Transforming personal adversity into a catalyst for social change, my journey embodies resilience, advocacy, and a profound commitment to public service. Born into the complexities of systemic inequalities in New York City, my early experiences in the foster care system and the socio-economic challenges of my community have deeply influenced my life's direction. These foundational experiences have not only shaped my identity but have also ignited a fervent desire to champion systemic reforms that prioritize the well-being and empowerment of underserved communities. My ambition to influence policy and transform public administration into a more outcome-oriented practice stems from a personal understanding of the systemic failures that too often characterize government interventions in disadvantaged communities. To realize this vision, I recognize the critical importance of formal education in public administration. Pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Administration is a strategic step towards equipping myself with the necessary skills to engage effectively with stakeholders, build consensus, and foster sustainable solutions. This academic pursuit is more than a personal achievement; it represents a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between lived experiences of systemic inequities and the policy-making processes that shape our society. Over the past five years, my advocacy work has been driven by a genuine commitment to justice and authenticity. My leadership roles in organizations focused on child welfare, like the National Foster Youth and Alumni Council and the Office of Children and Family Services, reflect my dedication to systemic reform. However, my vision extends beyond child welfare; I seek to address the broader political, economic, and social dynamics that influence policy decisions affecting human rights and social justice. The scholarship opportunity would allow me to further my education and leadership in the field of public administration with a focus on BIPOC communities. This support would enable me to lead impactful initiatives aimed at creating resilient communities where children and families can thrive, addressing the complex socio-economic challenges that disproportionately impact marginalized groups. My ultimate goal is to contribute to national child welfare reform and broader societal improvements, leveraging my education and experiences to enact policies that foster equity and justice. As for the financial aspect of this scholarship, the relief it provides from student loans is not just about easing personal financial burdens; it's about reinvesting in the communities I am committed to serving. The funds saved from loan repayments will be redirected towards initiatives and programs that support the empowerment and advancement of vulnerable populations. This investment aligns with my life's mission to create opportunities for others to succeed and to build more equitable and just communities. In summary, my journey from adversity to advocacy demonstrates my dedication to public service and systemic reform. The educational pursuits, career aspirations, and community involvement outlined here are all interconnected facets of a larger commitment to social justice and equality. The support from the Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship would not only further my academic and professional goals but also amplify my capacity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by systemic inequalities.

Pam Beesly's journey from the background to the focal point of "The Office" mirrors my own path of self-discovery and resilience. Her transformation from a quiet receptionist into an artist, wife, and mother reflects my journey from navigating the constraints of imposed roles to fighting for systemic change in child welfare. This personal connection to Pam's story, coupled with my professional experiences, offers profound insight into my growth and the transformative effect of finding one's voice. Pam's character starts in a state of comfort yet constraint, symbolizing the untapped potential within many of us. This mirrors the initial phase of my career, where I too felt torn between the safety of remaining in the background and the desire to step into the light. In my work in child welfare, I recognized similarities between my experiences and Pam's; both of us were navigating environments that demanded a careful balance between conformity and the pursuit of more. Just as Pam's foray into art marked her liberation from self-imposed limitations, my path in child welfare advocacy has been about challenging systemic barriers and championing a world that acknowledges and values the voices of those it aims to support. Additionally, Pam's narrative demonstrates the strength found in vulnerability as well as the courage to pursue one's ambitions in the face of uncertainty. Her determination to reclaim her identity both within and outside of Dunder Mifflin echoes my desire to use my lived experience in the child welfare system as a catalyst for change. By embodying resilience and perseverance, I have fought to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that young adults have a say in creating the services that affect them. "The Office" has also greatly influenced my perspective on workplace relationships and the importance of humor in establishing connections. Humor has been an invaluable tool for me in navigating the complexity of professional relationships, especially the complex topic of child welfare. Like the characters in the show, I've discovered that laughter can break down barriers, allowing for genuine connection and collaboration. This realization has been critical to my work, as empathy and understanding lay the framework for effective lobbying and reform. Furthermore, The Office's take on office dynamics and leadership has provided insights into the challenges of leading diverse teams. Pam's ability to get along with her coworkers like Dwight, Angela, and Michael, each of whom has their own quirks and ways of working and communicating, is a reflection of the inclusive and compassionate attitude I try to maintain in my advocacy work. It emphasizes how crucial it is to see past outward appearances, see the potential in people, and create an atmosphere in which each person's voice is respected and acknowledged. Pam Beesly's wisdom, "Conquer your anxieties. "Just go after what you want and act fast, because life isn't that long," resonates powerfully with me. As I reflect on my journey, these words serve as not only a beacon but also a personal principle in my pursuit of systemic change in child welfare. Her path and ideas inspire me to make every minute matter while advocating passionately for people I hope to help.

Growing up in the heart of New York City, the rhythmic bounce of a basketball on the court became the soundtrack of my life. Basketball has always been my sanctuary, a place where I could momentarily escape the unpredictable chaos of my upbringing. Basketball wasn't just a sport to me; it was a lifeline. It taught me the values of hard work, tenacity, and dedication. Every time I leaped for a rebound or took a shot, I was reminded that with perseverance, I could overcome any obstacle. However, life off the court was a stark contrast. I was placed in the New York State foster care system at a young age due to my parents' battles with substance abuse. The instability of constantly moving from one foster home to another, coupled with the emotional trauma of being separated from my parents, often left me feeling lost and alone. But amongst the chaos, basketball remained a constant. It was more than just a game; it was a beacon of hope, teaching me resilience and the importance of community. The values I learned on the court translated into my life. I became an active volunteer in my local community, understanding the significance of giving back and being a team player. Just as I had relied on my teammates on the court, I realized the importance of collaboration and support in the broader community. My experiences have instilled in me a deep-seated desire to uplift those who face similar challenges, and I have dedicated my life to working to uplift BIPOC and vulnerable communities, the same way basketball did for me. The Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship resonates deeply with my personal journey. As a firm that values education and community service, I believe that with your support, I can achieve my dream of attending college and making a tangible difference in the lives of countless foster youth. This scholarship will not only alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education but will also serve as a testament to the power of community and the belief that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves a chance at a brighter future. As a former foster youth, I stand among the mere 3% of our community who graduate from college. My journey has been unique, as I currently pursue my Master's degree at Cornell University. This path, often solitary, has instilled in me a deep commitment. I am determined to ensure that no foster youth ever feels the sting of isolation. My mission is to create accessible and sustainable resources and opportunities that empower communities to flourish and thrive, just as basketball did for me. In conclusion, my journey from the basketball courts of New York City to aspiring to be a beacon of hope for foster children has been anything but predictable. But with the support of the Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship, I am confident that I can turn my dreams into reality and ensure that every child, irrespective of their circumstances, has the opportunity to shoot for the stars.

The dream version of my future self is a trailblazing advocate and leader, empowering marginalized communities, and driving transformative change for social justice and equity.

As a first-generation Black woman student, my journey has been shaped by my personal experiences with mental health and a fierce determination to create positive change within my community. My utopian vision for optimal mental health in the Black community is one where every individual feels seen, heard, and supported without stigma or discrimination. In this world, mental health care is accessible, culturally competent, and prioritized, paving the way for social justice and equity to flourish. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood as a foster youth for 18 years of my life, I witnessed firsthand the impact of implicit bias and systemic barriers within social programs that serve underprivileged communities. This dehumanization of individuals perpetuated trauma and prevented equitable access to vital resources. Inspired by my own experiences, I am committed to re-humanizing social programs by disrupting traditional bureaucratic hierarchies, promoting sustainable and equitable services, and challenging the implicit biases that have plagued these systems for far too long. To achieve optimal mental health for the Black community, mental health care must be at the forefront of our priorities. This means breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and creating safe spaces for open conversations about mental well-being. I believe that empowering community members to share their stories and lived experiences is essential in eradicating the shame often associated with seeking help. Advocacy is another key component of my vision for optimal mental health. As I embark on my journey in Public Administration with a focus on Human Rights and Social Justice, I aim to become a leader who amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, especially those within the Black community. By prioritizing measurable social and developmental outcomes over bureaucratic practices, we can create policies that uplift and empower rather than perpetuate cycles of dehumanization. Representation is critical in achieving this vision. Historically, Black leaders such as Ida B. Wells and Fred Hampton have paved the way for us to take on leadership roles. Today, I stand on the shoulders of these trailblazers, determined to mentor the next generation of public administrators and promote greater racial representation within decision-making spaces. By ensuring that those directly affected by these policies have a say in shaping them, we can create programs that address the unique needs of our communities. In my advocacy work, I have seen the intersectionality of socioeconomic issues impacting communities of color. Mental health care and advocacy play a pivotal role in dismantling systemic barriers and achieving social justice. By recognizing and addressing the implicit biases that exist within social agencies and public service systems, we can pave the way for more equitable access to mental health care and resources. In conclusion, my utopian vision for optimal mental health in the Black community encompasses accessible, culturally competent, and prioritized mental health care. By re-humanizing social programs, challenging implicit biases, and prioritizing representation, we can achieve social justice for communities of color. Through advocacy and the establishment of community-driven initiatives like "EmpowerED," we can uplift the voices of the underserved and create a more equitable and compassionate world for all. As I embark on this transformative journey, I am eager to embrace my purpose and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in my community.

Growing up as a first-generation Black woman in a low-income neighborhood, I faced challenges that tested my strength and resilience. From the ages of 2-21, I survived my family's substance abuse issues through the New York State Foster Care System. Through these experiences, I developed a profound understanding of culturally competent community resources and the impact it has on our goals, relationships, and perception of the world. Now, as I embark on a path of higher education, I am determined to use my scholarship to create a better life not only for myself but for my community as well. The community has always been a crucial aspect of my life, influencing my journey from a young age. I have seen firsthand how traditional bureaucratic hierarchies in social programs often fail to provide equitable services, especially for underprivileged communities like mine. Implicit biases within these systems create barriers for people of color, making it challenging to access the support and resources we desperately need. As a first-generation Black woman, I have personally felt the impact of these well-intentioned yet ineffective systems. Instead of being seen as individuals with unique stories and aspirations, we are often reduced to mere caseloads. This dehumanization perpetuates trauma and hinders our growth, leaving us struggling to find our place in a society that often overlooks our potential. But my struggles have not defined me; they have fueled my passion to effect change. My goal is to re-humanize social programs by disrupting the status quo and advocating for sustainable and equitable services. Through my own experiences, I understand the power of representation and the need for people from the communities they serve to be at the forefront of policy and decision-making processes. In my journey of self-discovery and personal growth, I have learned the value of empathy and compassion. By embracing my vulnerabilities and opening up about my mental health struggles, I have forged deeper connections with others. This scholarship will provide me with the opportunity to finish my master's degree which will provide me the knowledge needed to advocate for change effectively. I want to continue my leadership in my community, amplifying the voices of those often unheard, and creating policies that prioritize measurable social and developmental outcomes over bureaucratic practices. As a first-generation Black woman student, I recognize the historic importance of representation in positions of power. The trailblazers before me, such as Ida B. Wells and Fred Hampton, have paved the way for individuals like me to step into leadership roles and make a lasting impact. Beyond my academic pursuits, my ultimate goal is to lead an organization called "Busy Bees" a grassroots initiative designed by and for our community. "Busy Bees" will serve as a centralized resource hub, providing mentorship, support, and essential services to underprivileged and underserved communities. By redefining the approach to community empowerment, we will foster a culture of strength, anti-discrimination, and collaboration. In conclusion, my experiences as a first-generation Black woman have shaped my advocacy journey inspiring my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. I am determined to break the barriers that have hindered progress for far too long and to create a better life not only for myself but for all those who have faced similar challenges. As I pursue my education, this scholarship will allow me to amplify the voices of the unheard, disrupt the status quo, and build a more equitable and sustainable future for communities. II believe that by nurturing empathy, embracing our stories, and working together, we can create a world where mental health is prioritized, and all individuals are empowered to thrive.

My commitment to giving back to my community and making a lasting impact on the world is fueled by a deep understanding of the systemic biases and shortcomings that hinder the effectiveness of social programs, particularly for the urban poor. Having experienced the dehumanizing effects of bureaucratic systems myself, I am dedicated to re-humanizing social services and promoting equity and sustainability for underprivileged communities. Through my work in the social service sector and my involvement in various advocacy initiatives, I have witnessed firsthand the need for a paradigm shift that prioritizes measurable social and developmental outcomes over mere institutional activities. To address the inequities in social programs, I intend to strengthen Black communities by creating and implementing policies that are centered on the lived experiences of those they serve. Too often, decision-makers lack the empathy and cultural competence needed to truly understand the challenges faced by these communities. As a Black individual with personal experiences of navigating a broken system, I believe that representation matters. Black communities must be the primary drivers in defining the problems, needs, and solutions that will uplift and empower them. Drawing inspiration from historic figures such as Ida B. Wells and Fred Hampton, who fought for social change and racial representation, I am committed to mentoring the next generation of Black public administrators and countering narratives that perpetuate bias. By elevating strength-based and anti-discriminatory approaches, agencies can engage with community leaders to design solutions to neighborhood challenges effectively. I have already led community-based child welfare reform initiatives, and through my work, I aim to amplify the lived experiences of marginalized communities and incentivize bureaucracies to develop more effective support networks. My ultimate goal is to establish "Busy Bees," a grassroots organization that operates on a flipped pyramid model, where policies and systems are co-designed by the community members themselves. This centralized resource hub will assist underprivileged and underserved communities in navigating complex bureaucratic landscapes and accessing the support they need. In pursuit of my mission to effectuate change at the policy level and have a seat at the decision-making table, I recognize the importance of pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Administration. This degree will contextualize my experiences and provide me with the necessary skills to engage stakeholders, build consensus, and create sustainable change. Through the program, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the political, economic, and social factors that influence policies impacting human rights. My dedication to justice and authenticity has already driven me to contribute to the creation and implementation of federal legislation, advocate for organizations like the Children's Defense Fund, and hold leadership positions for national foster youth and family service organizations. However, my vision goes beyond child welfare. I aspire to lead an organization that cultivates opportunities for children and families to thrive, ultimately creating more stable and empowered communities. This broader focus on multiple socio-economic issues affecting disadvantaged backgrounds will be enabled by the Master of Public Administration degree, as it will build upon my experiences and equip me with the knowledge and expertise needed to shape policies that empower others. In conclusion, my journey of fortitude, turning pain into passion and passion into purpose, drives me to give back to my community and impact the world positively. By re-humanizing social programs, prioritizing equity and sustainability, and centering the voices of those affected, I aim to bring about transformative change that uplifts underprivileged communities. By pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree, I am committed to expanding my impact, advocating for human rights and social justice, and creating lasting legacies of success for generations to come.

Racism in America is partially driven by hate, but more so by the fear of losing power. Social programs serving underprivileged communities, fail to provide effective and equitable services due to implicit bias. These implicit biases, divide the rural and urban poor into deserving and undeserving communities. I know this firsthand as a former foster youth in one of the poorest boroughs in New York City. My hope is to re-humanize social programs by disrupting traditional bureaucratic hierarchies to promote sustainable and equitable opportunities. I, like so many people of color, have personally fell victim to racial bias and unjust systems. These issues result in bureaucracies lacking the amount of empathy needed to see communities as people rather than caseloads. Although policies are created to assist all Americans, ineffective bureaucratic practices dehumanize, traumatize, and punish the “undeserving” for their essential needs. Implicit bias is institutionalized within these agencies, programs, and services. I intend to strengthen Black communities by prioritizing measurable social outcomes rather than institutional activities. Agencies must better incorporate community engagement to evaluate organizational success and budget allocation. By quantifying the change, impact, and benefit of programs, agencies will become more accountable for the improvement of people’s lives rather than the widgets they produce. To improve the quality of life of Black communities, social agencies and public servants must acknowledge the existence of implicit bias and the resultant paternalism that sustains the prevailing attitudes that Black communities are incapable of elevation Implicit bias causes stakeholders to be culturally incompetent and lack the empathy needed to see the worth and effectively serve Black communities, particularly in urban areas. Elected officials, in part, rely on public administrators to inform their understanding of challenges faced by Black communities, how to prioritize these issues, and to champion, fund, and support social programs. Although bureaucrats are dedicated to serving people, their intent may be overridden by the tendency of bureaucracies to resist change. To ensure that sociological benefits become the primary success measure, agencies must inhibit greater community engagement and a complete paradigm shift that flips the pyramid on its tip. Underserved communities must be the primary driver of defining sociological problems, needs, and solutions. Black communities have created networks of formal and informal support and have adopted evidence-based practices to promote community-defined evidence. It is the obligation of stakeholders and organizations to centralize lived experience in their priorities and equally integrate them into tangible resources that uplift and empower these networks. I would like to see agencies engage those with lived experience in the co-design of federally funded solutions to community-based challenges. I have led numerous community-based, child welfare reform initiatives that have enhanced the perspectives of Black families. Through this work, I have identified the intersectionality of numerous systems and the constraints that policies and practices have on successful outcomes. By amplifying lived experience and incentivizing bureaucracies to develop a more effective network of services, communities will feel more confident they will consistently receive effective programs that will meet their needs. In addition, communities have to navigate a complex and cumbersome landscape of offerings to successfully patch together the support they need. I want to continue to assist agencies in creating community-centered approaches surrounding child welfare, however, I want to expand my cognizance to other racially driven institutions that demoralize people of color. My grassroots organization, “Busy Bees”, will be a centralized resource hub for community members created by community members. My organization will help underprivileged communities better navigate bureaucracies to adequately receive the resources and assistance needed to succeed.

I, like many people of color, have personally fallen victim to the well-intentioned, ineffective systems intended to support me. As a Black child growing up in New York City, I experienced long-standing systemic issues. From being a product of generational trauma in one of the poorest boroughs in the state to struggling to survive the New York State Foster Care System. These systemic issues, in great measure, failed to adapt and adequately serve the communities dependent on them. This misfortune has shaped not only my identity but has manifested my desire to be an agent of change. I am dedicated to putting the community’s well-being at the forefront to affect policy and shift the culture of public administration from activity-based to outcome-based objectives. My desire to become a change agent was realized through the unwavering love and support of my legal guardian, my maternal grandmother. Although I entered the foster care system at the age of thirteen, I never lost sight of where I belonged. Throughout my journey, my grandmother remained a constant source of encouragement and advocacy, overcoming bureaucratic obstacles to fight for my well-being and for her granddaughter to receive a sense of permanency. Despite enduring financial and familial hardships, she never wavered in her efforts on my behalf. Her unwavering dedication has inspired me to devote myself to serving underserved communities that have been overlooked and deemed unworthy of support for generations. My grandmother has always instilled the importance of storytelling and community engagement. As a self-proclaimed advocate, she fought for the rights of her community by allowing people a safe space to express their grievances and realize their communal power. Many bureaucracies lack the empathy needed to see the communities they serve. Well-intentioned policies created to assist all Americans are generally ineffective bureaucratic practices that dehumanize, traumatize, and punish the “undeserving” who are merely seeking support for essential needs. As an insider, I now see firsthand the implicit bias within agencies, programs, and services against those being served. Based upon my lived experience, I intend to strengthen Black communities, the undeserving, by creating and implementing policies designed to prioritize measurable social and developmental outcomes rather than merely acknowledging institutional activities. By redefining and assessing the change, impact, and benefit of programs, agencies become more accountable for the improvement of people’s lives rather than rewarded for the widgets they produce for the system. Agencies must better incorporate the community’s lived experiences in policy and program development in order to evidence and evaluate organizational effectiveness which in turn justifies budget allocations. To improve the quality of life for Black communities, social agencies and public servants must acknowledge the existence of a systemic paternalism grounded in bias that sustains the prevailing attitudes that communities of color are incapable of elevation. My goal is to help lead organizations and cultivate opportunities for communities to thrive. To achieve my objective, I intend to leverage the skills and knowledge gained from my grandmother's guidance, as well as my personal experiences. I have learned that when I am passionate about a cause, I am capable of dedicating myself entirely to creating pathways of success for others, as she did for me. By leading an organization that prioritizes the well-being of children and families, I aim to empower communities and build a more equitable and prosperous society. Through my efforts, I hope to inspire others to recognize the potential within themselves and provide them with the resources necessary to realize their aspirations.

Despite The 14th Amendment being one of the most influential rights for African American individuals, people still struggle with understanding their rights. Racism in America is partially driven by hate but more so by the fear of losing power. Due to implicit bias, social programs serving underprivileged communities fail to provide effective and equitable services. These implicit biases divide the rural and urban poor into deserving and undeserving communities. Despite multiple efforts to create sustainable change, the most important factor has remained the same: individuals still maintain the same needs. I hope to re-humanize social programs by disrupting traditional bureaucratic hierarchies to promote sustainable and equitable opportunities. Like many people of color, I have fallen victim to racial bias and unjust systems. These issues result in bureaucracies lacking the empathy needed to see communities as people rather than caseloads. Although policies are created to assist all Americans, ineffective bureaucratic practices dehumanize, traumatize, and punish the “undeserving” for their essential needs All of these systems and inequities present unique challenges to those who are trying to build and improve their lives. I intend to strengthen Black communities by prioritizing measurable social outcomes rather than institutional activities. Agencies must better incorporate community engagement to evaluate organizational success and budget allocation. By quantifying the change, impact, and benefit of programs, agencies will become more accountable to improving people’s lives rather than the widgets they produce. To improve the quality of life of Black communities, social agencies and public servants must acknowledge the existence of implicit bias and the resultant paternalism that sustains the prevailing attitudes that Black communities are incapable of elevation. Prime counter-narratives such as Stacey Abrams fight for equal voting rights in Georgia. Implicit bias causes stakeholders to be culturally incompetent and lack the empathy to see the worth and effectively serve Black communities, particularly in urban areas. Elected officials, in part, rely on public administrators to inform their understanding of challenges faced by Black communities, how to prioritize these issues, and to champion, fund, and support social programs. Unfortunately, public servants often too fall victim to the dehumanization associated with bureaucratic culture. Although bureaucrats are dedicated to serving people, their intent may be overridden by the tendency of bureaucracies to resist change. To ensure that sociological benefits become the primary success measure, agencies must inhibit greater community engagement and a complete paradigm shift that flips the pyramid on its tip. Black communities have created formal and informal support networks and have adopted evidence-based practices to promote community-defined evidence. Stakeholders and organizations must centralize lived experience in their priorities and equally integrate them into tangible resources that uplift and empower these networks. I have led numerous community-based child welfare reform initiatives that have enhanced the perspectives of Black families. Through this work, I have identified the intersectionality of numerous systems and the constraints that policies and practices have on successful outcomes. By amplifying lived experience and incentivizing bureaucracies to develop a more effective network of services, communities will feel more confident they will consistently receive effective programs that meet their needs. In addition, communities must navigate a complex and cumbersome landscape of offerings to patch together the support they need successfully. I want to expand my cognizance to other racially driven institutions that demoralize people of color. My grassroots organization, “Busy Bees”, will be a centralized resource hub for community members created by community members. My organization will help underprivileged communities better navigate bureaucracies. Through transformative thinking and incorporating meaningful community participation in the shaping and implementation of support services, pathways of success can be created to form legacies of success.

Fortitude turned my pain into passion and my passion into purpose. As a Black child growing up in New York City, I experienced long-standing systemic issues. From being a product of generational trauma in one of the poorest boroughs in the state to struggling to survive the foster care system. These systemic issues, in great measure, failed to adapt and adequately serve the communities dependent on them. This misfortune has shaped my identity and manifested my desire to be an agent of change. I am dedicated to putting the community’s well-being at the forefront to affect policy and shift the culture of public administration from activity-based to outcome-based objectives. My selfhood was pre-defined by others with little knowledge and experience similar to mine. Sadly, my story is not an anomaly. I am a product of a system with the intent to help families but ultimately separated and traumatized mine. Nevertheless, my mischance has only enhanced my desire to center the voices impacted by lack of co-design and ill-effective regulations and implementation. In my 5 years of advocacy, authenticity and commitment to justice have propelled me in the child welfare space. I have assisted with creating and implementing federal legislation such as the Family First Act, facilitated for organizations such as the Children's Defense Fund, and held leadership positions for organizations such as the National Foster Youth and Alumni Council and the Office of Children and Family Services. As I have grown personally and professionally, I have realized that my purpose goes beyond child welfare. Child welfare is just another system that falls victim to internal variables and external influences. Through this Master’s program, my objective is to understand better the political, economic, and social conditions that drive policies impacting human rights. Living my dreams would consist of being mentally and emotionally stable in my life and relationships while also being able to help others overcome their challenges. My goal is to lead an organization that cultivates opportunities for children and families to thrive, thus creating more stable communities. I want to expand my focus on the intersectionality of multiple socio-economic issues that affect systems involving people from disadvantaged backgrounds. My life experiences have shown me that when I am passionate about a cause, I dedicate myself fully to creating pathways of success for others. Due to my traumatic childhood, I always believed that I would never have true control of my life, my decisions, and my emotions. However, I realized that not only do I have the power to control the outcomes of my own life, but my power extends to the lives of others, and with that power comes great responsibility. I must empower others they way I need to be empowered as a youth. All in all, my overall dream is to help people.

Fortitude turned my pain into passion and my passion into purpose. As a Black child growing up in New York City, I experienced long-standing systemic issues. From being a product of generational trauma in one of the poorest boroughs in the state to struggling to survive the foster care system. These systemic issues, in great measure, failed to adapt and adequately serve the communities dependent on them. This misfortune has shaped not only my identity but has manifested my desire to be an agent of change. I am dedicated to putting the community’s well-being at the forefront to affect policy and shift the culture of public administration from activity-based to outcome-based objectives. I have lead numerous community-based, child welfare reform initiatives that have enhanced the perspectives of Black families. In addition, I have facilitated presentations for City council members, White House staffers, and media outlets on the importance of community engagement in policy creation and implementation. Through this work, I have identified the intersectionality of numerous systems and the constraints that policies and practices have on successful outcomes. By amplifying lived experience and incentivizing bureaucracies to develop a more effective network of services, communities will feel more confident they will consistently receive effective programs that will meet their needs. In addition, communities have to navigate a complex and cumbersome landscape of offerings to successfully patch together the support they need. I want to continue to assist agencies in creating community-centered approaches surrounding child welfare, however, I want to expand my cognizance to other racially driven institutions that demoralize people of color. My grassroots organization, “Busy Bees”, will be a centralized resource hub for community members created by community members. My organization will help underprivileged communities better navigate bureaucracies to adequately receive the resources and assistance needed to succeed. "Living my dream" would consist of leading an organization that cultivates opportunities for children and families to thrive, thus creating more stable communities. As I attend school full-time while still maintaining my job as a program manager at a foster care agency, I realize that my purpose in this life is to help others and that is what drives me. I want to leave a legacy of impact and move with love and compassion. I want to create tangible resources for people who have been deemed by society as underserving because I can relate. In addition, I want to create a sustainable life for myself. Growing up I had so much chaos around me, and the only way I could remove myself is taking on every opportunity available to me so that I can create purposeful work for others. I want to wake up and be excited to go to work because I know I am making an active difference in at least one person's life. Overall, I just want to find a balance in life between my happiness and the happiness of others.

I remember when the "Ice Bucket" first took social media by storm. As I watched millions of people dump buckets of ice on themselves in support of ALS, I was confused about what type of residual effects this disease had on individuals and their families. As I did my research and saw the types of individuals who were affected by this disease, I did not see any people of color. It was not until a year later that I realized that ALS, like most diseases, does not discriminate. For months, I watched my mother continuously fall to the ground and at every doctor's appointment, they had attested it to her weight. When she started losing control of her hand mobility, they stated it was just arthritis. Little did we know that my mother was fastly deteriorating and because of bias and discrimination in the diagnosis of medical ailments, ALS was never a possibility that came out of her doctors' mouth. Within 10 months, my mother could no longer walk, speak, or eat on her own and it was only then the doctors finally diagnosed her with ALS and proceeded to monitor her progression. No one in my immediate family ever even heard of ALS, except for me, who had watched countless videos of people explaining the importance of ALS awareness. On March 30th, 2016, my mother passed away only 4 weeks after she was officially diagnosed. As a grieving 18-year-old with no siblings and so many emotions, it was up to me to figure out my mother's burial arrangements. When I reached out to the insurance company for financial assistance, we were met with a nightmare of constant badgering and delayed bureaucratic processes because my mother did not have any significant "proof" that she was unaware of her diagnosis, leaving her funeral expenses to me. I will never forget calling to make an insurance claim and hearing over the phone from the agent that she wasn't aware Black people suffered from that disease, and maybe my mother was an anomaly which justified the lack of financial assistance. According to the National Library of Medicine, less than 10% of African Americans suffer from ALS compared to 74.8% of white people. Maybe my mother was an anomaly, but that should have not stopped her doctors from removing illicit bias from their practices. If illicit bias was removed from the beginning, maybe my mother could have managed her disease better and would have had more time with her only child. However, it is no secret that illicit bias is embedded in multiple systems that negatively affect marginalized communities of color including medical practices, criminal justice, education, and the list goes on. My mother's death has lit a fire in my soul to eliminate illicit bias from as many systems as possible. I plan to use this scholarship to assist with ensuring that people of color are seen and heard in spaces that can negatively impact their lives and their family's legacies.

Fortitude turned my pain into passion and my passion into purpose. As a Black child growing up in New York City, I experienced long-standing systemic issues. From being a product of generational trauma in one of the poorest boroughs in the state to struggling to survive the foster care system. These systemic issues, in great measure, failed to adapt and adequately serve the communities dependent on them. This misfortune has shaped not only my identity but has manifested my desire to be an agent of change. I am dedicated to putting the community’s well-being at the forefront to affect policy and shift the culture of public administration from activity-based to outcome-based objectives. From the ages of 2-21, My selfhood was pre-defined by others with little knowledge and experience similar to mine. Sadly, my story is not an anomaly. I am a product of a system with the intent to help families but ultimately separated and traumatized mine. Nevertheless, my mischance has only enhanced my desire to center the voices that have been impacted by the lack of co-design and ill-effective regulations and implementation. In my 5 years of advocacy, authenticity and commitment to justice have propelled me in the child welfare space. I have assisted with the creation and implementation of federal legislation such as the Family First Act, facilitated for organizations such as the Children's Defense Fund, and held leadership positions for organizations such as the National Foster Youth and Alumni Council and the Office of Children and Family Services. As I have grown personally and professionally, I have come to the realization that my purpose goes beyond child welfare. Child welfare is just another system that falls victim to internal variables and external influences. Through my Master’s program, my objective is to understand better the political, economic, and social conditions that drive policies impacting human rights. Underserved communities must be the primary driver in defining sociological problems, needs, and solutions. Black communities have created networks of formal and informal support and have adopted evidence-based practices to promote community-defined evidence. It is the obligation of stakeholders and organizations to centralize lived experience in their priorities and equally integrate them into tangible resources that uplift and empower these networks. I would like to see agencies engage those with lived experience in the co-design of federally funded solutions to community-based challenges. By elevating strength-based, anti-discriminatory approaches, communities will be more confident in utilizing resource programs, meeting their needs, and redirecting their energy to assisting others in the process. My goal is to lead an organization that cultivates opportunities for children and families to thrive, thus creating more stable communities. My Master of Public Administration, concentrating in Human Rights and Social Justice will not only assist with my national contribution to child welfare reform but will expand my focus on the intersectionality of multiple socio-economic issues that affect systems involving people from disadvantaged backgrounds. My life experiences have shown me that when I am passionate about a cause, I dedicate myself fully to creating pathways of success for others. Through transformative thinking and incorporating meaningful community participation in the shaping and implementation of support services, pathways of success can be created to form legacies of success.