My passion for real estate began at home. Growing up, I watched my mother invest in multifamily properties--we would live in one unit and rent out the others. That early exposure taught me the power of real estate to build wealth, provide stability, and create opportunity. At first, I imagined owning properties to help a few families. But as I grew older, I started thinking bigger--about the vacant malls, the outdated parks, and the larger systems that shape how communities live, work, and connect. That’s when I realized my purpose lies in commercial real estate. It’s not just about flipping house--it’s about transforming cities and creating environments that bring people together and improve lives. Today, I serve as an investment analyst for Hillside Real Estate Investors--UConn’s student-run investment fund. I recently helped close a 66,000 sq. ft. ground-up retail development in Texas. The project embraces the lifestyle center trend, featuring walking trails, pickleball courts, a restaurant/bar, and traditional retail. Located in the heart of a 5,000+ home residential area, the development is designed to foster community. Projects like this have deepened my interest in building spaces that promote connection, wellness, and local vibrancy. This summer, I’m interning in New York City as a property management intern with JLL, a global leader in commercial real estate. I moved to a new city determined to immerse myself fully. I attend networking events almost daily, seek mentors, and build relationships--because in this industry, I’ve learned it’s not just about who you know, but who knows you. I’m committed to learning every corner of commercial real estate--from development and lending to property and asset management--so I can lead with depth and understanding. I also plan to earn my New York real estate license this summer, a requirement for property managers, and this scholarship would help cover the cost. It would also allow me to attend industry conferences like ICSC, CREW, and BOMA--opportunities that would otherwise be financially out of reach but would greatly enhance my knowledge and professional growth. As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, I’ve had to carve my own path. Through persistence and grit, I’ve earned certifications from Project Destined, spoken at university events--including an invitation by the Dean of the School of Business--and built a reputation as a leader who lifts others along the way. I’ve attended national conferences like NABA and ALPFA on full funding and continue to surround myself with mentors who believe in my potential. These moments have shaped me--but they’re just the beginning. What drives me now is legacy. I don’t want to just succeed--I want to use my success to open doors for others. My long-term goal is to become an urban developer who creates sustainable communities and launches a nonprofit that transforms shipping containers into housing for the unhoused--offering not just shelter, but job opportunities through my professional network to help rebuild lives. In the meantime, I’m focused on growing my expertise so I’m ready to make that vision a reality. The most influential person in my life is my mother. A single parent and investor herself, she taught me to be independent, passionate, and resilient. But most importantly, she reminds me that I dream this big because it’s the life God has planned for me. Her faith grounds me and keeps me focused on a future bigger than myself. The Heron Wolf Scholarship would not just support my education--it would accelerate my ability to lead, serve, and ultimately, build communities that last.

I am a person driven by a desire to maximize my potential, and its my passion that motivates me to seek out experiences that enhance my growth. Raised by teenage parents, my mother was just 17 when she had my sister and 18 when she had me. With my father absent for most of my life, it was my mother who became the foundation of our family. She secured her first job as a teller at Citizens Bank and has dedicated the past two decades to climbing the career ladder, having been unable to pursue higher education herself. During my early teenage years, I witnessed my mother's financial struggles as she set out to provide me with a good education. It pained me to ask her for more, knowing the sacrifices she made. She always told me that everything she does, is for us. So that we may have the opportunities she was unable to obtain. Despite her young age, my mother is the wisest woman I know. Her guidance instilled in me the values of independence, determination, and resilience. Inspired by her, I developed an interest in finding various ways to generate income. I was extremely invested in learning how to be successful in life, and what that meant was being rich. Not just being rich in money, but being rich in happiness, and in love, in time, in family, and in the ability to give back. This drive led me to set goals, plan thoroughly, and immerse myself in learning. I read self-help, personal growth, and financial literature, which deepened my passion for finance. Like many teenagers, I once believed that college might be a waste of money, especially with my financial knowledge. However, attending college has been transformative. It has not only intensified my passion for finance but also expanded my network and provided numerous leadership and service opportunities and I have embraced many of those opportunities. Today I serve as a Resident Assistant, a University Recruiting Ambassador, and an sustainability analyst in our student-run venture capital fund. And most passionately, I am the President of Business Leaders of UConn, an organization dedicated to empowering students of color in the business community. We aim to equip BIPOC student leaders with essential business skills through professional development workshops and connections to opportunities and internships. Our ultimate goal is to provide high-achieving, underrepresented students with the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to achieve their career aspirations. This organization, which made me feel supported during my first year at UConn, now drives me to ensure other underrepresented students have access to similar opportunities and resources. In addition to my university roles, I am a member of the National Association of Black Accountants. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Finance with a minor in Real Estate, aspiring to become a Consultant, Realtor, and Entrepreneur. Looking to the future, I am committed to giving back to my community, particularly through sustainable housing initiatives to reduce homelessness in urban areas. I have always promised my mother that one day I would buy her a house, but now my goal is to build her one. In summary, my upbringing and family circumstances have deeply influenced my career path in business and finance. My mother’s resilience and wisdom inspired my ambition, and my college experiences have solidified my commitment to making a positive impact. Post-graduation, I plan to leverage my skills and knowledge to contribute to my community, focusing on creating sustainable solutions for those in need.