My most important relationship is my relationship with my higher power. I would be nowhere without God. I made some mistakes in my life which led to me being incarcerated for 2 years. It would have been easy to sink into despair at this point. However, I was able to keep my hopes up and make the best of the situation. I was blessed to be baptized during my incarceration and attend bible study sessions and even church. This made all the difference in keeping a positive attitude and looking forward rather than back. I was fortunate enough to attend college classes taught by Allan Hancock College professors during this time. I earned a Certificate in Human Services with an Emphasis in Addiction Studies. This was especially meaningful to me because I have struggled with addiction my entire life. The second most important relationship in my life is my relationship with myself. I have struggled with low self-esteem issues my entire life, and these experiences did a lot to build my confidence and sense of self-worth. I became the first person to graduate from college in the Santa Barbara County Northern Branch jail. They held a special graduation ceremony for me, complete with a cap and gown. Several Deans and Professors from the college attended and made this an unforgettable and uplifting experience for me. After my release I made a decision to go back to school at Allan Hancock College. I love planning events, and I decided to earn an Associate's degree in Recreation, Event, and Sports Management. After earning this degree I decided to apply to Cal Poly SLO and was accepted into the Event and Experience Management program. I love helping people create unforgettable experiences that provide lasting memories that will be cherished forever. Over the past two years, I have served in the College Corps Fellowship, an experience that has been deeply meaningful and rewarding. In this role, I mentor teens in the Lompoc area, supporting their academic growth and creative development. One of my most impactful contributions was organizing and leading two paint-and-sip fundraisers for the Lompoc Teen Center, where I served as the painting instructor. I also led two additional paint-and-sip fundraisers in Santa Barbara for the F.I.S.T. and S.T.A.R. Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals as they reintegrate into society. Being able to contribute to this cause is especially significant to me. I am passionate about using my creative skills to give back and make a positive impact in my community, and these experiences have strengthened both my commitment to service and my ability to connect with others through art. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to continue my education at Cal Poly, and receive the training I need to be able to perfect my event planning skills and give back to my community.

Attending higher education is a key step in helping me turn my lived experience, creativity, and commitment to service into a purposeful and sustainable career. Education provides me not only with technical knowledge in event and experience management, but also with the professional training, industry exposure, and leadership development needed to build a business that is both successful and socially impactful. As I continue my studies at California Polytechnic State University, I see this opportunity as the bridge between my personal growth and my long-term career goals. Higher education will allow me to refine the skills I already have in art, design, organization, and leadership while also learning new ones such as business operations, marketing, budgeting, and client relations. These skills are essential for my goal of creating a wedding and event planning company. I want to build a business that not only designs beautiful events, but also creates meaningful experiences that reflect people’s stories, cultures, and values. My background in fine art and interior design gives me a creative foundation, and my continued education will help me turn that creativity into a professional, structured, and sustainable career. Education will also expand my access to mentorships, internships, and networking opportunities within the event industry. These experiences are important because they will allow me to learn directly from professionals, understand real-world expectations, and gain hands-on experience in planning and executing events at a higher level. This exposure will help me grow from someone with passion and experience into a fully prepared professional ready to serve clients and communities. Beyond career preparation, higher education will strengthen my ability to create a positive impact in my community. Much of my work has already focused on service—tutoring youth at the Lompoc Teen Center through the College Corps Fellowship, supporting students through EOPS at Allan Hancock College, and organizing creative community events such as paint-and-sip fundraisers for the Lompoc Teen Center and the F.I.S.T. and S.T.A.R. Foundation. These experiences have shown me how powerful it is to bring people together through creativity, support, and shared experiences. In the future, I plan to use my education to design events that also serve a greater purpose. This includes partnering with nonprofits, supporting fundraising efforts, and creating inclusive spaces where people from all backgrounds feel valued and connected. I want my work in event planning to extend beyond private celebrations and contribute to community healing, empowerment, and awareness. Ultimately, higher education will give me the tools, credibility, and confidence to transform my passion into impact. It will allow me to build a career that reflects not only creativity and professionalism, but also service, purpose, and a commitment to making meaningful change in the lives of others.

My faith has played a grounding and guiding role in my life, especially during moments of challenge, reflection, and rebuilding. It has helped me find meaning in experiences that were difficult and has given me the strength to move forward with purpose rather than remain defined by my past. After going through incarceration, I had to confront difficult truths about my life and choices. In that process, my personal faith became a source of accountability, hope, and direction. It helped me believe that change was not only possible, but something I was responsible for actively pursuing. Earning a Human Services certificate through Allan Hancock College while incarcerated was a turning point for me spiritually and personally. It helped me understand the importance of service, compassion, and growth. My faith reinforced the idea that my life should not only be about personal improvement, but also about how I can contribute to the well-being of others. That belief continues to guide my actions today as I pursue higher education and community involvement. Since returning to college, my faith has continued to influence how I approach leadership, relationships, and service. It reminds me to act with integrity, patience, and humility. Whether I am working with students in the EOPS Department, tutoring youth at the Lompoc Teen Center, or organizing community events, I try to lead with understanding and compassion. My faith encourages me to see people beyond their circumstances and to recognize the value and potential in everyone I work with. My involvement in service projects and leadership roles—such as organizing paint-and-sip fundraisers for the Lompoc Teen Center and the F.I.S.T. and S.T.A.R. Foundation, as well as coordinating a College Corps service project that connected homeless individuals and skilled nursing home residents through handmade cards—reflects my belief in service as a form of purpose. These experiences align with my faith because they focus on dignity, connection, and care for others, especially those who are often overlooked. As I continue my education at California Polytechnic State University and pursue a career in event and experience management, I believe my faith will continue to guide my decisions and priorities. It will help me stay grounded in my values while building a career focused on creating meaningful, inclusive, and impactful experiences. I want my work in wedding and event planning to go beyond aesthetics and logistics, and instead reflect intention, care, and human connection. Ultimately, my faith will continue to serve as the foundation of my personal and professional life. It reminds me that my journey is not just about success, but about service, growth, and using my experiences to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

What makes me a leader is not a title or position, but a commitment to service, resilience, and the ability to create meaningful impact through action. My leadership has been shaped by life experience, personal growth, and a deep understanding of the importance of second chances. I have learned that true leadership is about showing up consistently, uplifting others, and using your experiences to help guide and support people through their own challenges. One of the defining parts of my leadership journey is my commitment to education and change after incarceration. At 47 years old, I returned to school with a renewed sense of purpose after earning a Human Services certificate through Allan Hancock College while incarcerated. That experience became a turning point in my life. It taught me that leadership begins with accountability and the decision to transform your circumstances into something positive. Since returning to college, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA for multiple semesters, not only as a personal achievement, but as a reflection of my dedication and discipline. I demonstrate leadership through my involvement on campus and in the community. As President of Spare Time Society, I help lead a student organization focused on recreation, wellness, and balance. In this role, I organize events and activities that encourage students to prioritize self-care and connection. As Secretary of the B.I.G.E. Club (Beyond Incarceration Greater Education), I support system-impacted and formerly incarcerated students by helping create a space of understanding, encouragement, and academic empowerment. These roles have taught me how to listen, collaborate, and advocate for others. My leadership is also rooted in service. Through the EOPS Department at Allan Hancock College, I help students access essential academic and financial resources. Many of the students I work with face significant barriers, and I take pride in being someone who can guide them through challenges with empathy and support. In addition, I tutor at the Lompoc Teen Center through the College Corps Fellowship, where I assist students with both academic and creative development, helping them build confidence and discover their potential early in life. One of the most meaningful examples of my leadership was organizing a College Corps service project that brought greeting card supplies to a homeless shelter, where participants created their own holiday cards. Afterward, we created additional handmade cards and delivered them to a skilled nursing facility, where residents received them directly. This experience demonstrated how leadership can connect communities through creativity, compassion, and shared humanity. I have also led three paint-and-sip fundraising events—one for the Lompoc Teen Center and two for the F.I.S.T. and S.T.A.R. Foundation, which supports formerly incarcerated individuals. These events combined art, community engagement, and fundraising, showing my ability to lead projects that serve both creative and social purposes. Ultimately, what makes me a leader is my ability to turn lived experience into purpose-driven action. I lead by serving, by creating opportunities for connection, and by using creativity to bring people together. As I continue my education at California Polytechnic State University, I plan to expand this leadership by developing events and experiences that uplift communities, support nonprofits, and create meaningful, lasting impact.

One of the most meaningful volunteer events I organized was a service project through the College Corps Fellowship that focused on connection, creativity, and care for vulnerable populations. For this project, I coordinated the collection and distribution of greeting card supplies to a local homeless shelter. The goal was to create an opportunity for individuals experiencing homelessness to engage in a creative activity and express themselves through making their own holiday cards. I helped organize the materials, facilitated the activity, and supported participants as they designed personal cards that reflected hope, gratitude, and holiday spirit. After completing the first phase at the shelter, I led a second part of the project where we created additional handmade cards as a group. These cards were then delivered to a skilled nursing home, where they were personally handed out to residents. This part of the project was especially meaningful because it created a bridge between two communities who are often overlooked—individuals experiencing homelessness and elderly residents in care facilities. Seeing the joy and emotional connection that came from something as simple as a handmade card reinforced the power of small acts of service. In addition to this project, I have led three paint-and-sip fundraising events—one supporting the Lompoc Teen Center and two benefiting the F.I.S.T. and S.T.A.R. Foundation, which serves formerly incarcerated individuals. These events combined creativity with fundraising, while also creating a welcoming space for community engagement and support. Through my work with the College Corps Fellowship, my roles at Allan Hancock College, and my community-based art events, I consistently look for ways to use creativity as a tool for service. Whether tutoring students at the Lompoc Teen Center, supporting students in EOPS, or organizing events that bring people together, my focus is always on creating meaningful impact. Leadership through service is important because it is rooted in action, empathy, and responsibility. True leadership is not about position or recognition—it is about noticing a need and taking steps to meet it. It means using your skills and influence to uplift others and strengthen your community. My experiences have shown me that when leadership is grounded in service, it builds trust, creates connection, and produces lasting positive change. As I continue my education at California Polytechnic State University, I plan to continue leading through service by creating events and experiences that bring people together, support nonprofits, and foster inclusion and healing in the community.

I am actively working to address the social issue of limited access to education, support, and opportunity for individuals impacted by incarceration and other systemic barriers. My own life experience has given me a deep understanding of how these challenges can shape a person’s path. After being incarcerated, I made the decision to change my life through education, earning a Human Services certificate from Allan Hancock College while still in custody. That experience showed me that education can create second chances and restore a sense of purpose. Since returning to school, I have committed myself to helping others access the same opportunities that transformed my life. As Secretary of the B.I.G.E. Club (Beyond Incarceration Greater Education), I support a community that uplifts formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students. I help create a space where individuals feel supported, understood, and encouraged to continue their education. In my role with the EOPS Department at Allan Hancock College, I assist students in accessing essential academic and financial resources. Many of the students I work with face significant obstacles, and I am able to connect with them through empathy and shared understanding while helping them navigate those challenges. I also tutor at the Lompoc Teen Center through the College Corps Fellowship, where I support students academically and creatively, helping build confidence and direction at an early stage in their lives. In addition, I use art as a way to bring people together and give back to my community. I have led three paint-and-sip fundraising events—one benefiting the Lompoc Teen Center and two supporting the F.I.S.T. and S.T.A.R. Foundation, which serves formerly incarcerated individuals. These events not only raised funds, but also created a positive, welcoming environment where people could connect, express themselves, and support meaningful causes. Through these experiences, I have seen how creativity can be a powerful tool for healing, connection, and community building. As I continue my education at California Polytechnic State University, I plan to expand this impact through a career in event and experience management. My goal is to create events that are not only memorable, but also purposeful—events that support nonprofits, raise awareness, and bring diverse groups of people together. Addressing inequity in education and opportunity is deeply personal to me. I am committed to using my experiences, education, and creativity to uplift others, advocate for second chances, and create spaces where people feel valued and empowered to move forward.

My journey to higher education has been shaped by resilience, personal growth, and a commitment to creating a better future. At 47 years old, I bring life experience that has deeply influenced my values, goals, and sense of purpose. Part of my journey includes a period of incarceration, where I was forced to reflect on my choices and the direction of my life. During that time, I made the decision to change my path and invest in my future through education. While incarcerated, I enrolled in courses through Allan Hancock College and earned a certificate in Human Services. That experience became a turning point for me. Education awakened a desire I had not fully realized before—the desire to grow, to learn, and to help others who may be facing their own challenges. It showed me that change is possible with commitment, and that knowledge can open doors even in the most difficult circumstances. After my release, I continued my education at Allan Hancock College with renewed focus and determination. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA for the past three semesters, demonstrating my dedication to academic excellence and personal accountability. I became actively involved in campus life, serving as President of Spare Time Society and Secretary of the B.I.G.E. Club (Beyond Incarceration Greater Education). These roles have allowed me to support other students, especially those who are overcoming barriers, and to promote the importance of balance, wellness, and access to education. My commitment to service extends beyond campus. Through my work in the EOPS Department, I help students access critical resources that support their academic success. As part of the College Corps Fellowship, I tutor at the Lompoc Teen Center, assisting young people with both academic and creative development. I have also led art programs at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center and facilitated painting workshops for nonprofit fundraisers. These experiences have reinforced my belief that creativity and support can empower individuals and strengthen communities. I have been accepted to California Polytechnic State University, where I will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Event and Experience Management. My goal is to build a wedding and event planning business that creates meaningful, inclusive experiences. I want my work to reflect not only creativity and design, but also connection, purpose, and community impact. My life experiences have taught me the value of second chances, hard work, and service to others. They have shaped my commitment to using education as a tool for both personal transformation and community change. This scholarship will help relieve the financial burden of continuing my education, allowing me to stay focused on my goals and continue building a future defined not by my past, but by the positive impact I strive to make. Ultimately, I hope to use my journey as an example that growth is always possible, and that with determination and support, it is never too late to create a meaningful and lasting legacy.

I plan to create a legacy rooted in creativity, connection, and service to others. Throughout my academic journey and community involvement, I have intentionally pursued opportunities that allow me to combine art, leadership, and meaningful engagement. As I continue my education at California Polytechnic State University, I am building the skills and experiences necessary to turn my passion into a career that leaves a lasting and positive impact. The business I hope to create is a wedding and event planning company that focuses on more than just organizing events. I want to design experiences that are deeply personal, visually impactful, and emotionally meaningful. Events are often some of the most important moments in people’s lives, and I want to ensure that each one reflects the unique story and values of those being celebrated. With my background in fine art and interior design, I plan to bring a creative and intentional approach to every detail—from spatial design to atmosphere—so that each event feels immersive and unforgettable. My goal is to build a brand that is known not only for its aesthetic quality, but also for its authenticity, inclusivity, and attention to human connection. Beyond business success, my legacy will be defined by the way I give back to my community. Through my work with students at Allan Hancock College, my involvement with the Lompoc Teen Center, and my experience leading art programs at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, I have seen firsthand how creativity can empower individuals and foster belonging. These experiences have shaped my desire to continue supporting nonprofit organizations, youth programs, and community-based events. I want my work to extend beyond private clients and serve a broader purpose by helping create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and inspired. I shine my light through leadership, creativity, and service. In my roles as President of Spare Time Society and Secretary of the B.I.G.E. Club, I work to create supportive and engaging environments where students can connect, grow, and prioritize their well-being. I also shine my light through art—whether I am leading painting workshops for fundraisers or mentoring students in their creative and academic pursuits. I believe that creativity has the power to heal, connect, and uplift, and I strive to share that in everything I do. Ultimately, I want my legacy to be one of intentional impact. I hope to be remembered as someone who used creativity not only to design beautiful events, but to bring people together, strengthen communities, and create meaningful experiences that last far beyond a single moment.