Economic empowerment is the ability to access capital, attain education, increase ownership, and create futures unrestricted by systemic inequality. For marginalized communities, particularly Black communities, business innovation becomes an act of resistance. My vision is rooted in the belief that when marginalized people have the resources to create and own, they can lead and reshape the economy. Conversations about economic development overlook the structural barriers that have historically made wealth-building inaccessible. Predatory lending traps marginalized communities in high-interest debt to strip communities' wealth instead of building it. Limited access to professional and financial networks blocks opportunities for investment, mentorship, and upward mobility, which allows inequality to continue to be prevalent across generations. Business innovation can disrupt these systemic patterns when intentionally designed with equity at its core. Investing in community-based businesses and leveraging technology to make financial tools more accessible will make it easier for marginalized communities to overcome these barriers. It also means valuing businesses for their capacity to sustain communities, not just for profit. My career goals are grounded at this intersection of business and social justice. I aspire to work in corporate law with a focus on economic justice. Through this work, I aim to use legal frameworks to advocate for equitable business practices and to protect the interests of underserved entrepreneurs, thereby achieving greater equity and helping them grow their businesses. I see law as a critical tool for ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of equity, which can be accomplished by supporting black-owned businesses by fighting against discriminatory financial policies or systems. Furthermore, I am interested in building and supporting ventures that prioritize community impact. Through my experiences in social justice initiatives and community-based programs, such as working at a domestic violence shelter, working with my college’s NAACP chapter, and volunteering through my sorority, I have seen firsthand how resource gaps limit potential. I want to be part of creating systems that close those gaps through nonprofit-business partnerships or initiatives that increase financial literacy and access. Economic empowerment should be tangible and measurable. Attending an HBCU has further shaped my understanding of what is possible when underrepresented communities are empowered rather than marginalized. I’ve seen that power modeled through mentors who have broken barriers in their fields and have made it a priority to reach back, offering guidance, access, and real opportunities. Within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, I have experienced a culture rooted in collective advancement through the way my sisters pour into one another, sharing internship opportunities, exchanging financial literacy resources, and encouraging one another to think expansively about wealth and legacy. Being part of my sorority has reinforced that economic empowerment is about building networks, circulating knowledge, and creating pathways for your community. HBCUs are powerful examples of innovation born out of necessity, historically and continually producing leaders like Stacey Abrams and entrepreneurs despite deep-rooted barriers to access. My vision is about redistributing power. True economic empowerment challenges who is able to make decisions, and who benefits from growth. By aligning my career in business and law with a commitment to social equity, I hope to contribute to a future in which underrepresented communities are not just surviving within existing systems, but leading and transforming them.

Sgt. Albert Dono Ware’s legacy of service, sacrifice, and bravery speaks powerfully to me as a future leader committed to justice, equity, and collective liberation. His life story reminds us that devotion to community and country does not end with the battlefield; it continues wherever people choose to fight for the dignity and future of others. I see Sgt. Ware’s legacy not just as a historical memory, but as a living challenge to my generation: to be courageous in addressing the ongoing struggles of the African diaspora and to shape a nation and world in which we all can thrive. Growing up Black in America, I quickly learned that survival could be a form of resistance. But through community service, beginning with food pantries and youth groups, and expanding to literacy work and advocacy within the criminal justice system, I began to realize that service is not just about helping others, but being in solidarity with them. Sgt. Ware's legacy reminds me that courage isn't necessarily on the battlefield, it's in the act of appearing day in and day out, resisting injustice, and creating new buildings. His life provokes me to lead boldly and to recognize that the systems take both policy transformation and grass-roots organizing. The most critical challenge the African diaspora confronts in the U.S. today is the conjoined crisis of mass incarceration and education inequality. These parallel systems persist to divest possibility, isolate families, and keep whole communities away from opportunity. Working with children imprisoned in jail and organizing reading programs in resource-poor schools, I've seen firsthand how systemic abandonment unfolds in the classroom and the courthouse. In each context, Black lives are regularly discounted and hyper-policed. The values Sgt. Ware represented, service and sacrifice, challenge us to address these issues with both moral urgency and strategic leadership. One necessary reform is the implementation of restorative justice practices in schools and communities, substituting zero-tolerance policies and punitive discipline with systems that emphasize healing, accountability, and reintegration. This not only shatters the school-to-prison pipeline but also restores dignity to young people navigating systems designed to criminalize them. Moreover, I believe in the power of community policy making. Too often, individuals most affected by institutional oppression are left out of decision-making conversations that shape their lives. We need participatory budget programs, neighborhood city councils, and youth advisory councils to shift decision-making power into the hands of those who have the lived experience. Just as Sgt. Ware fought for a country that often took dignity from him, so our struggle now is to reclaim power and construct systems that reflect our common humanity. One of the main players in this project must be grassroots organizations, educators, people who have been incarcerated, young leaders, and policymakers who will move to break up the status quo. Philanthropic allies must also do their part, not by setting the agenda, but by backing community-driven solutions with resources. Universities, especially HBCUs, must be incubators of this work, embodying research, training, and support within the lived experiences of the Black diaspora. Cultural organizations and religious institutions can serve as bridges between generations so that we connect activism to tradition without being closed to new methods. Sgt. Ware's legacy also pushes me to assess critically what sacrifice means in the present. In a culture that celebrates individualism, accepting communal freedom is already a sacrifice of convenience and comfort. But there is courage each day asking us to do so. It is about using my law and public policy education to disrupt oppressive systems, to speak for marginalized voices, and to imagine new worlds. It involves locating joy and creativity at the center of activism, leveraging Black cultural traditions as resources of resistance and resilience. I hope to honor that legacy as I push towards building coalitions, drafting policies, and directing programs based on liberation.

My journey with veganism started as a simple dietary shift but quickly became an awakening—one that intertwined with my commitment to social justice. Growing up in a world where systemic inequities shape everything from food access to policing, I came to see veganism not just as a personal choice but as a political stance. It’s about resisting exploitation—of animals, of laborers, and of marginalized communities trapped in food deserts with little access to fresh, nourishing meals. During my time working in a food pantry, I witnessed firsthand how poverty dictates diet. Families depended on processed, non-perishable items—often the only affordable or available option in their neighborhoods. Seeing this deepened my understanding of food justice. I wasn’t just advocating for plant-based eating; I was questioning why healthier food is a privilege rather than a right. My activism shifted from personal lifestyle choices to community-oriented action, driving me to push for fresh produce in food pantries and advocate for policy changes that address food apartheid. This journey hasn’t been without challenges. Navigating veganism as a Black woman meant resisting the narrative that it was a “white thing.” I had to decolonize my own mindset, recognizing that plant-based eating has deep roots in African and Caribbean cultures. Sharing this history became a form of activism, reframing the conversation around veganism in my community and making it feel less like a rejection of culture and more like a reclaiming. The most profound moment of growth came through my work with Violets Giving Circle, where I helped allocate funds to grassroots organizations tackling issues like food insecurity and criminal justice reform. It reinforced the connection between systemic oppression and food access. If we fight against the prison-industrial complex, we must also fight against the structures that force marginalized communities into unhealthy, unsustainable eating patterns. Veganism also challenged me to rethink consumerism and the ethics of the industries I support. As I became more intentional about my food choices, I expanded that awareness to fashion, beauty, and everyday purchases—recognizing how labor exploitation, environmental destruction, and animal cruelty intersect. Choosing veganism meant choosing to disrupt cycles of harm wherever possible, even when it required extra effort. It’s not about perfection but about consistent, conscious action. Veganism, for me, is no longer just about food. It’s about liberation—of people and animals alike. It’s about dismantling systems that profit off harm. My commitment manifests in everyday actions, from choosing cruelty-free brands to working on my literacy program, ensuring young people have access to knowledge that empowers them to make informed choices about their health and the world around them. Ultimately, my journey with veganism is a journey of justice. It’s about building a future where ethical, sustainable living isn’t just an option for the privileged but a reality for all.

Growing up with anxiety has deeply impacted my life, shaping how I approach everything from school to relationships. A big part of this stems from my relationship with my dad. His emotional abuse—constant criticism, unpredictable anger, and lack of support—left me feeling scared and uncertain all the time. It wasn’t just in my head, either; it manifested physically, too, in the form of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and an eating disorder. These struggles made school a real challenge. I’d sit in class, but my mind was always somewhere else, worrying about the next thing my dad might say or do. It was like trying to focus on a book in the middle of a storm. The fear of failure, of not being good enough, was paralyzing. I wanted to do well, but the anxiety often got in the way, making it hard to concentrate and stay motivated. Procrastination became my enemy, fueled by self-doubt and the overwhelming pressure to be perfect. Socially, things weren’t much easier. My anxiety made it tough to connect with people. I was always second-guessing myself, worried about how others saw me, or if they even liked me. The eating disorder added another layer of isolation—I became obsessed with controlling my body, which only pushed me further away from friends and any sense of normalcy. It was hard to enjoy anything when I was so consumed by these thoughts and fears. Despite all this, pursuing a college degree has always been incredibly important to me. It’s more than just earning a diploma; it’s about taking back control of my life. I’m determined to show myself that I can succeed, that I’m not defined by my anxiety or the struggles I’ve faced. College isn’t just a milestone—it’s a symbol of my resilience and my belief in a better future. What drives me most is my goal of becoming a constitutional lawyer. I’ve experienced firsthand what it’s like to feel powerless, and I want to make sure others don’t have to go through that. By understanding and shaping the laws that affect our lives, I believe I can make a real difference in the world. My experiences with emotional abuse and anxiety have given me a unique perspective on justice and the importance of standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. Moving past my GAD and eating disorder hasn’t been easy, but it’s been crucial in my journey. I’ve learned how to manage my anxiety through therapy, mindfulness, and self-compassion. These tools have helped me build a stronger sense of self-worth and resilience, allowing me to move forward with confidence. Earning a college degree is a key step in this journey. It represents my commitment to overcoming my past and using my experiences to fuel positive change. I’m determined to excel, not just for myself, but for others who need a voice fighting for their rights and dignity. Through education, I’m reclaiming my power, rewriting my story, and positioning myself to make a meaningful impact on society.

Over the next five years, I have set ambitious goals for myself, which include graduating from Spelman College, entering my first year of law school, and achieving these milestones without incurring an overwhelming amount of debt. To accomplish these goals, I have formulated a comprehensive plan that leverages my interests, talents, and accomplishments. Throughout my high school career, I have been actively involved in a variety of activities that have helped me develop a diverse skill set and a strong sense of leadership. As the head of the Technology Committee for Violets' Giving Circle, I honed my skills in managing social media, creating digital content, and coordinating with team members to ensure the success of our events. This experience has taught me the importance of effective communication and teamwork. My leadership roles extend beyond athletics and technology. As a member of Peers Are Listening (PALs), a peer mentor program at my school, I planned community events, taught self-improvement classes, and mentored younger students. This role allowed me to cultivate my teaching and mentoring skills, which I believe will be invaluable in my future career as a lawyer. One of my proudest accomplishments is my involvement in my Social Justice Capstone, where I worked in a food pantry, mentored teenagers, and started a literacy program for elementary school children. In the literacy program, I created the curriculum and taught a child who was far behind in his literacy and reading comprehension. This experience further deepened my commitment to social justice and community service, and it has inspired me to pursue a career in law where I can advocate for others. My leadership abilities were also demonstrated as the President and Vice President of the Jack and Jill teen group, where I led business meetings, coordinated fundraising activities, and organized community service events. Additionally, as a Violet Keys Leader, I revamped our training program and website and trained both parents and students to give tours on campus. In recognition of my academic and community service achievements, I have received several awards, including the University of Virginia Book Award, 2nd Team All-League Varsity Lacrosse, the Scholar Award, and the Community Partnerships Award. These honors reflect my dedication to excellence in both academics and community involvement. Financially, I am in need of assistance to achieve my educational goals. Raised by a single mother who is already supporting my sister who is a junior in college, I understand the financial burden that higher education can impose. My father is not contributing to my, nor my sister’s college expenses, making it crucial for me to seek scholarships and work while attending college to minimize the amount of debt accrued. My five-year plan involves graduating from Spelman College and entering law school with a focus on constitutional or corporate law. To achieve this, I will continue working diligently during my undergraduate years, securing scholarships, and gaining relevant work experience. My ultimate goal is to graduate debt-free and well-prepared to excel in law school and beyond. I am committed to leveraging my diverse experiences, leadership skills, and academic achievements to achieve my goals. With a clear plan and a determination to succeed, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact and contribute meaningfully to my community and society at large. Every dollar invested in my education is a step toward realizing my dream of becoming a lawyer and advocating for justice and equity.

Coming out as a lesbian in the ninth grade was one of the most pivotal moments in my life, setting the stage for a series of challenges that would test my resilience and shape my aspirations. Unfortunately, my revelation was met with severe resistance from my father, who refused to accept my identity. His emotional abuse became a daily ordeal, leading me to make the difficult decision to leave his home. This period was marked by a profound sense of isolation and fear, yet it also fueled my determination to forge a path where acceptance and equality prevail. In my all-girls high school, the experience of being outed was equally as difficult for me. I faced ostracization from friends and a palpable shift in the way teachers interacted with me, often treating me with unwarranted harshness. The very environment that was supposed to nurture my academic growth became a battleground where I had to constantly defend my right to simply be myself. Despite these obstacles, I managed to maintain my focus on education, knowing it was my ticket to a future where I could advocate for others facing similar struggles. My journey has instilled in me a deep-seated ambition to become a constitutional lawyer. Witnessing and experiencing firsthand the impact of societal and institutional discrimination has solidified my resolve to enact systemic changes. I aspire to create a legal framework that protects LGBTQ+ individuals from the kind of mistreatment I endured, ensuring that no one has to experience the pain of rejection and discrimination based on their identity. My goal is to work towards a society where acceptance is the norm and where young people can pursue their dreams without fear of prejudice. Attending Spelman College is a critical step in achieving these aspirations. However, the financial burden of higher education looms large over my dreams. My mother, a single parent, is already stretched thin supporting my sibling and me through college. Despite taking out loans and applying for numerous scholarships, the cost of attending Spelman remains just out of reach. Working while studying is part of my plan, but without additional financial support, I fear accruing a significant amount of debt that could hinder my ability to focus fully on my studies and advocacy work. Receiving this scholarship would be a transformative blessing. It would not only alleviate the financial pressures that threaten to derail my educational aspirations but also empower me to dedicate my energy to excelling academically and preparing for a career in law. The scholarship would provide the stability needed to immerse myself in my studies and extracurricular activities that align with my passion for LGBTQ+ rights. In conclusion, my personal experiences as an LGBTQ+ individual have been fraught with challenges, but they have also galvanized my commitment to effecting change. My journey to becoming a constitutional lawyer is driven by a desire to create a more just and equitable society. With the financial support of this scholarship, I can pursue my education at Spelman College without the crippling worry of debt, allowing me to focus on my mission to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and contribute positively to society at large.