My name is Ja’Niya Marie Etienne, and I’m a Mass Media major with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, grounded in my identity as an African American Haitian woman from Miami, Florida. My interest in the commercial real estate space was sparked by my passion for community building, ownership, and generational wealth creation. Growing up, I saw firsthand how underserved communities often lacked access to quality housing, stable business environments, and safe public spaces. I began to ask myself: who owns the land, who controls the buildings, and why doesn’t our community have more of a stake in it? That curiosity evolved into a commitment to enter the commercial real estate field with the goal of transforming spaces, creating opportunities, and helping families and small businesses thrive especially in communities like the one I come from. My long term goal is to develop mixed use properties that uplift rather than displace, and to provide education on real estate investment for young people of color. Another key inspiration for entering this field is my mother, who is a licensed realtor. Watching her navigate the world of real estate gave me early insight into how ownership works and what it takes to succeed in this space. She always brought me along to showings, spoke to me about contracts and commissions, and encouraged me to understand the value of land and property. Her work planted the seed for my interest and showed me that someone who looks like me could not only be in the room but own the room. Receiving this scholarship would not only help fund my educational journey but also provide access to mentorship and networks that are crucial in this industry. The financial support would allow me to focus on gaining the knowledge, certifications, and internship experience necessary to break into commercial real estate, a field that is often difficult to access without connections or resources. The most influential person in my life has been my mother. As a single mom raising me and my younger brother, she taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the value of education. Despite the odds, she always pushed me to dream big and never settle for less than what I deserve. She encouraged me to pursue my ideas even when they were ambitious and reminded me that knowledge is power and ownership is freedom. Watching her work hard while still supporting my academic and creative goals helped shape my belief that education isn’t just about grades or degrees it’s a tool for liberation and legacy building. I’ve grown to learn that knowledge is power and to get to where I’m going I’ll need it. It’s just as important as “who you may know”. My mother’s influence, combined with my lived experiences, has driven me to become a changemaker in commercial real estate. With this scholarship, I would be one step closer to achieving that vision.

Bridging Diversity Through Sports and Business: The Impact of the LGBTQ+ Community on My Life and Career Choice The LGBTQ+ community has played a profound role in shaping my perspective, both as an athlete in track and field and in my academic pursuits, specifically my major in business and marketing with a focus on real estate. Through my experiences in sports and interactions with teammates, I've witnessed the power of inclusivity and the potential for positive change in the world of business. Track and field, a sport I've passionately pursued, exposed me to the remarkable diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. Being one of the six LGBTQ+ individuals on an all-girls track team was initially a revelation. It showed me that people can indeed care less about your sexual orientation or identity when united by a shared goal and a strong team spirit. While some teammates may have initially harbored reservations, our shared experiences on and off the track quickly dispelled any misconceptions or discomfort. These shared experiences brought us closer together than ever before. We found common ground in our dedication to the sport and our mutual respect for one another. As LGBTQ+ athletes, we became role models for acceptance and inclusivity within the team, fostering an environment where everyone felt safe and valued for who they were. This sense of unity, forged through sports, extends to my choice of major—business and marketing with a focus on real estate. My commitment to creating safe spaces for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community aligns perfectly with my aspirations in the real estate field. Real estate is not just about properties; it's about communities, homes, and the lives of the people who inhabit them. My goal is to use my skills and knowledge in business and marketing to specialize in real estate, with a focus on providing safe and inclusive housing options for marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals. I believe that housing is not just a commodity but a fundamental human need, and everyone deserves a place where they can be themselves without fear of discrimination. In conclusion, my experiences in track and field, particularly as one of the six LGBTQ+ individuals on an all-girls team, have showcased the power of inclusivity and the potential for positive change. These experiences have not only shaped my perspective but also influenced my choice of major in business and marketing (real estate). I aim to use my skills and career in real estate to create safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for all, especially for those who need it most within the LGBTQ+ community. By combining my passion for sports and my career aspirations, I aspire to be a force for inclusivity, acceptance, and change, both on and off the track and in the world of business.

Empowering Lives Through Real Estate and Healthcare: My Dual Career's Positive Impact Embarking on a dual career as a realtor for low-income families and a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) while in college is a path I've chosen with a resolute commitment to make a profound and multifaceted positive impact on the world. My vision revolves around providing shelter, health, and hope to underserved communities. In my role as a realtor, my primary goal is to advocate for affordable housing options for low-income families. I understand the significance of housing as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for building a better future. With unwavering dedication, I will tirelessly work to connect low-income families with affordable housing opportunities. Moreover, I will actively engage with policymakers and community organizations to drive initiatives that promote equitable access to housing and protect the rights of marginalized communities. My aim is to create a world where every family, regardless of their income, has a place to call home, thereby laying the foundation for brighter, more secure futures. Simultaneously, my journey as a Registered Dental Hygienist allows me to address another vital aspect of well-being: oral health. During my college years, I will be pursuing this profession, knowing that good oral health is integral to overall health and quality of life. My focus will be on serving underserved communities, offering preventive dental care, education, and support. By providing accessible dental hygiene services and empowering individuals with knowledge about oral health, I aim to contribute to healthier communities, alleviate pain and suffering, and enhance overall well-being. The synergy between my careers as a realtor and an RDH is a powerful force for change. Beyond facilitating housing solutions and promoting oral health, I intend to foster holistic community development. I will work closely with local organizations to create initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by low-income neighborhoods, such as access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. My goal is to uplift these communities and empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty. In conclusion, my dual career as a realtor for low-income families and a Registered Dental Hygienist is driven by a deep-seated commitment to make a multifaceted positive impact on the world. Through advocating for affordable housing, promoting oral health, and engaging in community development, I aspire to create a ripple effect of change that touches the lives of countless individuals and families. My journey is a testament to the belief that small actions can lead to significant transformations, and I am determined to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for those in need.

From Family Business to Real Estate Vision: My Journey in Business and Finance Since the age of 10, I've been intimately acquainted with the world of business, thanks to my family's establishment, "Ju's One Dream," located in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida. As a manager and partial owner of the business, I've been entrusted with significant responsibilities, including overseeing finances and managing contracts. Despite my tender age of 17, this hands-on experience has imparted me with invaluable knowledge in the realm of business, and I'm eager to further cultivate my skills and expand my horizons during my college journey. My primary source of motivation stems from my family, the bedrock of my aspirations. They inspire me to work tirelessly, not just for personal success, but to ensure that I have the freedom to spend endless quality time with them. This motivation propels me to excel in my business and finance pursuits. Looking ahead, my long-term goals and vision are twofold. Firstly, I aspire to take the reins of our family business, "Ju's One Dream," and build upon the legacy it represents. Secondly, I am passionately drawn to the world of real estate. My college major in business and marketing, with a specialization in real estate, along with a minor in psychology, reflects my commitment to this vision. These disciplines will provide me with a well-rounded skill set, combining business acumen, marketing prowess, and a deep understanding of human behavior – all crucial aspects for success in real estate. Moreover, during my college years, I plan to simultaneously pursue another passion by studying to become a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH). This dual-track approach serves a dual purpose: not only will it open doors to a stable source of income to support my real estate ventures, but it will also allow me to contribute positively to people's health and well-being. In essence, my journey in business and finance is driven by a strong foundation laid within my family business, a relentless desire to spend meaningful time with loved ones, and an ambitious vision to thrive in the dynamic world of real estate. I believe that these endeavors, both in business and as an RDH, will not only enable personal success but also allow me to make a positive impact on the world, one built on lasting relationships, financial empowerment, and the pursuit of healthier lives. I plan on creating a business to were everyone can be apart of.

Title: Advocating for a Cleaner Tomorrow: My Journey in Pollution Reduction The environmental crisis facing our planet is undeniably one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Pollution, in its various forms, has been a significant contributor to this crisis, and it was my personal commitment to making a difference that led me to work alongside the "Leap of Faith" organization in the battle to reduce pollution, particularly on the beautiful shores of Miami Beach. The "Leap of Faith" organization is a dedicated group of individuals with a shared vision: to restore and protect the pristine beauty of Miami Beach from the detrimental effects of pollution. Joining hands with them was a pivotal moment in my environmental advocacy journey. Our collective efforts centered around tackling pollution head-on, and this often meant rolling up our sleeves and getting our hands dirty—quite literally. Together, we embarked on regular cleanup campaigns, armed with gloves, trash bags, and a resolute determination to rid the beach of its pollution burden. Throughout our campaign, we managed to collect an astounding 50 carts of trash. The sight of the sheer volume of discarded items, ranging from plastic bottles to food wrappers, was a stark reminder of the magnitude of the pollution problem we face. Each piece of trash we picked up was a testament to the urgent need for change, and it underscored the importance of our mission. Beyond the tangible results of our efforts, my involvement with the "Leap of Faith" organization transformed me on a personal level. I had never fully grasped the extent of the pollution crisis until I witnessed firsthand the staggering amount of waste littering our beaches. This experience was an eye-opener, prompting a deep reflection on the environmental choices I make in my daily life. It made me realize that advocating for the environment is not just about cleaning up the mess—it's about preventing it from happening in the first place. I've since become a staunch advocate for reducing single-use plastics, recycling, and promoting sustainable living practices within my community. In conclusion, my journey with the "Leap of Faith" organization to combat pollution on Miami Beach has been a transformative experience. Collecting over 50 carts of trash was a tangible achievement, but the true impact lies in the shift it triggered within me—a newfound commitment to advocating for the environment in all aspects of life. Pollution reduction is not just a goal; it's a continuous journey toward a cleaner, healthier planet. Through our collective efforts, I've learned that every action, no matter how small, contributes to this greater cause, and I'm more determined than ever to be a part of the solution for a better tomorrow.