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Gelgeli Clemons

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Finalist

Bio

My name is Gelgeli Clemons. I’m an 18-year-old rising sophomore at Howard University, currently pursuing a degree in Accounting. I was born in Ethiopia in 2006 and adopted in 2009 by my amazing mother. Since then, I’ve called Texas home for the past 16 years. As I began my college journey, I made the exciting transition to Washington, D.C.; the heart of the nation and now my second home. Before starting college, I had the opportunity to graduate from high school not only with my diploma but also with an Associate of Applied Science in Mortgage Banking from Richland College. It was during those challenging but formative four years that I discovered a passion for Accounting. When the time came to choose a major, I had no doubt that this was the path for me. As I have reflected on the direction I want my life to take, one goal has remained clear: to combine my accounting knowledge with my deep interest in intelligence.The skills and principles of accounting, such as financial analysis and auditing, can be applied to the field of intelligence to uncover financial crimes and illicit activities. Therefore, my long-term aspiration is to become a forensic accountant working for a U.S. intelligence agency. I know there is still much to learn, as I advance forward into my second year, but I am excited to continue growing, and I invite you to join me on this journey. Let us see where it leads.

Education

Howard University

Bachelor's degree program

2024 – 2028

Majors:
  • Accounting and Related Services

Richland College

Associate's degree program

2020 – 2024

Majors:
  • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Desired degree modality:
Full-Time
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • As a student clerk worker for the Dallas County Election Department, I organized voting centers, assisted voters throughout the polling period, ensured proper ballot distribution, and conducted voter eligibility checks.

    Government Administration · Dallas County Elections Department

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2024

  • As a pet sitter, I built strong relationships with clients by providing dependable, compassionate care and delivering consistent routines with prompt updates to ensure their peace of mind.

    Individual & Family Services

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2025

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Accounting
Dream career goals:
Working as a forensic accountant at a U.S. Intelligence Agency
Work experience:
0 years
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
Delories Thompson Scholarship
My future plans after completing my undergraduate studies is to continue my education by earning a Master's degree and completing the required credits to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This milestone is essential, as my long-term goal is to combine my accounting knowledge with my deep interest in U.S. intelligence. I have always been fascinated by the idea of working for a government agency, and I plan to pursue a role as a forensic accountant with one of the eighteen federal agencies in the U.S. Attending an HBCU is more than a personal choice; it is something that has become a part of my family. My mother graduated from Jackson State University, my aunt from Mississippi Valley State University, and my uncle from Alcorn State University. Now, I continue that legacy at Howard University's School of Business. Howard's motto, "Truth and Service," is reflected in every class discussion and is the foundation of the school's legacy. That culture of accountability and community gives me more than a sense of belonging; it allows me to transcend and break down barriers. I am hopeful and inspired by the vision of the day when I see more Black professionals working for U.S. intelligence. At Howard, I have found a second home, a network of people who seek to celebrate and propel us toward future change. That is why an HBCU is where I belong, and I am deeply committed to devoting my passion to both “Truth and Service.”
Sarah F. Watson and James E. Dashiell Scholarship
Charity has always been a way for individuals to donate or serve a specific cause, but to me, it is about selflessness and a genuine desire to uplift others. It is the idea of putting one's feelings aside and personally offering something meaningful to someone else. The desire to help others shouldn’t come from a sense of obligation, but from a genuine inner drive; a flame fueled by our shared humanity and compassion, connecting us to communities whose lives can change because of our ambition for change. In the future, I intend to give back by dedicating my time and skills to support underserved communities. From mentoring, community service, and mission trips to fundraising, I want to contribute to not only places that speak out to me but anywhere in which my hands may bless another soul. I want to be that hand of service, guided by empathy, compassion, dedication, and a driven purpose to make a difference.
Gelgeli Clemons Student Profile | Bold.org