As a young Black woman raised by a single mother, I carry with me a legacy of strength, resilience, and purpose. Watching my mother work hard to provide, while still pouring love and faith into me, taught me that nothing is impossible with determination and belief in yourself. She is one of my biggest inspirations, and I want my success to reflect the sacrifices she made for me. In the future, I plan to own a soul food business that feeds more than just stomachs—it feeds the soul. Cooking is my passion, but it’s also my ministry. I want to use my gift to create a safe, loving space where people feel seen, valued, and connected. My long-term vision includes mentoring youth, providing jobs, and investing in underserved communities. I believe food brings people together, and I want to be a bridge for healing, culture, and opportunity. Being Black to me means walking with history on my shoulders and hope in my heart. It means being rooted in greatness, even when the world tries to ignore our shine. It means knowing my worth, loving my skin, and fighting for something bigger than myself. I chose to attend an HBCU because I wanted to be surrounded by excellence that reflects who I am. I wanted a place where my culture is celebrated, not tolerated. My HBCU is preparing me to rise, to lead, and to represent everything it means to be Black, bold, and brilliant.

My journey toward higher education has been shaped by both passion and pain. From a young age, I’ve always believed in the power of education—not just as a way to secure a career, but as a path to purpose. One of the biggest influences on this belief was my godfather. He was more than family—he was a mentor, a supporter, and a living example of strength, generosity, and faith. His passing left a hole in my heart, but it also left behind a fire in my soul to keep pushing forward. My godfather always saw something in me. He spoke life into me, encouraged my dreams, and reminded me that my gifts were meant to serve others. Even when things got hard—when I was doubting myself or felt like giving up—he had a way of grounding me and reminding me who I was. When he passed, it was one of the hardest moments of my life. But even in his absence, his words still echo in my mind. I want to make him proud. I want to carry his legacy in everything I do. Education is how I plan to do that. I’ve always been passionate about the culinary arts, and not just for the food itself, but for what food represents: culture, love, healing, and community. I plan to use my education to start a soul food business that honors my roots and brings people together. I want to create a space where people can feel at home—where food comforts the spirit and uplifts the heart. More than just a restaurant, I want to build a business that gives back: providing job opportunities, mentoring young chefs, and feeding families in need. My godfather didn’t get to see me graduate or start my business, but I carry him with me every step of the way. Every time I step into a kitchen, every time I study late into the night, I do it for him. I do it for my future and for the people I’ll serve one day. His belief in me still gives me strength, and this scholarship will help turn that belief into a reality. I’m not just chasing a career—I’m answering a calling. And I know that with faith, hard work, and the right support, I can turn my dreams into something that lasts. Something that gives back. Something he’d be proud of.

My name is Leila Jerry, and I’m a freshman in college to the best HBCU ( UMES) with big dreams, a big heart, and a deep love for food, family, and faith. I was raised in a home where cooking wasn’t just a chore — it was a celebration. Whether it was Sunday dinners or holiday meals, food always brought us together. I fell in love with how something made with love in the kitchen could comfort someone, make them smile, or even bring healing during hard times. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue culinary arts, not just as a career, but as a calling. Culinary arts is where my creativity, culture, and purpose come together. My dream is to become a professional chef and build my own soul food business called Flavors & Fire. It’s more than a name — it’s a reflection of who I am. The “Flavors” represent my deep love for soul food and the cultural roots that shaped me. The “Fire” reflects both my bold personality and my passion to serve others through what I create in the kitchen. I’ve already begun selling sweet potato pies and developing my brand, and this is just the beginning. What truly drives me in the culinary world is the opportunity to make people feel loved, seen, and cared for through food. I believe soul food is more than just something to eat — it’s a story, a connection to history, and a comfort in hard times. I want to perfect my craft, learn from experts, and expand my skills so I can build a successful, community-based business that honors tradition while creating new experiences. But success to me doesn’t just mean making money or gaining fame — it means giving back. Once I establish Flavors & Fire, my biggest goal is to use it as a platform to uplift others. I want to offer culinary workshops for youth in under-resourced communities, especially young Black girls who need a safe space to dream big and be bold. I want to provide mentorship, training, and scholarships for students who have a passion for food but may not have the resources to pursue it. I also plan to host community meals, free cooking classes, and spiritual gatherings where people can be fed both physically and emotionally. I’m also in ministerial training, and my faith is a huge part of who I am. I believe God gave me this gift for a reason — not to keep to myself, but to serve others. That’s why this scholarship means so much to me. It would not only help fund my education, but it would be an investment in my purpose. I’m ready to learn, grow, and use every skill I gain to pour back into the world around me. Culinary arts isn’t just my dream — it’s my destiny. And I’m ready to step into it.