My name is Landon Mardi, and I am planning to pursue a degree in Business Administration at Morehouse College. I chose this path because I see business as more than numbers and transactions; it is a tool for building opportunities, solving problems, and creating systems that can uplift entire communities. Growing up in a close-knit Texas community and as the son of an African immigrant, I learned early that education and perseverance are powerful tools for transformation. My father came to the United States with limited schooling but a relentless determination to provide for our family. His resilience showed me that pursuing higher education is not just about personal advancement; it is about carrying forward a legacy and creating space for others to succeed. I chose Business Administration because it equips me with the skills to pursue my long-term goal: launching a tech-integrated construction company that addresses two pressing issues: affordable housing and sustainability. I’ve already taken steps toward this vision by earning my Autodesk Revit certification, giving me the tools to design and model energy-efficient infrastructure. My vision is to build affordable homes in underserved neighborhoods while also training and employing workers from within those same communities. In this way, my business won’t just build homes, it will build opportunity. Representation is deeply important to me because I know how discouraging it can be to step into a field where people who look like you are underrepresented. In business leadership, only about 4% of senior executives in the U.S. are Black. That number is not just a statistic; it is a reminder of why I must persist. At Morehouse, I am preparing to be part of the small but growing percentage of Black business leaders who will change that reality. My impact will extend beyond my career. I want to inspire the next generation of Black students to see business as a space where they belong. By mentoring younger students, creating internships within my future company, and sharing my story of perseverance, I hope to remind them that they don’t have to wait for someone else to create opportunities; they can build them themselves. This scholarship would help me continue my education while advancing a vision much bigger than myself. With it, I will pursue my degree not only to achieve my own goals but to create pathways for Black students and professionals who will come after me. Representation matters, and I am committed to ensuring that the numbers grow so that more Black students pursue business, more Black entrepreneurs thrive, and more Black leaders influence industries that shape our communities.

As a Black student planning to pursue a degree in Business Administration at Morehouse College, I recognize both the challenges and opportunities that come with entering a field where Black representation has historically been limited. The underrepresentation of Black decision-makers in business is not just a statistic; it is a barrier that can discourage the next generation from believing they belong in these spaces. My goal is to break down that barrier by utilizing my education to create access, opportunity, and visibility for others who look like me. My inspiration to lead in business comes from both my cultural heritage and my community. As the son of an African immigrant who came to the United States with little formal education but an unshakable determination to provide, I was raised to understand that perseverance and sacrifice are the foundation of progress. Watching my father work tirelessly taught me that education is not just a privilege, it is a responsibility. It is how we honor those who came before us while building a better future for those who will come after. That responsibility shapes my vision as an aspiring entrepreneur. I plan to launch a tech-integrated construction company that focuses on sustainable and affordable housing for underserved communities. My aim is not only to innovate within the construction industry but also to create a business model that invests in people. By training local workers, employing Black professionals in design and management roles, and reinvesting profits into education and wellness programs, I want my company to become a pathway for Black talent to thrive in fields where they are often underrepresented. At Morehouse, I am sharpening my business skills while continuing to build on my technical foundation, including my Autodesk Revit certification. I see this as the first step toward blending technology, entrepreneurship, and community service into a business model that uplifts others. For me, representation is not only about occupying a seat at the table; it's about building new tables where more Black voices, leaders, and innovators are included. Receiving this scholarship would not only help relieve the financial burden of pursuing higher education, but it would also affirm the importance of increasing Black representation in business leadership. With your support, I will continue preparing to be a leader who demonstrates that diversity in business is not only possible but powerful. My education will not end with personal success; it will serve as a platform to open doors for others, ensuring that the next generation of Black students and professionals sees both possibility and belonging in the world of business.

Growing up in a close-knit Texas community shaped by faith, service, and resilience, I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to give back. Whether I was sorting food after church services, helping young students navigate their first notes in the elementary school band, or assisting at community blood drives, each act of service connected me to something bigger than myself. These experiences taught me that change doesn’t always come through grand gestures; it begins with presence, compassion, and consistency. My journey as a servant leader was born out of gratitude for a community that poured into me and a desire to uplift those coming after me. But this desire to serve is also deeply rooted in my cultural heritage. As a second-generation African immigrant, I’ve witnessed firsthand what it means to rise from limited means with unwavering hope. My father immigrated to the United States from Africa in 1998 with only a partial high school education. Yet, despite every obstacle, he provided for me, my older sister, and my younger brother through sheer determination and sacrifice. His resilience became a blueprint for my own. His journey taught me that education is not something to take for granted; it’s a gift and a responsibility. It is how we honor the sacrifices of our parents and transform hardship into a legacy. That legacy is what drives me to build not just metaphorically, but literally. I am pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing at Morehouse College, where I’m preparing to launch a tech-integrated construction company that addresses two urgent global issues: environmental degradation and the lack of affordable housing. I’ve already earned my Autodesk Revit certification, equipping me with the tools to design sustainable infrastructure that fuses wellness, technology, and community impact. My vision is to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes in underserved neighborhoods that don’t just shelter families but help them flourish. Being both African-American and the son of an immigrant has taught me to move through life with dual awareness: pride in my heritage and responsibility to my future. It’s this blend of cultural humility and ambition that fuels my goals. I don’t just want to succeed in STEM and entrepreneurship; I want to lead projects that train local workers, reinvest profits into education and wellness programs, and prove that sustainability and affordability are not mutually exclusive. Receiving this Scholarship would do more than ease the financial burdens of my education; it would affirm a legacy I am proud to inherit. It would support my mission to serve, build, and lead with intention. Most importantly, it would help me honor the generations before me, my father, my community, and my culture by creating something lasting for those yet to come.

Faith has been the foundation of my character, my values, and my leadership. It has shaped how I make decisions, how I treat others, and how I persevere in difficult moments. For me, leadership is not about titles or recognition; it is about serving with integrity, guiding others through challenges, and modeling Christ-like character in every environment I enter. Growing up, I learned early on that faith calls us to lead by example. Whether in academics, athletics, or community service, I strive to embody perseverance, humility, and responsibility. In high school, I was actively involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and The Movement Club. Both organizations centered on encouraging peers to live out their faith openly and boldly. Within these groups, I had opportunities to lead prayer circles, speak to my peers about resilience through faith, and organize outreach efforts that reminded students they were not alone. One moment that profoundly shaped my leadership through faith occurred during a challenging soccer season. Our team was struggling with losses, and morale was low. Instead of allowing negativity to divide us, I led by bringing teammates together in prayer before games, encouraging them with Scripture, and reminding them that our worth wasn’t defined by the scoreboard but by the effort and unity we brought as a team. Over time, the atmosphere shifted, players encouraged each other more, worked harder on the field, and played with greater trust. That experience taught me that faith-driven leadership is not about control, but about inspiring others to see beyond their circumstances and believe in something greater. My faith continues to inspire my long-term vision of becoming a purpose-driven entrepreneur. I aspire to launch a tech-integrated construction company focused on building sustainable, affordable infrastructure for underserved communities. For me, this goal is not only about business innovation but also about living out the biblical call to serve others and uplift those in need. I see entrepreneurship as a way to combine my skills with my values, creating solutions that benefit communities while honoring God’s purpose for my life. Ultimately, my leadership style is one rooted in service, encouragement, and faith. Just as my faith has given me strength in moments of adversity, I strive to share that same strength with others, whether through prayer, mentorship, or action. This scholarship represents more than financial support to me; it represents a community of believers who share a commitment to making a positive difference in the world. With your support, I will continue my education at Houston Christian University, then take my talents to Morehouse College to become a leader who builds not only businesses but also stronger, faith-filled communities.

Growing up in a close-knit Texas community shaped by faith, service, and resilience, I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to give back. Whether I was sorting food after church services, helping young students navigate their first notes in the elementary school band, or assisting at community blood drives, each act of service connected me to something bigger than myself. These experiences taught me that change doesn’t always come through grand gestures; it begins with presence, compassion, and consistency. My journey as a servant leader was born out of gratitude for a community that poured into me and a desire to uplift those coming after me. But this desire to serve is also deeply rooted in my cultural heritage. As a second-generation African immigrant, I’ve witnessed firsthand what it means to rise from limited means with unwavering hope. My father immigrated to the United States from Africa in 1998 with only a partial high school education. Yet, despite every obstacle, he provided for me, my older sister, and my younger brother through sheer determination and sacrifice. His resilience became a blueprint for my own. His journey taught me that education is not something to take for granted; it’s a gift and a responsibility. It is how we honor the sacrifices of our parents and transform hardship into a legacy. That legacy is what drives me to build not just metaphorically, but literally. I am pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing at Morehouse College, where I’m preparing to launch a tech-integrated construction company that addresses two urgent global issues: environmental degradation and the lack of affordable housing. I’ve already earned my Autodesk Revit certification, equipping me with the tools to design sustainable infrastructure that fuses wellness, technology, and community impact. My vision is to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes in underserved neighborhoods that not only shelter families but also help them flourish. Being both African-American and the son of an immigrant has taught me to move through life with dual awareness: pride in my heritage and responsibility to my future. It’s this blend of cultural humility and ambition that fuels my goals. I don’t just want to succeed in STEM and entrepreneurship; I want to lead projects that train local workers, reinvest profits into education and wellness programs, and prove that sustainability and affordability are not mutually exclusive. Receiving the Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship would do more than ease the financial burdens of my education; it would affirm a legacy I am proud to inherit. It would support my mission to serve, build, and lead with intention. Most importantly, it would help me honor the generations before me, my father, my community, and my culture, by creating something lasting for those yet to come

Adversity has a way of revealing who we truly are. For me, it came in the form of internal battles and struggles with identity, mental health, and academic uncertainty during my teenage years. I often felt pulled between expectations and reality, between the need to succeed and the weight of invisible struggles. There were days when I questioned my purpose, when even showing up felt like a challenge. But through it all, I held on to my faith, my family’s strength, and the example of my father, an African immigrant who came to this country in 1998 with little education but an unshakable will to provide for his family. My father’s story grounded me. He had only a high school education when he arrived in America, but he never let that stop him from building a life for me, my sister, and my younger brother. His sacrifices were quiet but powerful, working long hours, making sure we had what we needed, and never allowing hardship to define us. Watching him persevere through life’s challenges showed me that adversity is not a dead end, but a detour, a place where strength is born. With that perspective, I began turning my pain into purpose. I became more involved in my community, using service as a way to reconnect with others and myself. I organized food drives at my church, helped young students in my old elementary school’s band program, and volunteered at blood drives. Each act of service reminded me that while I couldn’t always control my circumstances, I could control how I responded to them. I began to see leadership not as a title, but as a commitment to showing up, especially when it's hard. This transformation also shaped my academic and career goals. I’m now pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing at Morehouse College, with plans to launch a tech-integrated construction company focused on sustainable, affordable housing. I’ve already earned an Autodesk Revit certification, giving me the technical tools to turn that vision into reality. My goal is to use technology not just to build structures, but to rebuild hope in communities often left behind. That’s why attending an HBCU like Morehouse is so meaningful to me. HBCUs are more than just schools; they are incubators of culture, purpose, and Black excellence. They offer a space where students like me don’t have to explain ourselves; we are seen, heard, and supported. Morehouse, in particular, provides the mentorship, legacy, and values-driven education I need to grow not only as a scholar but as a changemaker. At an HBCU, I’m not just preparing for a career. I’m preparing to lead. I’m stepping into the legacy of those who turned adversity into impact, who transformed struggle into strength. What I’ve learned from my own experiences is that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about using it to carve a better path forward. With the foundation of my heritage, the support of an HBCU, and the lessons I’ve learned from adversity, I know I’m ready to build a future that uplifts not just me, but everyone around me.

Growing up in a close-knit Texas community shaped by faith, service, and resilience, I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to give back. Whether I was sorting food after church services, helping young students navigate their first notes in the elementary school band, or assisting at community blood drives, each act of service connected me to something bigger than myself. These experiences taught me that change doesn’t always come through grand gestures; it begins with presence, compassion, and consistency. My journey as a servant leader was born out of gratitude for a community that poured into me and a desire to uplift those coming after me. But this desire to serve is also deeply rooted in my cultural heritage. As a second-generation African immigrant, I’ve witnessed firsthand what it means to rise from limited means with unwavering hope. My father immigrated to the United States from Africa in 1998 with only a partial high school education. Yet, despite every obstacle, he provided for me, my older sister, and my younger brother through sheer determination and sacrifice. His resilience became a blueprint for my own. His journey taught me that education is not something to take for granted; it’s a gift and a responsibility. It is how we honor the sacrifices of our parents and transform hardship into a legacy. That legacy is what drives me to build not just metaphorically, but literally. I am pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing at Morehouse College, where I’m preparing to launch a tech-integrated construction company that addresses two urgent global issues: environmental degradation and the lack of affordable housing. I’ve already earned my Autodesk Revit certification, equipping me with the tools to design sustainable infrastructure that fuses wellness, technology, and community impact. My vision is to construct affordable, energy-efficient homes in underserved neighborhoods that don’t just shelter families but help them flourish. Being both African-American and the son of an immigrant has taught me to move through life with dual awareness: pride in my heritage and responsibility to my future. It’s this blend of cultural humility and ambition that fuels my goals. I don’t just want to succeed in STEM and entrepreneurship, I want to lead projects that train local workers, reinvest profits into education and wellness programs, and prove that sustainability and affordability are not mutually exclusive. Receiving the Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy Scholarship would do more than ease the financial burdens of my education; it would affirm a legacy I am proud to inherit. It would support my mission to serve, build, and lead with intention. Most importantly, it would help me honor the generations before me, my father, my community, and my culture, by creating something lasting for those yet to come.

In the next five years, I will create a positive environmental impact in both my local and global communities by combining technology and wellness in a purpose-driven approach to sustainable infrastructure. Rooted in faith, shaped by adversity, and driven by a mission to serve, I plan to launch a tech-integrated construction company that addresses two urgent global challenges: environmental degradation and unequal access to affordable housing. Growing up in a tight-knit Texas community grounded in love, service, and faith, I learned the importance of showing up for others. Whether organizing food drives at my church or helping young musicians at my old elementary school, I discovered that real change begins at the community level. At the same time, personal challenges, including identity struggles, mental health battles, and academic uncertainty, forced me to look inward. I emerged with a stronger sense of self, purpose, and a renewed commitment to helping others not only survive but thrive. That transformation led me to Morehouse College, where I am now pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, to merge innovation, entrepreneurship, and service. I have already earned my Autodesk Revit certification, a powerful tool that allows for sustainable digital modeling in construction and architecture. With this foundation, I plan to lead a new generation of green builders and innovators who prioritize community wellness alongside environmental responsibility. My vision is simple but ambitious: to build affordable, energy-efficient housing in underserved areas using sustainable materials, smart design, and environmentally conscious technologies. I want to create spaces that reduce carbon footprints while increasing human dignity. These won’t just be houses, they’ll be homes where families can flourish, neighborhoods can grow, and ecosystems can heal. Technology will drive the efficiency of my work, but wellness will guide its purpose. On a local level, this means collaborating with municipalities and nonprofits to revitalize struggling neighborhoods through eco-conscious development. Globally, I aspire to scale my impact through partnerships with international organizations working in communities affected by poverty and climate vulnerability. Through each project, I want to prove that sustainability and affordability are not opposites; they are inseparable. What sets my plan apart is not just the end product but the process. I will prioritize hiring from within the communities I serve, offer training programs in green building technologies, and create business models that reinvest profits back into local education, wellness, and infrastructure. My work will uplift not just the environment, but the people who live in it. I know this journey will not be easy, but I’ve never been one to quit. I’ve experienced what it feels like to lose your way and find it again, stronger, smarter, and more determined. I believe that the challenges I’ve faced, the values I live by, and the community that raised me have all prepared me to make a lasting impact on this world. The next five years are not just about building structures; they’re about building a legacy of service, sustainability, and self-discovery all through the lens of technology and wellness.

I grew up in a town where everyone knows your name, where church potlucks fill the weekends, and neighbors show up without being asked. It’s a place that raised me with strong values, like community, faith, hard work, and the importance of showing up for others. Those values shaped who I am and inspired me to pursue a career in construction, not just as a job, but as a way to give back to the people and the place that built me. Construction is more than just working with wood, concrete, or bricks. It’s about creating something lasting, homes where families can grow, schools where children can learn, and community centers where people can come together. Growing up, I watched neighbors and friends come together to build and maintain the town. That sense of purpose and teamwork inspired me. I want to be part of building and repairing the very foundation of my community. My commitment to service began early. I volunteered at my church’s monthly food drives, helping sort donations and prepare boxes for families in need. I remember how something as simple as a box of cereal could mean a full breakfast for a child, and that idea stayed with me, the quiet power of small acts adding up to something life-changing. Later, I helped at local blood drives, assisting donors with check-ins and refreshments. Watching people quietly give of themselves taught me that service isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s about simply showing up. One of my most meaningful experiences was volunteering with the band program at my old elementary school. As a former band student, I knew how intimidating those first weeks could be. I helped young students learn to hold their instruments, read music, and most importantly, believe in themselves. I’ll never forget one shy boy who struggled at first but lit up when he played his first full song. That moment reminded me that encouragement can create lasting confidence. Now, I want to bring that same spirit into construction. I plan to master my trade through hands-on training at a local trade school, followed by an apprenticeship where I can learn from skilled professionals in the field. I believe in learning by doing and gaining real-world experience. My goal is to become a highly skilled construction worker who not only knows how to build but understands the impact those buildings have on people’s lives. Once I’ve mastered my trade, I want to give back in concrete ways. Whether it’s repairing aging homes for families who can’t afford costly renovations, helping build affordable housing, or volunteering on community projects, I want my work to improve the lives of those around me. I also hope to mentor younger people interested in trades, showing them that with dedication and hard work, they can build a better future for themselves and their community. This town gave me my roots, my values, and my sense of purpose. Through construction, I want to build more than structures, I want to build hope, opportunity, and a stronger community. It’s not just about the work; it’s about the people who live in the places I help create. That’s how I plan to master my trade and give back to the community that raised me.

I grew up in a place where everyone knows your name, church gatherings are a regular event, and neighbors show up for each other without being asked. It’s a place that shaped me through Sunday service at my church, the childhood memories at the community park, and every face I passed in the school hallway. Over time, I began to feel a deep responsibility to give back to the community that raised me. I didn’t just want to live here; I tried to help it grow. That desire to serve led me to volunteer in many ways, starting at my church. Every month, we organized food drives for local families. I remember helping sort donations after services, seeing everything from canned beans to baby formula laid out on folding tables in the fellowship hall. It struck me how something as simple as a box of cereal could mean a full breakfast for a child. That image stayed with me the quiet power of small acts adding up to something life-changing. I also began volunteering at blood drives hosted by our local community center. Watching people roll up their sleeves to give a part of themselves for someone else was incredibly moving. I assisted with check-ins and refreshments, and even though I wasn’t donating blood myself at first, I saw how every donor was a quiet hero. Their selflessness inspired me to be more intentional about the ways I could help. Another place I found purpose was in my old elementary school, where I began volunteering with the band program. As a former band student, I remembered how intimidating those first weeks could be. Now, I help young students learn the basics of how to hold their instruments, read music, and, most importantly, believe in themselves. Watching their eyes light up when they play their first full song is a reminder of how small encouragements can leave lasting impacts. Through these experiences, I’ve come to understand that volunteerism isn’t about grand gestures it’s about presence. It’s about showing up with a heart ready to serve, whether it’s sorting food, offering a smile at a blood drive, or helping a child find their rhythm. What drives me most is love, love for the community that raised me, for the people who shaped me, and for the younger generation that deserves every opportunity to thrive. I volunteer because I want to see this town not just survive but flourish. I want the little boy at band practice to find his voice through music. I want the single mother picking up a food box to feel hope. I want the high school student giving blood for the first time to feel a sense of pride. This community gave me roots. Through service, I’m helping water the soil for those who come next. And that, to me, is the true meaning of giving back.