My love for Engineering began at a young age. Every summer, I would spend time with my grandparents in Arkansas. My mom would pack activity books and award me if I completed a set number of sections. During the summer of 2014, I really struggled with the Math sections. That year, I bonded with my mom over Math. We would be on the phone for hours, working through difficult problems, and making up silly acronyms so I could remember how to find the answers. She helped me understand all the basic concepts of Math at an early age, which evolved my foundation and love for various Math problems today. I have fond memories of creating this bond with my Mom and connecting over a common interest. Since a child, I’ve watched my mom excel in her STEM career, despite being the only Black Woman at her job. She embodies what it means to be a strong, Black Woman fighting against the odds in a male-dominated industry. Because of her success, she shows me that my aspirations are too possible, and that I can be a change agent as a Black Woman in STEM. Through my experiences growing up, I’ve realized there is a lack of diversity for products catered to Black and Brown people. My long-term goal is to create my own natural hair care product line for the Black and Brown community. Since the 1960s, the Natural Hair Revolution has been prevalent to our sense of identity and purpose in the world. The revolution encourages people of African descent to wear their natural hair and embrace it proudly. Since I was born, I have been natural and fortunately for me, my mom has never forced me to alter my natural hair. I have been privileged to learn the beauty of Black hair since birth, yet I know that’s not the case for most people. In wanting to be a Black Woman in STEM, I wish to alter that reality for others and provide products catered to the health and safety of Black hair. Black Women are getting support to minimize discrimination against People of Color because of their hair. And as time progresses, I wish to be at the forefront of society pushing that much needed change. I wish to be an ally in the fight for acceptance and diversity. Because of the rich legacy, community, and academic support an HBCU provides, I am choosing to attend the most illustrious institution. While researching Engineering programs, I feel Howard’s CEA program will allow me to be my most authentic self, all while being challenged in my coursework. I would be able to express my natural self, explore my talents, and refine my education without judgment of who I am or how I wear my hair.