What makes me different is not just how I’ve overcome, but how I’ve chosen to transform my pain into purpose—and my purpose into power. I’m not here to blend in. I was born to build something the world has never seen. I walk with the weight of my past, the fire of my vision, and the deep understanding that even when I don’t know who’s watching, someone is always being impacted by how I show up. I come from a background where surviving was the expectation, not thriving. But instead of letting that define me, I flipped the narrative. I created GLOBAL ALLURE, not as a brand, but as a beacon—proof that someone from the struggle can become a global architect of legacy, wealth, and liberation. That’s my uniqueness: I don’t lead from a podium; I lead from the trenches. I speak the language of both the boardroom and the block. And in doing so, I bridge worlds that often ignore each other. I leverage my difference by being unapologetically visible—not to boast, but to be a mirror for those who don’t yet see their own brilliance. I post my progress, I share my setbacks, and I speak life into ideas that others might be too scared to voice. I know someone is watching—the kid who thinks he’s too far gone, the young woman who’s tired of being silenced, the student who never sees leaders who look like them in tech, finance, or education. I don’t know their names, but I move with them in mind. One moment that showed me this clearly was when a young man I’d never met messaged me on social media. He told me that he’d been watching my journey from afar—quietly—and that one of my posts about rebuilding your life after failure stopped him from giving up. I had no idea he was watching. No idea he was struggling. But my transparency, my boldness, my commitment to walking in purpose—it reached him. That’s the kind of ripple I aim to create every day. Whether I’m presenting a blockchain solution, launching a community project, or just walking across campus at Clark Atlanta University with my head held high—I understand that my actions preach louder than my words. My life is a sermon for someone who’s listening without saying a word. I’m different because I lead with intention, walk with vision, and speak with the voice of every person who’s ever been told to sit down and stay silent. I am proof that legacy can rise from the most unlikely places. And I will continue to move like the world is watching—because even if I don’t know who they are, they deserve to see what’s possible.

Building a Legacy of Empowerment and Innovation My name is Davon L. Baker, and I am a proud student at Clark Atlanta University, a place where legacy meets leadership and culture meets innovation. I am not just here to earn a degree—I am here to change the world. As the founder of GLOBAL ALLURE LLC and BILLIONS INC, my life’s mission is to build a powerful ecosystem that empowers marginalized communities, redefines access to wealth, and uses technology as a tool for liberation. Growing up, I experienced firsthand the challenges of systemic inequality, economic exclusion, and educational gatekeeping. But instead of allowing my circumstances to limit me, I allowed them to define my purpose. I’ve always believed that leadership is not about status—it’s about service. That belief drives everything I do. At Clark Atlanta University, I am focusing my studies on the intersection of blockchain, artificial intelligence, business strategy, and economic justice. My goal is to use these tools not for profit alone, but for purpose. I believe that our communities deserve more than inspiration—they deserve infrastructure. Through GLOBAL ALLURE, I plan to build a global tech and education empire that provides decentralized financial access, culturally relevant digital education, and community-led innovation hubs. I see a future where students in Atlanta, Accra, and Oakland can learn how to code, invest, launch startups, and own assets—all from their phones. I see a future where blockchain isn’t just a buzzword but a tool to decentralize power. I see a future where we print our own currency, write our own laws in smart contracts, and create intergenerational wealth on our terms. Scholarships like this are not just financial support—they are investments into visionaries who are ready to lead. Your support would not only help me continue my education but allow me to further develop GLOBAL ALLURE’s launch initiatives, expand my impact, and build a stronger bridge between academia and action. Every course I take, every connection I make at CAU, and every project I lead will directly feed into a platform designed to uplift thousands—if not millions. This is about more than my story. It’s about rewriting the story for so many who were never given a fair shot. I don’t just want to change the world—I want to build one where greatness is not the exception but the expectation. And I believe that with education, vision, and faith, I will. As our university’s motto says: “Find a Way or Make One.” I have chosen to make one—boldly, unapologetically, and globally. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity. With your support, I will turn this vision into reality—not just for me, but for everyone who dares to dream beyond survival and step into legacy.

My name is Davon L. Baker, and I am a visionary, a builder, and a survivor. I was raised in a single-parent household after my father, a gang member, chose the streets over fatherhood following a shooting the night I was born. My mother, doing her best under immense pressure, later married a known drug dealer. As a child, I was robbed at gunpoint with my mother and sister inside our home—just one of many traumatic moments that shaped my early years. Without a consistent father figure and surrounded by instability, I turned to the streets and was incarcerated on and off throughout my teens and twenties. But I refused to let my past become my life sentence. Through every setback, I gained clarity, resilience, and vision. I eventually earned my Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Los Angeles City College. Today, I’m a proud student at Clark Atlanta University, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. My education is not just a pathway to success—it is the blueprint for building a movement. I’m currently developing two ventures that reflect my mission: GLOBAL ALLURE, a brand strategy and development firm, and BILLIONS INC., a fintech platform designed to give underserved communities access to blockchain, digital assets, and financial empowerment. These are more than business ideas—they are my answer to the poverty and incarceration cycles I once lived through. I want to create tools, spaces, and systems that help others reclaim their power. I’ve also begun laying the foundation for community impact. I speak to young men who remind me of myself—those caught between survival and self-destruction—and I share my story to show that transformation is possible. I plan to launch community-based programs that focus on ownership, economic literacy, and digital entrepreneurship. Everything I build is rooted in the belief that we don’t need more charity—we need access, opportunity, and infrastructure. Being accepted into Clark Atlanta University is one of my proudest accomplishments. It affirmed that I am no longer defined by my mistakes, but by my mission. With every class I take and every step I climb, I carry my past with purpose. If I receive this scholarship, the money I save by reducing my student loan debt will go toward investing in my ventures, obtaining blockchain certifications, and expanding access to financial education in my community. It will allow me to move faster, build smarter, and serve deeper. This scholarship would not just fund my education—it would empower my execution. You’re not just investing in a student. You’re investing in the architect of a new economic reality.

From Chains to Change: My Story, My Mission I was born into a world stacked against me. My father was shot the night I was born and chose the streets over being a parent. My mother, a single Black woman doing her best, later married a drug dealer. At a young age, I was robbed at gunpoint in my own home, alongside my mother and sister—trauma I carried into my teens. With no father figure, few positive role models, and a community battling poverty, I did what many young men do when they feel unseen and unprotected: I turned to the streets. That decision led me to incarceration at 16. I didn’t come home until I was 31. But even in prison, I knew my story wasn’t over. Behind bars, I found a sense of clarity. I realized the system wasn’t just punishing me—it was designed to keep people like me from ever rising. I began to read, reflect, and rebuild myself. I found purpose in entrepreneurship, power in education, and vision in finance. I didn’t want to just survive anymore. I wanted to dominate my lane and create real impact. I came home and earned my Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Los Angeles City College. Today, I’m a proud student at Clark Atlanta University, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. But I’m not just chasing a degree—I’m chasing destiny. My mission is to build businesses that change lives. I’m currently developing two ventures: GLOBAL ALLURE and BILLIONS INC. Though both are in the idea stage, they are deeply rooted in my purpose. GLOBAL ALLURE will be a strategy and branding agency that helps creators and entrepreneurs turn their ideas into empires. BILLIONS INC. will be a fintech company using blockchain, crypto, and decentralized finance to give marginalized communities access to wealth-building tools once reserved for the elite. My passion lies in rewriting the blueprint of power. I’m obsessed with financial empowerment, tech innovation, and legacy. I want to show young men like me that we are more than our environment, more than our mistakes—we are kings, visionaries, and builders of the future. Everything I do is rooted in love for my people and a deep understanding of what it means to be counted out. My past doesn’t hold me back—it drives me forward. I plan to use my education, experience, and vision to create access, build wealth, and shift culture. I am no longer a product of my circumstances. I am the architect of my future.

Rebuilding the System: My Obsession with Economic Power What interests me more than anything is building systems that give power back to the people—especially the people who’ve been counted out, locked out, or left behind. I’m fascinated by the intersection of finance, technology, and justice. Not because it sounds good in a classroom, but because I’ve lived the opposite. I know what it feels like to grow up in a broken economy, to be a victim of systems designed to profit off your downfall. And now, I’m committed to flipping that script. After being incarcerated from the age of 16 to 31, I came home with a fire in my spirit and a vision in my mind. I enrolled in community college, earned my Associate’s degree in Business Administration, and transferred to Clark Atlanta University—where I’m now majoring in Finance. But my education is not just for upward mobility—it’s for legacy. I’m building two business ventures: GLOBAL ALLURE, a branding and strategy firm for creators and entrepreneurs; and BILLIONS INC., a fintech company focused on digital assets, decentralized finance (DeFi), and economic empowerment for underserved communities. What interests me most is how blockchain and Web3 technologies can break generational curses. I see a future where the young man I used to be—fatherless, system-impacted, and underestimated—can learn crypto investing, build a digital brand, or launch a startup from a laptop. I want to create those opportunities, build those platforms, and open doors that were slammed shut on people like me. This interest isn’t about hype—it’s about healing. It’s about reclaiming what was stolen from our communities and rewriting our economic destiny. I want to turn knowledge into access, pain into profit, and the hood into a hub of innovation. That’s what excites me: creating systems of ownership, access, and liberation. And I won’t stop until they’re real.

Carrying the Legacy: From Survival to Sovereignty The legacy of Sgt. Albert Dono Ware—defined by service, sacrifice, and bravery—reminds me that true leadership is about building something greater than yourself. He didn’t just serve this country with courage; he became a symbol of what it means to stand for something bigger than personal gain. His legacy challenges me to do the same—not through the battlefield, but through business, justice, and innovation. His values align with mine because I too come from struggle, and I too have chosen to rise and lead. I didn’t take the traditional path to college. I was born into a chaotic environment, surrounded by trauma and systemic neglect. My father was shot the night I was born and chose the streets over fatherhood. My mother, a single woman doing her best, married a known drug dealer who brought danger and instability into our home. I was robbed at gunpoint in my own house, alongside my mother and sister. Without strong role models and under constant pressure to survive, I turned to the streets and was incarcerated from age 16 to 31. But prison didn’t break me—it built me. I used those years to reflect, grow, and plan. After my release, I earned my Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Los Angeles City College. I’m now a student at Clark Atlanta University, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. For me, college isn’t about a piece of paper—it’s about building an empire that uplifts my people, rewrites my legacy, and honors everyone who didn’t make it out. I am developing two bold ventures: GLOBAL ALLURE and BILLIONS INC. Though still in the idea stage, they are rooted in real, revolutionary goals. GLOBAL ALLURE will be a strategic branding and development firm that helps entrepreneurs and creators scale their vision. BILLIONS INC. will be a fintech company designed to provide blockchain-based financial tools, decentralized investment platforms, and wealth education for underserved communities—especially the Black and formerly incarcerated. These ventures are not about chasing profit. They are about redistributing power. Financial exclusion, economic oppression, and the digital divide are the new front lines for our people. I want to make sure the African diaspora doesn’t just participate in the global economy—we own pieces of it. Addressing the Crisis in the African Diaspora The African American community faces deep-rooted challenges that can’t be solved with surface-level solutions. We are up against the legacy of redlining, mass incarceration, educational apartheid, and systemic disinvestment. At the same time, we’re watching a new digital economy rise—and we’re being left out again. That’s why the values of service, sacrifice, and bravery are more urgent than ever. They must be applied not just in times of war—but in times of transformation. My plan is to build local and global systems that create access, ownership, and opportunity. I will establish community-based fintech labs where youth and returning citizens can learn about financial literacy, coding, crypto, business creation, and asset ownership. These will not be traditional classrooms. They will be hubs of empowerment where people can turn pain into purpose and knowledge into capital. Policy & Community Reforms That Matter To support this vision, we need bold and intentional reform across three major areas: 1. Education Reform – Financial & Tech Literacy in Every School Every young person should graduate with knowledge of how money works, how to invest, and how to build. Financial literacy, coding, and business development must be taught as core subjects, especially in Title I schools. I envision public-private partnerships between schools, fintech firms, and HBCUs to embed this into the curriculum. 2. Reentry as Restoration – Ownership-Based Reentry Programs We need to stop pushing formerly incarcerated individuals into minimum-wage jobs and instead give them pathways to ownership. I propose a federal Reentry Ownership Accelerator that provides seed funding, mentorship, and legal support for returning citizens to launch businesses. Not just reintegration—but reempowerment. 3. Community Investing Platforms – Local Wealth Through Tech Using blockchain and smart contracts, we can create cooperative investment funds where community members can co-own commercial real estate, clean energy infrastructure, and local businesses. This prevents gentrification and creates wealth that stays in the neighborhood. I want to build platforms that make that vision real. The Stakeholders Who Must Lead This work cannot be done alone. It will take a network of partners and leaders across sectors: • HBCUs like Clark Atlanta can be hubs for fintech innovation and Black economic strategy. • Faith-based institutions can anchor community investment and serve as spaces for financial empowerment. • Formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs must be at the center of policy reform as advisors and leaders. • Government officials and philanthropic organizations must direct funding and policy to scalable Black-led solutions. • Investors and tech firms must recognize the economic potential in underserved communities and support founders of color not as charity—but as strategy. Why It All Matters to Me This mission isn’t just professional—it’s personal. I’ve lived through what I’m trying to fix. I’ve watched young boys rot in prison cells when they could’ve been leading businesses. I’ve seen mothers suffer because a broken economy gave them no way out. I know what it means to have your future stolen before you even get to dream. Sgt. Ware served his country so others could have a better life. I plan to do the same—by rebuilding our systems, reclaiming our futures, and restoring what’s been stolen from us. His bravery gives me strength. His sacrifice reminds me that I, too, have a duty. Through education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment, I will build a world where Black boys from the block can become billionaires, where formerly incarcerated men can become CEOs, and where freedom is measured not by survival—but by sovereignty.

Restoring Power to the People: My Plan to Rebuild the Community That Raised Me If given the opportunity, I would build an ecosystem of ownership, opportunity, and healing for my community—starting with financial literacy, tech education, and entrepreneurial access. My goal isn’t just to “improve” my community—I want to transform it. I want to take everything I’ve learned through hardship, college, and personal growth and turn it into a blueprint that liberates the people who are still trapped by systems designed to keep them broke, silent, or behind bars. I grew up in an environment shaped by survival. My father wasn’t in my life. My mother battled illness and abusive relationships. I was incarcerated from the age of 16 to 31. But even inside the darkest corners of the system, I could see the brilliance of my peers—boys who were fatherless like me, kids with vision but no vehicle. That reality fuels my mission today. I know what it’s like to be overlooked, underestimated, and locked out of opportunity. And that’s exactly why I’m committed to building a future that unlocks it. My vision is bold, and it’s personal. I want to launch financial empowerment hubs in underserved neighborhoods—spaces that teach crypto, budgeting, investing, real estate, credit, and business ownership. But not just classrooms. Empowerment zones. Labs where young people can build brands, code apps, and pitch to investors. I also want to establish reentry programs that focus on ownership over employment. Too often, returning citizens are told to settle. I want to show them how to own. Education, wellness, and capital access will be the foundation of this movement. Through my ventures-in-development—GLOBAL ALLURE and BILLIONS INC.—I plan to use blockchain, DeFi, and fintech tools to help my community tap into global wealth and invest in itself. Whether it’s tokenized real estate or co-op investment models, I want to create systems that put power back in the hands of the people. This work matters to me because it’s a reflection of who I am and where I come from. I’m not just building for a scholarship—I’m building for legacy. For every young Black man who thought his story was over after prison. For every single mother who sacrificed everything to keep her children alive. For every child growing up in a broken neighborhood with billion-dollar potential. Improving my community means changing the narrative—from survival to sovereignty. From pain to power. From being counted out to building empires.

What College Means to Me: Building My Empire, Breaking Every Chain Going to college is not just a milestone for me—it is a declaration of war against every barrier that tried to break me. It’s a bold step in reclaiming my future, my legacy, and my rightful place at the table of global influence. For some, college is about a degree. For me, college is about dominion. It’s about taking everything I’ve been through—incarceration, poverty, systemic neglect—and turning it into fuel for something greater. I didn’t graduate high school because I had to care for my sick mother while battling a system that wasn’t built for people like me. I was incarcerated from 16 to 31, surrounded by young men who were reflections of myself—brilliant but boxed in, resilient but written off. I watched dreams decay inside cages while the world outside kept moving. But I didn’t stay broken. I came home, earned my Associate’s degree, and got accepted to Clark Atlanta University—a school rooted in Black excellence, leadership, and transformation. Now I’m majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, because I know money is power—and I plan to take that power and give it back to the people. I’m not just in school to “get a good job.” I’m in school to build an empire. I’m developing two vision-stage ventures: GLOBAL ALLURE, a strategic branding firm, and BILLIONS INC., a fintech company designed to create sovereign digital economies for underserved communities. These are not dreams—they are blueprints. College is the launchpad. What am I trying to accomplish? Freedom. For myself, my family, and every person who has ever been told they weren’t enough. I’m trying to destroy generational poverty and replace it with generational power. I’m trying to use blockchain, AI, and financial literacy to rebuild communities from the ground up. I want to create investment platforms that allow the African diaspora to co-own land, tech, and infrastructure globally. I want to create a world where kids don’t have to choose between survival and education, where economic access isn’t locked behind zip codes or last names. College gives me the tools. My life gave me the fire. This scholarship would be more than financial help—it would be a strategic investment in the future CEO of the first Black financial empire designed to uplift the block and the globe. So what does college mean to me? It means revolution. It means restoration. It means rising from the ashes and claiming a crown I was never supposed to wear. It means building not just for myself—but for the next hundred years.

Building the Empire: Redesigning the World Through Finance and Technology In the next five years, I will create a global empire rooted in financial liberation, technological innovation, and community transformation. I am not here to take part in the system—I’m here to redesign it. Through the lens of finance and blockchain technology, I will build platforms that not only generate wealth, but restore power to the people and elevate communities long left behind. As a business student at Clark Atlanta University, my foundation is being laid at an HBCU that mirrors my mission: excellence, legacy, and liberation. I am currently developing two powerful ventures—GLOBAL ALLURE and BILLIONS INC.—which will serve as the infrastructure for a sovereign financial ecosystem. Though still in development, these entities are not small ideas—they are blueprints for an international movement. Locally, I will establish tech-infused financial literacy hubs in Black and Brown communities, especially for youth and system-impacted individuals. These will be more than workshops—they’ll be wealth-building labs. I will introduce decentralized tools, AI-based budgeting systems, crypto investing, and real estate tokenization—empowering people to own assets, not just survive. My model is not charity—it’s equity through innovation. Globally, I will engineer a decentralized investment platform that allows people from the African diaspora to co-invest in sustainable projects across Africa, the Caribbean, and low-income neighborhoods in the U.S. These will include solar-powered smart homes, eco-resorts owned by locals, and blockchain-powered land trusts that prevent gentrification. I will weaponize technology for good, flipping the script on extraction and exploitation. My empire will be regenerative—financially, socially, and environmentally. Finance is my sword. Technology is my shield. And my purpose is my power. Poverty has polluted minds, stolen time, and robbed generations of their potential. I’ve lived it. I’ve survived it. And now I’m coming to eliminate it—not just for myself, but for the millions who look like me and were told to dream small. Through GLOBAL ALLURE, I will create brands and platforms that combine luxury with purpose. Through BILLIONS INC., I will launch digital currencies, investment DAOs, and fintech tools that challenge outdated financial systems and put control back in the hands of the people. In five years, I don’t just want to be successful—I want to be sovereign. And I want my people to be too. My impact will be measured in empires built, communities restored, and systems overthrown. Finance is no longer just a sector—it’s my battleground. And I’m bringing the future with me.

1.) Where are you currently enrolled? Please also list your major(s), expected graduation date, and internship experience. I am currently enrolled at Clark Atlanta University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. My expected graduation date is Spring 2027. I previously earned my Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Los Angeles City College. While I have not yet participated in a formal internship, I am actively developing two business concepts—GLOBAL ALLURE and BILLIONS INC.—centered on fintech, blockchain, and financial empowerment. These ventures are still in the ideation stage but reflect my deep commitment to innovation and economic justice. 2.) Please describe your short-term and long-term career plans and detail what excites you about alternative investments. My short-term goal is to gain hands-on experience through internships in private equity, venture capital, or cryptocurrency investment firms. I want to build technical proficiency in areas like fund analysis, due diligence, and portfolio strategy. Long term, I plan to launch a Black-owned asset management firm that leverages alternative investments to close racial wealth gaps, fund high-impact startups, and create scalable economic solutions for underserved communities. I am excited by the disruptive nature of alternative investments—they allow us to reimagine access to wealth through tools like tokenized real estate, decentralized finance, and equity crowdfunding. These assets aren’t just profitable—they’re revolutionary. 3.) What innovative solutions or structural changes would best help ensure funding access for asset managers of all identities and backgrounds? We must create an ecosystem that intentionally uplifts diverse fund managers. This begins with institutional investors setting equity mandates to allocate capital to underrepresented GPs. Additionally, we need transparent, tech-enabled platforms that allow diverse asset managers to showcase performance, raise capital, and scale without traditional gatekeepers. Government and philanthropic entities should also launch matching grant programs and fund incubators that lower the barriers to entry for first-time managers. Funding access should not be based on legacy—it should be based on merit and vision. 4.) If you could shadow any investor for a year, who would it be and what specific insights would you hope to gain? I would shadow Robert F. Smith, founder of Vista Equity Partners. He is not only a master of enterprise software investing but also a leader in building wealth with purpose. I would study his strategies for identifying undervalued assets, scaling operational excellence, and deploying capital in ways that uplift communities. His philanthropic efforts, such as paying off the student debt of Morehouse graduates, represent the kind of impact-driven investing I want to emulate—where success is measured by both ROI and social transformation. 5.) If you weren’t interested in pursuing a finance career, what would you like to do instead? What values guide that choice? If I weren’t pursuing finance, I would dedicate my life to education reform. I would build programs that teach financial literacy, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship to system-impacted youth and first-generation college students. My core values—legacy, justice, resilience, and empowerment—are rooted in my personal journey of overcoming incarceration, family hardship, and systemic barriers. I am committed to becoming the kind of leader I needed growing up: one who turns pain into purpose and creates access where none existed.

Why I Plan to Continue My Education Post-Graduation My journey through education has been about more than earning a degree—it has been a mission of transformation, redemption, and purpose. As someone who once felt trapped by the streets, incarceration, and a system that expected me to fail, I’ve fought hard to reclaim my future. Earning my undergraduate degree is a milestone I’m proud of, but it’s only the beginning. I plan to continue my education post-graduation by pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in financial technology, entrepreneurship, and strategic leadership. The reason I’m committed to continuing my education is simple: I have a vision that’s bigger than me. I want to build powerful systems that help people—especially those from underserved communities—access wealth, knowledge, and ownership. I’m the founder of GLOBAL ALLURE, a purpose-driven company with a mission to create a sovereign Black financial ecosystem powered by blockchain, artificial intelligence, and decentralized infrastructures. I also launched BILLIONS INC., a future C-Corp structured to attract investors and push forward disruptive fintech solutions. These are not just business ventures—they are the embodiment of my purpose to heal communities through innovation and empowerment. To lead these companies effectively and responsibly, I must master the language of global finance, venture capital, regulatory compliance, and tech infrastructure. An MBA will give me more than credentials—it will give me access to the frameworks, case studies, networks, and advanced tools I need to scale my vision from local to global. I’ve already proven that I have the grit and determination to defy the odds, but now I need the technical mastery to lead at the highest level. Beyond a master’s program, I also plan to pursue certifications in blockchain technology, DeFi (decentralized finance), and project management. I want to bridge the gap between complex financial technologies and everyday people. My goal is to build platforms that don’t just serve the elite, but uplift those who’ve been systematically excluded from economic opportunity. Continued education will allow me to do that ethically, effectively, and at scale. My background fuels my ambition. I didn’t graduate high school on time. I spent over a decade incarcerated. But I came home determined to change everything. I earned my Associate’s in Business Administration from Los Angeles City College and was accepted into Clark Atlanta University to complete my Bachelor’s degree. Along the way, I’ve studied business law, accounting, marketing, and finance with relentless focus. I’ve prepared business plans, built investor-ready decks, and studied how to turn pain into purpose through enterprise. But I know I have more to learn—and I welcome that. Continuing my education is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. My long-term vision is to create a scalable network of tech-driven wealth-building tools designed specifically for marginalized communities. I want to develop financial literacy programs, launch funding platforms for formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs, and create digital identities that protect privacy while promoting ownership. That kind of innovation requires deep knowledge and discipline—both of which I’m committed to acquiring through graduate study and lifelong learning. Education gave me a second chance at life. It turned a statistic into a CEO. And it showed me that no matter how broken your past, your future is always under construction. With every class I take, every concept I master, and every room I walk into—I’m building that future brick by brick. Post-graduation, I will continue to rise—not just for myself, but for every young man who was told he’d never make it. I’m not just continuing my education. I’m continuing my revolution.

Why I Chose Higher Education For me, higher education is more than a degree—it’s liberation. It’s the doorway out of generational struggle and the foundation for everything I plan to build for my family, my community, and the young men who, like me, grew up without opportunity, direction, or guidance. As a first-generation college student, I chose to pursue higher education because I want to rewrite my story and help others do the same. I didn’t graduate from high school on time. My early years were shaped by trauma—my father was shot eight times the night I was born and chose not to be in my life. My mother, a single parent, later married a man who was physically abusive and deeply involved in drugs. At the age of 10, our home was robbed at gunpoint. My mother, my sister, and I were held at gunpoint because of his lifestyle. That moment marked me forever. Without a father figure, I turned to the streets and found belonging in the wrong places. I was incarcerated from the age of 16 to 31. But prison didn’t destroy me—it woke me up. While incarcerated, I reflected, I read, and I reimagined my future. I refused to let that be the final chapter in my life. I knew I was capable of more. When I came home, I enrolled in community college and earned my Associate’s degree in Business Administration. I became the first in my family to complete college, and I was accepted into Clark Atlanta University. That achievement wasn’t just personal—it was a victory for my family and a testimony of what’s possible for anyone determined to change. As a first-generation student, preparation wasn’t just academic—it was spiritual, emotional, and mental. I had to unlearn survival mode and shift into scholar mode. I had to teach myself how to study, how to write college-level essays, how to navigate financial aid, and how to advocate for myself in systems that were not designed for people with my background. I’ve leaned into every resource available—from tutoring and academic counseling to mentorship and entrepreneurship programs. I even founded my own company, GLOBAL ALLURE, and its subsidiary BILLIONS INC, with a vision to build a Black-owned financial empire powered by blockchain and artificial intelligence. Everything I’ve built so far is because I chose education as my path to transformation. I didn’t have a blueprint—I had to create one. I prepared for college by building discipline in the face of adversity, by surrounding myself with like-minded people, and by staying grounded in purpose. I carry every lesson from the streets, every scar from my past, and every prayer from my mother with me into every classroom. I don’t just want to succeed in college—I want to dominate, graduate, and create opportunity for others. I want to be a bridge for young Black men transitioning from prison to purpose, from pain to power. Education is the vehicle that will get me there. It’s not easy navigating college with no family history of higher learning, but I believe I was born to lead, not to follow. Every challenge I face as a first-gen student only sharpens my hunger to finish what I started. I chose higher education because I want to break cycles, build legacy, and become the kind of man I never had growing up. I’m not just going to college for myself—I’m going for everyone who thought it was too late, too hard, or too far out of reach. And I’m proving that it’s never too late to become who you were meant to be.

Choosing entrepreneurship, blockchain, and artificial intelligence as my career path was never just about business — it was about survival, transformation, and creating a legacy. Coming from a disadvantaged background, including periods of homelessness, I experienced firsthand the deep inequalities that exist in education, finance, and technology access. I chose this career path because I believe innovation should not be reserved for the privileged few. It should empower everyone, especially those historically left behind. Launching GLOBAL ALLURE LLC was my answer to a personal calling: to build platforms that close opportunity gaps, create new paths to wealth, and use cutting-edge technologies to serve real human needs. Blockchain and AI are two of the most powerful tools of our time. They have the ability to break down traditional barriers, democratize resources, and give people ownership over their futures. I want to ensure these tools are used not just for profit, but for real change. Getting a degree in business, with a focus on technology and innovation, will be life-changing for me. It’s not just about academic knowledge — it’s about equipping myself with the strategies, leadership skills, and network to expand GLOBAL ALLURE into a global force for empowerment. Attending Clark Atlanta University will position me to learn from brilliant minds, sharpen my business acumen, and build the foundation necessary to scale my ventures sustainably. Personally, earning my degree will be the culmination of years of resilience, sacrifice, and determination. It will validate the dreams I refused to give up on even when the odds were stacked against me. It will also serve as a symbol to other young people from similar backgrounds that their circumstances do not define their destiny. Professionally, it will give me the tools to execute at a higher level — launching initiatives that create real-world impact, advocating for ethical technology use, and building wealth-generating systems that reach across the globe. Education will empower me to lead with both vision and discipline, creating opportunities not just for myself, but for countless others who deserve a chance to thrive. This career path isn’t just a job or a title for me — it’s a lifelong mission to turn struggle into strategy, and adversity into advantage. With this degree, I’ll be one step closer to building the future I’ve always envisioned: a world where innovation and empathy work together to lift entire communities out of poverty and into prosperity.

Growing up facing adversity, I quickly realized that understanding someone’s struggle often requires looking beyond appearances. Experiencing periods of homelessness taught me to see humanity at its most vulnerable — and it shaped the foundation of who I am today. These experiences taught me empathy not as an abstract idea, but as a way of living and leading. Today, I’m using my journey, talents, and skills to build GLOBAL ALLURE LLC — a company focused on blockchain, artificial intelligence, and business innovation to empower marginalized communities. My talent for entrepreneurship, combined with a deep understanding of real-world struggles, allows me to see the unseen: the dreams deferred, the voices unheard, and the opportunities locked behind barriers. Through GLOBAL ALLURE, I plan to create platforms that open those doors, bridging technology and community impact on a global scale. Empathy drives every decision I make. I believe that technology should be a tool for healing, growth, and connection — not division. My vision is to use blockchain for transparent, accessible economic empowerment, and AI to personalize education, healthcare, and financial tools for communities that traditional systems often overlook. Innovation without empathy is hollow. I aim to make sure the future of tech is built with humanity at its core. Beyond business, mentorship is another way I practice empathy daily. I work with young people from underserved communities, sharing my story to show them that no matter where you start, your dreams are valid and attainable. I focus on helping them build not just skills, but belief in themselves — because empathy begins with understanding and nurturing human potential. Building a more empathetic global community means amplifying the voices that are often ignored. It means creating spaces where people are seen, heard, and valued. Through education, entrepreneurship, and technology, I want to break cycles of generational poverty and open new possibilities for millions worldwide. This scholarship would be a key to accelerating that mission. It would help me continue my education at Clark Atlanta University, sharpen my skills, and expand GLOBAL ALLURE’s reach. Personally, it would lighten the financial burdens that come with building a company while pursuing higher education. Professionally, it would allow me to invest more time and resources into projects that directly serve disadvantaged communities — both locally and globally. My talents and experiences are not just personal victories; they are tools I intend to use to uplift others. I see a world where innovation and empathy walk hand in hand — where a young person growing up in hardship can access the same opportunities as someone born into privilege. I’m committed to building that world, one project, one community, and one conversation at a time. The challenges I’ve overcome have given me a unique lens on what true leadership requires: listening, understanding, and acting with purpose. With continued support, I will keep turning struggle into strength — and strength into impact — for generations to come.

Growing up in a disadvantaged environment, I learned early that survival was just the beginning. At times facing homelessness, I saw firsthand how easily dreams could be crushed — but I refused to let that happen to mine. Instead, my challenges built my drive to create change, not just for myself, but for others like me. Today, I am the founder of GLOBAL ALLURE LLC, an emerging venture focused on blockchain, artificial intelligence, and business innovation to build wealth and opportunities for marginalized communities. I am preparing to transfer to Clark Atlanta University to sharpen my business skills and expand my impact. I am committed to using my knowledge to address financial inequality, education gaps, and digital access across underserved populations. Beyond my own business, I stay connected to the community by mentoring young entrepreneurs and advocating for technology access in overlooked neighborhoods. Every barrier I’ve faced — instability, limited resources, and personal hardship — has become a stepping stone toward my vision. This scholarship would not only relieve the financial strain that comes with building a company while pursuing higher education, but it would also accelerate my ability to launch initiatives that uplift others. Personally, it would offer the security to keep moving forward without hesitation. Professionally, it would be a crucial investment in a future where innovation, leadership, and empowerment are within reach for those who need it most. I’m not just dreaming — I’m building. With your support, I can turn the struggles I’ve overcome into a legacy of opportunity for generations to come.

Scholarship Essay Growing up, I was raised by a hardworking single mother who showed me what true strength and sacrifice look like. Her determination to provide for our family, even when times were difficult, inspired me to set high goals for my future. As a first-generation college student, I am not just pursuing an education for myself — I am carrying the dreams of my family and the legacy of perseverance they taught me. My path to college was not a traditional one. During my high school years, my mother’s health took a serious turn. As her only support system, I had to step up to take care of her, manage our household, and balance whatever responsibilities I could. Because of these challenges, I was unable to graduate from high school. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make, but family comes first. Even through that difficult time, I never gave up on my dreams. I stayed focused on the future I wanted to build and found alternative paths to continue my education and personal growth. Winning this scholarship would make a tremendous difference for me. Financial support would ease the burden of tuition and living costs, allowing me to fully concentrate on my studies and entrepreneurial projects. It would empower me to continue building a future rooted in leadership, innovation, and impact. My long-term goal is to create GLOBAL ALLURE — a global brand empire that blends technology, business, real estate, education, luxury branding, and social impact. GLOBAL ALLURE is more than a company; it is a vision to open doors for historically underserved communities, redefine standards of wealth and innovation, and leave a lasting legacy. I want to show that someone like me — someone who faced setbacks but refused to quit — can build a global empire that uplifts others. This scholarship would allow me to pursue the business education and strategic leadership training necessary to scale GLOBAL ALLURE into a worldwide force. Courses in entrepreneurship, blockchain technology, business administration, and marketing will give me the knowledge and tools to turn my dreams into reality. Without the constant financial stress, I would be able to dedicate more time to my studies, internships, and developing my company’s early foundations. I have faced emotional and physical challenges that tested my resilience. Taking care of my mother while managing my own dreams sometimes felt impossible. I experienced exhaustion, doubt, and moments of deep sadness. There were days I questioned whether I was meant to succeed. What helped me overcome was my unbreakable vision of a better future — a future where I could give my mother a life of ease, honor her sacrifices, and create opportunities for others who have faced adversity. I relied on faith, persistence, and the power of small victories each day to keep moving forward. Today, that fire still burns inside me. Every challenge has made me stronger, more determined, and more prepared to lead with empathy and excellence. I believe that true success isn’t about never falling — it’s about rising each time you do, and helping others rise with you. This scholarship would not just fund my education — it would help fuel a lifelong mission to turn trials into triumphs and dreams into legacies. I am committed to making an impact not only for myself, but for my family, my community, and the world.

How Being a First-Generation College Student Raised by a Single Mother Influences My Career Goals Growing up with a single mother taught me that resilience, hard work, and determination can overcome almost any obstacle. My mother worked tirelessly to support our family, often sacrificing her own needs to ensure I had every opportunity she could provide. Watching her strength and selflessness instilled in me a deep understanding that success is not given — it is earned through persistence, courage, and an unbreakable belief in a better future. As a first-generation college student, I carry the hopes and sacrifices of my family into every classroom. Without a roadmap to guide me, I have learned to navigate college through determination and self-motivation. Every form I filled out, every application I submitted, and every course I completed was a step toward breaking generational barriers and building a foundation for lasting success. My experiences have fueled a passion not only to achieve personal success, but to open doors for others facing similar challenges. My career goal is to [insert your career goal — e.g., become a leader in business, healthcare, technology, education, or social impact] so that I can help build pathways for underrepresented and underserved communities. I believe that real change begins when people who have lived through struggle take the lead in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future. Through my career, I aspire to create programs and initiatives that uplift others, just as my mother’s sacrifices uplifted me. Winning this scholarship would not just be an investment in my education — it would be an investment in the countless lives I plan to impact throughout my journey. It would empower me to focus fully on my studies and professional development without the constant worry of financial strain, allowing me to channel all my energy into achieving excellence. My mother’s love, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in me have given me the foundation to dream boldly and work tirelessly. Now, through education and service, I am determined to build a legacy that honors her sacrifices and creates a better future for generations to come. Being a first-generation college student is not just a part of my story — it is the driving force behind my ambition to succeed and to lead.

How Has Your Family Been Affected by Cancer, and What Have You Learned Through That Experience? Cancer has left a deep and lasting impact on my family and on me personally. It has tested our strength, shattered our expectations, and taught me life lessons that have shaped who I am today. It has also been one of the greatest motivators behind my commitment to personal growth, academic achievement, and a future driven by purpose. My grandmother was diagnosed with cancer and given six months to live. She passed away just six days later. At the time, I was incarcerated. I was not able to say goodbye, attend her funeral, or be there for my family during one of the hardest moments of our lives. The pain of losing her so suddenly was devastating, but the guilt of not being present made it even harder to bear. She was the heart of our family—strong, wise, and deeply loving. Her loss felt like the earth had shifted beneath us, and I was left trying to process that pain from behind bars. That experience taught me two hard truths: time is not guaranteed, and the opportunity to love someone in real time is priceless. Losing her in such a sudden and distant way forced me to reflect deeply on the direction of my life. I knew I needed to make changes, not just for myself, but to honor her legacy and everything she stood for. Before I had time to fully process that grief, life struck again—my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. On top of that, she has suffered multiple strokes and continues to battle serious health challenges. Watching her fight every day with unwavering strength has been a constant reminder of what true resilience looks like. Despite her pain, she continues to smile, to love, and to support me in every way she can. Her fight has become my inspiration. Through these experiences, I’ve learned the value of presence, the power of love, and the importance of living with intention. I’ve learned to appreciate the small moments—laughs shared, time spent, and words spoken. I’ve learned that strength doesn’t always look like standing tall; sometimes, it’s simply holding on through the storm. Most importantly, I’ve learned that pain can become purpose. These challenges have motivated me to work harder, to give more, and to make something meaningful of my life. I’ve committed to turning every loss into fuel for growth. I now see education not just as a path to success, but as a way to create lasting change—for my family, my community, and anyone else facing struggle. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve a financial burden; it would help me continue the journey I began during the darkest moments of my life. It would represent more than support—it would be an investment in someone who refuses to be defined by hardship and is determined to turn adversity into action. Cancer has taken loved ones from me and tested my family in unimaginable ways. But through it all, I’ve discovered who I am: a survivor, a student of life, and a man on a mission to rise above circumstances and become a source of light for others. I am ready to take everything I’ve learned—the pain, the love, the growth—and build a future rooted in purpose, compassion, and strength. This scholarship would be a vital step in making that future a reality.

How Growing Up in a Single-Parent Household Shaped My Goals, Values, and Ambitions Growing up in a single-parent household didn’t just shape me — it forged me. My life began with trauma: the night I was born, my father was shot eight times. He survived but chose not to be a part of my life. As a gang member in the 1980s, he believed distancing himself would protect me from the lifestyle that almost took his life. But in doing so, he left a void I didn’t know how to fill — a silence where a father’s voice should have been. My mother did all she could to raise me and my sister, but life kept throwing obstacles in our path. She later married a man who brought more harm than help. Until I was ten years old, he was in our lives — abusive and deeply involved in the drug game. I’ll never forget one night: masked men stormed our home, held us at gunpoint, and demanded drugs and money. My mother, my sister, and I had guns pointed at our heads. I was just a child, and that moment changed me. Eventually, my mother separated from him, but by then, the damage had been done. With no father figure or positive male role model, I turned to the streets. There, I found other young boys like me — angry, fatherless, and trying to survive. The streets gave us brotherhood, loyalty, and a false sense of purpose. What we lacked in love, we found in the hustle. I was incarcerated at 16, and remained locked up until I was 31. That time cost me my youth, but it also forced me to reflect. I thought about the pain I caused — especially to my mother, who never gave up on me. Her strength and loyalty made me want to change. I made a decision: I would become a better man. Once released, I enrolled in Los Angeles City College, earned my Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, and was accepted to Clark Atlanta University. These weren’t just achievements — they were proof that I was no longer the boy the streets raised. I was building something new. Growing up without a father and surrounded by instability taught me powerful lessons. I learned strength — not just physical toughness, but emotional endurance. I learned the importance of accountability, love, and redemption. I discovered that I’m capable of transformation. I realized that my past would not define my future. Today, my goals are deeply rooted in purpose. I want to be the man I never had. I want to build systems that give young men the guidance, support, and tools I never received. My mission is to create opportunities, mentorship, and life skills for boys growing up the way I did — angry, lost, and searching for hope. My long-term ambition is to become the first Black FinTech philanthropist and billionaire. But for me, it’s not about the title or the money. It’s about the impact. I plan to launch GLOBAL ALLURE, a FinTech company powered by blockchain and decentralized finance that provides financial literacy and access to underserved communities across the globe. I also aim to launch programs that support youth impacted by incarceration and poverty — tech training, emotional support, re-entry assistance, and entrepreneurship development. I want to walk into the same neighborhoods I came from and show those young men that they are not statistics. They are leaders. They are creators. They are powerful. Growing up in a single-parent home taught me what love looks like through struggle. It showed me the resilience of a Black mother who never gave up. It taught me to value community, healing, and transformation. It gave me my voice — and now, I’m using that voice to build a legacy. I didn’t choose my beginning, but I am choosing my future. I’m no longer running from pain — I’m building from it. And through my journey, I plan to show others that greatness can rise from the places people ignore.

My greatest achievement to date has been coming home from prison, earning my Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, and being accepted to Clark Atlanta University. For many, that may sound like a simple accomplishment. But for me, it represents years of struggle, self-discovery, and growth. It’s a symbol of everything I had to overcome — from incarceration to self-doubt, from living in survival mode to finally stepping into purpose. When I was incarcerated, I spent a lot of time thinking about my past — the choices I made, the people I hurt, and the pain I caused, especially to my mother. I had a lot of anger inside of me, but even more than that, I had questions. Why did I feel so lost? Why did I keep repeating the same cycles? It wasn’t until I started doing the internal work that I began to find some answers. I realized I had never truly learned to love myself. I didn’t value myself, and as a result, I didn’t value my future. Coming home, I made a decision — that I would never return to prison again. That I would break the cycle for myself, for my family, and for the people watching me. I knew I couldn’t change my past, but I could change the direction of my life. Enrolling at Los Angeles City College was my first step. It wasn’t easy. I had to adjust to a new routine, overcome the stigma of my record, and rebuild my confidence. But with every class I passed and every semester I completed, I started to see myself differently. I wasn’t just surviving anymore — I was thriving. Earning my AA in Business Administration wasn’t just about the degree. It was about proving to myself that I could finish something, that I had the discipline, the intelligence, and the drive to create a better life. It taught me self-love and self-care. It taught me patience and resilience. It helped me discover compassion for others and for myself. It gave me confidence in who I am and what I’m capable of. It humbled me, but it also ignited a creative fire within me. I started dreaming again — not small dreams, but bold, world-changing dreams. One of those dreams is to attend Clark Atlanta University — and now, that dream is a reality. Being accepted to Clark Atlanta is not just another achievement. It’s a turning point. It’s a gateway to the next chapter of my life. It’s where I plan to build the foundation for my future as a Black entrepreneur, innovator, and leader. What do I hope to achieve in the future? I want to become the first Black FinTech philanthropist and billionaire. But not for the sake of money or status — I want to build a legacy that empowers generations. I want to create a sovereign financial ecosystem that uses blockchain technology, decentralized finance, and digital tools to uplift marginalized communities around the world. My company, GLOBAL ALLURE, will provide financial literacy, access to decentralized banking, and education that prepares people to own, invest, and build. I want to disrupt systems that were never designed for people like me — people who were born into poverty, caught up in the streets, overlooked by society, and written off because of past mistakes. I want to show the world that redemption is real, and that brilliance lives in the places they ignore. I want to give young people the blueprint to turn their ideas into income and their pain into power. None of this would be possible without the struggles I’ve faced. My greatest achievement is not a single event — it’s the transformation I’ve gone through to get to this point. From prison to college, from surviving to leading, from self-hate to self-love. And now, from student to future visionary and changemaker. I don’t just carry ambition — I carry purpose. And with the education I receive at Clark Atlanta, I’ll be equipped to turn that purpose into real, lasting impact. My past shaped me, but it will not define me. What will define me is what I build next.

What has caregiving looked like for me? First, let me say this: it hasn’t been easy. It’s been hard, frustrating, and overwhelming. There are nights I cry because I have no control over the outcomes. But I wake up every day with love and determination — because my mother needs me, and I will never fail her. My name is Davon Baker. I’m 36 years old and will be graduating from Los Angeles City College in June 2025. I am a formerly incarcerated individual who has been free and trouble-free for the past six years. During those six years, while rebuilding my life, my mother — a strong, beautiful Black woman — has been fighting for hers. She is a stage 3 diabetic who has lost both of her legs and a finger. She is also a stage 3 breast cancer patient, and now she’s beginning to suffer from strokes. Most recently, she was discharged from San Antonio Hospital here in California due to complications. Each day is exhausting, and each night is heavy. With the help of my sister, we get up at 3 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to prepare my mom for dialysis. While my sister cooks a quick breakfast and lunch, I help my mother get dressed and transfer her into her wheelchair. We used to drive her ourselves — it’s only a 10-minute trip — but after a car accident and financial hardship, we lost our vehicle. Thankfully, her insurance now provides transportation. She’s at dialysis from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and usually returns home by 8:30 or 9. Getting her out of her chair and into bed is one of the hardest parts. I’ve never asked her how she feels about being bedridden — out of respect, I don’t think I ever will. Throughout the day, I hear her call my name — and I love it. Being free and able to care for my mother during this time means everything to me. I do whatever she needs: make her food, adjust her pillows, help her change positions, and handle the little things like turning the volume up or down on the TV. She mostly watches Lifetime or Law & Order: SVU. Tuesdays and Thursdays are for doctor or nurse visits. If we can afford it, I rent a car for transportation, or my sister — who adjusted her work schedule after I got accepted to Clark Atlanta — helps us get there. My mom sees multiple doctors: a cardiologist, a nephrologist, and now, an oncologist. Saturdays and Sundays are her rest days. My sister and I do all we can to make sure she’s comfortable before the cycle starts again. Taking care of my mother has changed my life. It’s taught me that life has a purpose, and that the only two guarantees are the beginning and the end — so we must make the best of the time in between. That’s why I need this scholarship. It’s not just about tuition — it’s about transformation. I haven’t always made the best decisions. My ignorance hurt my mother, and it misled others. But I want her to know that she didn’t fail. She raised a son with big dreams and an even bigger heart. This scholarship will help me turn those dreams into reality. My goal is to acquire the education needed to build and operate a FinTech company called GLOBAL ALLURE, designed to serve marginalized communities around the world with financial literacy, blockchain technology, and decentralized finance solutions. My mother taught me that loving yourself is the only way to love others — and caring for yourself is the only way to care for others. She taught me that every person has a purpose on this Earth, and I believe I’ve found mine. I don’t just want this scholarship — I need it. I need it so I can earn my degree from Clark Atlanta University, become a proud alumnus, and lead the movement I was born to build.

Davon L. Baker Vision Statement – Economic Empowerment & Business Innovation Clark Atlanta University | Fall 2025 Business innovation is not just a tool — it’s a weapon. Economic empowerment is not a trend — it is a revolution. As an admitted student preparing to attend Clark Atlanta University, I am committed to building a legacy that dismantles systemic oppression and uplifts marginalized communities through innovation, ownership, and purpose-driven leadership. I believe the pathway to justice is paved through education, access to capital, and creative tools. My mission is to build those tools and make them accessible and scalable for people like me — underestimated and overlooked, yet full of motivation, inspiration, and untapped potential. My career goals in business align with social equity in several meaningful ways. I am a graduate of Los Angeles City College with a degree in Business Administration. I am also the Founder and CEO of GLOBAL ALLURE LLC, and its subsidiary BILLIONS INC — a sovereign financial ecosystem powered by blockchain, artificial intelligence, and decentralized infrastructure. This is not just another tech company. I am creating a movement. I am seeking like-minded African American students across HBCU campuses to help build the world’s first Black-owned financial empire — one that breaks generational curses and births generational wealth. This vision didn’t come from a place of comfort. It came from necessity. My father was absent due to gang involvement and incarceration. I was raised in an underserved community and saw firsthand the consequences of financial exclusion, inequality, and injustice. I also came to understand something deeper — these systems are not broken by accident; they were built this way. GLOBAL ALLURE was created to remove those systems and rebuild them with equity at the center. The products and services we will create are designed to empower the very people traditional institutions continue to ignore. We will launch decentralized finance (DeFi) lending platforms to eliminate bias, smart contracts to protect creators’ rights and ownership, and a tokenized real estate system that opens new paths to wealth. These tools will be mobile, multilingual, and borderless — because justice should not depend on where you were born or the zip code you live in. But innovation without education is like a car without wheels. That’s why I’m also launching the GLOBAL ALLURE Academy — a learning hub to educate and empower Black and Brown students through courses in Web3, AI, and financial sovereignty. We won’t just teach students how to use technology — we’ll teach them how to build it, scale it, and own it. I want the next generation to know that a better version of Wall Street can be built — one designed in our image, powered by our minds, and built for our communities. My vision directly aligns with my belief in social equity and justice. In my eyes, justice means creating systems where success is no longer rare for people of color — it’s routine. Through business and innovation, I want to repair broken systems, empower new leaders, and build legacies that last for generations. Where others focus on profit, I lead with purpose. Attending Clark Atlanta University will provide the academic foundation, network, and leadership development I need to bring this vision to life. I don’t want a seat at someone else’s table. I want to build the entire table — and empower others to take their place at it. That is the future I believe in. That is the power of business innovation. That is true economic empowerment.

EDUCATION IS MY BLUEPRINT; REVOLUTION IS MY EXECUTION. I, Davon Baker, the founder and CEO of Global Allure LLC and Billions LLC, view my education as not only a major journey but also a strategic tool to uplift and empower all Black communities in the business world. The mission that I’m gratefully inspired to achieve is rooted in wealth creation, generational technological advancement, and economic development through the advancement of innovation and access to transformative knowledge. Business education in future areas such as blockchain, DeFi, and artificial intelligence is my plan to fight systemic inequality and is what fuels my vision for a future where Black excellence is no longer just an exception but the new standard. Global Allure is not only a brand but a movement. A movement that is dedicated to unlocking the potential of Black talent globally. Through culture, fashion, and business, we will showcase the brilliance of Black identity on a global stage. The true and real mission lies beneath the surface: we will embark on the creation of pathways for Black entrepreneurs to access capital, tech, mentorship, and global markets. The education I will receive will equip me with the legal, financial, and operational knowledge to scale my vision, to protect our IP, and to build sustainable models that can be replicated in Black communities across the world. Billions LLC takes my mission deeper by focusing on financial literacy, digital assets education, and business incubation. In industries dominated by digital finance and decentralized systems, the lack of representation in these areas represents a challenge and an opportunity. I plan to use my education to bridge the gap and bring blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence to HBCUs, urban schools, and communities where these technologies have not been promoted. Through the development of workshops, online learning platforms, and mentorship programs, Billions LLC will develop wealth-building tools that have always been historically gate-kept. Receiving a business education will give me the knowledge and proper communication skills to navigate and manage boardrooms, build an enterprise, and gain insight into outdated systems. Most importantly, the education will give me credibility— which I intend to use to open doors for myself and others, especially those who lack access but are visionaries. My vision is that both of my companies will be the foundation for the next generation of Black leaders who want to build and disrupt industries, redefine what it means to be wealthy, and build empires rooted in purpose. A major and very important part of my journey is my transfer to Clark Atlanta University. Not only do I admire Clark as a historical place where Black minds are nurtured, challenged, and inspired, but being in an environment with brilliant, like-minded individuals will allow me to sharpen my perspective while staying rooted within the culture I serve. Clark Atlanta will be where my theory meets community and will be the launching pad for my vision that will integrate business strategies with social impact. My long-term goal is building Global Allure LLC and Billions LLC into global platforms that provide access to startup funds, build tech labs in underserved areas, and create culture export channels that will redefine how the world views Black entrepreneurship. I want to build an ecosystem that is self-sustaining, innovative, and unapologetically Black. EDUCATION IS MY BLUEPRINT; REVOLUTION IS MY EXECUTION.