I’ve always known I wanted to build something bigger than myself, I just didn’t know until later that real estate would be the way I’d do it. My name is Chyanne Ramos, and I’m a real estate student at Georgia State University graduating in December 2025. I grew up in Harlem, New York, in a large, tight-knit family, and started college at 16 determined to build a career rooted in purpose. My passion for commercial real estate was shaped by both my personal background and professional interests. My dad began working in residential real estate when I was in eighth grade, and I watched how it transformed his life and opened doors he never thought possible. As a child of Honduran immigrants, the second youngest of six, and the first in his family born in the U.S., his journey inspired me. At the same time, growing up in the housing projects of Harlem, surrounded by a village of family, neighbors, and mentors, instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of community and the built environment. These experiences led me to commercial real estate — because I want to be able to physically see my impact on the world, shaping spaces that are intentional and lasting. Throughout college, I’ve balanced a full course load with consistent part-time work to support myself and help my family. During my sophomore and junior years, I worked two jobs while being a full-time student. It was difficult, but it taught me how to manage time, stay focused, and keep showing up even when things felt overwhelming. Those experiences shaped my work ethic and commitment. I’ve completed all of my core real estate courses, including a unique class on Generative AI where I built a GPT tool to analyze rent rolls. Last summer, I worked on a development project in West Atlanta from start to finish. This summer, I’m interning at Basis Investment Group in New York City, rotating across their Equity and Agency teams. My long-term goal is to become a commercial developer and eventually lead projects that reflect the culture and needs of the communities they serve. Receiving this scholarship would help alleviate the financial pressure that comes with juggling work, school, and unpaid professional development opportunities. It would allow me to dedicate more energy to deepening my industry experience and securing a full-time opportunity after graduation — one that sets me on the path toward becoming a thoughtful and capable leader in real estate development. When I think about the most influential people in my life, I immediately think of my parents. Both of them grew up in housing projects in Harlem and went on to build better lives through education, perseverance, and sacrifice. My mom was a single mother for much of my life, and my twin sister and I were raised by a village: grandparents, aunts, older neighbors, and community members who supported us every step of the way. My parents’ stories, and the support systems around them, taught me that education isn’t just about degrees — it’s about creating opportunity, breaking cycles, and building something that lasts. That’s exactly what I hope to do through commercial real estate.