While working on the frontlines as a technician at AdventHealth, I saw clinicians spending more time navigating documentation systems than engaging with patients. What was designed to improve efficiency often led to frustration, and at times, visible burnout, as people worked around the technology instead of with it. That experience shaped what I aim to build and why I transitioned into health technology. I wanted to be part of improving how systems are designed, not just adapting to their limitations. My focus is on creating systems that support people, not overwhelm them. Too often, solutions are optimized for performance on paper without fully considering how individuals experience them in practice. When that happens, even well-intended systems create friction instead of clarity. Through my graduate studies and hands-on work in consulting and behavioral research, I have already begun developing tools that focus on how people think, respond, and make decisions. In one project, I helped design an interactive platform where users navigate realistic scenarios, allowing us to understand not only what decisions they make, but how they experience the process. This shift in focus has been important. It moves beyond solving problems to supporting people as they work through them. Rather than a single product, I am working toward a foundation for more thoughtful systems. These tools can improve how people interact with complex processes, whether that means helping a patient better understand their care or supporting professionals in high-pressure environments. The impact of this work extends beyond individual users. When systems are designed with people in mind, they build trust, improve accessibility, and lead to better outcomes over time. In healthcare, this can mean more engaged patients and less strain on clinicians. In business, it can lead to stronger collaboration and more effective decision-making. Higher education is strengthening the foundation needed to continue this work with intention. It is expanding not only my technical and analytical skills, but also my ability to approach problems from a human-centered perspective. As I continue to grow, I am committed to building solutions that do more than function. I am focused on creating systems that help people navigate complexity with clarity, confidence, and understanding, so they can focus on what matters most.

I remember sitting in a digital transformation meeting for a large hospital where everything about the solution looked right on paper, but the people expected to use it were struggling to align with it. We had designed a process that was efficient, technically sound, and aligned with business goals. Yet as the discussion unfolded, it became clear that something was missing. The system worked, but it did not fully account for how people interact with it in practice. That moment stayed with me because it exposed a gap I have continued to see across industries. Success in business is often measured by outcomes, while the human experience behind those outcomes is treated as secondary. That realization has shaped how I approach both my education and my career. As a graduate student pursuing both an MBA in Finance and a Master’s in AI and Business Analytics, I am not just learning how businesses operate. I am learning how decisions, systems, and technologies influence human behavior. My coursework in finance has strengthened my ability to evaluate risk, allocate resources, and understand the financial impact of strategic decisions. At the same time, my studies in AI and analytics have equipped me with the tools to design and assess systems that increasingly shape how organizations function. What has made this experience especially meaningful is the ability to apply what I am learning in real time. Through my work in consulting and my involvement in behavioral AI research, I have seen how theory translates into practice. I have worked on initiatives where technically sound solutions needed to be adapted to real-world constraints, and where data alone was not enough to drive effective outcomes. These experiences have reinforced an important idea. The most effective business solutions are not just technically correct. They are designed with an understanding of how people think, respond, and make decisions. This is where my education is actively fueling my future. It is not simply preparing me for a role in business. It is shaping how I define effective leadership and meaningful impact. As a woman pursuing a path in business and technology, I am especially motivated to contribute to environments where thoughtful decision-making and inclusive perspectives are valued. I have learned that leadership is not just about driving results, but about creating systems where people can fully engage and succeed. I am particularly interested in the intersection of business, technology, and human behavior. As organizations continue to integrate AI and data-driven systems into their operations, there is a growing need for leaders who can bridge the gap between technical capability and human experience. My goal is to design solutions that are both effective and human-centered, improving not only performance but how people interact with and benefit from these systems. Higher education, for me, is not just a step toward a future career. It is an active force that is refining how I solve problems, how I lead, and how I think about the role of business in people’s lives. It is not only fueling where I am going, but shaping the kind of leader I will be and the impact I intend to leave behind.

The Future of Human Connection While coordinating a challenging study, I wasn’t expecting a research participant to tell me they missed call center work, but that’s exactly what happened. As part of a behavioral AI study I monitored, participants interacted with a simulated call center environment powered by conversational AI agents my collaborators and I had built and tested. The goal was to understand how people engage with technology in emotionally charged situations. After completing one scenario, a participant left a comment that stuck with me. They described the experience as “more human” than expected, sharing how engaging it felt to work through a frustrated customer’s concerns, practice de-escalation, and actually listen. I remember reading it twice, just to make sure I understood. In a world where we often blame technology for making interactions feel distant or transactional, someone had just described an AI-driven experience as deeply human. That moment caught me off guard in a way I didn’t expect. I realized I had quietly accepted the idea that technology and authentic connection exist in tension, as if one naturally comes at the expense of the other. But this interaction suggested something more complicated. The participant wasn’t disengaged or going through the motions. They were present, emotionally invested, and thinking about how they were responding in real time. The experience didn’t take away connection. If anything, it asked more of it. That insight felt personal. In many of the environments I’ve been part of, including school, work, and even everyday conversations, it’s easy to prioritize efficiency over understanding. I’ve caught myself moving through conversations quickly, focusing on getting to the next task instead of really listening. Hearing someone describe a simulated interaction as meaningful made me pause and reconsider what actually makes an interaction feel human in the first place. I’ve come to believe it has less to do with whether another person is physically present and more to do with how we show up. Attention, empathy, and the willingness to engage thoughtfully matter more than the medium itself. What stood out to me was that the participant valued the experience not because it was “real” in the traditional sense, but because it required something real from them. They had to listen, respond with care, and navigate a situation that felt emotionally relevant. Those are the same qualities that shape meaningful relationships in everyday life. This shifted how I think about the future of human connection. It’s easy to assume that as technology becomes more integrated into our lives, authentic connection will fade. But I’ve started to see that the issue isn’t technology itself. It’s how we design and use it. When interactions are reduced to speed and efficiency alone, connection gets lost. But when technology is designed in a way that encourages reflection, engagement, and empathy, it can actually deepen how we connect. In my work and studies, I’ve become more aware that design decisions are also human decisions. A system that prioritizes quick responses over thoughtful ones shapes how people communicate. A platform that encourages active listening instead of passive interaction changes how people relate to one another. These choices don’t just impact outcomes. They shape experiences, and ultimately, relationships. This perspective has started to shape how I think about my future. As I continue working at the intersection of AI, business, and human behavior, I find myself caring less about building systems that are simply efficient and more about creating ones that feel meaningful to use. Whether in healthcare, research, or customer-facing environments, I want to contribute to systems that help people feel heard, understood, and respected. The future of human connection isn’t just about whether we use technology. It’s about how intentionally we design it. The tools we create can either distance us from one another or push us to engage more deeply. That choice is ours. That participant’s comment was simple, but it stayed with me. It reminded me that meaningful connection isn’t limited to face-to-face interaction. It’s built through presence, effort, and understanding. And those are things we can carry into any space, if we choose to.

Service, to me, means meeting people where they are and helping them leave more confident than when they arrived. I give back because I care, and because I want to create the opportunities I once wished I had - especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Currently, I give back through both community outreach and academic mentorship. As a community lead at Oracle, I volunteer with Oracle REACH, a program designed to support students and early-career professionals exploring pathways into technology. During the summer, I dedicate time to this program alongside my academic and professional responsibilities, ensuring students receive consistent mentorship during a critical transition period. In this role, I mentor students through structured check-ins, helping them set goals, navigate academic and career decisions, and build confidence in spaces that can often feel inaccessible. Being part of a program that reaches a broad and diverse community has reinforced my belief that guidance, when offered with patience and intention, can open doors that talent alone does not always unlock. In addition to my work with Oracle REACH, I participate in quarterly volunteer initiatives such as the Teach Students Money Expo and Tech Sassy Girlz, where we introduce students to financial literacy, technology, and STEM opportunities. I also serve part-time as a lead graduate student researcher and mentor at the Muma College of Business, where I train undergraduate and graduate students in research ethics and administration, survey design and management, statistical analysis, data analysis, and behavioral AI tools. Rather than focusing solely on technical instruction, I prioritize helping students understand why their work matters and how it can be used responsibly to serve others. One student recently shared, “I’m really grateful to Chelsea Anestal for explaining everything so clearly and patiently - the step-by-step walkthrough made it much easier to follow and truly understand what we were doing and why we were doing it.” Moments like this affirm that service rooted in clarity, empathy, and encouragement can meaningfully shape how students see themselves and their potential. Looking ahead, I plan to continue expanding my impact by building scalable mentorship and learning environments at the intersection of education, technology, and ethical leadership. I hope to create systems that not only teach skills, but also cultivate confidence, critical thinking, and a commitment to giving back. In honoring Priscilla Shireen Luke’s legacy, I strive to spread hope by empowering others - especially those who may not yet see their own possibilities - to build a better world for future generations.

Pursuing a dual MBA in Finance and MS in AI & Business Analytics at the University of South Florida has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. As a first-generation college graduate with independent financial status, I’ve had to navigate every step of higher education without the safety nets many others rely on. Scholarships like the OMC Graduate Scholarship will be able to provide financial support an invest in a future where I can pay it forward in lasting and meaningful ways. During my academic journey, I’ve balanced full-time work in healthcare technology consulting with an ambitious graduate course load. I currently support hospitals and community health networks across the country, and my role has taught me how data, finance, and system design can make or break health outcomes. While doing this, I’ve maintained a 3.94 GPA, completed independent research, and joined a faculty-led Behavioral AI Lab. My work bridges innovation and real-world impact, but it’s not without sacrifice. I’ve already reached the tuition reimbursement cap from my employer, and I am not in a position to take on additional student loans. Each semester comes with tough financial choices, balancing coursework, project demands, and basic living expenses. Despite these challenges, I remain deeply driven by my long-term vision. My ultimate goal is to launch a financial technology company centered on equity and inclusion. I want to build accessible tools that help first-generation professionals, women of color, and underserved communities achieve financial stability and long-term wealth. That means designing platforms that offer affordable credit, personalized financial coaching, and culturally aware education tools to help users make informed financial decisions. I know what it’s like to live without a roadmap, and I want to build one for others. I’m especially passionate about bridging the gap between data and dignity. In too many cases, technology replicates existing biases instead of dismantling them. I want to be part of the change, building systems that are transparent, ethical, and intentionally inclusive. My graduate coursework in AI and finance is giving me the technical foundation I need, while my lived experiences keep me grounded in the realities that can’t be taught in textbooks. The scholarship I’m applying for would allow me to continue pursuing this dual degree without having to sacrifice academic opportunities due to financial strain. It would help relieve the pressure of tuition costs so that I can focus fully on my research, consulting projects, and leadership development. But more importantly, it would help me continue the work I’ve already begun through paying it forward. I actively mentor other students from first-gen or low-income backgrounds and regularly share my story in workshops, peer networks, and online forums. I believe deeply that representation matters, especially in tech, finance, and AI, where decisions shape the future. If awarded this scholarship, I will not only carry it with pride, but I’ll use it as fuel to multiply its impact in my community. Education has always been the key to opening doors in my life. Each opportunity I’ve received—whether an internship, a faculty recommendation, or a scholarship, has made it possible for me to take one more step toward the future I envision. This scholarship would not just support my goals; it would extend the momentum I’ve worked so hard to build and help me keep showing up, fully and purposefully. I am committed to walking through every door I’ve earned,and just as committed to holding it open for the next person behind me. Thank you sincerely for considering my application.

I am a first-generation college graduate currently pursuing a dual MBA in Finance and MS in AI & Business Analytics at the University of South Florida. I work full-time in healthcare technology consulting and serve as a research assistant in a Behavioral AI Lab, where I help develop tools that make AI more human-centered and inclusive. My path hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped the resilient, service-driven woman I am today. I grew up navigating instability, from hurricanes that displaced my family, to the pandemic that caused both of my parents to be furloughed while I was still in school. By my junior year of college, I had become the sole breadwinner in my household. I worked as a hospital technician to support both myself and my family, while balancing full-time coursework. I still remember sitting in my apartment, staring at tuition deadlines alongside my bank balance, knowing I had no one to call if the numbers didn’t add up. Despite those challenges, I’ve remained focused on making the most of my education. I’ve launched a live academic research platform that supports applied AI experiments, contributed to faculty-led research on behavioral AI, and mentored other first-gen students exploring tech and data careers. I also lead volunteer efforts through my company’s Black employee resource group, including Special Olympics support, 8 Cents in a jar Financial Literacy mentoring, inclusive healthcare outreach, and DEI initiatives in tech. These experiences reflect my belief that success means nothing unless you’re using it to uplift others. My passion for STEM is rooted in a vision of access. Too often, our communities are left behind in both technology development and access to its benefits. I’m determined to change that. I want to build platforms that democratize financial knowledge, provide credit-building tools, and bring investing literacy to communities that have long been excluded. My goal is to create a financial technology company that blends data science, financial education, and AI to empower underserved families with the tools to build wealth. The dual degree I’m pursuing is not only equipping me with technical and business skills, it’s giving me the credibility and confidence to lead change. I've maintained a 3.94 GPA while working full-time and engaging in academic research, service, and mentorship. I’m committed to making every step of this journey meaningful, not just for myself but for the communities I represent. In the long term, I want to continue mentoring Black women in tech and finance, helping them navigate systems I had to figure out on my own. My dream life includes not just professional success, but peace, being able to own a home without debt, help my family without strain, and use my education to open doors for others. I want to build systems that restore dignity, not just create profit. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to completing my degree without financial hardship. More importantly, it would help me continue the work I’ve already started paying it forward for the next generation.

The life of my dreams is one where I’ve transformed the odds I’ve faced into opportunities for others. I’ve weathered harsh realities, back-to-back hurricanes, family emergencies, car accidents, unexpected repair costs, and transferring schools during the global pandemic. By my junior year of college, I became the sole breadwinner in my household after both of my parents were furloughed. Despite being a full-tuition scholarship recipient, I was faced with taking on life expenses early. During the pandemic, I worked as a hospital technician full-time to help support myself and my family. I still remember sitting alone in my apartment, staring at tuition deadlines alongside my bank balance, knowing I had no one to call if the numbers didn’t add up. As a first-generation college graduate with independent financial status, I’ve had to keep going even when the path wasn’t clear. My dream is to build stability, security, and purpose for myself, and then use what I’ve built to uplift others who, like me, grew up without a safety net. I am currently pursuing a dual MBA in Finance and MS in AI & Business Analytics at the University of South Florida, while working full-time in healthcare technology consulting. Balancing a rigorous graduate program with full-time work hasn’t been easy, especially after reaching the limit of my employer’s tuition reimbursement. Still, I’ve worked hard to maintain a 3.94 GPA while completing independent research, launching a live academic AI platform, and joining a faculty-led Behavioral AI Lab. I’ve had to navigate every semester without family financial support, often balancing academic responsibilities with real-world challenges and long hours. In the life of my dreams, I no longer have to choose between ambition and stability. I see myself leading a financial technology company focused on expanding financial literacy and access in underserved communities. This company would provide tools for wealth-building, accessible credit, and hands-on education for those who’ve historically been left out of financial systems. My goal is to create sustainable pathways to opportunity for others, especially Black women and first-generation professionals like me. My dream also includes peace: owning a home without debt, supporting my family without financial strain, and thriving in a career rooted in purpose. I envision myself mentoring the next generation of women in tech, finance, and data, helping them navigate systems I had to figure out on my own. I want to speak openly about my journey and use it to equip others not just with hope, but with a real strategy. Education has always been the key to possibility in my life. Scholarships like this one don’t just fund my education, they allow me to keep building a future that’s bigger than myself. I’m committed to walking through every door I’ve earned, and just as committed to holding it open for the next woman behind me.