Growing up in Georgia, I witnessed firsthand how environmental issues frequently impact communities already struggling financially. In many Black and Brown neighborhoods, pollution is more common, access to fresh food is limited, and opportunities to live sustainably are few and far between. These problems are deeply connected to larger financial systems that have failed to invest in the well-being of these areas. I chose to study finance because I want to help change that reality. As a Finance major at Morehouse College, money is one of the most powerful tools for driving meaningful change. Over the next five years, I plan to utilize finance to support sustainable practices that enhance both the environment and the health of communities. For me, finance is not only about analyzing markets or managing portfolios. It is also about creating economic systems that are responsible, inclusive, and sustainable. My goal is to specialize in sustainable finance, a rapidly growing field that utilizes financial tools to support environmentally responsible and socially impactful projects. Whether it is funding clean energy, helping cities build greener infrastructure, or guiding investors toward ethical portfolios, sustainable finance offers practical ways to improve both local and global communities. I want to help people and organizations make financial choices that are not only smart but also support long-term environmental health. I also plan to minor in Public Health because I see a strong connection between environmental issues, financial insecurity, and health outcomes. Poor air quality, limited access to healthy food, and exposure to hazardous waste often lead to higher rates of chronic illness. These health problems then create more financial stress for families. Finance has the potential to break this cycle. I am particularly interested in strategies like green bonds that fund public health projects or microloans that help small food businesses operate sustainably. These tools can make a real difference in underserved communities. At Morehouse, I am building the foundation to pursue this vision. I am seeking internships with firms that focus on impact investing, and I plan to lead financial literacy workshops in nearby neighborhoods. These workshops will help individuals and small business owners understand how sustainable decisions can lead to long-term savings and environmental benefits. I admire FLIK Hospitality Group’s dedication to combining excellent service with a strong commitment to sustainability and equity. The company’s focus on investing in Black and Brown leaders reflects the kind of future I want to help build, a future where financial systems support both people and the planet. This scholarship would enable me to continue my education and prepare to take on leadership roles in the finance industry, where I plan to advocate for solutions that are ethical, forward-thinking, and environmentally responsible. Finance has the power to shape the future. I want to make sure that the future is sustainable, healthy, and equitable for everyone.

As a Business Administration major with a concentration in Finance at Morehouse College, I am driven by a deep desire to create opportunity, both for myself and for others. I expect to graduate in 2028, and my long-term goal is not only to work in the finance industry but also to establish my equity firm. I aim to create something that not only generates strong financial returns but also embodies the values of inclusion, impact, and innovation. In the short term, I aim to secure internships that will enable me to explore various areas of the finance industry, particularly within asset management and private equity. I aim to refine my analytical skills, gain insight into the investment decision-making process, and cultivate the discipline that comes from collaborating with experienced professionals. What excites me most about alternative investments is their ability to unlock hidden potential. Unlike traditional markets, alternatives provide the flexibility to take a long-term view and collaborate directly with companies to shape their growth. This hands-on involvement can lead to meaningful transformation. Whether it's fueling small business growth, supporting innovation in underserved sectors, or turning around struggling enterprises, alternative investments offer a powerful blend of strategic thinking and real-world impact. That combination of financial insight and purposeful change is what draws me in. As I learn more about the industry, I also recognize the need to ensure access and equity for all aspiring asset managers. Today, professionals from underrepresented backgrounds face significant hurdles in raising capital and accessing high-level networks. Meaningful change will require a combination of structural reform and intentional investment. Expanding and adequately funding emerging manager programs, increasing transparency in fund allocation decisions, and building mentorship pipelines that provide long-term support would help bridge these gaps. Institutions should establish clear, measurable diversity goals that extend beyond recruitment and reflect a genuine commitment to inclusion across all levels of decision-making and leadership. Among the leaders I admire in this space, Robert F. Smith stands out as someone whose path mirrors the one I hope to follow. As the founder of Vista Equity Partners, he has built an industry-leading firm while staying grounded in the values of service, advocacy, and empowerment. I revere his ability to identify value in enterprise software companies and his approach to risk and innovation. His leadership style, which balances business performance with community impact, is a model I aspire to emulate. His example demonstrates that it is possible to achieve financial excellence while remaining committed to creating a lasting legacy that benefits others. My unique perspective as a Business Administration major with a concentration in Finance has always drawn me to the field of public health, particularly in addressing disparities that affect underserved communities. This interest is rooted in my belief in empathy, equality, and the importance of uplifting others. I have witnessed firsthand how systemic barriers to healthcare access can hinder people's ability to receive care, and I am determined to be part of the solution. Whether through public health or financial services, my goal remains the same: to leverage my skills and passion to help people live with dignity and opportunity. Finance provides me with a unique lens to approach this work on a broader scale. Through this scholarship, I aim to acquire the resources, mentorship, and exposure that will enable me to develop into a leader who not only achieves personal success but also drives meaningful change in the world around me.