Excellence isn't a choice for Black women with dreams. It's a way of life in a world and through systemic injustice that consistently devalues our work and worth. For me, excellence means showing up with intention, precision, and purpose, even when the resources are limited and the path forward is unclear. Excellence is researching every detail and speaking directly to community members before planning community-based events. It’s making sure all endeavors are not just well-produced, but that they reflect the actual needs and identities of the people it's meant to serve. It's creating frameworks and new ways of working to ensure that when I help someone secure a grant, the follow-through is built into the process. It’s mentorship that goes beyond advice, offering real tools, emotional support, and the kind of encouragement that says, “You don’t have to do this alone.” As a Black artist, entrepreneur, and advocate, I embody excellence by committing to the hard, often invisible labor of community care. My artistic and professional work lives at the intersection of creativity, wellness, and justice. Through my company, Creative Works Studio, I’m building a platform that supports BIPOC creatives not just in making art, but in building sustainable lives through it. The work is deeply personal - because I’ve lived the instability, the underfunding, and the burnout that so often plagues Black creatives. I know the gaps in the system, because I’ve had to navigate them. That’s why I design solutions that are holistic, trauma-informed, and centered on equity. Service is not an extracurricular for me. Rather, I see it as embedded in every layer of my life and work. I’ve hosted community wellness workshops that use art as a tool for healing. I mentor younger Black artists, offering everything from portfolio reviews to project management coaching. My impact isn't always front-facing or wide-spread, but I believe that it is deeply important for those I serve. I also believe excellence is spiritual. It’s about alignment, making sure my gifts serve not only my vision, but something bigger than myself. Like Harriett Russell Carr, I believe in using my life to make the world better. My faith grounds me in that belief, reminding me that to work in this way is sacred, and that we all have a responsibility to leave things better than we found them. Pursuing my MFA at the Royal College of Art is part of this larger mission. I didn’t choose graduate school just to advance my own career, but ratherI chose it to deepen my capacity to lead, teach, and serve through an international perspective. I’m gaining the business strategy, creative rigor, and global perspective needed to build a lasting impact. With this scholarship, I can continue this work without financial barriers interrupting the momentum I’ve built. Excellence, to me, is about showing up every day with care, clarity, and commitment. It’s about believing that even in a world designed to silence us, and that our voices and visions matter. I carry Harriett Russell Carr’s legacy by choosing to lead with transparency and care. I believe that my time on earth is to be spent empowering people through collective healing and inspiring action that promotes sustainable living. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue to walk in that legacy - boldly, creatively, and with a spirit of excellence that is deeply rooted in service.

I am a Black artist, entrepreneur, and community advocate who believes in the power of creative expression to ignite social responsibility. My artistic practice explores the intersection of art, wellness, social justice, and environmental responsibility, focusing on how immersive experiences can foster community connection. As a Black American artist and producer, I am deeply aware of the systemic inequities that shape our world. I see my role as both a creator and facilitator, using art to invite audiences to challenge these structures while empowering others to do the same in their own communities and lives. My experiences working within marginalized communities have shown me how the arts can serve as a tool for reflection, resilience, and action. My projects engage communities through multidisciplinary approaches, inviting participants to immerse themselves in experiences that amplify historically underrepresented narratives—including joy, visions for sustainable futures, and environmental connection. Often incorporating movement, outdoor engagement, and community collaboration, my work is designed to break down barriers and encourage active participation in conversations about social and environmental wellness. Currently, I am pursuing an MFA in Communications at the Royal College of Art to refine my ability to bridge art, leadership, and business strategy in ways that uplift marginalized communities. Throughout my career, I have navigated systemic barriers that often make it difficult for Black women to thrive in creative industries. From working as an underfunded independent artist to overcoming significant personal and financial challenges —including depression and financial exploitation— and I have had to be resourceful and resilient in charting my path. These experiences have fueled my commitment to creating more equitable spaces for artists of color and marginalized communities. My company, Creative Works Studio, is in its early stages, but my long-term vision is to develop it into a consultancy agency and platform that serves as a hub for innovation at the intersection of creativity, wellness, and social change. Beyond my business, I plan to use my expertise to develop education initiatives that equip emerging Black creatives with business skills, financial literacy, and strategies to navigate industries that were not built with them in mind. I want to help close the resource gap that prevents many talented Black women from reaching leadership roles, just as Michele L. Durant fought to overcome financial obstacles in her own pursuit of education. The impact I seek to make is not just about my personal success but about transforming the landscape for others. By securing funding for my education, I can focus on building a legacy that ensures Black women in the arts—and beyond—have the tools and opportunities to thrive. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to making that vision a reality.

How do we better see and meet one another as humans living a full human experience? Building my career while living with long-term depression has shown me firsthand how essential holistic well-being is to both productivity and innovation. For me, entrepreneurship is not just a career path. It’s a means of creating sustainable opportunities, nurturing agency, and reshaping how we think about work, wellness, and creativity. I no longer view happiness and fulfillment as a distant goal, but as a process - something to be cultivated in the present. This shift in perspective led me to develop the concepts behind my business. Creative Works Studio, LLC extends my artistic practice into a service-based enterprise that promotes holistic wellness as the foundation of productivity. It exists to prove that business can be both profitable and human-centered by advocating for groundbreaking models that challenge traditional notions of work. For years, I believed relentless productivity was the only path to success, but my experiences with burnout transformed my understanding. Success should not come at the cost of well-being. A key aspect of my philosophy is challenging exploitative structures in capitalism and exploring how business can reinvest in life and community. I believe entrepreneurship both can and should create economic models that sustain people and promote collective well-being rather than simply maximizing profit. With CWS, I’m designing a framework where business is not only financially viable but also socially responsible. Over the next five years, I plan to scale CWS through core offerings, including Creative Consulting & Strategy, Workplace Wellness & Culture Building, and Community-Driven Arts Initiatives. A central component of CWS is developing both for-profit and nonprofit programming to ensure sustainability while also providing community access through grant funding and sponsorships. By 2030, my goal is for Creative Works Studio to serve as a hub for innovation at the intersection of creativity, wellness, and social change. Through strategic partnerships, grants, and sponsorships, I aim to expand globally while maintaining a strong commitment to accessibility and equity. To execute this vision, I’ve developed a structured, multi-phase plan. While I have the passion and ambition to bring it to life, I recognize that I need an advanced degree to fully realize my goals. Pursuing my MFA in Communications will provide me with the knowledge, relationships, and strategic insight needed to refine my business model, develop partnerships, and secure funding. Upon completing my MFA, I will focus on expanding CWS into a consultancy that bridges creativity, business, and social impact. Revenue will come from consulting, creative production, and corporate-educational programs, while grants and sponsorships will support community initiatives. By 2030, my vision is for CWS to be a leader in creative entrepreneurship. To support this growth, I need financial assistance to fund my MFA, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to my studies and spend the next year developing my networks. This education will equip me with the knowledge and resources to scale my business effectively. While I plan to secure additional grants and employment to support future business developments, assistance at this stage would allow me to focus on building CWS without the constant pressure of financial constraints. Though I am grateful to have a clear vision for my career, years of operating in a hustle-survival mindset have limited my ability to fully realize my business’s potential. With the right support, I can move beyond merely sustaining my vision to fully bringing it to life. For me, entrepreneurship is about reshaping systems, challenging norms, and creating pathways for sustainable success. Black entrepreneurs often face systemic barriers to funding and institutional support, limiting their ability to innovate and scale. Through Creative Works Studio, I hope to break this cycle by proving that a values-driven business model can thrive. My acceptance into RCA was the result of years of persistence, resilience, and unwavering belief in my vision. Now, I stand at the threshold of the next stage, one that requires strategic investment, continued learning, and access to the resources needed to turn my business into a sustainable, impactful force. With the support of this scholarship, I will be closer to fully dedicating myself to this mission, ensuring that Creative Works Studio becomes a model for how creativity, business, and social impact can coexist in a way that benefits everyone.

The most challenging adversity I’ve faced came from an unexpected place - one I could never have predicted. Early in my career, I was convinced to sign a document that I believed would help then-friends who owned the dance studio where I worked secure access to a new space. What I didn’t realize at the time was that this decision would later entangle me in a legal battle that drained my finances, my energy, and, for a while, my faith in my own judgment. As a freelancer, I was working tirelessly to build a sustainable career while launching initiatives to support my community. But the lawsuit consumed my savings and left me in an incredibly vulnerable position. Beyond the financial toll, the betrayal of trust and the stress of rebuilding took an emotional toll, leading to a period of depression. It was a dark and isolating time, and one that forced me to reevaluate everything I thought I knew about trust, business, and resilience. What ultimately saved me was a shift in perspective. I had to accept that while my ambition and good intentions had led me into this situation—where bad actors took advantage of my trust—I could also use the lessons from this experience to build a stronger foundation for my future. I realized that passion alone wasn’t enough to create meaningful change. I needed institutional support, financial strategy, and a more structured approach to my work. This realization is what led me to pursue my MFA, not just to refine my artistic practice but to gain the knowledge, resources, and network necessary to build a creative career that is both impactful and sustainable. Through this struggle, my community and my creativity reminded me of my worth. When everything felt hopeless, they saw the value in what I created. Their belief in me reignited my own sense of purpose. I learned to lean on those who truly had my back and, in turn, to be more discerning about who I trust in business. Most importantly, I came to understand that setbacks don’t define me, and I can choose how I move forward in life. To anyone facing similar adversity, my advice is this: find your people and hold onto them. When you’re at your lowest, let those who believe in you remind you of your value. And when you regain your footing, use your experience to move forward with greater clarity and purpose. Mistakes and hardships don’t erase your potential. In fact, they shape it, giving you a deeper understanding of who truly matters in your journey and who you want to celebrate when success comes your way. For me, this journey isn’t just about rebuilding; it’s about proving that Black artists deserve stability, leadership opportunities, and institutional backing. With this scholarship, I can continue that mission, not just for myself, but for the next generation of creatives who, like me, deserve the chance to thrive. This is about more than earning a degree. It’s about breaking barriers in a field where few Black American women have had access to institutional support. This MFA will provide the knowledge, connections, and legitimacy needed to create lasting impact. I’ve already accomplished so much with limited resources. In a fully supportive environment, I know I can realize ambitious, meaningful endeavors - ones that uplift and empower others while shaping conversations about our collective future.

Pursuing my graduate studies abroad isn’t just about furthering my education, it’s about breaking barriers and creating space for others like me. As a Black/Afro-Latinx American producer and entrepreneur, I’ve spent my career using creativity to drive change. But Black professionals remain underrepresented in leadership roles, both in the arts and across industries. Advancing in this field isn’t just about talent or passion; it requires access to the right resources, networks, and institutional backing. That’s why studying at the Royal College of Art (RCA), the top university for art & design, is so crucial for me. In the U.S., systemic barriers make it incredibly difficult for Black creatives to rise beyond entry-level positions. While we make up 14% of the workforce, only 7% hold managerial roles, and a mere 4% reach executive positions. The arts aren’t any different. Black professionals occupy only 4% of high-level roles in museums and cultural institutions. There are programs that help us get our foot in the door, but what happens after that? That’s where opportunities like this come in. RCA’s program is a perfect fit for what I want to build. Its collaborative, cross-disciplinary, and globally focused approach aligns with my vision of creating dialogue and leadership that transcends industries and cultures. The one-year intensive format allows me to develop the skills and network I need without the burden of prolonged financial strain. Furthermore, the school’s international reputation ensured that my application would be evaluated based on merit rather than my identity or connections. However, studying abroad as a Black American presents unique financial challenges. Many scholarships prioritize UK or EU students, while financial aid in the U.S. often overlooks the barriers we face. Ironically, international students in the U.S. sometimes have more funding opportunities than African-Americans pursuing post-graduate education at home. With the U.S. Department of Education’s future uncertain, securing loans has become even more unpredictable. During my one-year MFA program, I’ll focus on strengthening my leadership, business development, and communication skills. RCA’s extensive network will provide invaluable mentorship and connections with industry leaders who can help me scale my creative enterprise. This period is critical for refining my business model, establishing meaningful partnerships, and identifying funding strategies that will support my long-term objectives. Receiving this scholarship would significantly reduce my financial burden, allowing me to fully engage in RCA’s dynamic learning environment without being pulled in multiple directions due to financial stress. My acceptance into RCA was the result of a two-year journey marked by persistence and dedication. However, working multiple jobs throughout college has often forced me to choose between survival and my studies. While I accept the necessity of working, it frequently pulls me away from what matters most: my education. Every scholarship I receive helps alleviate this burden, ensuring I can focus on excelling academically without accumulating debt that could limit my future opportunities. This scholarship represents both financial support and an investment in progress. It would allow me to fully capitalize on this opportunity without financial obstacles derailing my path. My ultimate goal is to build a sustainable creative enterprise that bridges art, social impact, and strategy. RCA is the ideal place to refine my approach, gain expertise, and drive change for Black creatives and professionals in leadership. This journey is about more than earning a degree. It’s about doing what very few Black American women have done before in the arts. With limited resources, I’ve already accomplished so much. In a fully supportive environment, I know I can create meaningful, lasting impact.

My goal is to build a sustainable creative enterprise that bridges art, social impact, and business strategy. As an interdisciplinary creative and entrepreneur, I am currently pursuing an MFA in Communications at the Royal College of Art to refine my ability to scale my work beyond the traditional arts industry. My company, The Creative Seen, is in its early stages, currently focused on selling art prints and producing community-engaged projects. However, my long-term vision is to expand it into a full-scale consultancy and production house that leverages creativity to drive social change, educate future leaders, and cultivate economic opportunities for artists. To achieve this, I have developed a five-year plan that outlines key phases of implementation and anticipated challenges. Phase 1: Educational and Strategic Development (2024-2025) During my one-year MFA program, I will focus on strengthening my leadership, business development, and communication skills. I plan to take full advantage of RCA’s extensive global network, connecting with industry leaders and mentors who can guide both my creative and entrepreneurial growth. This period will be critical for refining my business model, establishing meaningful partnerships, and identifying funding opportunities and strategies that will support my long-term objectives. Phase 2: Scaling & Expanding Business Offerings (2025-2027) Upon graduation, my focus will be on securing employment with a reputable institution that will allow me to develop strategic partnerships, access funding opportunities, and continue growing my entrepreneurial endeavors. At the same time, I will refine and expand The Creative Seen by offering: • Consulting Services – Helping arts organizations, businesses, and social enterprises use creative storytelling and community engagement to drive meaningful impact. • Creative Production – Developing immersive events, campaigns, and experiences that communicate complex social and environmental issues in ways that resonate with global audiences. • Education & Workshops – Designing programs that equip marginalized artists with business and communication skills to sustain their careers. Phase 3: Sustainability & Long-Term Impact (2027 and beyond) My long-term vision for The Creative Seen is to become a leader in socially responsible creative production, generating revenue through consulting, sponsorships, and large-scale collaborations while maintaining a deep commitment to accessibility and equity in the arts. By 2030, I aim to secure institutional backing and grants that will allow us to support emerging artists, expand into global markets, and scale our impact. To execute the first stage of my plan, I need funding for: • Tuition & Living Expenses ($50,000): Completing my MFA will provide the foundation to build my business sustainably. • Future Business Development ($15,000): Legal fees, website development, branding, administrative costs, and networking/conference fees. While I anticipate raising these funds through employment and additional grants, completing my education first will make these goals much more attainable. Additionally, I will leverage free and low-cost resources such as mentorship programs, startup incubators, and grants for creative entrepreneurship. I am also developing a financial model that integrates multiple revenue streams, ensuring long-term sustainability. Currently, my priority is to focus my energy on developing my network and knowledge during my time at RCA, without being pulled in multiple directions by financial constraints. My acceptance into the Royal College of Art was the result of a two-year endeavor—one that required patience, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to my goals. This is just the beginning. Like Joe Gilroy, I believe in meticulous planning and execution. My vision for the future is not just a dream—it is a structured, strategic endeavor that I have already begun to build. With the right resources, education, and support, I am committed to creating a lasting impact at the intersection of business, creativity, and social change.

I am a dance artist and Artistic Director dedicated to using movement as a tool for storytelling, social responsibility, and cultural preservation. My journey with dance began at the age of three, and over the years, I have trained in a diverse range of styles, including modern, jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, and West African. Originally from the New York metropolitan area, my career took shape after relocating to the Bay Area in 2015, where I deepened my artistic practice and expanded into filmmaking and live production. My work as a filmmaker was initially a way to explore storytelling and directing, and in 2021, my award-winning film Set Me Free was featured in the San Francisco Dance Film Festival, alongside several other internationally showcased short films. However, after the pandemic, I felt a strong desire to create immersive, in-person experiences that prioritize the journeys of both the dancers and the audience. My long-term goal is to develop a movement language that is uniquely centered on Black dancers—one that serves as a tool for decolonization in the field and helps artists better understand their own bodies. I believe that dance should not only be a medium for expression but also a form of self-care, resilience, and community connection. As a producer, I am committed to ensuring that the dancer’s experience is valued just as much as the audience’s, as I see the well-being of performers as integral to both their longevity and a production’s success. I am an artist and community advocate who believes in the power of creative expression to ignite social responsibility. My artistic practice explores the intersection of art, wellness, social justice, and environmental responsibility, focusing on how immersive experiences can foster community connection. As a Black American artist and producer, I am deeply aware of the systemic inequities that shape our world. I see my role as both a creator and facilitator, using art to invite audiences to challenge these structures while empowering others to do the same in their own communities and lives. I firmly believe my studies will be instrumental in achieving my artistic goals. The ability to craft compelling narratives, engage diverse audiences, and advocate for artists through effective storytelling is just as critical as the movement itself. My studies will equip me with the tools to amplify the voices of Black dancers, create sustainable pathways for artists, and push the boundaries of dance as a form of activism and cultural preservation. Through my work, I hope to inspire the next generation of dancers to see movement not only as performance but as a means of empowerment, healing, and social change. My ultimate vision is to produce work that moves people—both physically and emotionally—toward a more just, connected, and artistically enriched world.