, asking questions even when I felt unsure, and placing myself in spaces that felt intimidating. Over time, those small steps led to growth. I became involved in multiple organizations, attended professional conferences, and began interviewing for roles that align with my career goals. What drives me is the desire to create stability and opportunity not only for myself, but for my family and those who will come after me. I am pursuing a degree in accounting with the goal of becoming a CPA, because I value structure, responsibility, and the power of financial knowledge. I want a career that allows me to build a secure future while also opening doors for others who may feel overlooked or unprepared. This scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my journey. Financial stress is a constant reality as a first-generation student, and receiving this support would allow me to focus more fully on my academics, professional development, and leadership opportunities. It would reduce the burden of working multiple responsibilities at once and give me the freedom to invest in experiences that move me closer to my goals. My dream is not just to graduate, but to thrive to grow into someone who proves that where you start does not limit how far you can go. This scholarship would be an investment in my determination, resilience, and commitment to building a future defined by purpose and progress.

To me, the phrase “not all stars must fall” means that there is always more and better ahead. It reminds me that growth does not stop once a goal is reached and that there is no final destination where progress ends. Life is about constantly tailoring your goals as you reach them, allowing yourself to evolve rather than believing success has a ceiling. Falling is not required for growth, and settling is not a necessity once you’ve achieved something meaningful. One challenge I’ve faced in pursuing my goals has been navigating college as a first-generation student. My family does not fully understand the stressors of college or the unwritten rules that come with it. During my first year, I struggled to build a professional network because I did not even know where to start. I felt discouraged and began to think that college might not be for me. The lack of guidance made it easy to question whether I truly belonged in these spaces. Eventually, I shifted my mindset. I told myself that if I simply started putting myself in rooms where opportunities existed, I could see what might happen. That decision changed everything. This year, I am involved in multiple organizations, have attended professional conferences, and have interviewed for positions that will help launch my career. What once felt intimidating now feels empowering. I realized that access often comes from presence, and confidence grows through action. As I’ve begun my rise, I haven’t fallen. I have experienced denial and rejection, but I’ve learned to see those moments as redirection rather than failure. Rejection now means “not right now,” not “never.” Anything I’ve been denied, I plan to reapply for and earn in the future. I’ve learned that persistence matters just as much as preparation. This mindset shift showed me that ambition is not a flaw, but a sign of growth. I worked through internal conflict by reframing how I viewed success. Instead of seeing goals as endpoints, I began viewing them as checkpoints. Each achievement became confirmation that I was capable of more, not a signal to stop. I allowed myself to dream bigger without guilt and adjust my goals based on who I was becoming. This shift helped me move forward with clarity instead of pressure, replacing the fear of “never enough” with confidence in continuous progress. There were also moments when external challenges, such as balancing demanding coursework, professional development, and personal responsibilities, made it tempting to scale back my dreams. It would have been easier to aim lower or choose comfort over challenge. But “not all stars must fall” reminded me that I did not need to shrink to survive. I could continue rising at my own pace without burning out or losing parts of myself along the way. This experience has inspired me to keep striving because I now understand that success is not a single achievement, but a mindset. There will always be new versions of myself to grow into, new opportunities to pursue, and new goals to shape. Knowing this motivates me rather than scares me. I am not chasing an ending, I am building a future that expands as I do. Most importantly, this perspective has shaped how I encourage others. I remind people that reaching a goal does not mean the journey is over and that wanting more does not make them ungrateful or unrealistic. I encourage them to honor their progress while still believing in what’s next. Everyone’s path looks different, and growth does not have to involve failure to be valid. “Not all stars must fall” is a reminder that we are allowed to keep rising. We are allowed to redefine success as we evolve and pursue more without apology. As I continue working toward my dreams, I carry this mindset with me not as pressure to constantly achieve, but as permission to grow, adapt, and shine in new ways.

I am a first-generation college student with a deep drive to create a meaningful and lasting impact, not only for myself and my family but also for my community and the broader financial industry. Growing up in a single parent household where financial struggles were part of daily life, I witnessed firsthand how financial hardship can shape a family’s future. My father, who raised me alone after the passing of my mother to cystic fibrosis and the loss of our home in a house fire, taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of making wise financial decisions. His sacrifices are what fuel my ambition today. I chose to major in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Analytics because I want to help individuals and businesses make smarter financial choices, prevent financial hardship, and promote economic growth in underrepresented communities. Experiencing financial uncertainty growing up made me realize how crucial financial literacy and sound financial planning are. I want to be part of creating solutions that give families and businesses the tools to build security and wealth for future generations. Currently, Black professionals make up less than 6% of financial analysts in the United States, and the percentage is even smaller for those who pursue advanced credentials like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. In my program, I represent a very small percentage of students who look like me or come from a similar background. This reality motivates me even more because I know that representation matters. By being in this space and striving for excellence, I hope to open doors for others who come after me. I want to help change the narrative that finance is not a field for people of color or first-generation students. My long term goal is to become a financial analyst and ultimately a leader in corporate finance or investment strategy. I hope to leverage financial data to drive ethical, informed business decisions that positively impact both companies and communities. But beyond my personal career aspirations, I want to give back. I plan to mentor young students from underrepresented backgrounds, advocate for financial education in underserved schools, and create pathways for more diverse talent to enter the finance industry. I believe the next generation will be inspired when they see someone who looks like them and comes from similar struggles succeeding in spaces where we’ve historically been underrepresented. My story is one of overcoming adversity losing a mother, losing a home, and still rising through hard work, faith, and education. I want to show others that their dreams are valid, no matter their circumstances, and that they too can achieve success with dedication and resilience. This scholarship represents more than financial relief, it represents a belief in my potential and my mission. With this support, I will continue to break barriers, inspire others, and use finance as a tool for positive change in my community and beyond. Thank you for considering my application.

I am a first-generation college student with a strong drive to create a meaningful and lasting impact, not only for myself and my family but also for the communities I aim to serve. Growing up in a household where financial struggles were common, I developed a deep appreciation for the value of hard work, discipline, and education. My father instilled in me the importance of perseverance and self-reliance. His sacrifices and support have fueled my ambition and shaped the person I am today. I am currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Analytics. This scholarship would make a tremendous difference in my academic journey. As someone who has had to juggle work and school to cover tuition and living expenses, the financial burden can be a significant source of stress. This support would not only ease that pressure but also allow me to fully focus on my coursework, engage in professional development opportunities, and pursue internships that align with my career aspirations. It would give me the freedom to invest more in my education and future, rather than constantly worrying about financial constraints. My long-term goal is to become a financial analyst and eventually move into a leadership role in corporate finance or investment strategy. I am particularly passionate about using data to drive better financial decisions, improve business outcomes, and support sustainable economic growth. One of my aspirations is to work for a firm where I can help businesses make informed, strategic choices while also promoting ethical financial practices. I hope to earn a CFA designation and possibly an MBA in the future to further advance my career and broaden my impact. A major turning point in my life came during my junior year of high school, when my family’s house burned down. We lost nearly everything we owned in a matter of hours. The shock, fear, and displacement that followed created one of the most emotionally and physically difficult times I’ve ever experienced. For weeks, we lived with extended family and relied on their support. It was hard to focus on school when my entire world felt like it had collapsed. But during that time, I learned how strong and resilient I could be. I leaned on my family, stayed connected with my teachers, and took things one day at a time. I also began working part-time to help cover some basic expenses. What carried me through was the belief that education was my path forward that if I stayed focused, I could rebuild and rise above that devastating experience. That adversity deepened my appreciation for stability, planning, and financial security key reasons I chose to study financial analytics. This scholarship represents more than just financial aid it is an affirmation of my potential and a critical stepping stone toward achieving my dreams. It would allow me to continue my studies without the overwhelming burden of financial stress and help me stay focused on becoming a leader who uses finance as a tool for positive change. Thank you for considering my application.

I believe I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because my life has been shaped by resilience, loss, and a determination to turn pain into purpose. My journey has not been easy, but through every hardship, I’ve grown stronger, more compassionate, and more driven to make my dreams a reality, not only for myself but for those who are no longer here to see them fulfilled. During my junior year of high school, my life changed forever when we lost our home in a house fire. In a matter of moments, everything familiar and comforting was gone. The walls that once held our laughter and memories turned to ashes, leaving us without a place to call home. But even in that devastating moment, I learned something powerful, that home is more than a building. It’s the people who surround you with love, the resilience you hold in your heart, and the faith you keep alive when everything else feels lost. Rebuilding from that tragedy taught me the importance of perseverance and gratitude for what truly matters. However, the most painful chapter of my life was losing my mother to cystic fibrosis. Watching someone you love fight a battle they cannot win leaves a mark on your soul. My mother was my heart, my inspiration, and my safe place. Her strength through her illness taught me what it means to fight with grace. Even on her hardest days, she smiled, loved deeply, and encouraged me to dream bigger than our circumstances. Losing her broke my heart, but it also gave me a deeper purpose, to live the kind of life that honors her spirit and strength. I carry her with me in everything I do, and her memory motivates me to chase my dreams with the same courage she showed every day. Growing up with just my father, I witnessed firsthand what it means to sacrifice and lead with love. My dad stepped into both parental roles without hesitation, putting his own needs aside to make sure I had what I needed. He became my provider, protector, and greatest supporter. Seeing his dedication and selflessness showed me the meaning of hard work and unconditional love. He taught me that even in the face of adversity, we must keep going not because it’s easy, but because giving up is not an option. I aspire to achieve my dreams not because I want recognition, but because I want to make my family’s sacrifices and my mother’s life meaningful. I want to create a life filled with impact, joy, and purpose, proving that pain can birth greatness. My dreams are not just about me, they are about carrying forward the legacy of those who built me and honoring the struggles that shaped me. I am worth my dreams because I refuse to let my past define my limits. Instead, I let it fuel my ambition. Through every setback, I have chosen growth. Through every loss, I have found strength. And with every step forward, I carry the love, lessons, and resilience of my family with me.

After my mother passed away when I was four years old, my father stepped up in ways that went against the expectations often placed on Black men in our community. He became both my protector and nurturer, embodying strength and vulnerability all at once. Watching him navigate these challenges taught me the power of adaptability, perseverance, and love, values that have become the cornerstone of my aspirations and the way I plan to pursue them during and after college. In many ways, my father defied societal norms. In the Black community, single fathers are often overlooked or even doubted in their ability to raise children, especially daughters. Yet, my father embraced the role wholeheartedly, prioritizing my well being and ensuring I never lacked love or opportunity. His willingness to take on this responsibility showed me that strength isn’t just about physical power, it’s about showing up, even when the odds are stacked against you. That lesson inspired my determination to build a career in finance, where I hope to uplift those who, like my father, refuse to be defined by limiting stereotypes. Despite my father’s unwavering love and dedication, growing up without a motherly influence was not without its challenges. Tapping into my femininity felt difficult at times because I was raised in an environment defined by masculine energy. There were moments when I struggled to find role models who looked like me or shared my experiences as a young Black woman. I often felt caught between two worlds, one where I was expected to be strong and independent like my father, and another where I yearned to embrace my softness and femininity. This tension has given me a unique perspective that I now see as a strength. During my time in college, I plan to use my experience to fuel my drive for success and to create spaces for other young women who may feel caught in similar dynamics. I will seek out mentorship opportunities with Black women in finance to help me navigate the complexities of my chosen field while also embracing my own identity. I will join student organizations focused on supporting Black students and women in business, using those platforms to build a network of support and to advocate for the importance of diversity and representation in finance. Beyond academics, I want to mentor younger students, especially girls growing up in nontraditional households like mine. I hope to show them that it’s possible to thrive, even when the path forward feels uncertain. After graduation, I plan to work in financial planning or analysis, focusing on helping Black families build generational wealth and stability. My father’s example taught me that love and resilience are powerful forces, and I believe financial literacy and economic empowerment are essential tools for creating lasting change in our communities. Ultimately, growing up with a single father taught me to be strong, adaptable, and determined. My father’s journey has become the foundation for my own dreams, and I’m committed to using my education to honor his sacrifices and build a better future for us both and for others who share our story.

Going to college is more than just an educational journey for me it’s a life changing opportunity to grow, break generational barriers, and step into my full potential. As a first-generation college student, attending college represents a major milestone not only for myself but for my family and community. It’s a path toward independence, leadership, and long-term success, and it offers the tools I need to create a better future for myself and others. Choosing to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) was intentional. HBCUs offer more than just academics they offer culture, community, and a powerful sense of belonging. In a world where Black voices are often overlooked or undervalued, being surrounded by faculty, staff, and students who understand my experiences and uplift my identity is incredibly empowering. At my HBCU, I don’t just feel like a student I feel seen, heard, and celebrated. I’m learning in an environment where Black excellence is the norm, not the exception. College is important to me because it’s helping me build a foundation in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Analytics, a field where I am often one of few people who look like me. I want to change that. I want to excel in finance, not only for personal success but to be a role model for other young Black students who may not see themselves represented in the business world. Through my education, I am gaining the technical skills, strategic thinking, and confidence I need to compete and thrive in the professional world. But college is not just about academics it’s also about networking and relationship building. One of the most valuable aspects of attending an HBCU is the strength of the alumni network. HBCU graduates often go above and beyond to uplift and mentor the next generation. I’ve already connected with professionals who have offered career advice, and mentorship that I wouldn’t have found elsewhere. The power of this network is real, and it motivates me to stay focused and give back as I rise. What I hope to gain most from my college experience is growth academically, professionally, and personally. I want to leave college not just with a degree, but with a sharpened sense of purpose, a community of like-minded individuals, and the readiness to step confidently into any room. I want to be part of the legacy of Black excellence that HBCUs have cultivated for generations leaders, innovators, and change makers who succeed not in spite of their identity, but because of it. College is important to me because it is my launching pad. It’s where I am building the knowledge, network, and mindset to achieve greatness not just for myself, but for everyone I represent. It’s where I am learning to lead, to excel, and to carry forward the excellence that my ancestors dreamed of. And I am proud to be on that path.

I am a first-generation college student with a strong drive to create a meaningful and lasting impact, not only for myself and my family but also for the communities I aim to serve. Growing up in a household where financial struggles were common, I developed a deep appreciation for the value of hard work, discipline, and education. My father instilled in me the importance of perseverance and self-reliance. His sacrifices and support have fueled my ambition and shaped the person I am today. I am currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Analytics. This scholarship would make a tremendous difference in my academic journey. As someone who has had to juggle work and school to cover tuition and living expenses, the financial burden can be a significant source of stress. This support would not only ease that pressure but also allow me to fully focus on my coursework, engage in professional development opportunities, and pursue internships that align with my career aspirations. It would give me the freedom to invest more in my education and future, rather than constantly worrying about financial constraints. My long-term goal is to become a financial analyst and eventually move into a leadership role in corporate finance or investment strategy. I am particularly passionate about using data to drive better financial decisions, improve business outcomes, and support sustainable economic growth. One of my aspirations is to work for a firm where I can help businesses make informed, strategic choices while also promoting ethical financial practices. I hope to earn a CFA designation and possibly an MBA in the future to further advance my career and broaden my impact. A major turning point in my life came during my junior year of high school, when my family’s house burned down. We lost nearly everything we owned in a matter of hours. The shock, fear, and displacement that followed created one of the most emotionally and physically difficult times I’ve ever experienced. For weeks, we lived with extended family and relied on their support. It was hard to focus on school when my entire world felt like it had collapsed. But during that time, I learned how strong and resilient I could be. I leaned on my family, stayed connected with my teachers, and took things one day at a time. I also began working part-time to help cover some basic expenses. What carried me through was the belief that education was my path forward that if I stayed focused, I could rebuild and rise above that devastating experience. That adversity deepened my appreciation for stability, planning, and financial security key reasons I chose to study financial analytics. This scholarship represents more than just financial aid it is an affirmation of my potential and a critical stepping stone toward achieving my dreams. It would allow me to continue my studies without the overwhelming burden of financial stress and help me stay focused on becoming a leader who uses finance as a tool for positive change. Thank you for considering my application

I am a first-generation college student with a strong passion for learning, growth, and making a meaningful impact. Growing up in a hardworking family, I witnessed the value of financial stability and how deeply it can affect every aspect of life from access to education and healthcare to the ability to plan for the future. These experiences sparked my interest in finance and inspired me to pursue a career where I can use financial knowledge as a tool for empowerment and change. Early on, I realized that financial literacy and access to sound financial guidance are often out of reach for many families, especially those in underserved communities. I saw firsthand how a lack of understanding about budgeting, investing, or credit could limit opportunities and increase vulnerability. These observations motivated me to study finance not just as a pathway to personal success, but as a way to help others build secure and sustainable futures. Through my studies, I aim to develop a strong foundation in financial management, investment strategies, and economic analysis. I plan to pursue internships and real world experiences that will prepare me for a career in financial planning, investment banking, or corporate finance. But beyond technical expertise, I want to gain the ability to communicate complex financial concepts in ways that are accessible and empowering. In the future, my goal is to work in finance with a focus on helping individuals, families, and small businesses particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds achieve financial security and independence. Whether it’s by becoming a financial advisor, working in community development finance, or contributing to ethical investment strategies, I want to use my career to bridge the gap between financial systems and the people they’re meant to serve. I also hope to mentor young people from similar backgrounds and advocate for financial literacy education in schools. Understanding money shouldn’t be a privilege it should be a basic life skill that opens doors instead of creating barriers. By using my education and experiences to help others, I believe I can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond my immediate circle. In short, pursuing a career in finance is not just a professional goal for me it’s a mission to uplift others through knowledge, access, and opportunity. With the support of this scholarship, I can focus more deeply on my education and take full advantage of the opportunities ahead. I’m determined to turn my passion into impact, and to use finance as a force for good in people’s lives.

One significant obstacle I have had to overcome in my pursuit of higher education is financial hardship. Coming from a low-income family, the cost of college often felt nearly impossible. The expenses associated with tuition, textbooks, transportation, and basic living needs created constant anxiety and uncertainty about whether I would be able to continue my education. There were moments when I questioned whether my dreams were realistic, simply because of the financial burden they placed on my family. Throughout high school, I watched my single father work tirelessly often taking on multiple jobs just to provide for our basic needs. Despite their best efforts, there were times when even small expenses became major obstacles. The idea of adding college costs to their already overwhelming responsibilities felt unfair and daunting. I knew that if I wanted to pursue higher education, I would need to take on a significant portion of the responsibility myself. During this difficult time, one person who truly helped me overcome this obstacle was my high school guidance counselor. She saw my potential and believed in my ability to succeed, even when I doubted myself. She took the time to help me research scholarships, guided me through the FAFSA process, and helped me navigate the complexities of financial aid. More than that, she provided emotional support and encouragement that helped me stay focused on my long-term goals. Her guidance was a turning point for me I realized that while I couldn’t control my family’s financial situation, I could take proactive steps to make college possible. With her support, I applied to every scholarship I could find, took on part-time work, and enrolled in dual-credit courses to reduce my future college costs. Slowly but surely, I began to see that higher education was within reach. My counselor’s belief in me, coupled with my family’s sacrifices, gave me the strength to push forward despite the financial challenges. Overcoming this obstacle taught me resilience, determination, and resourcefulness, qualities that continue to drive me today. It also deepened my appreciation for the support systems that help students like me succeed. Because of this experience, I’m not only committed to achieving my own goals but also passionate about helping others navigate similar challenges. In the end, the financial struggle I faced did not stop me, it motivated me. And with the help of those who believed in me, especially my counselor and my family, I am now on a path that once seemed impossible.I

My name is Aylana Morris I am a rising sophomore and I attend the North Carolina Central University. My passion for finance is rooted not just in numbers, but in people. I see finance as more than spreadsheets and stocks it's a powerful tool that shapes lives, communities, and opportunities. Growing up in a household led by a single father after the loss of my mother to cystic fibrosis and the destruction of our home in a fire, I learned early on the value of every dollar and the importance of financial stability. These experiences didn’t just teach me to be resilient they sparked my determination to understand how money works and how it can be used to empower people who are often left out of the financial system. My interest in finance deepened as I began to see the disparities that exist in economic access, especially within Black and underrepresented communities. I began asking hard questions: Why do so many people in my community lack access to financial education? Why are minority-owned businesses less likely to receive funding or loans? Why do generational wealth gaps persist across racial and economic lines? These questions fueled my desire to not only study finance but to use it as a tool for equity and change. I am passionate about financial literacy, wealth-building, and inclusive economic development. I believe that improving the financial system starts with making it more transparent, accessible, and fair. One of the biggest issues is the lack of education around basic financial principles budgeting, saving, investing, and credit. These aren’t just skills; they’re survival tools. I want to help bridge that gap by creating programs and platforms that bring financial education into schools, community centers, and online spaces where people can learn without judgment or cost barriers. Another area for improvement is access to capital. Many aspiring entrepreneurs in underserved communities have innovative ideas and the drive to succeed but are stopped short by systemic barriers to funding. Through my future career in finance, I want to be part of reimagining lending practices supporting alternative credit evaluation models, advocating for more community development financial institutions, and creating investment funds specifically for minority-owned startups. Ultimately, I see myself working as a financial strategist, entrepreneur, or policymaker focused on social impact. I want to be in rooms where decisions are made decisions about how resources are allocated, who gets funding, and what policies govern financial access and I want to be a voice for fairness and inclusion in those conversations. Finance, to me, is about building futures mine, my community’s, and generations to come. It’s about using the tools of business to create opportunity where there was once only struggle. I am committed to being a part of that solution, and I am excited to continue learning, growing, and leading in a field that holds the key to real, transformative change.

Economic empowerment and business innovation are two of the most powerful tools we have to uplift underrepresented communities and create lasting, systemic change. For too long, marginalized communities especially Black and Brown populations have been denied access to the resources, education, and opportunities necessary to build wealth and achieve economic independence. I believe that by combining business strategy with a deep commitment to social equity, we can shift this problem and create inclusive systems that support lasting progress. My vision centers on making economic knowledge and entrepreneurial resources more accessible to underrepresented communities. Through business innovation, we can create platforms, programs, and services that meet the unique needs of historically excluded groups. This includes providing financial literacy education, affordable access to capital, mentorship for minority entrepreneurs, and creating networks that amplify Black and Brown voices in corporate and entrepreneurial spaces. My career goal is to become a financial strategist and entrepreneur focused on social impact. I plan to launch businesses and initiatives that directly serve underserved communities particularly Black communities by helping individuals gain control over their financial futures. One of my core ambitions is to establish a nonprofit or social enterprise dedicated to teaching financial literacy, supporting minority owned startups, and advocating for policy reforms that promote equity in business funding and access to opportunity. Business innovation allows us to reimagine systems that were not built with everyone in mind. I see entrepreneurship not only as a means of personal success, but as a vehicle for community transformation. By creating business models that prioritize community reinvestment, fair wages, inclusive hiring practices, and education, we can turn profit into purpose. Whether it's developing an app that simplifies budgeting for low-income families, or launching a micro-loan fund for Black entrepreneurs, innovation can be centered around justice. Social equity means ensuring that everyone has a fair shot not just at surviving, but at thriving. It means addressing the root causes of poverty and exclusion by building pathways that are inclusive, sustainable, and empowering. I want to help dismantle the barriers that have kept so many from building wealth whether those are poor credit education, lack of startup capital, or absence of mentorship and replace them with bridges to opportunity. My life experiences have shown me how transformative financial knowledge and support can be. As someone raised by a single father after the death of my mother and the loss of our home, I understand the challenges many families face. I also understand the strength that comes from overcoming adversity and using those lessons to uplift others. That is the core of my mission. In pursuing a career in business with a social impact focus, I am not just chasing personal success I am working to be a part of a larger movement toward justice, inclusion, and empowerment. I want to help build a future where business doesn’t just serve shareholders, but communities and where underrepresented voices are not only heard but lead the way.

As a proud member of the Black community, I have witnessed firsthand the economic disparities that continue to affect our neighborhoods gaps in wealth, access to financial education, and opportunities for entrepreneurship. These challenges are not due to a lack of intelligence or ambition but often stem from a lack of access to critical resources and financial knowledge. My goal is to change that. I plan to use my education in business finance to become a leader in promoting financial literacy and economic empowerment within the Black community. Growing up, I rarely heard conversations about credit scores, investing, budgeting, or homeownership. Financial literacy wasn’t something taught in most schools, and in many Black households mine included it was often overshadowed by the need to simply survive day-to-day. As I grew older and began learning about money management on my own, I realized how essential that knowledge is for building generational wealth and breaking cycles of poverty. This awareness inspired me to pursue a degree in business with a focus on finance. With this education, I plan to launch initiatives that provide accessible and culturally relevant financial education. I want to create community-based programs and online platforms that teach the fundamentals of budgeting, saving, credit management, investing, and starting a business. These programs will be tailored to meet people where they are whether they're high school students preparing for college, working adults trying to get out of debt, or aspiring entrepreneurs with great ideas but limited resources. In addition to education, I aim to advocate for policies and funding that support Black-owned businesses and increase access to capital. Too often, Black entrepreneurs are denied loans or lack the networks necessary to grow their ventures. Through mentorship, workshops, and partnerships with financial institutions, I want to bridge that gap and help others navigate the business world with confidence and clarity. Representation matters, and I believe that by becoming a successful Black business leader who gives back, I can help shift the narrative. I want young Black students to see someone who looks like them succeeding in boardrooms and building wealth ethically and intentionally. More importantly, I want them to know that success is not only possible, but sustainable when backed by knowledge and community support. This journey is about more than just personal achievement; it’s about lifting others as I climb. By combining my lived experiences with my formal education, I hope to become a catalyst for financial change in the Black community. Building a better path in the business world starts with access, and I’m committed to opening those doors for others, just as I am working hard to open them for myself. In the end, my vision is simple: to equip Black individuals and families with the tools to take control of their financial futures, empower our communities, and build a legacy of wealth, stability, and independence that lasts for generations.

Life has a way of testing us in unimaginable ways, and the obstacles I have faced have shaped my resilience, determination, and outlook on the future. One of the most defining moments of my life that occurred was my family home burned down. In a matter of hours, we lost everything our belongings, our sense of stability, and the physical space that held our memories. The devastation of starting over with almost nothing was overwhelming, but it was only the beginning of the challenges I would face. But way before that at the mere age of four, I experienced the greatest loss of all my mother passed away from cystic fibrosis. Watching her suffer from a chronic illness throughout my early childhood and eventually lose the battle was heartbreaking. Her strength and grace in the face of constant pain left a lasting impression on me. Losing her not only created a void in my life but also meant that I had to grow up much faster than most of my peers. With my mother gone and our home destroyed, the emotional toll was immense. I was raised from that point on by my single father, who worked tirelessly to provide for us and ensure I had the opportunity to succeed. His strength, sacrifice, and love gave me the motivation to persevere, but we faced many financial and emotional hardships along the way. Without a second income and with limited resources, every step toward achieving my goals whether it was pursuing education, participating in extracurriculars, or accessing academic resources came with additional challenges. Despite these obstacles, I have remained focused on my goals. I have learned the value of hard work, the importance of resilience, and the power of community. These experiences have not broken me they have built me. However, they have also made it clear that I cannot do everything on my own. This scholarship would be a vital stepping stone in my journey toward higher education and personal growth. It would ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to concentrate more fully on my studies and aspirations. More than that, receiving this scholarship would represent an acknowledgment of my efforts and a belief in my potential. It would give me the opportunity to continue building a future not defined by tragedy, but by perseverance and success. I am determined to honor the sacrifices of my family by becoming the first in my family to graduate from college. This scholarship would help make that dream a reality.

Charity is important to me because it reflects compassion, empathy, and a sense of responsibility toward others. It reminds me that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life. I believe in creating a more equitable world by supporting those in need. In the future, I intend to give back by volunteering my time, donating to causes I care about, and using my skills to help communities grow. Whether through mentoring, organizing events, or contributing financially, I want to be part of positive change and help uplift others whenever I can. I am also able to give back at my school since volunteering is a part of the curriculum.

My dream version of my future self is to be someone self-sufficient I want to own land to build a community and in that community, I would like to grow my food.