Mental health advocacy in the Black community is an essential and urgent matter that requires concerted efforts and community service. The historical and ongoing experiences of racism, discrimination, and socio-economic disparities have disproportionately impacted the mental well-being of individuals within the Black community, and through my own personal experience witnessing the lack of mental health support for the Black community in my hometown, Chicago, Illinois. No Black person should feel as though they have to heal alone or without guidance. Especially when the systems responsible for the trauma and those enforcing it are still standing. With this scholarship I will be able to fund my pursuit of a Master's in Mental Health to further equip me with the knowledge, network, and resources to make a positive impact on society. Recognizing the systemic barriers and lack of access to mental health resources in the Black community, I feel a sense of duty to address these issues through community service and disaster relief efforts. Community service is deeply ingrained within the Black community, rooted in traditions of collective support, resilience, and empowerment. I plan to employ cultural value system encourages individuals to take action and make a positive impact by actively engaging in conversations about mental health within the community can help break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. By openly discussing mental health issues and sharing personal stories, individuals can promote understanding, acceptance, and encourage others to seek help. Recognizing the structural inequities that contribute to mental health disparities, I plan to empower individuals to advocate for policy changes at the local, regional, and national levels. This includes advocating for increased funding for mental health services, culturally competent care, and improved access to mental health resources within the Black community. By partnering with mental health professionals and organizations I plan to help contribute to the efforts to enhance the effectiveness of community service efforts. This collaboration can lead to the development of culturally sensitive treatment approaches, training programs, and workshops tailored specifically for the Black community. Mental health advocacy in the Black community requires community service and disaster relief efforts driven by personal experiences, a sense of responsibility, and cultural values. By raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, providing support and resources, and collaborating with healthcare professionals, individuals can contribute more effectively to mental health advocacy in the Black community. It is through these collective efforts that I plan to assist in creating a society that supports the mental well-being of all individuals, promoting healing, resilience, and social equity.

Throughout my life, I have always had a passion for social justice and mental health. During my senior year of college, I served as the President of a mental health organization called Bettering black Minds. Where our goal is to eliminate the stigma around mental health and therapy in the Black community and educate others about the nuances of mental health as a Black person in society. We hold weekly meetings discussing everything from generational trauma to how to make space for one another and ourselves. This organization has greatly impacted the community because it is no secret that mental health struggles are something that is plaguing every community, and even moreso historically disenfranchised communities with minimal access to resources. By leading and being a part of this organization we have seen a significant increase in membership as well as, Black and African-American students visiting our university counseling center. As a mental health advocate and collegiate volleyball player, I noticed the underrepresentation of girls from low socioeconomic backgrounds. So naturally, to blend my two passions I founded my organization, (ACE) All Children Excel Sports and Fitness Academy, which allows girls from historically disenfranchised communities to play competitive volleyball, develop youth leadership, and cultivate emotional intelligence skills to show them the parallels between emotional intelligence and being an effective leader. I also serve as one of the coaches and secured a corporate partnership that provides additional support such as a space to hold practices and tournaments. Through ACE I attack the lack of mental health education and leadership skills which is a key component in many of the social issues that plague society today whether that be the lack of diversity in sports, STEM, business, etc or the ever-growing amount of children institutionalized, medicated, and not receiving the proper resources and access simply because of the color of their skin and how much their household income is. I use my organization and community outreach as a platform to help educate my community and others about my mental health movement "Operation it Ends with Us", as we lead the fight against the youth mental health crisis. This fully youth-led peer-to-peer virtual discussion is an initiative to talk about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the biggest public health threat facing our nation's youth and a major contributor to the stark rise in mental health challenges among young people today. All of these initiatives and organizations share a common goal in mind, and that is to uplift, educate, and empower Black and African-American youth to be able to be a part of the positive change in the world and in our community.

Your life can change in a split second. I never knew that one word could totally dismantle my world. What started as a warm summer day of running errands with my grandmother ended with an emergency visit to the hospital. The culprit was CANCER, and the tumors caused my grandmother's arm to swell twice its normal size. The news hit us like a ton of bricks, grandmother was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. That year my life, emotionally, took a downward spiral. Seeing my grandmother go through round after round of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as, undergoing a mastectomy all while still having a lust for life truly opened my eyes. It was through experiencing her strength and resilience that I discovered my own. Watching her wake up every morning with the belief that she would be healed, continuing to have a praise on her lips, and a thirst for an adventure, transformed my perspective of life forever. In light of my grandmother's diagnosis, I also sought therapy to effectively process my emotions and to learn strategies to help me deal with stress and anxiety. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the grief of watching my grandmother battle cancer and the bullying I experienced in high school. As an athlete and activist, I supported the silent protest against racial brutality initiated by Colin Kaepernick. I decided to take the knee in solidarity. The backlash from parents, administration, and my teammates was brutal and venomous. I felt was scared for my safety and felt very alone. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. It was during this time that I knew that my life’s mission was to help people on an emotional level, and from that moment forward I knew that I would become a psychologist. Also, yoga would help me release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It could help me combat those debilitating emotions that felt all too familiar. It became clear to me how my grandmother's journey through cancer ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through learning more about the practice of psychology, I discovered the power and strength that we hold within our mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my mind and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional release. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood, and encourage others to adopt into their lives as well. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and the sub-practices within it. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives.

Your life can change in a split second. I never knew that one word could totally dismantle my world. What started as a warm summer day of running errands with my grandmother ended with an emergency visit to the hospital. The culprit was CANCER, and the tumors caused my grandmother's arm to swell twice its normal size. The news hit us like a ton of bricks, grandmother was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. That year my life, emotionally, took a downward spiral. Seeing my grandmother go through round after round of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as, undergoing a mastectomy all while still having a lust for life truly opened my eyes. It was through experiencing her strength and resilience that I discovered my own. Watching her wake up every morning with the belief that she would be healed, continuing to have a praise on her lips, and a thirst for an adventure, transformed my perspective of life forever. In light of my grandmother's diagnosis, I also sought therapy to effectively process my emotions and to learn strategies to help me deal with stress and anxiety. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the grief of watching my grandmother battle cancer and the bullying I experienced in high school. As an athlete and activist, I supported the silent protest against racial brutality initiated by Colin Kaepernick. I decided to take the knee in solidarity. The backlash from parents, administration, and my teammates was brutal and venomous. I felt was scared for my safety and felt very alone. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. It was during this time that I knew that my life’s mission was to help people on an emotional level, and from that moment forward I knew that I would become a psychologist. It became clear to me how my grandmother's journey through cancer ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. I started restoring one of the most important relationships in my life. My relationship with myself. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. There is nothing shameful about therapy. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and yoga. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives.

Throughout my life, I have always had a passion for social justice and mental health. During my senior year of college, I served as the President of a mental health organization called Bettering black Minds. Where our goal is to eliminate the stigma around mental health and therapy in the Black community and educate others about the nuances of mental health as a Black person in society. We hold weekly meetings discussing everything from generational trauma to how to make space for one another and ourselves. This organization has greatly impacted the community because it is no secret that mental health struggles are something that is plaguing every community, and even moreso historically disenfranchised communities with minimal access to resources. By leading and being a part of this organization we have seen a significant increase in membership as well as, Black and African-American students visiting our university counseling center. As a mental health advocate and collegiate volleyball player, I noticed the underrepresentation of girls from low socioeconomic backgrounds. So naturally, to blend my two passions I founded my organization, (ACE) All Children Excel Sports and Fitness Academy, which allows girls from historically disenfranchised communities to play competitive volleyball, develop youth leadership, and cultivate emotional intelligence skills to show them the parallels between emotional intelligence and being an effective leader. I also serve as one of the coaches and secured a corporate partnership that provides additional support such as a space to hold practices and tournaments. Through ACE I attack the lack of mental health education and leadership skills which is a key component in many of the social issues that plague society today whether that be the lack of diversity in sports, STEM, business, etc or the ever-growing amount of children institutionalized, medicated, and not receiving the proper resources and access simply because of the color of their skin and how much their household income is. I use my organization and community outreach as a platform to help educate my community and others about my mental health movement "Operation it Ends with Us", as we lead the fight against the youth mental health crisis. This fully youth-led peer-to-peer virtual discussion is an initiative to talk about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the biggest public health threat facing our nation's youth and a major contributor to the stark rise in mental health challenges among young people today. All of these initiatives and organizations share a common goal in mind, and that is to uplift, educate, and empower Black and African-American youth to be able to be a part of the positive change in the world and in our community. As someone who also struggles with mental illness, pouring myself into my organizations and mentoring, and hosting events is one of the main coping mechanisms that help me. Being in a space with individuals who can empathize with your current state without pitying you or trying to fix you is really a healing environment to be in. I hope that with this experience, being able to build this community, and being able to further my education I will become a licensed child and adolescent psychologist that also specializes in sports psychology. There is a need in our communities for not just psychologists and mental health professionals, but professionals that can speak to and relate to their clients on a personal level, not as an outsider.

My favorite artist is Frida Kahlo. I admire Frida because like myself she used her pain and trauma as fuel for her work that has brought her to fame. She never let any of the obstacles in her life deter her from making inspirational, life-changing artwork. Until Frida's dying day she was a fighter, an activist, a creative, and an innovator.

I developed a deep appreciation for yoga through therapy. I was 16, I had an estranged and toxic relationship with my father, and I was being severely bullied to the point that I stopped going to school. I felt alone. I felt like a stranger in my own skin. My therapist had suggested yoga as a way to release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It was then that I embarked on my spiritual and holistic journey. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. Yoga is a holistic practice that teaches others where, in the body, trauma is stored, how to release that trauma, and how to regularly use yoga as a filtration of negative energies that one may experience on a day-to-day basis. Yoga gave me a new sense of appreciation for my body. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness ignited my love for yoga. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the painful relationship with my father and the bullying I experienced in high school. As an athlete and activist, I supported the silent protest against racial brutality initiated by Colin Kaepernick. I decided to take the knee in solidarity. The backlash from parents, administration, and my teammates was brutal and venomous. I felt was scared for my safety and felt very alone. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. Also, yoga would help me release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It could help me combat those debilitating emotions that felt all too familiar. It became clear to me how my traumas ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. There is nothing shameful about therapy. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and yoga. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives. I would petition to implement yoga as a core requirement for physical education classes in inner-city schools. This would be incorporated with restorative justice practices as well. Free community yoga classes would be offered to the majority that are disenfranchised and underserved. Yoga is about finding inner peace and stability within oneself, and I firmly believe that if we can find peace and compassion within ourselves we can radiate it to others. Minority communities disproportionately experience untreated mental health issues, violence, systemic racism, and emotional trauma. It is paramount that these communities receive the mental and emotional health education needed to live productive lives. By introducing yoga, I hope to create a healthy discourse about mental health and emotional trauma in the Black and Brown community. I also want to bridge the gap and erase the distrust between the medical community and mental health clinicians.

Your life can change in a split second. I never knew that one word could totally dismantle my world. What started as a warm summer day of running errands with my grandmother ended with an emergency visit to the hospital. The culprit was CANCER, and the tumors caused my grandmother's arm to swell twice its normal size. The news hit us like a ton of bricks, grandmother was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. That year my life, emotionally, took a downward spiral. Seeing my grandmother go through round after round of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as, undergoing a mastectomy all while still having a lust for life truly opened my eyes. It was through experiencing her strength and resilience that I discovered my own. Watching her wake up every morning with the belief that she would be healed, continuing to have a praise on her lips, and a thirst for an adventure, transformed my perspective of life forever. In light of my grandmother's diagnosis, I also sought therapy to effectively process my emotions and to learn strategies to help me deal with stress and anxiety. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the grief of watching my grandmother battle cancer and the bullying I experienced in high school. As an athlete and activist, I supported the silent protest against racial brutality initiated by Colin Kaepernick. I decided to take the knee in solidarity. The backlash from parents, administration, and my teammates was brutal and venomous. I felt was scared for my safety and felt very alone. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. Also, yoga would help me release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It could help me combat those debilitating emotions that felt all too familiar. It became clear to me how my grandmother's journey through cancer ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. There is nothing shameful about therapy. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and yoga. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives.

One of my favorite moments on the court would have to be during my high school senior season. In my junior year, I suffered a knee injury that forced me to undergo a medical procedure which in turn didn't allow me to complete my club volleyball season. I spent months going to physical therapy and working to be 100% healthy. We were playing one of our fierce competitors. I called a play that we worked on in practice but never executed in a game. I told one of my teammates "on this pass be ready." It was like watching a movie for the first time. We had a perfect pass, I set up our back row attack, and then BOOM all I could hear was the crowd erupting with joy as we scored the point. It truly was a moment for the books. What makes me passionate about volleyball is the friendship, leadership, camaraderie, and confidence that is cultivated within a team. You might join a team not knowing a single person, but by the end of the season, you all have created a bond formed by shared victory and defeat. I can say with confidence that volleyball has helped shape the person I am today. It helped me develop leadership skills, learn how to process my emotions in a healthy manner, push through adversity, strategize, and have grit. I will continue to advocate and grow the game of volleyball through a program I created called A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy. Throughout my 10+ years of playing volleyball one thing, I noticed is that there are very few Black girls and girls of color in the sport. Studies show even fewer go on to play on the collegiate level. With A. C. E., my mission is to expose girls from all walks of life that they can accomplish anything and participate in any sport, especially if they’re underrepresented. They will be the game-changer both figuratively and literally. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. It is important that I educate my peer group on the importance of talking about mental health and advocating for themselves in spaces where we are marginalized. I am an advocate for empowering girls in sports and providing access to underserved communities where finances or visibility may be the barrier to entry. I aspire to be the pathway to entry, and A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will provide a safe space for all girls to be educated, engaged, and empowered through sports and mental and physical fitness. The beauty of A.C.E. is that aspiring to be an athlete is not a prerequisite. An interest in learning and growing makes you an ideal participant and a guaranteed success story. Simply put, every girl will learn and grow. Our community at A.C.E. will nurture all levels of learners and meet the needs of every child. Unlike sports teams in schools and clubs, there will be a place for all girls to learn the sport, be celebrated, and thrive. My volleyball journey is a testimony to the power of the origin story. We all have a unique story. Sharing my experience of resilience coming back from a career-ending injury and fighting for my mental health has shown others the power of grit and vulnerability. It is very telling that a sport could literally change your life. I can honestly attest that volleyball grew me into the young woman and servant leader I am today. I have always had a passion for volleyball and only after being mentored by my high school coaches was I inspired to pursue building my own business around my passion. I saw how much the volleyball world lacked representation for Black girls and girls of color, and decided to create a space for them to discover, cultivate, and grow their talent, passion, and skill for volleyball. I wanted to create a space that was judgment-free and allotted girls of color the same training, resources, and accessibility that our white counterparts have.

I will continue to advocate and grow the game of volleyball through a program I created called A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy. Throughout my 10+ years of playing volleyball one thing, I noticed is that there are very few Black girls and girls of color in the sport. Studies show even fewer go on to play on the collegiate level. With A. C. E., my mission is to expose girls from all walks of life that they can accomplish anything and participate in any sport, especially if they’re underrepresented. They will be the game-changer both figuratively and literally. The mission of ACE is to introduce black and brown girls, ages 5-12, to volleyball incorporating social-emotional learning and leadership coaching. I believe that early exposure to the sport not only peaks girls’ interests sooner, but it also prepares them to play competitively. This could increase opportunities for athletic scholarships and offers to play on collegiate or professional teams. Proximity provides access and opportunity. I want to be a catalyst for change wherever I am. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. It is important that I educate my peer group on the importance of talking about mental health and advocating for themselves in spaces where we are marginalized. I am an advocate for empowering girls in sports and providing access to underserved communities where finances or visibility may be the barrier to entry. I aspire to be the pathway to entry, and A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will provide a safe space for all girls to be educated, engaged, and empowered through sports and mental and physical fitness. The beauty of A.C.E. is that aspiring to be an athlete is not a prerequisite. An interest in learning and growing makes you an ideal participant and a guaranteed success story. Simply put, every girl will learn and grow. Our community at A.C.E. will nurture all levels of learners and meet the needs of every child. Unlike sports teams in schools and clubs, there will be a place for all girls to learn the sport, be celebrated, and thrive. I believe my actions have positively impacted my community by offering an opportunity that otherwise is only attainable by those that have the finances to do so. Lack of accessibility and lack of exposure plague Black and brown communities, and through A. C. E. I hope to be apart of the movement to bridge the gap.

I am interested in entrepreneurship because I have always found pride in creating opportunities for myself and others through dreams and visions of mine. Entrepreneurship is a great way to fulfill one's own dream while also creating jobs and opportunities for their community and others. Entrepreneurship furthers my passion for community outreach and inclusion by being a limitless field. There are truly no bounds to who can start a business and what that business can be. It in itself is a safe space for creativity, learning, growth, failure, and expansion. I will continue to advocate and grow the game of volleyball through a program I created called A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy. Throughout my 10+ years of playing volleyball one thing, I noticed is that there are very few Black girls and girls of color in the sport. Studies show even fewer go on to play on the collegiate level. With A. C. E., my mission is to expose girls from all walks of life that they can accomplish anything and participate in any sport, especially if they’re underrepresented. They will be the game-changer both figuratively and literally. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. It is important that I educate my peer group on the importance of talking about mental health and advocating for themselves in spaces where we are marginalized. I am an advocate for empowering girls in sports and providing access to underserved communities where finances or visibility may be the barrier to entry. I aspire to be the pathway to entry, and A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will provide a safe space for all girls to be educated, engaged, and empowered through sports and mental and physical fitness. The beauty of A.C.E. is that aspiring to be an athlete is not a prerequisite. An interest in learning and growing makes you an ideal participant and a guaranteed success story. Simply put, every girl will learn and grow. Our community at A.C.E. will nurture all levels of learners and meet the needs of every child. Unlike sports teams in schools and clubs, there will be a place for all girls to learn the sport, be celebrated, and thrive.

During my junior year of high school, I was publicly ostracized and shamed by my teammates for taking a knee during the national anthem. My teammates were openly mean and hateful towards me. They refused to touch my hand, engage with me on the court, and publicly stood away from me as I knelt. Even parents were making 'inappropriate gestures' toward me while they were in the stands. Making a strong stand against racial injustice and police brutality in America is a brave stance to make. Especially when the environment is predominantly white and racist towards African-Americans.

During quarantine my grandmother's cancer had returned and she was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's. In light of my grandmother's diagnosis, I sought therapy to effectively process my emotions and to learn strategies to help me deal with stress and anxiety. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the grief of watching my grandmother battle cancer and the bullying I experienced in high school. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. Also, yoga would help me release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It could help me combat those debilitating emotions that felt all too familiar. It became clear to me how my grandmother's journey through cancer ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What COVID-19 has taught me about the world is that we are our own source of happiness and peace. We must take time to experience ourselves both internally and externally and not allow the machine that is modern society to overwhelm us or dismiss ourselves. This pandemic has also taught me to be more compassionate. Our encounters with the outside world should never be taken for granted. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. There is nothing shameful about therapy. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and yoga. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives.

Your life can change in a split second. I never knew that one word could totally dismantle my world. What started as a warm summer day of running errands with my grandmother ended with an emergency visit to the hospital. The culprit was CANCER, and the tumors caused my grandmother's arm to swell twice its normal size. The news hit us like a ton of bricks, grandmother was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. That year my life, emotionally, took a downward spiral. Seeing my grandmother go through round after round of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as, undergoing a mastectomy all while still having a lust for life truly opened my eyes. It was through experiencing her strength and resilience that I discovered my own. Watching her wake up every morning with the belief that she would be healed, continuing to have a praise on her lips, and a thirst for an adventure, transformed my perspective of life forever. In light of my grandmother's diagnosis, I also sought therapy to effectively process my emotions and to learn strategies to help me deal with stress and anxiety. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the grief of watching my grandmother battle cancer and the bullying I experienced in high school. As an athlete and activist, I supported the silent protest against racial brutality initiated by Colin Kaepernick. I decided to take the knee in solidarity. The backlash from parents, administration, and my teammates was brutal and venomous. I felt was scared for my safety and felt very alone. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. Also, yoga would help me release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It could help me combat those debilitating emotions that felt all too familiar. It became clear to me how my grandmother's journey through cancer ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. There is nothing shameful about therapy. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and yoga. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives.

After completing two years of community college and working as a pharmacy technician and home health aide, I am on track for completing my Bachelor of Science degree in pursuit of a future in medicine. In a world where only 2.6% of physicians are Black, and in orthopedics where even fewer are black women, I aspire to enter the field of orthopedic medicine and make a difference. As a student and an athlete, I plan to expand my network of professionals in my field as well as give back to the community through my nonprofit All Children Excel (ACE) Sports and Fitness Academy. The mission of ACE is to introduce black and brown girls, ages 5-12, to volleyball incorporating social-emotional learning and leadership coaching. I believe that early exposure to the sport not only peaks girls’ interests sooner, but it also prepares them to play competitively. This could increase opportunities for athletic scholarships and offers to play on collegiate or professional teams. Proximity provides access and opportunity. I want to be a catalyst for change wherever I am. Additionally, I plan to be active in the student government and community outreach as it relates to social justice and public health.

Whispers, stares, and awkward silence has been the soundtrack to my early adolescent years. Imagine being "the only one" on every team, what seems like every tournament and setting with my peer group. Unable to shrink yourself, because no one else looks like you. I became numb to the insensitivity, but I internalized the pain. Like a volcano, my unaddressed emotions were brewing internally just waiting to erupt. As a 6ft tall, skinny, Black woman I have faced a myriad of insults and microaggressions in and outside of the classroom and on the volleyball court. From jokes about my height and weight thus feeding my insecurity to being ostracized by my own high school volleyball team of which I was 1 of 4 Black girls. During this time, I became depressed as well as developed extreme anxiety towards not only my body but volleyball and life itself. Facing this adversity fueled a fire in me that urged me to create a safe community for girls just like me. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. My experiences with mental health have taught me how much being involved in therapy, sports and yoga have improved the way I communicate, the way I lead, the way I process my emotions, and how I approach life. My mission is to specifically anchor this business in the Black and Brown community. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world by first, educating people on what yoga is and how healthy it directly impacts your social and emotional well-being. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. This would be incorporated with restorative justice practices as well. By introducing yoga, I hope to create a healthy discourse about mental health and emotional trauma in the Black and Brown community. I developed a deep appreciation for yoga through therapy. I was 16, I had an estranged and toxic relationship with my father, and I was being severely bullied to the point that I stopped going to school. I felt alone. I felt like a stranger in my own skin. My therapist had suggested yoga as a way to release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It was then that I embarked on my spiritual and holistic journey. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. Yoga is a holistic practice that teaches others where, in the body, trauma is stored, how to release that trauma, and how to regularly use yoga as a filtration of negative energies that one may experience on a day to day basis. Yoga gave me a new sense of appreciation for my body. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness ignited my love for yoga. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world by first, educating people on what yoga is and how healthy it directly impacts your social and emotional well-being. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would petition to implement yoga as a core requirement for physical education classes in inner-city schools. This would be incorporated with restorative justice practices as well. Free community yoga classes would be offered to the majority that are disenfranchised and underserved. Yoga is about finding inner peace and stability within oneself, and I firmly believe that if we can find peace and compassion within ourselves we can radiate it to others. Minority communities disproportionately experience untreated mental health issues, violence, systemic racism, and emotional trauma. It is paramount that these communities receive the mental and emotional health education needed to live productive lives. By introducing yoga, I hope to create a healthy discourse about mental health and emotional trauma in the Black and Brown community. I also want to bridge the gap and erase the distrust between the medical community and mental health clinicians.

One of my favorite moments on the court would have to be during my high school senior season. In my junior year, I suffered a knee injury that forced me to undergo a medical procedure which in turn didn't allow me to complete my club volleyball season. I spent months going to physical therapy and working to be 100% healthy. We were playing one of our fierce competitors. I called a play that we worked on in practice but never executed in a game. I told one of my teammates "on this pass be ready." It was like watching a movie for the first time. We had a perfect pass, I set up our back row attack, and then BOOM all I could hear was the crowd erupting with joy as we scored the point. It truly was a moment for the books. What makes me passionate about volleyball is the friendship, leadership, camaraderie, and confidence that is cultivated within a team. You might join a team not knowing a single person, but by the end of the season, you all have created a bond formed by shared victory and defeat. I can say with confidence that volleyball has helped shape the person I am today. It helped me develop leadership skills, learn how to process my emotions healthily, push through adversity, strategize, and have grit. I will continue to advocate and grow the game of volleyball through a program I created called A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy. Throughout my 10+ years of playing volleyball one thing, I noticed is that there are very few Black girls and girls of color in the sport. Studies show even fewer go on to play on the collegiate level. With A. C. E., my mission is to expose girls from all walks of life that they can accomplish anything and participate in any sport, especially if they’re underrepresented. They will be the game-changer both figuratively and literally. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. It is important that I educate my peer group on the importance of talking about mental health and advocating for themselves in spaces where we are marginalized. I am an advocate for empowering girls in sports and providing access to underserved communities where finances or visibility may be the barrier to entry. I aspire to be the pathway to entry, and A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will provide a safe space for all girls to be educated, engaged, and empowered through sports and mental and physical fitness. The beauty of A.C.E. is that aspiring to be an athlete is not a prerequisite. An interest in learning and growing makes you an ideal participant and a guaranteed success story. Simply put, every girl will learn and grow. Our community at A.C.E. will nurture all levels of learners and meet the needs of every child. Unlike sports teams in schools and clubs, there will be a place for all girls to learn the sport, be celebrated, and thrive. My volleyball journey is a testimony to the power of the origin story. We all have a unique story. Sharing my experience of resilience coming back from a career-ending injury and fighting for my mental health has shown others the power of grit and vulnerability. It is very telling that a sport could literally change your life. I can honestly attest that volleyball grew me into the young woman and servant leader I am today.

Whispers, stares, and awkward silence has been the soundtrack to my early adolescent years. Imagine being "the only one" on every team, what seems like every tournament and setting with my peer group. Unable to shrink yourself, because no one else looks like you. I became numb to the insensitivity, but I internalized the pain. Like a volcano, my unaddressed emotions were brewing internally just waiting to erupt. As a 6ft tall, skinny, Black woman I have faced a myriad of insults and microaggressions in and outside of the classroom and on the volleyball court. From jokes about my height and weight thus feeding my insecurity to being ostracized by my own high school volleyball team of which I was 1 of 4 Black girls. During this time, I became depressed as well as developed extreme anxiety towards not only my body but volleyball and life itself. Facing this adversity fueled a fire in me that urged me to create a safe community for girls just like me. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. My experiences with mental health have taught me how much being involved in therapy, sports and yoga have improved the way I communicate, the way I lead, the way I process my emotions, and how I approach life. My mission is to specifically anchor this business in the Black and Brown community. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world by first, educating people on what yoga is and how healthy it directly impacts your social and emotional well-being. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. This would be incorporated with restorative justice practices as well. By introducing yoga, I hope to create a healthy discourse about mental health and emotional trauma in the Black and Brown community.

Whispers, stares, and awkward silence has been the soundtrack to my early adolescent years. Imagine being "the only one" on every team, what seems like every tournament and setting with my peer group. Unable to shrink yourself, because no one else looks like you. I became numb to the insensitivity, but I internalized the pain. Like a volcano, my unaddressed emotions were brewing internally just waiting to erupt. As a 6ft tall, skinny, Black woman I have faced a myriad of insults and microaggressions in and outside of the classroom and on the volleyball court. From jokes about my height and weight thus feeding my insecurity to being ostracized by my own high school volleyball team of which I was 1 of 4 Black girls. Facing this adversity fueled a fire in me that urged me to create a safe community for girls just like me. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. It is important that I educate my peer group on the importance of talking about mental health and advocating for themselves in spaces where we are marginalized. I am an advocate for empowering girls in sports and providing access to underserved communities where finances or visibility may be the barrier to entry. I aspire to be the pathway to entry, and A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will provide a safe space for all girls to be educated, engaged, and empowered through sports and mental and physical fitness. The beauty of A.C.E. is that aspiring to be an athlete is not a prerequisite. An interest in learning and growing makes you an ideal candidate and a guaranteed success story. Simply put, every girl will learn and grow. Our community at A.C.E. will nurture all levels of learners and meet the needs of every child. Unlike sports teams in schools, AAU teams, and clubs, there will be a place for all girls to learn the sport, be celebrated, and thrive. A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will be unique in its approach to tackling two barriers in minorities community: discussing mental health and having access to elite sports. I use my journey as a testimony to the power of our origin story. Sharing my experience with mental health has taught others the importance of empathy and vulnerability. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world by first, educating people on what yoga is and how healthy it directly impacts your social and emotional well-being. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would petition to implement yoga as a core requirement for physical education classes in inner-city schools. This would be incorporated with restorative justice practices as well. Free community yoga classes would be offered to the majority that are disenfranchised and underserved. Yoga is about finding inner peace and stability within oneself, and I firmly believe that if we can find peace and compassion within ourselves we can radiate it to others. Minority communities disproportionately experience untreated mental health issues, violence, systemic racism, and emotional trauma. It is paramount that these communities receive the mental and emotional health education needed to live productive lives. By introducing yoga, I hope to create a healthy discourse about mental health and emotional trauma in the Black and Brown community. I also want to bridge the gap and erase the distrust between the medical community and mental health clinicians.

Your life can change in a split second. I never knew that one word could totally dismantle my world. What started as a warm summer day of running errands with my grandmother ended with an emergency visit to the hospital. The culprit was CANCER, and the tumors caused my grandmother's arm to swell twice its normal size. The news hit us like a ton of bricks, grandmother was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. That year my life, emotionally, took a downward spiral. Seeing my grandmother go through round after round of chemotherapy and radiation, as well as, undergoing a mastectomy all while still having a lust for life truly opened my eyes. It was through experiencing her strength and resilience that I discovered my own. Watching her wake up every morning with the belief that she would be healed, continuing to have a praise on her lips, and a thirst for an adventure, transformed my perspective of life forever. In light of my grandmother's diagnosis, I also sought therapy to effectively process my emotions and to learn strategies to help me deal with stress and anxiety. Realizing the importance of my mental health along with the power of meditation and mindfulness led me to yoga. Therapy and yoga saved my life. It helped me heal from the grief of watching my grandmother battle cancer and the bullying I experienced in high school. As an athlete and activist, I supported the silent protest against racial brutality initiated by Colin Kaepernick. I decided to take the knee in solidarity. The backlash from parents, administration, and my teammates was brutal and venomous. I felt was scared for my safety and felt very alone. My therapist reminded me that taking care of my mental health through this challenge was vital. Also, yoga would help me release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It could help me combat those debilitating emotions that felt all too familiar. It became clear to me how my grandmother's journey through cancer ushered me on my spiritual and holistic journey with therapy and yoga. There was a purpose in my pain. What I know for sure is that adversities are inevitable. Whether it's an illness, a traumatic life event, or a challenging relationship, life happens. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness birthed a lifestyle and emotional intelligence that I will practice in adulthood. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world. First, by educating people on the importance of investing in their mental health. There is nothing shameful about therapy. The more natural the conversation is about taking care of our mental health, the more comfortable we will become exploring therapy and yoga. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would also share my love for yoga with my personal and professional circles. Our social and emotional well-being is not detached from our homes and workplaces. We must preserve our mental health to thrive in all areas of our lives.

Whispers, stares, and awkward silence has been the soundtrack to my early adolescent years. Imagine being "the only one" on every team, what seems like every tournament and setting with my peer group. Unable to shrink yourself, because no one else looks like you. I became numb to the insensitivity, but I internalized the pain. Like a volcano, my unaddressed emotions were brewing internally just waiting to erupt. As a 6ft tall, skinny, Black woman I have faced a myriad of insults and microaggressions in and outside of the classroom and on the volleyball court. From jokes about my height and weight thus feeding my insecurity to being ostracized by my own high school volleyball team of which I was 1 of 4 Black girls. During this time, I became depressed as well as developed extreme anxiety towards not only my body, but volleyball and life itself. Facing this adversity fueled a fire in me that urged me to create a safe community for girls just like me. I created A. C. E. (All Children Excel) Sports and Fitness Academy to foster a community of individuality and teamwork to help teach girls how sports can build character, leadership skills, boost their self-esteem, and enrich their mental and physical fitness. My experiences with mental health have taught me how much being involved in therapy, sports and yoga have improved the way I communicate, the way I lead, the way I process my emotions, and how I approach life. My mission is to specifically anchor this business in the Black and Brown community. According to a study conducted by co-author Catherine Sabiston, Ph.D., of the University of Toronto, “Team sports offer a heightened emphasis on group goals, social support, and sense of connection that provide more opportunity for learning adaptive coping strategies that can be essential for long-term mental health.” The researchers found that youth who were involved in school sports had better scores on all three mental health assessments, compared with those who did not play sports at all. Therefore, the study found that playing school sports during adolescent years is significantly linked to lower depression symptoms, lower perceived stress, and better self-rated mental health in young adulthood. In other words, playing school sports from ages 12 to 17 protects young people from poor mental health four years later. It is important that I educate my peer group on the importance of talking about mental health and advocating for themselves in spaces where we are marginalized. I am an advocate for empowering girls in sports and providing access to underserved communities where finances or visibility may be the barrier to entry. I aspire to be the the pathway to entry, and A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will provide a safe space for all girls to be educated, engaged, and empowered through sports and mental and physical fitness. The beauty of A.C.E. is that aspiring to be an athlete is not a prerequisite. An interest in learning and growing makes you an ideal candidate and a guaranteed success story. Simply put, every girl will learn and grow. Our community at A.C.E. will nurture all levels of learners and meet the needs of every child. Unlike sports teams in schools, AAU teams and clubs, there will be a place for all girls to learn the sport, be celebrated, and thrive. A.C.E. Sports and Fitness Academy will be unique in its approach to tackling two barriers in minorities community: discussing mental health and having access to elite sports. I use my journey as a testimony to the power of our origin story. Sharing my experience with mental health has taught others the importance of empathy and vulnerability.

I developed a deep appreciation for yoga through therapy. I was 16, I had an estranged and toxic relationship with my father, and I was being severely bullied to the point that I stopped going to school. I felt alone. I felt like a stranger in my own skin. My therapist had suggested yoga as a way to release the trauma and negative energy that was being stored in my body. It was then that I embarked on my spiritual and holistic journey. Through yoga, I discovered the power and strength that I hold within my mind, body, and spirit. I gained a better understanding of my body and how to best regulate my emotions as well as how to help others find a healthier more impactful emotional outlet/release. Yoga is a holistic practice that teaches others where, in the body, trauma is stored, how to release that trauma, and how to regularly use yoga as a filtration of negative energies that one may experience on a day to day basis. Yoga gave me a new sense of appreciation for my body. The feeling of empowerment and self-awareness ignited my love for yoga. I would apply the knowledge I have obtained to ignite positive change and growth in the world by first, educating people on what yoga is and how healthy it directly impacts your social and emotional well-being. Our mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. I would petition to implement yoga as a core requirement for physical education classes in inner-city schools. This would be incorporated with restorative justice practices as well. Free community yoga classes would be offered to the majority that are disenfranchised and underserved. Yoga is about finding inner peace and stability within oneself, and I firmly believe that if we can find peace and compassion within ourselves we can radiate it to others. Minority communities disproportionately experience untreated mental health issues, violence, systemic racism, and emotional trauma. It is paramount that these communities receive the mental and emotional health education needed to live productive lives. By introducing yoga, I hope to create a healthy discourse about mental health and emotional trauma in the Black and Brown community. I also want to bridge the gap and erase the distrust between the medical community and mental health clinicians.