Fashion has always been more than just clothing to me; it's a language of self-expression and cultural storytelling. From hosting childhood fashion shows in my mother’s closet to launching an online clothing business on Depop, my passion for fashion has shaped my vision for the future. I aspire to become a fashion executive who blends creativity and business strategy to lead innovative, inclusive brands that reflect underrepresented communities. In 2020, I combined my love for fashion, technology, and entrepreneurship by curating and selling clothing on Depop. I analyzed consumer trends, identified popular styles, and built relationships with customers. This experience helped me develop a strong understanding of e-commerce, digital marketing, and brand building. It also revealed to me how fashion can be used as a tool to connect with people across cultural lines and inspire self-worth. My hands-on industry experience deepened at Harlem’s Fashion Row, where I contributed to campaigns and photoshoots featured at New York Fashion Week. I assisted with set design, styling, event coordination, and website audits to enhance brand visibility. Through this work, I witnessed firsthand how storytelling through fashion can celebrate identity. Currently, I am pursuing a major in Business Administration with a minor in Fashion at the University of Southern California. My coursework in marketing, management, and fashion media is giving me the strategic foundation to lead in the industry. As a member of USC’s Fashion Industry Association, I’ve helped plan events, assisted with model casting, and engaged in workshops that deepen my understanding of entrepreneurship and creative leadership. My drive is fueled not only by ambition, but also by my values of creativity, service, and compassion. I believe fashion can be a force for good. That’s why I’ve volunteered with Dress for Success, helping women in low-income communities select professional attire for interviews. Watching their confidence grow reminded me that fashion is about more than style; it's about opportunity and transformation. I also advocate for mental health awareness in honor of my late cousin, who died by suicide. I’ve partnered with Euphoric.777, a nonprofit clothing brand that encourages open conversations around mental health with the message “Are You Really Happy?” I use digital storytelling and social media to share this message, creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. This work keeps me grounded in purpose and reminds me that true leadership starts with empathy. The Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship would significantly lighten the financial burden of attending college, allowing me to focus fully on my education, internships, and professional growth. Beyond the financial relief, this scholarship represents a deeper connection to the values I live by such as ambition, kindness, purpose, and the determination to make a lasting impact. Like Kalia, I want to be remembered not only for what I achieved, but for how I made others feel. With this scholarship’s support, I am confident in my ability to turn my passion into a purpose-driven career.

As a woman of color from a low-income background, the pursuit of higher education has always come with challenges balancing tuition and family responsibilities. However, nothing could have prepared me for July 2024, when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Hearing those words and the fear of losing my mom consumed me for weeks. Losing my appetite and peace of mind, I turned to the Bible. A passage in Psalms reminded me that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” That verse became my anchor. Over time I learned to put on a brave face, even when sadness was ever present. One of the most transformative lessons came when my mother’s own brave face slipped. Her fear sometimes showed up as frustration. In the past, I may have responded with irritation, but I began to recognize these moments as expressions of vulnerability. This shift deepened my empathy for my mom and anyone dealing with the pain of cancer. To help process my own emotions, I joined a breast cancer support group. Through shared stories and reflection, I became more resilient. This experience has reshaped my life. I no longer take anything for granted and now carry a strength rooted in love, compassion, and community. It’s made me a better daughter, friend, and leader. Even during these hardships, I’ve remained focused and purpose driven on my goals. Fashion has always been more than clothing to me, it is a language, a way to empower and connect. I’ve been passionate about it since childhood, when I hosted fashion shows in my mother’s closet. In 2020, I launched an online store on Depop, curating collections that blend culture, identity, and creativity. I learned how to analyze consumer trends, develop brand voice, and build relationships with customers. I expanded my industry experience at Harlem’s Fashion Row, where I contributed to campaigns and photoshoots, including those featured at New York Fashion Week for brands like Dior. I also supported event planning and website audits, gaining insight into how fashion intersects with culture, business, and storytelling. Currently, I am a Business Administration major with a Fashion minor at the University of Southern California. As a member of USC’s Fashion Industry Association, I’ve helped plan events and model castings, and participated in workshops on brand strategy and entrepreneurship. My dream is to become a fashion executive who leads with both creativity and compassion, building brands that reflect the communities they serve. The Hicks Scholarship Award would ease the financial burdens I face, allowing me to focus fully on my education and industry experience. Additionally, it would support a dream rooted not just in fashion, but in purpose to lead, uplift, and inspire.

When my mom told me in July 2024 that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, my initial reaction was denial, followed by a wave of immense anxiety. Feeling incredibly overwhelmed and struggling to process the words as they left her mouth, my rapid heart beat juxtaposed her perplexingly calm voice and placid expression. Baffled by her bravery in the face of adversity, I saw a sense of resilience in her that was not just something I admired, but something I realized I needed to embody to support her. Watching my mom persevere despite her diagnosis both inspired and challenged me. I had to learn to put on a brave face for her, even when I felt immense sadness or fear about what the future held. However, her unwavering courage encouraged me to shift my perspective on life. Moments I once took for granted became more precious, and I began to replace feelings of worry and fear with gratitude and being present. Witnessing her determination reminded me that life is fragile, yet profoundly valuable, and that challenges, no matter how overwhelming, can be faced with grace and strength. However, one of the most transformative lessons I learned came from moments when my mom’s brave face slipped. Despite her composed demeanor, there were times when she would become argumentative or overbearing. In the past, I might have responded with frustration, but during her cancer journey, I realized that her actions often came from a place of fear and vulnerability. This understanding reshaped the way I approach not just her, but everyone I encounter. Now, instead of immediately finding fault in someone’s behavior, I pause to consider what personal challenges they may be facing. This shift in perspective has made me a more compassionate and empathetic person. Seeking ways to cope with my emotions and support my mom, I turned to a breast cancer support group. Joining a community of people who understood the struggles we were facing offered me a sense of comfort and connection. I took the initiative to research and join a local breast cancer foundation, where peer discussions allowed me to share my thoughts and hear stories from others working toward the same goal of healing and mutual support. These moments not only provided solace but also gave me tools to process my emotions and learn how to better support my mom. Yoga also became an essential outlet for coping. It offered me a quiet space to find peace and release the tension that came with the uncertainty of her diagnosis. Through this practice, I learned to manage my emotions and remain present, which was essential in being the strong, calm presence my mom needed. My mom’s cancer journey has profoundly shaped who I am. It taught me bravery in the face of adversity, the importance of compassion over judgment, and the value of seeking support during difficult times. Most of all, it deepened my appreciation for life’s fragility and the strength of human resilience. My mom’s cancer diagnosis has been a challenge, but it also became a powerful lesson in love, empathy, and the opportunity to develop as a person through hardship. Most importantly, it has deepened my appreciation for life and helped me approach challenges with greater strength and compassion.