My name is Kihanna Williams, and I’m a civil engineering major at Morgan State University. I was born and raised in Jamaica, where I learned early on that resilience isn’t just a trait—it’s a way of life. Growing up, I saw communities come together to solve problems with limited resources, and that spirit of innovation and collaboration shaped who I am. As a BIPOC, female-identifying student from an underserved background, I care deeply about equity, sustainability, and innovation. What drives me is the belief that engineering isn’t just about structures—it’s about people. It’s about creating spaces that uplift, connect, and empower communities. I feel deeply connected to the issue of infrastructure inequality. In Jamaica, I witnessed how poor road conditions, unreliable water systems, and limited access to safe public spaces affected everyday life. I remember walking to school on roads that would flood during the rainy season, making it dangerous for children and elders alike. These experiences made me realize how critical infrastructure is to safety, opportunity, and dignity. This issue matters to me because I’ve lived it—and I want to be part of the solution. If I had the power to change this, I would lead a movement to design and implement sustainable, affordable infrastructure in marginalized communities—starting with places like the one I grew up in. I envision a future where every neighborhood has access to safe roads, clean water, green spaces, and resilient buildings. I would create a community design lab where residents could collaborate with engineers to co-create solutions tailored to their needs. My dream is to launch a nonprofit initiative that trains and empowers youth from underserved areas to become the builders of their own communities. I chose civil engineering because I wanted to be a builder—not just of structures, but of futures. My interest sparked in Jamaica, where I often helped my uncle, a local contractor, mix cement and measure wood for small home repairs. I was fascinated by how something as simple as a well-built foundation could transform a family's life. With my degree, I hope to work in urban development, focusing on projects that prioritize equity and sustainability. I want to use my skills to create infrastructure that reflects the dignity and potential of every community. One of my biggest goals is to lead a community-based engineering project that directly addresses infrastructure gaps in a low-income neighborhood—possibly even back home in Jamaica. To get there, I plan to gain hands-on experience through internships, participate in research focused on sustainable design, and build a network of mentors and collaborators. I also hope to pursue a master’s degree in civil engineering with a focus on public infrastructure and policy. Every step I take is guided by the vision of making engineering more inclusive and impactful. Education has been a mirror and a map for me. At Morgan State, I took a course on environmental engineering that changed how I saw my role in the world. We studied how stormwater systems could be redesigned to prevent flooding in vulnerable areas—something I experienced growing up. I realized that engineering could be a form of activism—one that protects and uplifts. Through my studies, I’ve learned that I’m not just passionate—I’m capable. I’ve discovered that my purpose is to use engineering as a tool for change, and that learning is a lifelong journey that empowers me to keep pushing boundaries. Being a woman in STEM has taught me to be bold, persistent, and unapologetically visionary. When I first started my engineering courses, I noticed how few women were in the room—especially women who looked like me. In one of my early group projects, I was the only woman on the team. I remember feeling hesitant to speak up at first, but when we hit a roadblock in our design, I proposed a solution based on a concept I had studied in a pervious course. It worked—and it reminded me that my voice matters. I’ve faced moments where I was underestimated, but those experiences only fueled my determination. My identity as a woman shapes the way I lead, collaborate, and innovate—it’s a source of strength, not limitation. To me, leadership means listening, lifting others up, and leading with purpose. I’ve embodied leadership by mentoring younger students through my university’s Society of Women Engineers chapter. Last semester, I helped my university's chapter of American Society of Civil Engineers to build a model bridge for a regional competition. Watching our confidence grow reminded me why representation matters. I believe that even small acts—like encouraging a peer or speaking up in class—can create ripple effects. Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about impact. During my freshman year, I faced a financial setback that threatened my ability to stay in school. My family was dealing with unexpected medical expenses, and I had to make tough choices. I applied for emergency aid, took on part-time work tutoring math, and learned to budget every dollar. That experience taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of asking for help. It reminded me that challenges can be catalysts for growth—and that resourcefulness is a skill I’ll carry into my career. Receiving this scholarship would be transformative. It would ease financial stress, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and community work. It would also affirm that my vision matters—that someone believes in my potential to create change. With this support, I would be one step closer to becoming the kind of engineer who doesn’t just build structures, but builds futures—starting with the communities that raised me.

If given the opportunity, I would work to improve my community by addressing the lack of safe, functional, and sustainable infrastructure in underserved neighborhoods. As a civil engineering student at Morgan State University, I’ve come to realize that infrastructure is not just about roads and buildings, it’s about people, dignity, and access. My mission is to design and implement infrastructure solutions that directly improve quality of life, especially in historically marginalized African American communities. Growing up, I witnessed how inadequate public transportation, unsafe housing, and poor water systems affected the daily lives of people in my neighborhood. These issues didn’t just make life inconvenient—they created barriers to education, employment, health, and safety. For example, I remember elderly neighbors struggling to get to doctor’s appointments because buses didn’t run regularly through our area. I saw entire blocks deteriorate due to abandoned properties, making kids feel unsafe walking to school. These were not just engineering failures, they were justice failures. I chose to pursue civil engineering because I want to be part of the solution. My goal is to use my education to develop infrastructure that serves everyone—regardless of zip code. Whether it’s designing stormwater systems to reduce flooding, creating accessible sidewalks for people with disabilities, or improving public transit routes to connect people to opportunity, I believe infrastructure can, and should, be a force for equity. If granted the opportunity and resources, I would start a community-based initiative focused on involving residents in the planning and improvement of their own neighborhoods. This could include surveying community needs, proposing engineering-based solutions, and even offering youth programs to expose local students to STEM fields. By engaging residents in the process, we ensure the solutions are not only technically sound but also culturally relevant and community-driven. Volunteering has already shown me the power of service. I’ve spent time helping with neighborhood cleanups, tutoring local high school students, and supporting food drives. These experiences have taught me that change doesn’t always come from the top down, it often begins with listening, showing up, and doing the work side by side with those you're trying to serve. This work is important to me because I believe that no one should be limited by their environment. Everyone deserves clean water, safe streets, and access to public resources. By pursuing civil engineering and staying rooted in service, I want to build more than roads and bridges, I want to build equity, opportunity, and pride in the places we call home. Receiving the Henry Walker Sr. Memorial Scholarship would not only ease my financial burden, it would honor the legacy of a man who used determination, service, and resilience to create change. Like Mr. Walker, I aim to use what I have to serve something greater than myself, and to build a legacy that improves lives for generations to come.

My name is Kihanna Williams, and I am pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at Morgan State University, the National Treasure. I chose this path because I believe that the foundation of a strong, thriving community begins with the infrastructure that supports it. Roads, bridges, water systems, and public spaces are more than just physical structures, they are the veins through which opportunity, safety, and progress flow. From a young age, I was captivated by how cities functioned and how the built environment shaped people’s lives. But beyond the fascination with design and construction, I became aware of the disparities in infrastructure quality between different communities. I saw how inadequate roads, outdated water systems, and neglected public spaces could limit access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, especially in underserved neighborhoods like mine. That realization sparked a deeper purpose in me: to become a civil engineer who not only builds structures but also builds equity and access. Attending Morgan State University has been a transformative experience. It has given me a sense of pride, community, and responsibility. Being surrounded by peers and mentors who look like me and share similar goals has empowered me to dream bigger and work harder. I’ve been inspired by the legacy of those who came before me, like Willie Mae Rawls, who used faith, love, and perseverance to uplift their families and communities. I want to carry that legacy forward through my work and my character. My long-term goal is to specialize in sustainable infrastructure and urban development. I want to design systems that are not only efficient and safe but also environmentally responsible and accessible to all. I envision working on projects that bring clean water to rural areas, create safe public transportation in urban neighborhoods, and rebuild communities affected by natural disasters or long-term neglect. I believe thoughtful engineering can be a powerful tool for social justice and environmental stewardship. In addition to my academic and career aspirations, I am deeply committed to mentorship and service. I currently volunteer as a tutor and mentor for younger students in STEM, especially those who may not see themselves represented in these fields. I want to be a visible example that success in engineering is possible and that it can be used to serve others. I believe that lifting as we climb is one of the most powerful ways to honor those who paved the way for us. Receiving the Willie Mae Rawls Memorial Scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my education but also affirm that I am on the right path. It would be an honor to be part of a legacy that values faith, family, and the power of education to transform lives. I am committed to using my education and future career to build a better, more equitable world. One project, one community, and one life at a time.