The charge of excitement at a meticulously planned family reunion, the spark of connection at a community event, and the quiet satisfaction of watching people feel seen—these moments have fueled my passion for creating inclusive, intentional experiences. Moving from rural Guyana to bustling New York City at a young age taught me early on how much environments shape one’s sense of belonging. That understanding deepened through the influence of my late aunt, who had a remarkable gift for planning gatherings that made everyone feel like they mattered. Her passing when I was 15 left a lasting wound, but also planted the seed that would guide my purpose. Long before I knew the term “hospitality,” I was already living it—organizing family game nights, coordinating team celebrations, and taking on the behind-the-scenes work to make people feel connected. Over time, this mindset spilled into my academics and career, eventually leading me to consulting roles where I led organizational change efforts with a focus on communication and care. Now, as I prepare to pursue my Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) at Cornell University, I see clearly how hospitality has been the thread tying all my experiences together—and how it can be a vehicle for global, transformative impact. My vision is to reimagine what it means to care for people—whether guests, employees, or the communities I come from—through intentional design, data-informed decision-making, and strategic operations. I want to create spaces where people don’t just pass through, but feel truly welcomed. That means championing inclusive programming, elevating diverse cultural narratives, and building systems that honor both dignity and efficiency. Whether it’s at a hotel, cultural center, or destination experience, my goal is to lead with purpose and shape hospitality spaces that foster connection, joy, and belonging. This drive to support others shows up in my career goals and how I show up now. Over the past two years, I’ve worked as a Career Success Coach for a data analytics program, supporting over 150 adult learners from all walks of life—veterans, career changers, caregivers, and more. Many of them are navigating their own versions of transition and uncertainty, and I’ve had the privilege of helping them see their value and reimagine what’s possible. Whether editing a resume or talking someone through imposter syndrome, I’ve seen firsthand how small moments of support can ripple into lasting outcomes. Still, the path to this next chapter hasn’t been without its challenges. As a Black immigrant woman, the cost of higher education weighs heavily on me. There have been moments where I’ve had to second-guess my ambitions out of financial concern, despite knowing I have the drive and potential to lead. Receiving the Michele L. Durant Scholarship would be more than monetary relief—it would give me the freedom to fully show up for my program, deepen my learning, and pour into the spaces I care about most. In honoring Michele L. Durant’s legacy, I see a reflection of the woman I strive to be: curious, committed, and anchored in service. Like her, I believe in the power of education to unlock not just personal success, but meaningful impact. With this opportunity, I will continue building toward a career rooted in intention, equity, and heart—one that brings people together, transforms spaces, and leaves lasting impressions, just like my aunt always did. I hope to honor both her legacy and Michele L. Durant’s by creating spaces where everyone, especially those too often overlooked, feels like they belong.