Building Tomorrow’s World with Data and Purpose When I first started learning how to code, I didn’t see it as a path to a career, I saw it as a way to create change. I was fascinated by how technology connects people, how something written in a few lines of code could make life easier or solve a problem that once felt impossible. As a Black woman in computer science, I’ve learned that STEM is more than algorithms and machines, it’s about the impact those tools can make on people’s lives. My journey has been about learning to use data not just to predict outcomes, but to make a difference for overlooked communities. I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Data Science and minors in Statistics and Finance at Virginia Commonwealth University. Every class reminds me that the future belongs to those who understand both numbers and people. For me, STEM isn’t about prestige, it’s about purpose. I want to use data to make the world fairer, giving communities like mine a voice in decisions that shape our environment and economy. I believe data can be a form of advocacy and a bridge toward more inclusive decision making. One of the most meaningful experiences of my college journey was serving as Student Lead for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. Our challenge was to design a net-zero, affordable housing project for low-income families in Richmond, Virginia. I was one of the youngest on the team and one of the only Black women, but I quickly learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about listening, learning, and helping others see how their work connects to something bigger. Late nights of collaboration taught me that technology and empathy must work together. When we presented our design, I felt pride not just in what we built, but in why we built it, to create sustainable housing rooted in compassion and equity. As a Data Science and Machine Learning Undergraduate Assistant, I’ve analyzed climate and social data to identify communities most vulnerable to environmental risks. I’ve seen how data can tell stories that inspire change, from modeling natural disasters to mapping underserved regions. My technical work in Python, R, and statistical modeling gives me the tools to solve problems, but my heart for service gives me the reason to solve them. Outside the lab, I mentor women and students of color through VCU’s STEM mentorship program. I know what it feels like to question whether you belong in a space not built for you. Helping a student understand a concept or finish her first project reminds me why representation matters, it changes what people believe is possible. Each time I see someone’s confidence grow, I’m reminded that progress begins when we lift each other up. Looking ahead, I hope to merge my love for data and finance to design solutions for sustainable investing and community resilience. I want to help organizations make responsible financial decisions that benefit both people and the planet. My dream is to become a quantitative analyst and technology leader who measures progress not just in profit, but in purpose. The Women in STEM Scholarship would mean more than financial support, it would affirm the values guiding my journey: resilience, empathy, and innovation. I believe the future of STEM belongs to women who build with both intelligence and heart. I hope to keep paving that path so one day another young girl can look at me and think, “If she can do it, maybe I can too."