Growing up, I was always surrounded by stories of my father’s time in the Navy and my grandfather’s service in the Army. Their experiences shaped them into resilient, strong-minded individuals, and I have been fortunate enough to learn from them firsthand. They have taught me the value of independence, discipline, and the power of a strong mind. One of the most vivid memories I have is of my dad, a Navy veteran, coming home after a long deployment. His return was always a mix of excitement and pride, but what stuck with me most was how he handled the challenges of being away from home. I remember him telling me about the strict routines, the physical and mental endurance required, and the importance of staying focused in difficult situations. He often said that in the Navy, you had to rely on yourself and your team to get through any situation, no matter how tough. His stories of perseverance and resilience inspired me to handle my own challenges with a calm and determined mindset. My grandfather, an Army veteran, passed down his lessons of independence and toughness through simple, everyday actions. He would always tell me that in life, you can’t wait for things to get easier—you have to adapt and overcome. Whether it was fixing something around the house or handling personal obstacles, he faced every task with unwavering determination. He taught me that having a strong mind was essential for overcoming adversity and that no challenge was insurmountable if I stayed focused and committed. Both my father and grandfather instilled in me the importance of independence. They showed me that relying on others is important, but true strength comes from knowing you can stand independently when necessary. Whether it was navigating through school, managing my own business, or overcoming personal setbacks, I always reminded myself of the lessons they taught me about pushing forward, staying disciplined, and maintaining a strong mindset. Their military journeys were not just about serving their country; they were about shaping the people they became, and the lessons they passed on to me. Through their examples, I’ve learned to approach challenges with resilience, to maintain a calm mind in tough situations, and to embrace the independence that comes from standing strong in the face of adversity. These lessons have been invaluable in shaping who I am today, and I know they will continue to guide me in my journey ahead.

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have embraced leadership opportunities while balancing multiple commitments. As the founder of AmbrosiaEatss LLC, I managed a growing business while maintaining my position on the Dean’s List, demonstrating focus, discipline, and resilience. Currently, as a full-time sophomore at Morgan State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, a Dean’s List scholar, founder and CEO of AmbrosiaEatss LLC, and a part-time Safeway employee, I have learned to lead through determination, time management, and vision. When I launched AmbrosiaEatss LLC, I knew that my vision to lead in the hospitality industry required persistence and adaptability. Running a business while managing coursework and a part-time job was challenging. Initially, balancing customer demands, Safeway shifts, and academic responsibilities was overwhelming. I approached these challenges strategically by using daily schedules and digital tools to allocate time for classes, studying, work, and business operations. Prioritizing tasks allowed me to meet deadlines, maintain a 3.5 GPA, and grow my foodservice business, earning client trust and loyalty. Running a business taught me valuable leadership lessons, particularly in adaptability. At AmbrosiaEatss LLC, last-minute catering orders or supply shortages required quick, creative solutions. This experience strengthened my problem-solving skills and my ability to remain calm under pressure. These are qualities I’ve applied in group projects at Morgan State, where I’ve successfully delegated tasks and motivated peers, leading to collaborative success. In my business, I encourage my team to maintain professionalism and dedication, fostering a positive, productive work environment. The impact of my leadership extends beyond personal achievements. Through AmbrosiaEatss LLC, I’ve catered for local community groups, providing affordable meals while building meaningful client relationships. This work not only contributed to my business but also fostered a sense of community service. Maintaining my place on the Dean’s List motivates other students to believe in success while balancing multiple roles. At Safeway, I’ve earned the respect of my colleagues and have been entrusted with training new team members, further honing my leadership skills. Looking ahead, I plan to apply these skills to become a leader in the foodservice industry. My goal is to expand AmbrosiaEatss LLC into a thriving business that not only delivers exceptional culinary experiences but also creates opportunities for others, particularly young women of color, to pursue careers in foodservice management. I am committed to mentoring others, as I have been mentored, and to making a positive impact in my community through entrepreneurship and leadership. Balancing academics, entrepreneurship, and part-time work has allowed me to develop exceptional leadership skills. The challenges I’ve faced have taught me resilience, organization, and empathy. I am confident that these qualities will guide me as I work toward my career goals and inspire others to do the same.

I chose to attend Morgan State University because it embodies my lifelong dream of attending an HBCU and continuing my family’s proud legacy of higher education within these esteemed institutions. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact HBCUs had on my family—whether it was my sister’s lifelong bonds with her Delta Sigma Theta sorority sisters or the influential connections my brother formed at Morehouse College. Their experiences inspired me to follow a similar path. Morgan State, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and commitment to academic excellence, stood out as the perfect place for me to grow both as a scholar and a leader. Attending an HBCU gives me the invaluable opportunity to forge deep connections with fellow minority students, especially women of color, who share similar backgrounds and aspirations. The empowering sense of community at Morgan State will allow me to thrive academically, socially, and professionally, fulfilling the dreams I've long held.

Jada Betts FLK Scholarship Essay In envisioning Ambrosia, my dream restaurant establishment, I am committed to not only creating a culinary haven but also to making a significant positive environmental impact on both local and global communities. Through a strategic approach focused on culinary innovation and sustainability, Ambrosia will serve as a beacon of responsible business practices and environmental stewardship over the next five years. First let's tackle culinary innovation; Ambrosia will champion a farm-to-table philosophy, forging direct partnerships with local farmers and producers to source the freshest ingredients. By prioritizing locally grown and organic produce, we will minimize our carbon footprint associated with transportation and support local economies. Seasonal menus will highlight the diversity of regional agriculture, promoting biodiversity and reducing reliance on monoculture farming practices detrimental to ecosystems. Furthermore, Ambrosia will incorporate plant-forward cooking techniques, offering a range of innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes. By reducing the reliance on animal products, we aim to lower greenhouse gas emissions and contribute positively to global efforts in combating climate change. Our chefs will creatively showcase the flavors and textures of plant-based ingredients, inspiring guests to embrace sustainable dietary choices. In terms of technology, Investing in energy-efficient kitchen equipment and implementing waste-reducing technologies will be integral to Ambrosia's operations. From energy-efficient refrigeration systems to smart lighting solutions, we will minimize energy consumption and operational costs. Additionally, advanced waste management systems, including composting and recycling programs, will be in place to divert food waste from landfills and promote circular economy principles within our community. Now with hospitality and marketing, Ambrosia will not only provide exceptional dining experiences but also educate guests on sustainable practices. Through engaging marketing campaigns and on-site educational initiatives, such as chef-led cooking classes and farm tours, we will raise awareness about the environmental impact of food choices. By fostering a culture of sustainability and mindfulness, Ambrosia aims to empower guests to make informed decisions that contribute positively to the environment. Next, with Financial sustainability, it is crucial to long-term environmental impact. Ambrosia will allocate resources towards sustainability initiatives, such as investing in renewable energy sources and participating in carbon offset programs. By integrating environmental considerations into financial planning, we aim to demonstrate that profitability and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. Lastly, our local and global impact. On a local level, Ambrosia will support community initiatives and local charities focused on environmental conservation and food security. By actively participating in community events and partnerships, we seek to strengthen bonds and inspire collective action towards sustainable practices. On a global scale, Ambrosia will join industry-wide efforts to advocate for sustainable food systems and participate in global platforms addressing environmental challenges. Through collaboration with suppliers, industry associations, and policymakers, we will contribute to shaping policies that promote sustainable agriculture and reduce environmental degradation. In conclusion, Ambrosia's commitment to culinary innovation, sustainable practices, and community engagement will pave the way for a positive environmental impact over the next five years. By integrating these principles into our operations and inspiring others to follow suit, we aspire to create a ripple effect that transcends our restaurant's walls and contributes to a more sustainable future for generations to come.