Growing up navigating the challenges of being a first-generation college student have been pivotal in shaping my understanding of the importance of education and service. My background, marked by experiences with generational trauma, poverty, and social issues, has fueled my passion for making a difference. These experiences have driven me to actively contribute to both my family and my community, embodying the spirit of dedication that Marie Jean Baptiste exemplified. My contributions to my family are rooted in my role as a mentor and supporter. As a first-generation college student, I understand the value of education and the challenges that come with it. I provide guidance and support to my younger family members, helping them navigate their educational journeys and offering encouragement. This role has allowed me to share my experiences and knowledge, fostering a sense of hope and resilience within my family. In my community, I have engaged in various roles that reflect my commitment to service and advocacy. Being a senator for my University Student Government, I have focused on initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. My work in mental health awareness, sexual assault prevention, and campus safety aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. I did panel-discussions and collaborating with campus organizations has enabled me to raise awareness and drive positive change on campus. My involvement with the PEACC Center, where I advocate for interpersonal violence awareness, further underscores my dedication to community service. Through my service program, "PEACCful Connections with Daydrianna," I support students and raise awareness about critical issues such as dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault. This role has allowed me to contribute to a safer campus environment and empower survivors to seek the help they need. Recently I received the 2024 President Service Volunteer Award having over 200 service hours of civic engagement. My plans for community involvement post-college are deeply aligned with the values exemplified by Marie Jean Baptiste. As I pursue a career in Social Work, I am committed to continuing my efforts in empowering marginalized communities and advocating for equitable opportunities. I plan to work with community organizations, government agencies, and policymakers to address mental health, educational inequities and social justice issues. My goal is to remain actively engaged with the causes I am passionate about, whether through volunteer work, mentoring, or community outreach. By building upon the foundation I have established during my time in college, I am dedicated to making meaningful contributions to my community and upholding the legacy of service and education that Marie Jean Baptiste embodied. My background and experiences have instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to serving others. Through my involvement in various roles and initiatives, I strive to create a positive impact and address the challenges faced by marginalized individuals. As I look to the future, I am determined to sustain my community involvement and use my education and experiences to drive meaningful change in the lives of those I serve.

My name is Daydrianna Jeffries, I am a Social Work major at the University of Louisville. My aspiration is to become a Social Worker dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through policy reform and addressing Environmental Injustices in communities. I envision myself as a community organizer, working to empower families and communities with support. Also closely working with local government officials to implement public policy interventions that promote equity and justice. My commitment to social activism, shaped by personal experiences with systemic inequities, drives my efforts to address pressing social issues and create positive change in my community. Growing up I saw the first hand impact on my family. Part of my family lived in Rubbertown, a neighborhood in Louisville, heavily impacted by industrial pollution in Louisville, KY. I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of environmental neglect. This neighborhood, predominantly low-income and Black, faces a significantly reduced life expectancy due to poor air quality, lead contamination, and living near chemical plants and highways. Seeing my family’s health deteriorate because of these environmental hazards ignited my commitment to advocating for environmental justice. I started to volunteer with the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center, a non profit that educates and raises awareness on Environmentalism & Mental Health with community activities. I help combat environmental racism through community gardening, forest cleaning, and creating educational content on issues like food deserts and pollution. I helped interview West End residents and produced videos on environmental injustice. I empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for their health and living conditions. Also, my involvement with the We Rise Program further supports initiatives that address environmental and water injustices in BIPOC and Indigenous communities. In addition to my environmental advocacy, I am deeply involved with TRIO Student Support Services, where I mentor students facing academic and social challenges, helping them achieve their goals. As the Student Government Social Work President, I advocate for student needs by crafting resolutions and campus policies to address social injustices. At C.H.O.I.C.E Inc., I mentor at-risk youth in the West End, guiding them towards positive life choices and providing support for those facing homelessness and abuse. The CATALYSTS Scholarship would be instrumental in supporting my educational journey as a first-generation college student. With this financial support, I plan to enhance my environmental justice projects and develop new programs focused on mental health disparities and educational inequities. This scholarship will enable me to continue advocating for marginalized communities and to make a broader impact through my future work as a social worker. My dedication to addressing systemic injustices is driven by a commitment to meaningful change. The CATALYSTS Scholarship would empower me to advance my work and remain engaged in both my academic and community endeavors. By supporting my education, you are investing in the future of the individuals and communities I aim to serve, Thank you.