At 12 years old wearing ponytails, red Converse, and a Justin Bieber t-shirt I walked into the YMCA determined to become the ping pong champion of Sikeston, Missouri. What began as a fun afternoon ended up changing my life. During that tournament, while other girls chatted about school dances, my opponent shared that she had never attended one because her parents couldn’t afford a dress. I walked out of the YMCA that day with a heavy heart and a determined purpose: to make sure every young woman in my community could attend her school dance feeling confident, included, and empowered. That night, with my mom’s support, I created Leilani’s Dream Dresses, a small business that offers affordable and free formal dresses to girls in our rural community. Over the past eight years, I’ve turned my garage into a dress boutique every spring, helping girls feel beautiful and valued. I’ve also used this platform to give back donating 100% of profits to the Bulldog Pantry and organizing events that bring joy, like a prom fashion show for residents of a local long-term care facility. These acts of service showed me the ripple effect that small gestures can have, and they sparked my deeper calling to serve others through healthcare. I am now a full-time nursing student at Southeast Missouri State University with the goal of becoming a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. My passion lies in providing high-quality, compassionate care to rural and underserved communities, especially to women of color, who are often overlooked in our healthcare system. Running my business allowed me to connect with extraordinary young women throughout Southeast Missouri and opened my eyes to the health disparities that persist in our region. One of the most urgent and heartbreaking issues is the maternal mortality rate among African American women, who are three to four times more likely to die from childbirth-related complications than other women of races. These disparities are even more severe in rural areas like mine, where access to prenatal care is limited. As a woman of color, I feel a deep responsibility to address these injustices by becoming a provider who listens, advocates, and truly understands the communities I serve. I’m currently gaining clinical experience through a nurse externship that allows me to rotate through different hospital units. I also actively seek learning opportunities, including reaching out to professors about post-graduate certifications like the SANE credential. My clinical instructor even recognized my dedication in a written note, encouraging me to keep taking every opportunity to grow. I take that encouragement to heart every single day. Receiving the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship would allow me to continue my education and deepen my impact. We need more nurses who reflect the communities they serve nurses who bring not just medical knowledge, but empathy, cultural awareness, and advocacy to the bedside. I am committed to being one of them and creating a more equitable, compassionate healthcare system, one patient, and one act of service, at a time.

At 12 years old wearing ponytails, red Converse, and a Justin Bieber t-shirt I walked into the YMCA determined to become the ping pong champion of Sikeston, Missouri. What began as a fun afternoon ended up changing my life. During that tournament, while other girls chatted about school dances, my opponent shared that she had never attended one because her parents couldn’t afford a dress. I walked out of the YMCA that day with a heavy heart and a determined purpose: to make sure every young woman in my community could attend her school dance feeling confident, included, and empowered. That night, with my mom’s support, I created Leilani’s Dream Dresses, a small business that offers affordable and free formal dresses to girls in our rural community. Over the past eight years, I’ve turned my garage into a dress boutique every spring, helping girls feel beautiful and valued. I’ve also used this platform to give back donating 100% of profits to the Bulldog Pantry and organizing events that bring joy, like a prom fashion show for residents of a local long-term care facility. These acts of service showed me the ripple effect that small gestures can have, and they sparked my deeper calling to serve others through healthcare. I am now a full-time nursing student at Southeast Missouri State University with the goal of becoming a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. My passion lies in providing high-quality, compassionate care to rural and underserved communities, especially to women of color, who are often overlooked in our healthcare system. Running my business allowed me to connect with extraordinary young women throughout Southeast Missouri and opened my eyes to the health disparities that persist in our region. One of the most urgent and heartbreaking issues is the maternal mortality rate among African American women, who are three to four times more likely to die from childbirth-related complications than other women of races. These disparities are even more severe in rural areas like mine, where access to prenatal care is limited. As a woman of color, I feel a deep responsibility to address these injustices by becoming a provider who listens, advocates, and truly understands the communities I serve. I’m currently gaining clinical experience through a nurse externship that allows me to rotate through different hospital units. I also actively seek learning opportunities, including reaching out to professors about post-graduate certifications like the SANE credential. My clinical instructor even recognized my dedication in a written note, encouraging me to keep taking every opportunity to grow. I take that encouragement to heart every single day. Receiving the Wieland Nurse Appreciation Scholarship would allow me to continue my education and deepen my impact. We need more nurses who reflect the communities they serve nurses who bring not just medical knowledge, but empathy, cultural awareness, and advocacy to the bedside. I am committed to being one of them and creating a more equitable, compassionate healthcare system, one patient, and one act of service, at a time. I found this scholarship on bold.org under scholarships that I match the criteria for, thank you!

At 12 years old wearing ponytails, red Converse, and a Justin Bieber t-shirt I walked into the YMCA determined to become the ping pong champion of Sikeston, Missouri. What began as a fun afternoon ended up changing my life. During that tournament, while other girls chatted about school dances, my opponent shared that she had never attended one because her parents couldn’t afford a dress. I walked out of the YMCA that day with a heavy heart and a determined purpose: to make sure every young woman in my community could attend her school dance feeling confident, included, and empowered. That night, with my mom’s support, I created Leilani’s Dream Dresses, a small business that offers affordable and free formal dresses to girls in our rural community. Over the past eight years, I’ve turned my garage into a dress boutique every spring, helping girls feel beautiful and valued. I’ve also used this platform to give back donating 100% of profits to the Bulldog Pantry and organizing events that bring joy, like a prom fashion show for residents of a local long-term care facility. These acts of service showed me the ripple effect that small gestures can have, and they sparked my deeper calling to serve others through healthcare. I am now a full-time nursing student at Southeast Missouri State University with the goal of becoming a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. My passion lies in providing high-quality, compassionate care to rural and underserved communities, especially to women of color, who are often overlooked in our healthcare system. Running my business allowed me to connect with extraordinary young women throughout Southeast Missouri and opened my eyes to the health disparities that persist in our region. One of the most urgent and heartbreaking issues is the maternal mortality rate among African American women, who are three to four times more likely to die from childbirth-related complications than other women of races. These disparities are even more severe in rural areas like mine, where access to prenatal care is limited. As a woman of color, I feel a deep responsibility to address these injustices by becoming a provider who listens, advocates, and truly understands the communities I serve. I’m currently gaining clinical experience through a nurse externship that allows me to rotate through different hospital units. I also actively seek learning opportunities, including reaching out to professors about post-graduate certifications like the SANE credential. My clinical instructor even recognized my dedication in a written note, encouraging me to keep taking every opportunity to grow. I take that encouragement to heart every single day. Receiving the Eric Maurice Brandon Memorial Scholarship would allow me to continue my education and deepen my impact. We need more nurses who reflect the communities they serve nurses who bring not just medical knowledge, but empathy, cultural awareness, and advocacy to the bedside. I am committed to being one of them and creating a more equitable, compassionate healthcare system, one patient, and one act of service, at a time.

At 12 years old wearing ponytails, red Converse, and a Justin Bieber t-shirt I walked into the YMCA determined to become the ping pong champion of Sikeston, Missouri. What began as a fun afternoon ended up changing my life. During that tournament, while other girls chatted about school dances, my opponent shared that she had never attended one because her parents couldn’t afford a dress. I walked out of the YMCA that day with a heavy heart and a determined purpose: to make sure every young woman in my community could attend her school dance feeling confident, included, and empowered. That night, with my mom’s support, I created Leilani’s Dream Dresses, a small business that offers affordable and free formal dresses to girls in our rural community. Over the past eight years, I’ve turned my garage into a dress boutique every spring, helping girls feel beautiful and valued. I’ve also used this platform to give back donating 100% of profits to the Bulldog Pantry and organizing events that bring joy, like a prom fashion show for residents of a local long-term care facility. These acts of service showed me the ripple effect that small gestures can have, and they sparked my deeper calling to serve others through healthcare. I am now a full-time nursing student at Southeast Missouri State University with the goal of becoming a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. My passion lies in providing high-quality, compassionate care to rural and underserved communities, especially to women of color, who are often overlooked in our healthcare system. Running my business allowed me to connect with extraordinary young women throughout Southeast Missouri and opened my eyes to the health disparities that persist in our region. One of the most urgent and heartbreaking issues is the maternal mortality rate among African American women, who are three to four times more likely to die from childbirth-related complications than other women of races. These disparities are even more severe in rural areas like mine, where access to prenatal care is limited. As a woman of color, I feel a deep responsibility to address these injustices by becoming a provider who listens, advocates, and truly understands the communities I serve. I’m currently gaining clinical experience through a nurse externship that allows me to rotate through different hospital units. I also actively seek learning opportunities, including reaching out to professors about post-graduate certifications like the SANE credential. My clinical instructor even recognized my dedication in a written note, encouraging me to keep taking every opportunity to grow. I take that encouragement to heart every single day. Receiving the Kelly O. Memorial Nursing Scholarship would allow me to continue my education and deepen my impact. We need more nurses who reflect the communities they serve nurses who bring not just medical knowledge, but empathy, cultural awareness, and advocacy to the bedside. I am committed to being one of them and creating a more equitable, compassionate healthcare system, one patient, and one act of service, at a time.

At 12 years old wearing ponytails, red Converse, and a Justin Bieber t-shirt I walked into the YMCA determined to become the ping pong champion of Sikeston, Missouri. What began as a fun afternoon ended up changing my life. During that tournament, while other girls chatted about school dances, my opponent shared that she had never attended one because her parents couldn’t afford a dress. I walked out of the YMCA that day with a heavy heart and a determined purpose: to make sure every young woman in my community could attend her school dance feeling confident, included, and empowered. That night, with my mom’s support, I created Leilani’s Dream Dresses, a small business that offers affordable and free formal dresses to girls in our rural community. Over the past eight years, I’ve turned my garage into a dress boutique every spring, helping girls feel beautiful and valued. I’ve also used this platform to give back donating 100% of profits to the Bulldog Pantry and organizing events that bring joy, like a prom fashion show for residents of a local long-term care facility. These acts of service showed me the ripple effect that small gestures can have, and they sparked my deeper calling to serve others through healthcare. I am now a full-time nursing student at Southeast Missouri State University with the goal of becoming a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. My passion lies in providing high-quality, compassionate care to rural and underserved communities, especially to women of color, who are often overlooked in our healthcare system. Running my business allowed me to connect with extraordinary young women throughout Southeast Missouri and opened my eyes to the health disparities that persist in our region. One of the most urgent and heartbreaking issues is the maternal mortality rate among African American women, who are three to four times more likely to die from childbirth-related complications than other women of races. These disparities are even more severe in rural areas like mine, where access to prenatal care is limited. As a woman of color, I feel a deep responsibility to address these injustices by becoming a provider who listens, advocates, and truly understands the communities I serve. I’m currently gaining clinical experience through a nurse externship that allows me to rotate through different hospital units. I also actively seek learning opportunities, including reaching out to professors about post-graduate certifications like the SANE credential. My clinical instructor even recognized my dedication in a written note, encouraging me to keep taking every opportunity to grow. I take that encouragement to heart every single day. Receiving the Women in Healthcare Scholarship would allow me to continue my education and deepen my impact for women underrepresented. We need more nurses who reflect the communities they serve nurses who bring not just medical knowledge, but empathy, cultural awareness, and advocacy to the bedside. I am committed to being one of them and creating a more equitable, compassionate healthcare system, one patient, and one act of service, at a time.

At 12 years old wearing ponytails, red Converse, and a Justin Bieber t-shirt I walked into the YMCA determined to become the ping pong champion of Sikeston, Missouri. What began as a fun afternoon ended up changing my life. During that tournament, while other girls chatted about school dances, my opponent shared that she had never attended one because her parents couldn’t afford a dress. I walked out of the YMCA that day with a heavy heart and a determined purpose: to make sure every young woman in my community could attend her school dance feeling confident, included, and empowered. That night, with my mom’s support, I created Leilani’s Dream Dresses, a small business that offers affordable and free formal dresses to girls in our rural community. Over the past eight years, I’ve turned my garage into a dress boutique every spring, helping girls feel beautiful and valued. I’ve also used this platform to give back donating 100% of profits to the Bulldog Pantry and organizing events that bring joy, like a prom fashion show for residents of a local long-term care facility. These acts of service showed me the ripple effect that small gestures can have, and they sparked my deeper calling to serve others through healthcare. I am now a full-time nursing student at Southeast Missouri State University with the goal of becoming a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. My passion lies in providing high-quality, compassionate care to rural and underserved communities, especially to women of color, who are often overlooked in our healthcare system. Running my business allowed me to connect with extraordinary young women throughout Southeast Missouri and opened my eyes to the health disparities that persist in our region. One of the most urgent and heartbreaking issues is the maternal mortality rate among African American women, who are three to four times more likely to die from childbirth-related complications than other women of races. These disparities are even more severe in rural areas like mine, where access to prenatal care is limited. As a woman of color, I feel a deep responsibility to address these injustices by becoming a provider who listens, advocates, and truly understands the communities I serve. I’m currently gaining clinical experience through a nurse externship that allows me to rotate through different hospital units. I also actively seek learning opportunities, including reaching out to professors about post-graduate certifications like the SANE credential. My clinical instructor even recognized my dedication in a written note, encouraging me to keep taking every opportunity to grow. I take that encouragement to heart every single day. Receiving the Pangeta & Ivory Nursing Scholarship would allow me to continue my education and deepen my impact. We need more nurses who reflect the communities they serve nurses who bring not just medical knowledge, but empathy, cultural awareness, and advocacy to the bedside. I am committed to being one of them and creating a more equitable, compassionate healthcare system, one patient, and one act of service, at a time.

I am currently a full-time student at Southeast Missouri State University, pursuing a degree in Nursing with the dream of becoming a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. My passion lies in providing compassionate, high-quality care to underserved and rural communities, especially to women who too often go unheard or underserved in healthcare systems. Growing up in Southeast Missouri and running a business that connects me with extraordinary young women in my region has opened my eyes to the power of community and the pressing health disparities that exist, particularly for women of color. One of the most heartbreaking and urgent disparities is the maternal mortality rate among African American women. Despite advances in medicine, Black women are still three to four times more likely to die from childbirth-related causes than white women in the United States. These statistics are even more alarming in rural areas, where access to prenatal and maternal care is limited, and systemic issues such as bias, lack of education, and poverty persist. As a woman of color pursuing a career in nursing, I feel a deep responsibility to change these outcomes, not just by treating symptoms, but by being a provider who listens, understands, and advocates for women who look like me. My long-term goal is to serve as a nurse practitioner in a rural community, providing prenatal care, education, and support to expecting mothers, especially women of color. I want to be the person who makes healthcare feel accessible, respectful, and empowering. I believe that when women feel seen and valued by their healthcare providers, their outcomes improve. Representation matters. Being a provider of color in spaces where diversity is lacking can build bridges of trust and communication that ultimately save lives. Through my business, Leilani's Dream Dresses, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring and encouraging young women across Southeast Missouri, helping them to believe in themselves and reach for their dreams. This work has inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others through nursing, combining my passion for service with my commitment to improving lives. I’ve seen how small acts of kindness and investment in others can create a ripple effect, transforming not just individuals, but entire communities. Receiving the Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing Students would help me continue this mission. It would not only support my education financially but also validate the work I am doing to serve and uplift others. I am determined to be a nurse who brings both clinical expertise and cultural understanding to the bedside, especially in areas that have been historically underserved. Increasing racial diversity in healthcare is essential. Diverse providers bring varied perspectives, challenge systemic bias, and improve care for marginalized populations. We need more nurses who understand their patients not only medically, but personally. I want to be one of them, a nurse who helps close gaps, build trust, and create a better, more equitable future for all.

Throughout my nursing education, I have been guided by a deep drive to not only meet expectations, but to exceed them. Of the core pillars—ethical, hungry, humble, and smart—the one that best reflects who I am is "hungry." I am constantly seeking new ways to grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully to every environment I’m placed in. One moment that exemplifies this hunger for growth came during my clinical rotation, when my instructor acknowledged my efforts with a personal note encouraging me to keep taking every opportunity possible. She wrote that my hard work had not gone unnoticed and that my eagerness to learn stood out. That recognition affirmed what I’ve always believed: the more you invest in your learning, the better you can serve others. Instead of simply fulfilling the clinical requirements, I made it a personal goal to immerse myself fully in each experience. I asked questions, volunteered for unfamiliar tasks, and made a point to reflect after each shift. I didn’t just want to pass; I wanted to prepare myself to be the best nurse I could possibly be. I began researching specialized certifications I could pursue after graduation and reached out to my instructors to ask about credentials that would allow me to offer more to my patients. One that stood out to me was the SANE certification. This path, which requires advanced training and emotional resilience, is something I now plan to pursue. I want to be a provider who stands with patients in some of their most vulnerable moments, offering care that is not only clinically sound, but compassionate and trauma informed. Currently, I’m participating in a nurse externship that gives me the opportunity to rotate through different hospital floors each week. This experience has expanded my perspective and skillset far beyond the classroom. Being exposed to a variety of specialties, teams, and patient populations has taught me how to adapt quickly, communicate effectively, and see the bigger picture of healthcare. I take notes, ask questions, and seek feedback daily, because I believe every moment is a chance to learn something valuable. The impact of this mindset has been noticeable, not just in my own growth, but in how I contribute to the healthcare teams I’m a part of. I’ve been able to anticipate needs, support nurses in high-stress moments, and build rapport with patients and staff alike. By staying curious, open, and proactive, I’ve earned trust and become someone others rely on. Being "hungry" in nursing means never settling for “good enough.” It means chasing knowledge, embracing challenges, and constantly pushing to be better, for the sake of your patients, your colleagues, and your community. The Interventional Pain Institute - Excellence in Action Scholarship would help me continue that pursuit, supporting my journey as I work toward becoming a nurse who is not only skilled, but passionate, informed, and ready to make a difference from day one.

I am currently a full-time student at Southeast Missouri State University, pursuing a degree in Nursing with the dream of becoming a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. My passion lies in providing compassionate, high-quality care to underserved and rural communities, especially to women who too often go unheard or underserved in healthcare systems. Growing up in Southeast Missouri and running a business that connects me with extraordinary young women in my region has opened my eyes to the power of community and the pressing health disparities that exist, particularly for women of color. One of the most heartbreaking and urgent disparities is the maternal mortality rate among African American women. Despite advances in medicine, Black women are still three to four times more likely to die from childbirth-related causes than white women in the United States. These statistics are even more alarming in rural areas, where access to prenatal and maternal care is limited, and systemic issues such as bias, lack of education, and poverty persist. As a woman of color pursuing a career in nursing, I feel a deep responsibility to change these outcomes, not just by treating symptoms, but by being a provider who listens, understands, and advocates for women who look like me. My long-term goal is to serve as a nurse practitioner in a rural community, providing prenatal care, education, and support to expecting mothers, especially women of color. I want to be the person who makes healthcare feel accessible, respectful, and empowering. I believe that when women feel seen and valued by their healthcare providers, their outcomes improve. Representation matters. Being a provider of color in spaces where diversity is lacking can build bridges of trust and communication that ultimately save lives. Through my business, Leilani's Dream Dresses, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring and encouraging young women across Southeast Missouri, helping them to believe in themselves and reach for their dreams. This work has inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others through nursing, combining my passion for service with my commitment to improving lives. I’ve seen how small acts of kindness and investment in others can create a ripple effect, transforming not just individuals, but entire communities. Receiving the MedLuxe Representation Matters Scholarship would help me continue this mission. It would not only support my education financially but also validate the work I am doing to serve and uplift others. I am determined to be a nurse who brings both clinical expertise and cultural understanding to the bedside, especially in areas that have been historically underserved. Increasing racial diversity in healthcare is essential. Diverse providers bring varied perspectives, challenge systemic bias, and improve care for marginalized populations. We need more nurses who understand their patients not only medically, but personally. I want to be one of them, a nurse who helps close gaps, build trust, and create a better, more equitable future for all.

At 12 years old, wearing ponytails, red Converse, and a Justin Bieber t-shirt, I skipped into the YMCA, ready to become the ping pong champion of Sikeston, MO. Little did I know that day would change my life. Amid what I thought would be a simple ping pong tournament, I encountered an opponent whose words would ignite a passion within me that I never knew I had and inspire me to change my community. During the tournament, while other girls chatted about school dances, my opponent shared she had never been to a dance because her parents couldn’t afford a dress. I walked swiftly out of the YMCA that day with a heavy heart but a determined purpose: I would make sure that every young woman in my community could attend their school dance wearing a beautiful dress and feel confident, loved, included, and empowered. That night, with my mom’s support, I created Leilani’s Dream Dresses, a business dedicated to providing affordable and free dresses to young women. What started as a spark of inspiration has since grown into a thriving small business that has touched the lives of many in my rural community by spreading kindness. Over the past eight years, I’ve transformed my garage into a dress boutique every spring. What I love most about this endeavor is not just the dresses but the confidence and self-worth it instills in the young women I serve. Since the beginning, I’ve donated 100% of rental profits to the Bulldog Pantry, which provides essential items to children in need, including coats, shoes, hygiene products, food and school supplies. I’ve contributed large donations and over 300 books to foster a love of learning among local youth. My business has also allowed me to organize events like a prom fashion show for residents of a local long-term care facility. Watching the residents clap, smile, and light up with excitement is a moment I will treasure forever. It reaffirmed my belief that kindness and love have the power to make this world a better place. I am currently a full-time student at Southeast Missouri State University, where I am pursuing a degree in Nursing. My dream is to become a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner, with a focus on providing compassionate care to rural communities, particularly in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. My business has given me the incredible privilege of connecting with extraordinary young women across Southeast Missouri, encouraging them to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. It has also inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others through nursing, combining my passion for service with my commitment to improving and saving lives. This journey has taught me the ripple effect of small acts of generosity in shaping communities. Receiving the Jeannine Schroeder Women in Public Service Memorial Scholarship would allow me to further my commitment to community service and achieve my goal of becoming a nurse, driven by compassion and a desire to create meaningful change.

From the moment I stepped into the daycare at my local YMCA, I knew that I had a deep love for working with children. Whether it was comforting a crying toddler or engaging a group in story time, I felt at home. Those early experiences sparked a desire in me to not only care for children but to make a lasting difference in their lives. Over the years, that passion has evolved into a dream of becoming a pediatric cardiac nurse, a profession that perfectly combines my love for children with my fascination with the human heart. The heart has always made the most sense to me. While others may find the cardiovascular system complex or intimidating, I see it as a beautiful, organized rhythm, like a song the body sings to sustain life. I am captivated by how the heart works, how it responds under stress, and how critical its health is to the well-being of every individual. This natural understanding has driven me to pursue a career where I can use that knowledge every day to help others. Nursing became the obvious path for me because it brings together two of my strongest qualities: empathy and curiosity. I’ve always wanted to help children, and the medical field provides a powerful way to do that. Nursing is more than just a job, it’s a commitment to healing, comfort, and advocacy. It’s about showing up for patients during their most vulnerable moments and offering not only medical support but emotional strength. In particular, I want to be there for children and families facing heart conditions, walking with them through the fears, surgeries, and recoveries that come with such diagnoses. My ultimate goal is to work at Mercy Kids in Kansas City, a hospital known for its compassionate and specialized care. I want to be part of a team that brings hope to families, treating not just the disease but the child as a whole. Pediatric cardiac care requires a high level of knowledge, patience, and emotional resilience: qualities I am developing through my education and experiences at my university. I know that the road to becoming a pediatric cardiac nurse will be challenging, but I am fully committed to putting in the work because I believe so deeply in the purpose behind it. Receiving the Deborah Stevens Pediatric Nursing scholarship would not only lighten the financial burden of nursing school but would also bring me one step closer to achieving my dream. I am eager to continue learning, growing, and preparing to serve the children who need care the most. Every child deserves a chance at a healthy heart and a happy life. I want to be the nurse who helps make that possible.

My legacy started as a small bud that soon started to blossom early on in my life. At 12 years old, wearing ponytails, red Converse, and a Justin Bieber t-shirt, I skipped into the YMCA, ready to become the ping pong champion of Sikeston, MO. Little did I know that day would change my life. Amid what I thought would be a simple ping pong tournament, I encountered an opponent whose words would ignite a passion within me that I never knew I had and inspire me to change my community. During the tournament, while other girls chatted about school dances, my opponent shared she had never been to a dance because her parents couldn’t afford a dress. I walked swiftly out of the YMCA that day with a heavy heart but a determined purpose: I would make sure that every young woman in my community could attend their school dance wearing a beautiful dress and feel confident, loved, included, and empowered. That night, I started to shine my light, I created Leilani’s Dream Dresses—a business dedicated to providing affordable and free dresses to young women. What started as a spark of inspiration has since grown into a thriving small business that has touched the lives of many in my rural community by spreading kindness. Over the past eight years, I’ve transformed my garage into a dress boutique every spring. What I love most about this endeavor is not just the dresses but the confidence and self-worth it instills in the young women I serve. Since the beginning, I’ve donated 100% of rental profits to the Bulldog Pantry, which provides essential items to children in need, including coats, shoes, hygiene products, food and school supplies. I’ve contributed large donations and over 300 books to foster a love of learning among local youth. My business has also allowed me to organize events like a prom fashion show for residents of a local long-term care facility. Watching the residents clap, smile, and light up with excitement is a moment I will treasure forever. It reaffirmed my belief that kindness and love have the power to make this world a better place. I am currently a full-time student at Southeast Missouri State University, where I am pursuing a degree in Nursing. My dream is to become a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner, with a focus on providing compassionate care to rural communities, particularly in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. My business has given me the incredible privilege of connecting with extraordinary young women across Southeast Missouri, encouraging them to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. It has also inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others through nursing, combining my passion for service with my commitment to improving and saving lives. This journey has taught me the ripple effect of small acts of generosity in shaping communities. Receiving the Let Your Light Shine Scholarship would allow me to further my commitment to community service and achieve my goal of becoming a nurse, driven by compassion and a desire to create meaningful change.

At 12 years old, wearing ponytails, red Converse, and a Justin Bieber t-shirt, I skipped into the YMCA, ready to become the ping pong champion of Sikeston, MO. Little did I know that day would change my life. Amid what I thought would be a simple ping pong tournament, I encountered an opponent whose words would ignite a passion within me that I never knew I had and inspire me to change my community. During the tournament, while other girls chatted about school dances, my opponent shared she had never been to a dance because her parents couldn’t afford a dress. I walked swiftly out of the YMCA that day with a heavy heart but a determined purpose: I would make sure that every young woman in my community could attend their school dance wearing a beautiful dress and feel confident, loved, included, and empowered. That night, with my mom’s support, I created Leilani’s Dream Dresses—a business dedicated to providing affordable and free dresses to young women. What started as a spark of inspiration has since grown into a thriving small business that has touched the lives of many in my rural community by spreading kindness. Over the past eight years, I’ve transformed my garage into a dress boutique every spring. What I love most about this endeavor is not just the dresses but the confidence and self-worth it instills in the young women I serve. Since the beginning, I’ve donated 100% of rental profits to the Bulldog Pantry, which provides essential items to children in need, including coats, shoes, hygiene products, food and school supplies. I’ve contributed large donations and over 300 books to foster a love of learning among local youth. My business has also allowed me to organize events like a prom fashion show for residents of a local long-term care facility. Watching the residents clap, smile, and light up with excitement is a moment I will treasure forever. It reaffirmed my belief that kindness and love have the power to make this world a better place. One day I hope to open a store front that young women can walk into instead of my garage making them feel ten times more confident than when they walked in. I am currently a full-time student at Southeast Missouri State University, where I am pursuing a degree in Nursing. My dream is to become a registered nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner, with a focus on providing compassionate care to rural communities, particularly in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. My business has given me the incredible privilege of connecting with extraordinary young women across Southeast Missouri, encouraging them to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. It has also inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others through nursing, combining my passion for service with my commitment to improving and saving lives. This journey has taught me the ripple effect of small acts of generosity in shaping communities. Receiving the Elevate Black Entrepreneurs Scholarships would allow me to further my commitment to community service and achieve my goal of becoming a nurse, driven by compassion and a desire to create meaningful change.