My name is Edona Zefi, and I am an undergraduate Management major. Education has always been one of my greatest priorities, not only because it prepares me for a career, but because it gives me the chance to grow as a person and serve others with the knowledge and skills I gain. Like Kalia D. Davis, I believe that excellence is not just about achievement, but also about encouraging others and striving to make a positive impact in every area of life. Sports have played a meaningful role in shaping my character. I spent time playing volleyball, and though I did not play professionally for long, the sport taught me lessons that extend far beyond the court, discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Pushing myself to improve, supporting teammates, and learning to get back up after setbacks all carried over into my academic and personal life. These experiences showed me that consistency and effort matter just as much as talent, and that true growth comes from persistence. Another defining part of my journey has been moving from Albania to the United States for my education. Leaving behind the comfort of home and adapting to a completely new culture required courage, adaptability, and independence. Although it was not easy, this experience strengthened my determination and gave me a deeper appreciation for the opportunities I now have. It reminded me that challenges, when embraced with perseverance, can become stepping stones toward growth. Like Kalia, I have also sought to challenge myself academically. I work hard to maintain a strong GPA, not simply to earn good grades, but to build a foundation for future opportunities. I approach my studies with determination, knowing that every step forward brings me closer to my goals. At the same time, I try to be intentional about encouraging those around me, whether classmates, peers, or friends, because I believe success is even more meaningful when shared. Community service has also been a part of my journey. Volunteering has given me perspective on the importance of kindness, compassion, and contributing to something larger than myself. Whether through small acts of service or larger projects, I have learned the value of showing up for others, much like Kalia was known to do. Her example reminds me that even the simplest encouragement can leave a lasting impact. This scholarship would not only help me financially, but also motivate me to live out the same drive and positivity that Kalia embodied. Coming from a background where pursuing higher education requires sacrifice, this support would allow me to stay focused on my studies and future goals while lightening the financial burden. More importantly, it would encourage me to keep striving for excellence with integrity, determination, and joy. Kalia’s story is inspiring because it reflects a life lived fully, one of ambition, kindness, and perseverance. To be chosen as a recipient of a scholarship in her memory would be an honor, and I would carry her legacy with me by continuing to pursue excellence while encouraging others along the way.

Malgorzata “Maggie” Kwiecien’s story resonates deeply with me because, like her, I have faced the challenge of moving to a new country alone to pursue my education and ambitions. In 2015, Maggie relocated to the U.S. without a support system, demonstrating courage and determination in the face of uncertainty. I, too, have embraced the unknown in pursuit of my goals, leaving the familiar comfort of my home in Albania to study in the United States. This transition demanded resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to step out of my comfort zone, qualities that defined Maggie’s life. Maggie’s boldness, whether on mountains, skis, or through intellectual debate, mirrors the qualities needed in management and leadership. While I may not scale mountains for sport, I embrace challenges in my academic and leadership pursuits. Navigating a new educational system, collaborating with diverse teams, and finding my voice in a foreign environment required courage, persistence, and strategic thinking. Like Maggie, I approach challenges with determination, viewing obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow. Her commitment to knowledge and intellectual boldness inspires me most. Maggie dedicated herself to mastering whatever she set her mind to, and I strive to follow in her footsteps. In my management studies, I actively seek opportunities to understand organizational behavior, leadership strategies, and decision-making processes. I am motivated by the belief that effective leaders must combine knowledge, empathy, and vision to create positive change, an approach that reflects Maggie’s dedication and resilience. Maggie’s life was also defined by resilience in the face of adversity. Even while battling cancer, she remained committed to her work and passions. Her courage in confronting life’s harshest realities reminds me to persist through my own challenges, whether academic, cultural, or personal. I lost someone I really admired before deciding to come to the US and that has deeply impacted me, but also made me realize that I want to continue to grow for as long as I breathe. Her story inspires me to approach my goals with both ambition and integrity, knowing that determination and focus can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. In many ways, I see Maggie’s spirit in myself: a determination to thrive independently, a readiness to tackle challenges head-on, and a commitment to knowledge and growth. This scholarship would allow me to honor her legacy by continuing to pursue my education in Management, developing the skills and insight needed to become a thoughtful and bold leader, and carrying forward the adventurous, resilient, and intellectually fearless spirit that Maggie embodied.

My name is Edona Zefi, and I am from the beautiful country of Albania. Leadership, to me, is about empowering others, driving change, and turning vision into action. My passion for leadership comes from a deep desire to uplift people, help them realize their potential, and create opportunities for growth. I thrive in environments where I can inspire, strategize, and execute ideas that make a difference. One of my most impactful leadership experiences was leading the American Embassy in Albania "YouthLead" Project. This initiative focused on identifying issues in the community, developing innovative solutions, and guiding a team through critical thinking and problem-solving. I led discussions, encouraged analytical approaches, and ensured that our proposed solutions were practical and impactful. Through collaboration with embassy officials and passionate peers, we built a program that empowered youth, encouraged civic engagement, and sparked meaningful action. Seeing individuals grow in confidence and step into leadership roles themselves was incredibly fulfilling. Beyond that, I have led teams in business idea competitions, where we transformed innovative concepts into winning projects. These experiences challenged me to think strategically, foster teamwork, and communicate ideas persuasively. Through market research, business modeling, and compelling pitches, we developed solutions that only won competitions. Another major outlet of impact for me has been volunteering with organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, Food Bank, and Hope for the World. Serving in these spaces has given me firsthand experience in leadership through service—coordinating food distributions, organizing community outreach programs, and helping those in need. These experiences have reinforced my belief that true leadership is about selflessness, action, and creating hope where it’s needed most. Moving forward, I want to continue inspiring and developing others. Leadership is not about holding authority—it’s about serving, guiding, and creating an environment where people can thrive. Whether through mentorship, business ventures, or community projects, I am committed to building up those around me, turning challenges into opportunities, and leaving a lasting impact.