My name is Makyiah Sendelbach, and I am currently a student at Liberty University pursuing a degree in Financial Planning. What began as a simple classroom exercise—balancing a checkbook and building a basic budget—quickly turned into a deeper curiosity about personal finance. I realized how essential financial literacy is to every part of life and how many people around me lacked access to sound financial guidance. From that point forward, I felt called to a career in finance—one where I could empower individuals to make informed, confident decisions with their money. When I first considered majoring in a finance-related field in high school, I was aware of the challenges that would come with entering a male-dominated industry. Although I knew I was more than capable, I couldn’t ignore the intimidation I felt about walking into spaces where I might be one of the few women in the room. For a time, I questioned whether this path was right for me, simply because I didn’t see many examples of women thriving in the financial services industry. Thankfully, those doubts began to fade once I found a mentor—a female advisor who helped me see not only that I belonged in this field, but that I could thrive in it. Her encouragement, along with support from other women in the industry, helped solidify my confidence and reignited my passion. Their mentorship showed me the value of representation and how essential it is to help women not only enter but stay and succeed in this profession. One of the most effective ways I believe we can improve the financial services system for women is by developing structured mentorship and outreach programs. As a student, I had to seek out mentorship on my own without knowing where to begin. Many aspiring female finance professionals may never take that step if they feel alone or uncertain. By creating intentional pathways for mentorship—especially ones that are visible and accessible to students—we can inspire and empower young women to explore and stay in finance-related careers. Today, I am passionate about being part of that solution. Even as a student, I’ve had opportunities to speak with classmates and peers who are curious about finance but unsure where to begin. I love being able to share my internship experience, coursework, and personal insights with others, especially young women who may need just a bit of encouragement to take the next step. I believe advocacy doesn’t have to wait until graduation—it starts now. Finance affects every person, yet many still feel stuck when it comes to achieving their financial goals. I’ve seen this firsthand with peers and family members who have struggled to make financial decisions due to lack of knowledge or guidance. That’s exactly why I want to become a financial advisor: to walk alongside others, helping them feel empowered and equipped to pursue their goals. There’s nothing more fulfilling to me than using what I’ve learned to serve and uplift others. In the upcoming 2025–2026 school year, I am taking the next step in my professional journey by preparing for the SIE exam. This is an important milestone toward becoming a licensed financial professional and achieving my long-term goal of helping people take control of their financial futures. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to pursue my education debt-free and focus fully on my academic and professional development. I am deeply grateful for your time, consideration, and investment in future leaders like myself. Thank you, Makyiah Sendelbach