I still remember studying late at night at the kitchen table while my child slept nearby, textbooks open, prayers whispered under my breath. In that quiet space between exhaustion and hope, my faith reminded me why I started this journey—to build a better future not only for myself, but for my family. This opportunity is meaningful to me because it represents validation of a path shaped by perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering trust in God’s plan for my life. As a single mother returning to school to pursue an engineering degree, my journey has not been easy. Balancing coursework, motherhood, and financial responsibility has required constant resilience. There were moments when the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming, and doubt tried to convince me that this path was too difficult or unrealistic. During those moments, my faith became my anchor. Through prayer and trust in God’s timing, I found the strength to keep moving forward even when the road ahead felt uncertain. Faith has played a pivotal role in my success thus far by helping me overcome fear and self-doubt. I had to relearn how to believe in myself after experiencing setbacks and long periods away from school. Each completed semester, exam passed, and challenge conquered stands as a testament to faith in action. I view my education as more than academic progress—it is a living example of what is possible when faith and determination work together. Beyond personal achievement, my faith has shaped my desire to serve others. Volunteering to help feed the homeless has reinforced my belief that success should never be self-centered. These experiences remind me to lead with compassion, humility, and empathy—values that guide how I interact with others in both my academic and professional life. Faith keeps me grounded and ensures that my goals remain aligned with purpose rather than ego. Looking toward the future, I plan to continue using my faith as a guiding force as I pursue leadership roles within engineering and manufacturing. Faith will help me navigate challenges with integrity, lead with empathy, and remain resilient in demanding environments. I aspire to be a role model for my child and for other women—especially single mothers—who may question their own potential. I want my story to show that faith, combined with perseverance, can open doors that once seemed unreachable. This opportunity matters to me because it affirms the journey I am on and the values I carry forward. It strengthens my resolve to continue rising, serving, and leading with faith at the center of everything I do.

As a Black single mother pursuing a degree in Engineering Technology, I believe my greatest strengths are resilience, adaptability, and empathy. These qualities were shaped by my personal experiences and my desire to create a better world for my child. Engineering teaches us how to solve problems, but empathy teaches us why those solutions matter. My goal is to use both — my technical skills and my compassion — to help build a world where people are valued, supported, and understood. Throughout my education and work in manufacturing, I have developed strong abilities in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving under pressure. I understand how important it is for every voice to be heard, especially in environments where decisions can impact safety, livelihoods, and communities. I plan to use my engineering career to advocate for safer workplaces, smarter systems, and more inclusive innovation — where human needs and diverse perspectives guide the solutions we create. Empathy allows us to design with people in mind. It means building processes that protect workers, improving product quality so families can trust what they buy, and ensuring that technologies do not leave vulnerable communities behind. I want to help shape manufacturing environments where diversity is embraced, mothers are supported, and Black women are represented in leadership — because representation itself builds understanding. Growing up and navigating life as a single mother has also strengthened my ability to connect with others through shared struggle and hope. I know what it feels like to be underestimated, and I know how important encouragement and opportunity can be. I use my voice to support classmates, coworkers, and community members who may feel unseen. When I volunteer to feed the homeless in Detroit, I am reminded that dignity and compassion are universal needs that transcend background and circumstance. Those experiences inform the kind of leader and engineer I aim to become — one who listens first and acts with heart. A more empathetic global community doesn’t come from technology alone; it comes from people who make decisions rooted in care and accountability. I want to help create solutions that not only improve efficiency but uplift the people behind the process. By combining my technical knowledge with lived experience, I will continue to advocate for fairness, opportunity, and respect in every space I enter. My journey proves that with empathy and determination, we can break barriers and build bridges. I plan to use my skills to do both — because real progress happens when everyone is included in the future we are building.

The courage to go back to school came from my desire to create a life filled with opportunity — not only for myself, but for my child. As a Black single mother, I have faced challenges that could have easily convinced me to stop pursuing my dreams. But instead of allowing those challenges to define me, I chose to rise above them. I wanted to show my child that success is not limited by circumstance, and that limitations are only real if we accept them. Growing up, I learned early that the world often places stereotypes and expectations on Black women, especially those raising children on their own. We are often underestimated, overlooked, or told that we must choose between providing for our families and aspiring to something greater. Returning to school was my way of rejecting those limitations. It was my decision to rewrite the narrative — to prove that with determination, resilience, and faith, anything is possible. Engineering is a field in which Black women continue to be underrepresented. Instead of seeing that as a barrier, I see it as a calling. My courage to return to school comes from my desire to help break those barriers and open doors for others who look like me. I want my child to see a role model in their own home — someone who works hard, takes risks, and refuses to let society dictate her destiny. There were moments when I questioned whether I could juggle coursework, late-night studying, working, and being a present parent. The pressure was real, and the path felt lonely at times. But every challenge became motivation. When my child watches me do homework, attend class, or push through exhaustion, they are learning the value of perseverance. When they see me succeed, they will know that our future was worth every sacrifice. As a Black mother, I carry the strength of those who came before me — women who built families, communities, and movements with little more than determination and love. Their legacy inspires me to push forward, knowing that my education will not only transform my family’s future, but allow me to make a meaningful impact through my engineering career. I want to use my knowledge to improve manufacturing, create safer processes, and help build stronger workplaces that value diversity and innovation. Going back to school required courage, but it also revealed a truth I now live by: I am capable of more than I ever imagined. I am not just earning a degree — I am creating generational change. I am showing my child that greatness is within reach and that being a Black single mother is not a limitation; it is a source of power that drives me to succeed. With each step I take, I am building a life that reflects strength, pride, and possibility — and I am incredibly proud of the future I am creating for my family.

My name is Keisha Reed, and I am a senior Engineering Technology student at Wayne State University, as well as a dedicated single mother striving to build a strong future for my family. I am passionate about using my skills and opportunities to uplift others — especially those who face daily challenges. Engineering is the career path I have chosen because it allows me to solve problems that impact people’s lives, create safer systems, and contribute to a stronger and more sustainable world. At the same time, I believe that genuine leadership is rooted in compassion, service, and the willingness to step up wherever help is needed. One of the most meaningful ways I have contributed to my community is through volunteering to feed the homeless. In Detroit, the sight of people struggling without basic necessities is something I cannot ignore. Alongside others in my community, I have spent time preparing meals, distributing food, and talking with individuals who simply needed to feel seen and valued. For me, it isn’t just about handing someone a plate — it’s about offering dignity, connection, and hope. There was a particular moment that truly strengthened my commitment to service. I met a woman not much older than myself who was living in a shelter while trying to take care of her children. She told me that having a warm meal meant more than food — it reminded her that she was not forgotten. That conversation opened my eyes in a new way. I realized that homelessness can happen to anyone facing unexpected hardships, and just a small act of kindness can restore confidence to keep pushing forward. Serving the homeless taught me that positive change doesn’t always come from large actions — sometimes it’s built through consistent small gestures rooted in love and empathy. It also reinforced my purpose as a mother, a student, and a future engineer: to contribute to solutions that protect and uplift families. Whether in the classroom, at work, or in the community, I intend to continue being someone who steps in, shows up, and leads with heart. As I move forward in my engineering career, I will carry this service mindset into every environment — because real progress means leaving no one behind. I’m also showing my sons what hard work and giving back to the community looks like. Everyone circumstances can change, hopeful there is someone out there with a kind heart when your time comes.

My name is Keisha Reed, and I am a senior Engineering Technology student at Wayne State University with a strong passion for manufacturing improvement and quality engineering. As a single mother, I have learned to balance school, work, and parenthood with determination, perseverance, and a deep sense of purpose. Everything I do is driven not only by my desire to succeed, but by my responsibility to set a powerful example: that obstacles do not define us — our will to overcome them does. My engineering career is not just a personal dream, but a pathway to creating stability, opportunity, and a better future for my family. Engineering is a field where even the smallest improvements can change lives on a massive scale. Through my work experience in the automotive and consumer goods industries, I have seen firsthand how quality and process reliability impact the safety and well-being of millions of people. I want to play a role in advancing manufacturing systems that are more sustainable, efficient, and human-centered. My career goal is to become a Production or Quality Engineer who leads continuous improvement initiatives, reduces waste, and increases workplace safety — ultimately contributing to a stronger, more innovative U.S. manufacturing industry. My decision to pursue engineering comes from a lifetime of curiosity and problem-solving. Even as a child, I was fascinated by machines — always asking questions and tinkering with whatever I could take apart. Over time, that curiosity turned into a passion for understanding how things work and how they can be improved. When I began working in manufacturing, I realized that engineers are the ones who transform challenges into solutions. Rather than simply adapting to problems, they prevent them. I wanted to be in that position — creating change, not just responding to it. Among the many engineers who inspire me, George Washington Carver stands out the most. His work was rooted in innovation, sustainability, and service to others. He used science not to seek recognition, but to provide communities with tools to survive and grow. That mindset reflects the kind of engineer I aspire to be: someone whose work creates access, empowers families, and strengthens communities — especially those facing hardship or being overlooked. As a single mother, every accomplishment I achieve shows my child that limitations are temporary, and success is built step-by-step. Engineering gives me the opportunity to build a career that improves lives while breaking generational barriers. I am committed to completing my degree, advancing in my field, and making a positive impact through the power of innovation and determination. With continued support and education, I will continue moving forward — for myself, for my child, and for the future I am determined to create.