Public service is not just a career path for me. It is a calling rooted in personal experience, a sense of responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to building a more just world. As a first-generation college student and a Black woman raised in a low-income household, I have witnessed how public systems often fall short in protecting the very communities they were created to serve. Growing up with generational trauma, family substance abuse, poverty, and interpersonal violence, I developed a deep understanding of adversity and a powerful desire to create change for others facing similar realities.These hardships shaped me, not as barriers to overcome, but as fuel to move forward. Watching loved ones struggle with addiction and experiencing instability in my home taught me the importance of compassion, advocacy, and trauma-informed care. These moments made clear to me that I wanted to serve others, especially those society has neglected, by listening, uplifting, and working toward systemic reform. At the University of Louisville, I pursued a degree in Social Work and began turning lived experience into action. Through courses in social policy, mental health, and community practice, I gained the knowledge needed to understand the root causes of inequality. Outside the classroom, I mentored first-generation students through TRIO, advocated for survivor support at the PEACC Center, and led student government efforts to expand access to resources. Each role deepened my understanding of community needs and sharpened my desire to create sustainable change.One of the most transformative moments of my journey took place during my internship at Family Scholar House. I realized that many non-English-speaking participants were being overlooked due to language barriers. Refusing to accept this gap, I proposed and helped launch a cultural competency training and volunteer interpreter initiative. This experience reinforced my belief that even small, community-centered solutions can create a lasting impact. My dedication to public service extends beyond direct support. I plan to work at the policy level to create long-term, structural change. After completing my Master of Social Work, I aim to become a policy analyst and eventually run for public office. My goals include advancing legislation that addresses mental health disparities, education equity, and racial justice. I believe that combining lived experience with education and research can drive powerful advocacy and community transformation.Throughout college, I have worked multiple jobs, volunteered with local nonprofits, and participated in research centered on racial trauma and healing. These experiences have taught me that public service is not about recognition. It is about showing up consistently, even when no one is watching. It means leading with compassion, upholding integrity, and centering the needs of others in every space I enter. Receiving this scholarship would lessen the financial strain that comes with being a full-time student dedicated to service. It would also represent a meaningful investment in someone who is grounded in purpose and determined to reinvest that support into her community.Public service is not just something I do. It is how I honor those who came before me and how I plan to build a future where others can thrive not just survive. Through policy, compassion, and collective care, I am committed to making that future possible.

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.

Throughout my life, I have been privileged to embrace numerous leadership opportunities that have profoundly shaped my personal and professional growth. My commitment to mentoring, leading clubs, and engaging in service activities has not only allowed me to positively impact my community but also fueled my passion for creating meaningful change. As a first-generation college student, education represents a significant milestone in breaking generational curses and overcoming barriers. My journey through college has been marked by challenges, but these experiences have only strengthened my resolve to make a positive impact on my university and beyond. One of my most transformative leadership experiences occurred when I served as a senator for the Student Government Association (SGA) at the University of Louisville. This role provided me with a platform to advocate for underrepresented voices and implement lasting changes on campus. My focus areas included supporting first-generation students, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and addressing mental health and sexual assault awareness. Upon arriving on campus, I recognized the scarcity of resources and support systems for students like myself. This realization sparked a deep commitment to ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds felt welcomed and supported. As a Black woman and first-generation college student, I felt a personal duty to amplify the voices of those who were often overlooked. Through my role as a senator, I channeled my passion into actionable initiatives that fostered an inclusive campus community. One of my primary objectives was to educate the campus community about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion. I participated in training to become a facilitator and organized panel discussions on cultural competence, unconscious bias, and the experiences of being Black in a predominantly white institution (PWI). By fostering open conversations, I aimed to create a safe space for students and staff to appreciate diverse perspectives. Another critical aspect of my leadership was advocating for Mental Health Awareness. I used my platform to raise awareness about the university's counseling center and organized a self-care day to promote mental well-being. Addressing interpersonal-based violences is important. I collaborated with campus organizations to host workshops and bystander intervention training, working to create a safer environment for all students and empower survivors. Campus safety was also a priority. I worked with the SGA and campus security team to address safety concerns and advocate for improved measures, including accessible transportation for students with disabilities. Additionally, I actively participated in budget discussions to allocate funds for initiatives that promoted diversity, inclusion, and student success. My involvement extended beyond the SGA. As a mentor with TRIO Student Support Services, I provided guidance and support to first-generation college students, ensuring their needs were met and their voices heard. I also contributed to various student organizations, addressing their needs and advocating for their interests. In conclusion, my leadership experiences have demonstrated the transformative power of advocacy and collaboration. My background as a Black woman and first-generation college student has given me a unique perspective and drive to create positive change. As I look to the future, I am committed to pursuing a career in Social Work where I can continue to empower marginalized communities and advocate for equitable opportunities on a broader scale.

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.