The day I found out that I lost my cousin to suicide will always be a day that I will never forget. I was just a sophomore in high school but I learned something that I wasn’t ready to learn. Life really is short and the people that we love aren’t’ guaranteed to be with us forever. The shock, and the heartbreak of that loss disrupted everything. It interrupted my focus in school and my confidence that things would simply work out. I felt left with more questions than answers about life and I had a hard time finding my footing again. Grief, as painful as it was, also became the place where my resilience was born. I decided pretty early on that I didn't want this loss to just break me. I wanted it to build me into someone more resilient, someone with a real appreciation for mental health. My cousin's memory has become a driving force in my life. I chase my dreams for myself now, but also for him. I like to believe he's still watching over me somehow, with that same contagious smile, cheering me on from where he is. That's part of why I partnered with Euphoric.777, a non-profit clothing brand built around mental health advocacy. I loved their message, "Are You Really Happy," which is aimed at people hiding real struggles behind their smile. I think it's the same struggle my cousin was going through, we just didn’t know until it was too late. I like helping to promote that message which has become my way of turning grief into something useful. I received messages from people thanking me, telling me it made them feel less alone, and that response has meant more to me than I expected it to. Fashion ended up being the other big piece of this. Even before any of this happened, I was always the person my family and friends came to for advice on what to wear or how to put themselves together with confidence. Fashion, to me, was always about self-expression, and honesty. Self expression is a confidence booster. I noticed that when I volunteered with Dress for Success. I enjoyed helping women pick outfits, get dressed and prepare for job interviews. Watching someone gain confidence and stand up straighter once they had the right outfit on, was a small moment, but it stuck with me. It taught me to pay closer attention to detail, and it reminded me that confidence is something you can help give someone. Grief taught me to value every relationship and lean on my support system when things get hard. Fashion gave me a way to actually act on that, to help other people feel more like themselves. Both of those things shaped why I'm studying business with a minor in fashion at USC. I want to build the skills to lead in the fashion industry in a way that actually gives back, not just to the industry, but to my community. If I can honor my cousin by helping other people feel a little less alone or a little more confident, that feels like the right way to carry his memory forward.

When I was five, I snuck into my mom's closet and squeezed into her ash suede pumps. I stood in the mirror feeling like I could take on the world. I didn't know it then, but I wasn't just falling in love with fashion. I was picturing the woman I wanted to become. To me, an IT girl knows that influence is a responsibility. People might notice her style first but they remember how she treated them. She doesn't forget who believed in her and she uses every door she walks through to hold it open for someone else. For a long time I knew I wanted fashion but had no idea where I fit in it. That changed when Brandice Daniel took a chance on me at seventeen. She brought me in to work New York Fashion Week with Harlem's Fashion Row and I had zero experience, no resume, nothing to prove yet. Watching her build space for designers of color and young professionals completely changed how I saw leadership. I learned that making it doesn't mean much if you're not pulling people up with you. I study Business Administration with a Fashion minor at USC and intern at Isabel Marant in New York City. Every single opportunity has made me more sure that I want to be a luxury fashion buyer at an LVMH house and help build an industry where more young people actually feel like they belong. Right before I left for USC life got really hard. My dad had a heart attack in 2023. Then less than a year later, weeks before I moved across the country, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. There were nights I hung up the phone and just sat there and cried because I didn't know if she was okay. Being so far away while my family was going through so much felt awful. I had been a Christian my whole life but those were the moments I felt both the closest to God and the most confused about what He was doing. Now I get it. Those seasons made me softer and way more aware that the people around me are carrying things I know nothing about. A few years later I realized I had become someone I used to look up to. Through MASH Magazine I put together a fashion internship panel because I remembered how lost I felt trying to break in. After the event a student came up and told me she landed an internship from advice she heard that day. I immediately thought about seventeen year old me. Somebody believed in me first. Now I got to do the same thing for her. That's probably the proudest I've felt in college. My family going through all of that also made me want to give back more which is part of why I've volunteered over 75 hours with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Eventually I want to work with companies like LVMH and The Prada Group to create mentorship programs that actually connect students to internships, guidance and real opportunities. I got here because somebody saw something in me before I could prove it. I want more young women to have that same experience. Those pumps meant more than I realized at five years old. They represented everything I was reaching for. If I can leave one young woman feeling like she belongs just because I believed in her first then I'll know I became the woman I always hoped to be.

As a seventeen-year-old high school graduate, I never expected the founder of one of fashion’s most influential nonprofit organizations to take a chance on me. I was shocked when Brandice Daniel extended an internship offer at Harlem’s Fashion Row. This is an industry where conversations around representation rarely occur, however she built a platform that changed that. To my surprise this opportunity became the foundation of my career. During my internship at Isabel Marant I learned that leadership is about building bridges where none previously existed. I am currently pursuing a Business Administration major with a Fashion minor at the University of Southern California. My chosen major is the basis through which I plan to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. Business administration gives me the strategic framework to scale creative industries. My goal is to use my business knowledge to level the playing field and make these spaces accessible to everyone. My experiences have shaped my vision to become a buyer at Dior under LVMH. Buyers influence which brands, designers, and products receive visibility within the luxury marketplace. In this role, I want to build relationships, knowledge, and leadership experience that will eventually let me create something bigger. My long-term goal is to create an organization that helps underrepresented students from their freshman year all the way through landing their first full-time job. I want to build a real pipeline where talent and drive open doors. I am already putting this major into practice at USC. As the Guest Thought and Leadership Lead for MASH Magazine, I organized and moderated a fashion careers panel featuring students from diverse backgrounds who secured internships across luxury fashion and beauty. Many students assume success in this field is reserved for those with existing connections. I wanted to break down that narrative. Through this major, I am learning that representation matters. It’s clear people cannot aspire to futures they have never been invited to see. This scholarship would directly help me meet my immediate educational and professional goals. Managing my school schedule at USC while also juggling internships, professional development, and networking events at the same time takes dedication and focus. Having financial support would help relieve some pressure that comes with educational expenses which would allow me to fully focus on my studies and leadership initiatives. Additionally, I would be able to participate in pivotal industry networking opportunities and career development seminars that are often financially out of reach. Years ago, a visionary leader asked a seventeen-year-old intern what she could do to help advance their career. That question changed how I understood leadership. Receiving this scholarship is not just an investment in my current education, but in a career dedicated to asking that same question of the next generation and building the pathways that help them find the answer.

In July 2024 my mom told my sister and I that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was the first time I felt lost for words and had an overwhelming feeling of the possibility of losing my mom. Nothing really prepares you to hear that news. Especially as I was just accepted into my dream school USC which was across the country. Lost and not sure what to do or feel, I turned to the Bible. The scriptures helped and gave me encouragement to deal with my emotional challenge. It took some time but eventually I got to a place where I could support my mom. I eventually learned to put on a brave face even when I left overwhelmed. Going through this experience taught me not to take life for granted. As a result of all of this I learned that worrying would not help the situation. This challenge took a toll on everyone, most of all my mom and there were times when she would become argumentative. It’s hard to admit sometimes but, I remember moments when I would easily become frustrated at my mom and we would argue. It became clear to me and I realized that she was acting out of her fear of the unknown during her journey. Realizing what she could be going through helped me reshape the way I approached this entire situation. The life lesson I learned was to always take a step back to consider if and what personal challenges someone else might be facing. It certainly made me more compassionate to others and I believe a better version of myself. Looking for ways to deal with all of this, I found breast cancer support groups. I learned how to support my mom and process my emotions through meditations, and prayer. Additionally, with support from my family and friends I also found love and empathy. Most importantly, I developed a stronger appreciation for life and found a greater ability to tackle challenges with strength and compassion. After going through my own personal experience on this journey with my mom I concluded a few things. First and foremost, my advice to others would be to let themselves feel. Trying to avoid how you are feeling or ignoring it really doesn’t help anyone involved. However, I would also tell them to try not to let fear take over their lives by leaning on whatever can give them assistance. For me what helped was attending church to build my faith, talking to my family and friends and attending a support group. I found carrying everything alone only makes everything harder. The last piece of advice I would offer is that emotions like anger can come from fear, so we should not to take everything personally. It can be hard to remember in the moment of a heated discussion but I try to respond with patience and compassion. Most of all, be present, offer support, and take care of your own mental and emotional health.

My dad taught me that the way you treat people matters. He always remembered small things about the people he met, checked in on friends he met in high school, college, and different jobs he’s worked, actively maintaining the relationships he has built for years. He did not treat people well only when it helped him, he treated people well because that was simply who he was. Watching how intentionally he connects with others in real time, has taught me that people absolutely remember how you make them feel. That lesson became clearer when my parents divorced when I was nine, and my relationship with my dad changed overnight. My sister and I went from seeing him every single day to only seeing him every other weekend. That was hard for me because I was always close to him. I was described as a splitting image of my father by loved ones: we shared the same smile, the same laugh, the same way of thinking and because of that our bond was special. As I got older, I understood more of what battles he quietly fought and that was a hard pill to swallow. He would wear shoes with holes in them but still make sure my sister and I had what we needed. Even when he was hurting, he remained patient with us. When I was upset, his goal was to understand me rather than reacting. That changed the way I treat people now. My Dad never wanted my sister and I to go without or feel left out but it was not always easy. We grew up in a low income household in a neighborhood that was mainly white. Although my Dad tried his best I still felt like I stood out many times. I remember one day when I was young I had curry chicken for lunch while other students ate pizza or cafeteria food. Many times I quickly ate my food because I was afraid that someone would comment on how different my food looked or say something about the way my food smelled. Fashion as a career path set me apart from everyone else I knew. They wanted to become doctors or lawyers, honestly I did too early on because I thought that was what I was supposed to say. Wanting to focus on fashion made me often feel like I did not fit in with many people around me. Because of that, I wanted to try to make people feel seen, especially in spaces where they may already feel overlooked. In May 2023, my dad had a heart attack. Seeing him in the hospital made me realize how much he sacrificed for me and my sister. It was clear that his strength was internal and that he had carried it quietly for years. It also reminded me that success means nothing if I am not using it to help others. These lessons taught me the importance of building connections. At the young age of 17, I volunteered with Harlem’s Fashion Row during New York Fashion Week, helping support Black and Latinx designers. I stayed in touch with people there because I value relationships. Experiencing firsthand the support for multicultural designers taught me the importance of connections in fashion. Later, I returned as an intern and helped increase LinkedIn engagement by 155%. At USC, I kept that same mindset with the Fashion Industry Association. Before becoming Outreach Coordinator, I volunteered for two semesters because I wanted students interested in fashion to feel less intimidated. One panel I helped organize gave students advice on securing internships. Afterward, one student told me she got an internship at Burlington by using advice from the panel. That meant the world to me and gave me encouragement to continue. My dad shaped how I see people. I try to lead with patience, empathy, and real interest in others because that is what he gave me first.

Growing up low income in a predominantly white town impacted how much I thought about service, belonging, and opportunity. I still remember bringing homemade Jamaican curry lunches to school while my peers only ordered cafeteria food. I could feel the “What is that smell?” comments coming before I even sat down. Some days I ate so quickly hoping my classmates would forget what I had brought for lunch. I also was one of the only students around me interested in fashion. Most people wanted to become doctors or lawyers, while I was trying to understand an industry that already felt distant from someone like me. Those experiences taught me what it feels like to enter spaces you do not fully see yourself reflected in. As a result, I learned that when someone opens a door for you, you try to leave every space more open than you find it. One of the clearest examples has been my volunteer work with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and the USC Trojan Food Pantry. Achieving more than 75 hours of service I was able to help sort, and distribute food to families, students, and individuals experiencing food insecurity throughout Los Angeles County. The work can feel repetitive, but it feels personal because I understand how close food insecurity can be to everyday life experiencing it myself. Every box packed represents relief for someone who is silently carrying burdens. Volunteering has reinforced my belief that small acts of consistency can directly impact someone’s quality of life. I have also built service into the spaces connected to my passion for fashion because I know how isolating the industry can feel when you do not immediately see yourself reflected within it. Before becoming Outreach Coordinator for USC’s Fashion Industry Association, I volunteered with this organization for two semesters because I wanted to help create opportunities for students that were interested in fashion. After becoming a member of the executive board, I looked at the programming and worked on changing it to make it more welcoming and informative for students from different backgrounds. I helped organize events that featured students where they were allowed to discuss how they secured internships in fashion and entertainment. I wanted panelists that came from different racial and cultural backgrounds so the audience members could see themselves in the people on the panel. Shortly after one student shared with me that she secured an internship at Burlington by applying advice from the panel. That moment showed me how powerful mentorship and access to information can be. That same commitment drove me to volunteer with Harlem’s Fashion Row in NYC. My first summer I worked on projects supporting Black and Latinx designers during NY Fashion Week. Experiencing firsthand the support for multicultural designers taught me the importance of representation in fashion. I saw people willing to advocate for visibility and opportunity. Later as an official intern, I helped increase LinkedIn engagement by 155% through digital strategy and audience outreach. I plan to use my education in Business and Fashion at USC to continue this work on a bigger scale. I hope to become a fashion executive and build mentorship programs for young women interested in fashion. I believe students from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds need the most support. I want to partner with companies such as LVMH to create mentorship pipelines that provide networking opportunities and direct access to professionals across fashion and luxury. I want students entering fashion to feel guided, not intimidated and hopefully see themselves reflected in the spaces.

In July 2024 my mom told us she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember being lost for words and overwhelmed at the possibility of losing my mom. I don’t think anything could have prepared me to hear that news. One thing was clear: I needed comfort. I immediately turned to the Bible. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." This scripture gave me encouragement to deal with my daily emotional and psychological challenges. In turn I could then provide the support my mom needed. It took some time but I eventually learned to put on a brave face even when I felt sadness. This experience also taught me not to take life for granted and understood worrying would not help in the least. This challenge took a toll on everyone and there were times when she would become argumentative. In the past, I would become frustrated, but during her cancer journey, I realized that she was acting out of her fear. This understanding reshaped the way I approach not just my mom but everyone. This was a life lesson and I learned to always take a moment to consider if and what personal challenges someone might be facing. It certainly made me more compassionate to others and I believe a better version of myself. Looking for ways to deal with all of this, I found breast cancer support groups. I learned how to support my mom and process my emotions through meditations, and prayer. Additionally, with support from my family and friends I also found love and empathy. Most importantly, I developed a stronger appreciation for life and found a greater ability to tackle challenges with strength and compassion. My advice to someone facing the same circumstances would be to let themselves feel the fear. I found that it was so real and avoided it by ignoring the inevitable reality that did not make sense. However, I would also tell them to not let that fear consume them by leaning on whatever gives them strength. Whether that is faith, prayer, family, friends, or a support group, because trying to carry everything alone makes it harder. Lastly, I would advise them to remember that a loved one’s anger or mood changes come from fear, so respond with patience and compassion. Most of all, be present, offering support, taking care of your own mental and emotional health.

Growing up I’ve always felt like everyone would live forever, my parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, friends but, the reality is life is short and you should cherish every moment. I unfortunately learned that lesson during my sophomore year in high school when I lost my cousin to suicide. This loss left my crushed with immediate shock, doubt and heartbreak all at the same time. Hearing the news about my cousin disrupted my academic focus which also drained me mentally and emotionally. As the days passed, I was left with more questions than answers regarding life, purpose and resilience. Dealing with loss, encouraged me to be more resilient and get a new appreciation for mental health. Despite the pain and the questions that constantly fill my mind, I know my cousin is proud of how far I have come. His memory has become a driving force in my life, not only to pursue my dreams for me but for him too. I know he’s watching over me with his contagious smile, while cheering me on from above. As a result, partnering with Euphoric.777, a non-profit clothing company to support mental health causes became my way of challenging grief into positive change. Sporting, building awareness and promoting the brand Euphoric.777 with their signature phrase, “Are You Really Happy”, aims to support those hiding their true mental struggled behind a smile, assuring them they are not alone. The response has been overwhelming with heartfelt messages of gratitude and impact from the message. Losing my cousin taught me to value each moment, appreciate my relationships, and lean on my support system during difficult times. It has also shown me that my mental health journey is important and surrounding myself with community groups that are focused on mental health advocacy is equally as important. From a young age, I realized my calling in the world of fashion, serving as the fashion guru for loved ones, advising them on where to shop, what to buy, and styling. Fashion is more than beauty and creativity, it has been the vehicle for self-expression and a confidence booster. I witnessed that first hand as I volunteered with Dress for Success, aiding women to dress and prepare for future job interviews. This experience refined my attention to detail. This entire experience taught me the importance of giving back to my community while using my experience and talents to help others. Attending the University of Southern California and majoring in business and minoring in fashion allows me to develop the necessary skills to lead dynamic fashion enterprises in order to make a positive impact on both the industry and the community. By giving back to the community and ensuring my passion for fashion and business, I hope to honor my cousin and make a difference for others.

Since 2021, I have faithfully volunteered my time and skills in support of my church operations. During worship services, I serve on the visual media team, managing the projection of scripture, song lyrics, and other service elements to ensure a smooth and engaging experience for the congregation. My reliability, attention to detail, and calm presence have contributed greatly to the effectiveness of each service. In addition to my service during worship, I have also volunteered in the church’s business office, where I have assisted with updating congregants profiles, answering phones, creating documents, and filing. Since 2021, I have completed a total of 100 volunteer hours, demonstrating consistent dedication and a heart for service. I have further extended my service by working with the youth of the community during Brooklyn Center for the Arts summer camp over the past 5 summers, where I have played a meaningful role in the lives of underrepresented and underserved children from the community. In July 2024, my mom told my sister and I that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The thought of losing my mom was overwhelming and difficult as I was traveling to another state to pursue my degree. Needing comfort, I turned to the Bible. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” This scripture gave me encouragement to deal with my daily emotional and psychological challenges so I could in turn provide the support she needed. Over time I learned to put on a brave face even when I felt sadness. I now did not take life for granted and understood worrying would not help in the least. Despite her unassuming demeanor, there were times when she would become argumentative. In the past, I would become frustrated, but during her cancer journey, I realized that she was acting out of her fear. This understanding reshaped the way I approach not just my mom but everyone. Now, I take a moment to consider if and what personal challenges they may also be facing. This shift has certainly made me a more compassionate and a better version of myself. Looking for ways to help me cope, I found breast cancer support groups. I learned how to support my mom and process my emotions through meditations, yoga and prayer. With support from my family and friends I also found love and empathy. Most importantly, I have a stronger appreciation for life and found a greater ability to tackle challenges with strength and compassion.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Challenge Name: “Through Your Eyes” On Love Island, everyone says they have a “strong connection,” but how well do they actually know the person they are coupled up with? “Through Your Eyes” is a new challenge that puts that to the test in the most Love Island way possible: with flirting, chaos, impersonations, and just enough embarrassment to stir the villa. The setting is fun and colorful with a stage in the garden and different areas that remind us of big moments from the villa. These situations are based on common Love Island moments, like meeting a new bombshell, apologizing after a fight, explaining your actions when you’ve been called out, or expressing your feelings during a recoupling. Before everything starts each person on the island watches a video that shows the things their partner does, like how they flirt or argue and the things they say when they are nervous, jealous or trying to make someone like them. In the part each person on the island has to pretend to be their partner in one of these situations, like the villa moments.They have to copy their tone, body language, attitude, and signature lines as accurately as possible. Their actual partner watches from the sidelines and scores the performance based on how well they feel understood. This is where the challenge gets fun, because some reenactments would be spot on, while others would clearly show that one person has been reading the relationship very differently than the other. Then comes the messier second round. Each Islander has to act like another Islander they are not paired with. It is best if they choose someone they get along with, have a problem with, or have feelings for. This makes the challenge more interesting because now it is not just about understanding romantic relationships. It is also about how others see them, being mean, and their pride. Islanders have to think about how they come across to others and how that affects their relationships, with Islanders. Someone might laugh, someone might feel exposed, and someone is almost guaranteed to say, “Is that really how you think I act?” The best part is the final twist: after each reenactment, producers play a real villa clip of that Islander in a similar situation. That makes you think about what's real and what is not. Sometimes someone will pretend to be another person. It will be really funny because they do it so well. Times they will not do a good job and that will be funny too. Either way it gets people talking. They will probably have some disagreements about it later. "Through Your Eyes" is an idea because it is new and it also fits in with the rest of the show. The show is playful and funny and a little competitive. This part is, like that too. It does not just see if people are attracted to each other it sees how the Islanders really think about each other and that is usually when the real drama starts with the Islanders. That is what makes it original, simple to follow, and perfect for Love Island.

Before high school my friends called me the outspoken one because I said what I meant and was not afraid to ask for what I wanted. I always found that it worked for me because I felt understood. It was natural for me to defend others especially if I felt they were being taken advantage of. I was never short of confidence because I felt like it was just something I was born with and a part of my personality. However, attending a school with very few Black students, I quickly realized and learned how fragile confidence can be. Unfortunately during my sophomore year a girl literally had the audacity to say “I’d let you come to my house, but my father does not allow Black people over.” I remember being lost for words and trying to decide whether I should respond. I thought to myself, if she really just said that to me. Not knowing what to do or what to say next, I nervously laughed like I had not heard her correctly. I made myself smaller in real time, because I understood the risk of making a scene in a place where I already felt out of place. That moment was not isolated, I gradually began to struggle to use my voice. I watched other comments happen to other students being called names by classmates. I looked away, told myself that staying quiet was being strategic, and silence was how to survive. Experiencing all of this taught me a dangerous lesson: even “acceptance” can come with conditions. After that, I stopped raising my hand in class and volunteering answers even when I knew them. I felt so small at times and lonely even in a room full of students. It was not until after graduation, when I got my first internship at Harlem’s Fashion Row in New York that things started to change for me. For the first time, I was in rooms where my ideas were heard. They were treated as something valuable and it had a profound impact on me. When the CEO called me brilliant and pushed me to speak up again, it shocked me how emotional I felt. I realized my voice had not disappeared. I had just been trained to hide it. I slowly regained confidence in group meetings and board room settings. This internship was the catalyst for me to be courageous again. The experience taught me that communication is not only about how outspoken I could be. It is about believing you deserve to be heard and choosing moments to speak even when it's uncomfortable or your voice shakes. I am driven to use my voice to make a difference in fashion, where power decides whose stories get told. As a future fashion leader, I plan to advocate for Black and Latinx designers and push for representation that is built into the product. I could not change what happened in school, but I can make sure I never accept silence again.

Financial hardship has been a part of my story for a long time. When my parents divorced, my sister and I had to adjust to a new reality. In 2023, when my Dad suffered a heart attack, I had to find the strength to support him through recovery, a life-changing experience that deepened my gratitude for his sacrifices. Most recently, my family has faced significant medical expenses related to my mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. Balancing the weight of her illness, mounting medical expenses, and the cost of my education has been overwhelming at times. Watching both of my parents fight for their health while trying to hold our family together has tested my resilience in ways I never expected. These circumstances have made it increasingly difficult to afford professional opportunities that are essential to my academic and career development. I am actively addressing my current and future student loan debt through a combination of employment, scholarship applications, and intentional academic planning. I currently work two work-study jobs, which allow me to contribute directly to my educational expenses while limiting my reliance on loans. In addition, I consistently search for scholarships and external funding opportunities to reduce the financial burden of tuition, course materials, and professional development costs. While I work part-time, the costs associated with travel, lodging, and program fees particularly for business and fashion industry conferences and internships are not feasible for me to cover independently. Despite these efforts, financial challenges remain. This scholarship would play a critical role in reducing my current and future student loan debt by directly funding tuition, course materials, and travel to business and fashion industry-specific conferences. Access to these opportunities would not only strengthen my academic foundation but also expand my professional network, allowing me to connect with mentors and secure internships that will position me for long-term financial stability. With the assistance of this scholarship, I am confident that I can focus more fully on my studies and transform my passion for fashion into a sustainable professional purpose, one that enables me to give back to my community. This scholarship would lift a heavy burden from my family’s shoulders and give me the chance to honor their sacrifices. It would allow me to transform my hardships into hope, using fashion not just to create, but to heal, to advocate, and to serve. More than financial relief, this scholarship represents access. It would carry forward the perseverance and educational vision instilled in me by my parents, who taught me that progress often begins with a single open door. As a child who once borrowed her mother’s heels simply to feel seen, I have grown into a woman determined to build pathways so others can be seen as well. By alleviating financial strain and reducing my dependence on student loans, this scholarship would allow me to honor that legacy, turning opportunity into access, and access into lasting change within the fashion industry and beyond.

I grew up understanding that financial stability was never guaranteed. From an early age, I watched my parents work tirelessly to provide for my sister and me. When they divorced, the reality of being raised in a single-parent, low-income household set in. My father became our primary provider, and what once felt ordinary like family dinners, after-school conversations became precious, limited moments during every other weekend. It was a difficult transition, one that forced me to grow up faster than I expected. The challenges deepened when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Both of my parents lost their jobs, and our family’s financial insecurity became undeniable. My sister was preparing for college, and I witnessed my parents’ sacrifices intensify as they did everything possible to keep us afloat. The stress of watching them navigate unemployment and financial uncertainty left an impression on me: that hard work and perseverance could carry us through even the most difficult times. In 2023, my father suffered a heart attack, another reminder of the fragility of life and the burden financial insecurity places on families. I stepped into a greater role at home supporting him during recovery, helping manage responsibilities, and working to ease the financial pressure. Then, in 2024, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, testing my resilience once again. Balancing school, family responsibilities, and the emotional weight of her illness forced me to develop discipline, empathy, and a stronger sense of purpose. Growing up in a low-income family has shaped my values in profound ways. I have learned resilience from my parents’ sacrifices, empathy from supporting my mother’s health journey, and responsibility from stepping up during crises. These values guide my academic and professional goals. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Fashion at the University of Southern California. My dream is to become a fashion executive who uses creativity and business strategy to build inclusive brands that empower underrepresented communities. Service has also become central to my identity. I volunteer with Dress for Success, helping women in low-income communities prepare for job interviews. Watching their confidence grow through something as simple as professional attire reminds me of the transformative power of opportunity. I also advocate for mental health awareness in honor of my cousin, who passed away by suicide. Partnering with Euphoric.777, a nonprofit brand, I promote conversations around mental health and encourage young people to seek help. The adversity I faced has not discouraged me, instead it has fueled me. I know what it feels like to live with financial insecurity, but I also know the power of determination, education, and community. These experiences have made me more resilient, more empathetic, and more committed to creating a career that uplifts others. I began by describing the challenges of growing up in a single-parent, low-income household. Those challenges could have held me back, but instead they became stepping stones. They taught me perseverance, compassion, and vision. I carry these lessons into everything I do, and they will continue to guide me as I work toward building a future defined not by circumstance, but by purpose.

I still remember the first time I sat down to study the basics of money management. Numbers were not the intimidating part, it was the realization that access to financial tools often determines who gets ahead and who falls behind. For me, building credit early is not just about purchasing power, but about creating freedom, stability, and opportunity for my future. As a college student from a low-income background, financial security has never been guaranteed. My parents’ divorce, followed by job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, left my family facing uncertainty. Later, when my father suffered a heart attack and my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, I quickly learned the importance of planning for emergencies. These experiences showed me that financial literacy is more than theory, it is survival, and it is empowerment. One of the smartest money moves I have made so far has been investing in cryptocurrency. While risky, I saw digital currency as part of the future financial landscape. By researching market trends, diversifying my investments, and only putting in what I could afford to lose, I treated it as both a learning experience and a long-term investment in my financial education. It taught me how to manage risk, think critically about global markets, and appreciate the importance of starting small but starting early. At the University of Southern California, where I study Business Administration with a minor in Fashion, I plan to continue making disciplined money moves. I budget carefully to balance tuition and living costs, apply consistently for scholarships, and prioritize saving even when it feels impossible. In addition, I want to use the financial literacy I am gaining to empower others. Whether through mentoring peers, volunteering with organizations like Dress for Success, or one day creating fashion initiatives that promote economic empowerment, I see financial knowledge as something meant to be shared. Building credit early is essential to this journey. Establishing strong credit means I will be able to rent an apartment without worry, qualify for business loans when I launch entrepreneurial ventures, and secure financial independence without being weighed down by debt. I want to walk into adulthood prepared, not struggling to catch up. The Qwik Scholarship represents more than financial support. It represents a belief in students like me who are determined to take ownership of their financial futures. By starting early, practicing discipline, and sharing what I learn, I know I can transform the obstacles I have faced into a foundation for long-term success. I began with the idea that money is not just about numbers it is about opportunity. That lesson continues to guide me today. With support from this scholarship, I will not only secure my own financial future but also use what I learn to build opportunity for others.

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.