My name is Jada Betts, and I’m a junior at Morgan State University majoring in Hospitality Management. I’m originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and I’ve always had a passion for cooking and helping others. I’m also the founder of Ambrosia Eatss, LLC, a catering business I started to combine my love for food and my dream of being an entrepreneur. Going to an HBCU was important to me because I wanted to be part of a community that truly understands and supports me. Being around other Black students who are motivated and working toward their goals pushes me to keep going, even when things get hard. Morgan has given me the tools to grow not just as a student but also as a business owner and leader. One of my biggest goals is to open a chain of restaurants that serve healthy and affordable meals. I want my restaurants to also be a place where people can learn about food, nutrition, and basic cooking skills. A lot of people in our communities don’t have access to healthy meals or the knowledge to cook them, and I want to change that. I want to make food more accessible and give people the confidence to make better choices for themselves and their families. Right now, I use what I’ve learned in culinary arts and nutrition to give back. I cater events at my church and help out with our fresh produce drives. When we hand out vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, and cucumbers, I provide easy, low-cost recipe ideas that families can make at home. I show them that healthy meals don’t have to be expensive or complicated. My faith is a big part of who I am, and I try to lead with love and positivity just like the women in my family taught me. I believe that helping others is part of my purpose. Whether I’m in the kitchen, in class, or working on my business, I want everything I do to have a positive impact. This scholarship would mean a lot to me. It would help take some of the financial pressure off so I can stay focused on my education and continue growing my business and giving back. I hope to carry on the legacy of strong, faith-driven women like Willie Mae Rawls by using my gifts to support and uplift others. I’m just getting started, but I know I have the drive and heart to make a difference.

As a Hospitality Management major at Morgan State University and the founder of Ambrosia Eatss, LLC, I aspire to revolutionize the food industry through culturally inspired, accessible, and nutritious dining experiences. My long-term goal is to open a chain of restaurants that not only serve high-quality meals but also educate underserved communities about nutrition, entrepreneurship, and the power of food to heal. I plan to use my degree, business, and lived experience to provide job opportunities, teach culinary and hospitality skills, and make a lasting impact on food insecurity. Being Black means resilience, excellence, and pride. It means carrying the strength of my ancestors and uplifting my community in every space I enter. Choosing to attend an HBCU was an intentional decision rooted in legacy, identity, and community. Morgan State has allowed me to thrive in an environment where I am supported, seen, and challenged. At an HBCU, I’m surrounded by other young Black visionaries, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. That energy fuels me. My identity, goals, and experiences are interconnected. As a young Black woman from Baltimore, I know firsthand how access, opportunity, and representation can shape a person’s trajectory. That’s why I’m committed to creating spaces that empower others—especially Black youth—to dream bigger and rise higher. With the support of scholarships like this, I can continue to build toward a future where food is more than nourishment; it's a vehicle for justice, equity, and generational change.

My name is Jada Betts, and I am a proud Junior at Morgan State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. As a Dean’s List scholar with a 3.6 GPA, I have dedicated myself to both academic excellence and community upliftment. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, I am also the founder and operator of Ambrosia Eatss, LLC, a catering business that merges my passion for culinary arts, hospitality, and entrepreneurship. Attending an HBCU has always been a dream of mine—a space where I could thrive among a community of ambitious and culturally aligned peers. Continuing the legacy of strong Black excellence is deeply personal to me, and I am committed to leaving a meaningful impact both in and outside the classroom. This scholarship is incredibly important to me because it would help alleviate the financial burden of higher education. As a full-time student and business owner, I balance multiple responsibilities to fund my education and support my dreams. Financial aid is more than just money—it is peace of mind. It is the difference between staying up late trying to figure out how to afford textbooks and staying up late preparing for a midterm. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus more on my academic and professional growth while giving me the financial flexibility to continue building my business and serving my community. My long-term goal is to expand Ambrosia Eatss into a nationwide brand with a focus on healthy, accessible meals rooted in cultural traditions. I want to open a series of restaurants that serve delicious food while educating communities on nutrition and sustainability. I also plan to launch an initiative that teaches young people—especially girls of color—about entrepreneurship, food science, and hospitality management. My education at Morgan State is helping me build the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to make these visions a reality. In alignment with my career goals, I am passionate about using food as a tool for empowerment and healing in my community. One of the most fulfilling ways I do this is through my church, where I volunteer by providing catering services for luncheons and special events. In addition, I actively participate in our church’s fresh produce drives, which are designed to fight food insecurity in our neighborhood. Many families who attend these drives receive vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, and cucumbers—but often don’t know how to prepare them in a way that is nutritious, easy, and affordable. With my background in culinary arts and nutrition, I create recipe cards and demonstrations that show families how to turn these ingredients into balanced, home-cooked meals. From roasted sweet potato bowls to cucumber and chickpea salads, I strive to help others see the value in every ingredient and learn how to make the most of what they have. This work is deeply important to me because food insecurity and diet-related illnesses disproportionately affect low-income and Black communities. By providing hands-on culinary guidance and supporting fresh food access, I feel that I’m contributing not just meals, but dignity, education, and hope. These experiences have solidified my commitment to a career that combines business savvy with social impact. I believe that true success is measured not just by profit margins, but by the number of lives improved along the way. I am ambitious, driven, and deeply rooted in service. This scholarship would not only bring me one step closer to achieving my dreams, but it would also multiply the positive impact I strive to make in my community every day.

Charity is important to me because it’s a way to serve others, create opportunities, and uplift those who may not have access to the same resources. Growing up in Baltimore, I saw how acts of giving, whether through mentorship, meals, or community events—could transform lives and create a sense of hope. I believe that true success is not just measured by personal achievements but by the impact you make on others. In the future, I plan to give back by using my business, Ambrosia Eatss, as a platform for service. I want to provide affordable meal options in underserved areas, offer mentorship and training to aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs, and create partnerships with local organizations to address food insecurity and economic barriers. My goal is to build a business that not only serves great food but also creates lasting opportunities for growth and empowerment within my community.

As a full-time student at Morgan State University pursuing a degree in Hospitality Management, I am balancing my academic journey with the early stages of building my business, Ambrosia Eatss, LLC. While Ambrosia is still in its infancy, it represents a bigger dream; one rooted in creating economic opportunities, addressing food insecurity, and uplifting underrepresented communities. My vision is to grow Ambrosia into a restaurant that not only serves delicious meals but also serves as a hub for community impact, mentorship, and empowerment. Growing up in Baltimore, I witnessed how limited access to resources, quality food options, and economic opportunities can hold communities back—especially communities of color. These experiences have fueled my passion to use food as a tool for change. Ambrosia is more than just a catering business; it’s the first step toward building something that can create real, lasting impact. I want Ambrosia to be a space where people feel seen, heard, and supported; where culture and community are celebrated, and where opportunities are created for those who often face systemic barriers. Right now, Ambrosia operates as a small catering business, providing meals for local events, small gatherings, and private clients. As I continue to learn and grow, both as a student and an entrepreneur, I am committed to expanding this into a full-service restaurant that offers more than just food. My dream is for Ambrosia to become a place where aspiring chefs, particularly women and people of color, can receive hands-on training, mentorship, and job opportunities that help them develop their skills and pursue their own goals in the culinary industry. At Morgan, I’m building the knowledge and skills that will help me bring this vision to life. My courses in hospitality management, operations, and finance are giving me a strong foundation, while my lived experiences and community ties keep me focused on the importance of creating a business that uplifts others. I may not have all the answers yet, but I’m learning every day, and I’m committed to using what I learn to make Ambrosia a place of impact. Long term, I want Ambrosia to grow into a restaurant that becomes a pillar in the community. A place where people can enjoy fresh, flavorful, and culturally inspired meals while also knowing they are supporting a business that gives back. I want to partner with local farms, source ingredients responsibly, and create programs that address food insecurity by offering affordable meal options and educational workshops on cooking and nutrition. This scholarship will help me continue building Ambrosia while also focusing on my education. It will provide the financial support I need to invest in resources, professional development, and growth opportunities. I believe that with faith, hard work, and a heart for service, I can build Ambrosia into a space that nourishes not just bodies, but also communities—and I’m ready to put in the work to make that vision a reality.

Hospitality has always been a cornerstone of my life. Growing up, I watched how food brought people together, whether it was around a family dinner table or at special events where people shared laughter, stories, and memories. This deep connection to food and the positive impact it can have on people is what ultimately led me to pursue a degree in Hospitality Management at Morgan State University. My passion for hospitality goes beyond providing excellent service or creating memorable dining experiences. It is about building a community and creating spaces where people feel welcome, appreciated, and connected. With this mindset, I founded Ambrosia Eatss, LLC, a catering business that has allowed me to express my love for culinary arts while developing my skills as an entrepreneur. Through Ambrosia, I’ve learned firsthand how food can serve as a bridge between diverse cultures, foster unity, and provide comfort during both joyous and challenging moments. Looking toward the future, my goal is to expand Ambrosia beyond catering and open a restaurant that embodies these values. I envision a restaurant that not only serves exceptional food but also nurtures a sense of belonging for everyone who walks through its doors. By focusing on using locally sourced ingredients and creating a menu that blends various culinary traditions, I aim to offer customers a unique dining experience that celebrates diversity and highlights the importance of community. In addition to the food itself, I plan to foster an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. I believe that a happy, motivated team is essential to creating a positive atmosphere for guests. My vision for Ambrosia is to create a restaurant that stands as a pillar in the community—one that not only provides exceptional service but also gives back through outreach programs, supporting local charities, and promoting sustainability. Ultimately, my passion for hospitality drives me to create spaces where people can feel at home, enjoy great food, and build lasting memories. By expanding Ambrosia into a restaurant, I aim to make a lasting positive impact, not only in the lives of my customers but also in the communities I serve, by creating jobs, supporting local producers, and fostering an environment of inclusivity and connection.

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.