Breaking the Silence: Leadership Through Empathy and Resilience Mental health is often a silent struggle, especially within the Latino community and military families, where strength is frequently misinterpreted as the suppression of emotion. My understanding of the world, my relationships, and my professional aspirations have been profoundly shaped by my experience navigating the complexities of mental health—not only as a first-generation student but as the spouse of a 100% disabled United States Marine Corps veteran. This journey has transformed my perspective, leading to an enlightened understanding of what it means to lead with compassion and purpose. Living with a veteran who carries the invisible wounds of service has been one of the greatest challenges and lessons of my life. It has taught me that mental health is not an individual struggle, but a familial and communal one. Navigating the realities of PTSD and disability has required me to develop a deep sense of patience and a sophisticated level of emotional intelligence. I have learned that "strength" isn't about ignoring trauma, but about creating a safe space where healing can begin. This experience has fundamentally altered my relationships, teaching me to listen more deeply and to advocate fiercely for those who feel silenced by their conditions. These personal experiences have directly influenced my professional goals. I am currently pursuing an MBA with the firm intention of transitioning into a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. In the traditional business world, mental health is often overlooked in favor of productivity. However, I aspire to change that. My goal is to become a leader who integrates mental health awareness into organizational strategy. I want to build workplaces that recognize the human element of business—environments where employees, including veterans and those from underserved communities, feel supported and understood. I believe that a healthy organization starts with the mental well-being of its people. Furthermore, being a first-generation Latina student and a single parent in the past has taught me about the "darkness" of isolation. Like Ethel Hayes, many people in my community struggle in silence because of the stigma surrounding mental health. My aspiration is to use my doctoral platform to be a voice for desestigmatization. I want to show that academic excellence and emotional vulnerability can coexist. Reaching the highest tier of education is my way of proving that our past struggles—and the struggles of our loved ones—do not define our limits; they refine our vision. This scholarship would support my transition to the DBA level, allowing me to focus on research that explores the intersection of leadership and psychological safety in the workplace. It would help ease the financial burden on my family, providing the stability needed to continue my advocacy. I am committed to bringing the conversation of mental health into the light of the boardroom and the classroom. By honoring the resilience of my husband and the strength I have found in our journey, I hope to lead a career defined by impact, empathy, and the unwavering belief that no one should have to struggle in the dark.

1. When did you find TXT? I found TXT back in 2021. It was a very challenging time in my life when I was balancing a full-time job and my undergraduate studies. I remember hearing "0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)" 2. What do you think is one of the most important characteristics of a MOA? I think the most important characteristic of a MOA is resilience. Just like the members of TXT, who often sing about the struggles of growing up and facing the "thorns" in life, MOAs are people who keep moving forward despite the obstacles. We are a supportive community that values personal growth, empathy, and staying true to ourselves even when the world feels overwhelming. 3. Do you have a TXT bias, and if so, why did you choose them? My bias is Soobin. I really admire his leadership style. He isn't a "loud" or aggressive leader; he leads with kindness, perception, and a quiet strength that keeps the group together. As someone who is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) to become a leader myself, I look up to how he handles pressure while remaining authentic and humble. 4. Who is your ult bias, if any, of any group? My ult bias is definitely Soobin. There’s a natural comfort in his personality that really resonates with me. However, I consider myself "OT5" 5. What is your favorite TXT song, and why? My favorite song is "Maze in the Mirror." Knowing that the members co-wrote it during their trainee days about their own insecurities makes it very personal. 6. Have you had a chance to see TXT live in concert before? Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to see them live yet. Between working as a paraprofessional in a school, raising my child on my own, and my Master's studies, my schedule and budget have been very tight. It is definitely a huge dream of mine to experience their energy and performance in person one day when I finish my studies! 7. What was your favorite album concept, and why? My favorite concept is "The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION" (the Farewell version). I loved the visual storytelling about the struggle of leaving "Neverland" to face the reality of adulthood. 8. How are you currently paying for school? Currently, I am paying for my Master’s degree through my salary as a school paraprofessional and some student loans. As a single parent who also financially supports my mother, every dollar is carefully managed. I work very hard to keep my GPA high so I can qualify for academic models that allow me to accelerate, but the financial burden of graduate school is a constant weight. 9. How will the scholarship help you? What gaps can it fill? This scholarship would be a massive help for my transition into my Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program this June. It would fill the financial gap between my current salary and the tuition costs for the upcoming terms. Instead of worrying about how to cover the next payment or taking on more debt, I could focus entirely on my research and my responsibilities at the school where I work. It would provide the peace and quiet I need to finish my goals. 10. How has TXT influenced you for good? TXT has taught me that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Their lyrics about anxiety and the difficulties of life have helped me process my own past traumas and the stress of being a single parent. 11. How will you use your education to do good in the world? As a future Doctor of Business Administration, I want to use my education to create better opportunities for underserved communities. Working in a school has shown me how much students need role models who look like them. I want to lead organizations that prioritize empathy and inclusion, proving that you can be a successful business leader while also being a compassionate human being. I want to show my child and my community that through education and resilience, we can break any negative cycle and build a better future.

A Journey of Resilience: Defining My Future Beyond Addiction The battle with addiction is often a silent and isolating one, yet it is also one of the most powerful teachers of human resilience. My journey toward maintaining sobriety has been a process of shedding old identities and consciously building a life rooted in purpose, education, and service. As a graduate student currently pursuing an MBA with a vision to earn a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), I have learned that my past struggles do not define my character; instead, they have fueled a resurgent drive to achieve the highest levels of success and leadership. The challenges I faced during my struggle with addiction were multifaceted, affecting my sense of self-worth and my connection to my goals. Addiction has a way of clouding one’s vision, making the future seem unreachable. However, the turning point in my life came when I realized that I had the power to choose a different path. Choosing sobriety was not just about stopping a behavior; it was about starting a new life. This required an immense amount of "grit"—a quality that has now become the foundation of my academic success. Navigating the complexities of recovery while maintaining a high GPA in a rigorous graduate program has proven to me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle through discipline and faith. Moving forward, my plan is to use the lessons of my recovery to become a leader who leads with profound empathy and strategic clarity. I am determined to reach the highest academic tier in business not just for personal gain, but to be a living testament to the fact that transformation is possible. In my future career as a doctoral researcher and consultant, I hope to have an impact by creating organizational cultures that prioritize mental health and support systems. I want to build workplaces where individuals are seen for their potential and their character, rather than being judged for their past battles. My growth has been marked by a transition from simply "surviving" to intentionally "thriving." I have learned that I am a person of immense value, and my education is the tool I am using to manifest that value in the world. By pursuing a DBA, I am ensuring that my voice is heard at the executive level, where I can advocate for the resilience and talent that often exists in the recovery community. Like Max Bungard, I want to be known for the joy and positivity I bring to others. My journey has taught me that the most beautiful lives are often those that have been rebuilt with care and intention. I am moving forward with a heart full of hope, a mind focused on excellence, and a commitment to never give up on the dreams I once thought were lost. This scholarship will support my doctoral aspirations, allowing me to continue proving that recovery is the ultimate platform for leadership and impact.

Sustainable Strategy: Leading the Future of Business In the modern corporate world, the concept of sustainability has transitioned from a niche concern to a strategic imperative. As a graduate student currently pursuing my Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a clear roadmap toward a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), I believe that sustainability must be the cornerstone of future organizational leadership. My goal is to use my advanced education to prove that environmental responsibility and business profitability are not mutually exclusive, but rather deeply interdependent. In the field of business administration, sustainability should be a priority because resources are finite, and the long-term viability of any organization depends on its ability to operate within the planet's limits. Historically, business models prioritized short-term gains over long-term impact. However, the next generation of leaders must adopt a transformational approach. By integrating sustainable practices into the core strategy of a company—from supply chain logistics to energy consumption—we can reduce waste and drive innovation. As a leader, I view sustainability as a lens through which we can reimagine efficiency and value creation. In my future profession as an executive consultant and doctoral researcher, I see myself helping to reduce environmental impact by advising organizations on "Green Management" practices. With the analytical tools I am acquiring in my MBA and the high-level research I will conduct during my DBA, I plan to develop frameworks that help businesses transition to carbon-neutral operations. I am particularly interested in how digital transformation and artificial intelligence can be used to optimize resource allocation, thereby reducing the physical footprint of large-scale corporate activities. Furthermore, my perspective as a first-generation Latina professional adds a unique layer to my commitment. I understand that environmental issues often disproportionately affect underserved communities. Therefore, my vision of sustainability includes a social dimension—ensuring that business growth does not come at the expense of the environment or the health of local populations. Leadership, to me, means having the courage to implement policies that protect our collective future, even when they challenge the status quo. My academic journey at Capella University is preparing me to be a catalyst for this change. I am dedicated to reaching the highest tier of my field so that I can influence policy at the boardroom level. By championing eco-conscious business models, I intend to help organizations realize that being "green" is a competitive advantage that fosters consumer trust and ensures a stable global economy. In conclusion, I am determined to be a leader who bridges the gap between traditional business management and environmental stewardship. This scholarship will support my journey toward a doctorate, allowing me to focus on creating the strategic solutions our planet desperately needs. I am ready to lead with a vision that is as sustainable as it is ambitious, ensuring that the businesses of tomorrow are built to thrive responsibly.

Resilience Through Reflection: Turning Loss into Leadership Loss has a way of prematurely ending one’s youth, but it also has the power to ignite a lifelong mission for stability and purpose. At nineteen, my world was fundamentally altered when my father passed away due to his struggles with alcohol. At an age where most are just beginning to explore their independence, I became the primary financial support for my mother, a responsibility I have carried for over a decade. Navigating the waves of grief, resentment, and eventually, forgiveness, has forged in me a formidable spirit that defines every academic and professional goal I set today. The emotional landscape of losing a parent to addiction is complex. For a long time, I had to navigate a sense of evasiveness with my immediate family, a common defense mechanism when trauma is left unaddressed. However, this experience taught me the value of choosing my own path toward healing. I learned that resilience is not the absence of pain, but the decision to grow through it. While I distanced myself to find peace, I never stopped loving or supporting those I left behind. This journey taught me self-reliance and the importance of creating a "chosen family." My mother-in-law, for instance, became the maternal figure I needed—a testament to the fact that healing often comes from the most unexpected connections. To maintain clarity amidst these responsibilities, I have embraced journaling as a vital tool. Writing has allowed me to externalize the heavy emotions of my past, turning raw pain into structured reflection. Journaling helps me silence the "noise" of my history so I can focus on my future. It is through this practice that I clarified my professional calling. I realized that my ability to manage household crises and financial burdens at a young age was actually the beginning of my journey as a business leader. This is exactly why I am committed to my education. Currently pursuing my MBA with the goal of transitioning directly into a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), I see higher education as my ultimate instrument of empowerment. I want to reach the highest academic tier to ensure that the cycles of instability I witnessed in my youth are permanently broken. My education is my way of honoring the love I had for my father while building a life that he, due to his illness, could not. The biggest influences in my life are those who lead with quiet strength. My suegra (mother-in-law) is a primary influence; she showed me that a mother’s love is defined by support and presence. Professionally, I am influenced by visionary women in business who have reached the top of their fields despite personal hardships. They prove that our background does not dictate our destination. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue to use meditation and journaling to stay grounded as I pursue my doctorate. I am determined to be a leader who uses her success to provide peace, quiet, and opportunity for those I love, turning a history of loss into a future of significant impact.

The Architecture of Connection: Building a Future of Purpose In the world of business, we often discuss "networking" as a transactional tool for success. However, through my journey as a first-generation Latina graduate student and a single parent, I have learned that human connection is the true architecture of any meaningful achievement. Relationships are not just a support system; they are the strategic foundation of my long-term personal and professional goals. As I pursue my Master of Business Administration (MBA) with the definitive objective of earning a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), my commitment to human connection is what ensures my path remains unwavering. Personally, the most profound relationship in my life is the one I share with my child. This connection has fundamentally reshaped my professional goals. Being a single parent has taught me the highest form of communication: leading with empathy while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations. My child is the primary driver of my ambition. I am not merely seeking a degree to increase my income; I am building a legacy of educational excellence to show my child that our circumstances do not limit our potential for connection and growth. This relationship has taught me that true leadership is a service, and my goal is to provide a future for my family that is rooted in stability and opportunity. Professionally, my goals are centered on transforming organizational leadership through the lens of authentic connection. I believe that the future of business lies in "human-centric" strategy. In my studies, I focus on how leaders can foster environments where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. My relationship with my community and my peers in the education sector has shown me that when people feel a genuine sense of belonging, their capacity for innovation and impact increases exponentially. My long-term goal as a DBA is to consult for organizations, helping them reimagine their corporate culture to prioritize human connection as a core business asset rather than a secondary concern. Moreover, my background as a first-generation student has influenced how I build connections within the academic world. I understand that many students from underserved communities feel "left behind" because they lack the social capital or the mentorship needed to navigate complex systems. Part of my professional mission is to be that bridge—a connector who uses her success to uplift others. I view my future doctoral status as a platform to mentor other women and minorities, creating a ripple effect of empowerment that strengthens the entire community. Relationships also play a critical role in my resilience. Navigating an accelerated graduate program requires a support network that believes in my vision even when the path becomes difficult. I have learned to cultivate deep, authentic connections with mentors and colleagues who challenge me to think bigger. These relationships provide the intellectual and emotional feedback necessary to refine my leadership style and stay focused on my doctoral aspirations. In conclusion, human connection is the thread that binds my past experiences to my future impact. Whether it is the love for my child that fuels my midnight study sessions or the professional alliances I am building to transform the business world, relationships are at the heart of everything I do. With the support of the Tawkify Scholarship, I will continue to champion the importance of authentic connection as I transition into my doctoral studies, ensuring that my journey to the top is one that brings others along with me.

Leadership Through Resilience: Leading by Example Leadership is often defined as the ability to guide others, but for me, leadership began with the ability to guide myself through a world that was not built for my specific needs. As a graduate student currently pursuing an MBA with a vision to earn a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), my leadership is defined by three core pillars: adaptability, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Having special needs has not been a limitation; rather, it has been the crucible in which my leadership skills were forged. What makes me a leader is my capacity for strategic resilience. Navigating higher education with special needs requires a constant process of problem-solving and self-advocacy. This experience has taught me that true leadership is about finding innovative solutions when traditional paths are blocked. In my academic journey, especially within the rigorous FlexPath model, I have had to master time management and self-discipline to maintain a high GPA. This personal accountability is the foundation of my leadership style. I lead by example, demonstrating to my peers and my community that our circumstances do not define our potential, but our response to them does. Furthermore, my leadership is rooted in a deep sense of purpose as a first-generation Latina student. I recognize that I am a trailblazer for those who will come after me. I actively use my voice to advocate for inclusive environments where diversity is seen as a strategic advantage. In the business world, a leader’s role is to optimize resources and empower teams; my background allows me to see talent and potential in places others might overlook. By pursuing the highest level of education—a doctorate—I am positioning myself to be a leader in organizational strategy, where I can influence policies that ensure equity and accessibility at the executive level. The drive to succeed is what makes my journey unstoppable. I am not just studying for a degree; I am preparing to be a catalyst for change. A leader must have the ambition to look beyond the present and the drive to execute a long-term vision. My vision is to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical business leadership, proving that individuals with special needs possess a unique brand of "grit" that is essential in today’s volatile business environment. In every project I undertake and every class I complete, I carry the responsibility of being a role model. I believe that impact is the true measure of a leader. My impact lies in my ability to inspire others to pursue their own "impossible" goals. By combining my lived experience with the professional training of an MBA and a future DBA, I am becoming the leader I once looked for: one who leads with intelligence, compassion, and the courage to break every glass ceiling in her path. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue to fuel my academic journey, ensuring that my voice—and the voices of those I lead—are heard in the highest levels of business leadership.

Resilience in Motion: Paving the Way for a Brighter Legacy Becoming a parent is a transformative experience that redefines one’s purpose, but becoming a single parent while pursuing a high-level academic career is a test of true character. As a Latina mother currently navigating the rigors of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with the firm goal of entering a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, my life is a constant balancing act. The challenges of being both a student and a single parent are profound, yet they have forged in me a determination that is simply unconquerable. The most significant challenge I face in combining these roles is the scarcity of time and the emotional weight of "presence." In the quiet hours of the night, after my child is asleep and I open my laptop to analyze business strategies or financial reports, I am often met with the exhaustion that comes from a day of solo parenting and professional work. Being a single parent means being the sole provider, the nurturer, and the protector, all while trying to maintain the academic excellence required for a graduate degree. There is no one to hand the baton to when the pressure mounts. This duality requires a level of discipline that most people never have to develop; it is about learning to be a visionary leader for my organization and a steady, loving anchor for my family simultaneously. Furthermore, as a first-generation graduate student, I carry the added challenge of navigating an academic system that was not originally designed for people with my background or my family structure. There is often a sense of isolation when your peers do not share the same domestic responsibilities. However, I choose to see these challenges not as barriers, but as the very things that qualify me for leadership. My child does not just see a mother who is busy; they see a woman who refuses to settle, who values education as a sacred tool for liberation, and who is building a legacy of resilience. The Single Parent Scholarship from Organic Formula Shop would be a pivotal catalyst in my journey. Financially, $2,000 represents more than just tuition coverage; it represents the gift of time. It allows me to reduce the stress of immediate financial gaps, enabling me to focus more deeply on my MBA research and my upcoming doctoral applications. In the United States, where the support systems for single parents can be limited compared to models like those in the Netherlands, scholarships like this are the bridge between a dream and a reality. I see this scholarship helping me pave a way that extends far beyond my own career. My goal is to reach the highest academic tier—a DBA—to prove that a single mother’s potential is limitless. By achieving financial stability through high-level business leadership and consulting, I am ensuring that my child grows up in an environment where opportunities are abundant rather than scarce. I want to show my child, and other families in my community, that our circumstances do not define our destination. In conclusion, my ambition is fueled by the love I have for my child and the responsibility I feel toward my future. I am not just studying for a degree; I am studying to change the trajectory of my family’s history. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue to turn every challenge into a stepping stone, remaining focused, determined, and ultimately victorious in the pursuit of a better future for us both.

Fueling a Vision of Strategic Leadership and Impact The business landscape is constantly evolving, demanding leaders who possess not only technical expertise but also the resilience to navigate complex organizational challenges. As a Latina professional and the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree, I view higher education as the most powerful engine to fuel my future. My journey is not just about obtaining a degree; it is about building the intellectual and strategic foundation necessary to transition from my Master of Business Administration (MBA) into a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and ultimately transform how organizations lead and empower their people. Being a first-generation graduate student carries a profound responsibility. I have had to navigate the complexities of the American higher education system with determination, often serving as my own guide while breaking generational cycles. This background has instilled in me a unique perspective on business: I understand that success is not just about individual achievement, but about creating pathways for others. My ambition is rooted in the belief that effective business leadership can be a force for social and economic good, especially for underrepresented communities. Pursuing an MBA has allowed me to refine my understanding of organizational dynamics. However, my drive does not stop at the master's level. I am committed to reaching the highest academic tier because I believe that advanced research and evidence-based leadership are essential for creating sustainable impact. By pursuing a DBA, I intend to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical executive consulting, focusing on how strategic development can foster more inclusive and efficient workplaces. In the business world, impact is measured by the ability to inspire change. I see myself as a trailblazer in the making—someone who, like Marilynn Walker, uses her success to open doors. My history has taught me that perseverance is the key to leadership. This is why I am confident in my ability to succeed at the doctoral level. I carry the conviction that I am prepared for the responsibilities of high-level leadership. In every challenge I face, I remain victorious because I choose to use every obstacle as a stepping stone toward my ultimate calling in business. Higher education is fueling my future by giving me a voice in rooms where strategic decisions are made. It is empowering me to move from operational roles into the realm of visionary leadership. For me, a career in business is a platform for service and empowerment. By combining my lived experiences as a first-generation Latina with the rigorous training of an MBA and a future DBA, I am ensuring that my contribution to the business world is significant, ethical, and enduring. With the support of the Marilynn Walker Scholarship, I will be able to focus entirely on these academic milestones. I am ready to honor her legacy by becoming a leader who leads with purpose, drives innovation, and creates opportunities for the next generation of women in business.

I didn’t realize the impact one teacher could have on the rest of your life—until I met Professor Angélica Ortega. Back in Venezuela, long before I knew I’d end up in the U.S. pursuing education as a career, I was just a quiet girl sitting in the back of a classroom, overwhelmed by the noise of life and the expectations placed on me. My mind often wandered. I couldn’t sit still. I couldn’t explain why my thoughts raced or why I forgot things easily. People called me lazy or distracted. But Professor Ortega never did. She was the first teacher who truly saw me. Her classroom wasn’t traditional. We read poetry aloud in the middle of the courtyard. We turned grammar lessons into storytelling exercises. She never forced us to memorize—we explored, questioned, created. Most importantly, she took the time to ask about how we felt. She noticed when I looked tired. She noticed when I hadn’t spoken up in days. And one day, she asked if I liked how my mind worked. That question changed everything. It was the first time someone suggested that my differences weren’t something to hide—but something to understand and value. Years later, I would be diagnosed with ADHD, long after I had moved countries, languages, and schools. But Professor Ortega planted the first seed of self-awareness and compassion. Because of her, I started seeing myself not as someone who was broken—but someone who simply needed a different path to thrive. Her boldness as a teacher—using art to teach logic, using emotion to teach literature—showed me that education doesn’t have to look one way. That inspiration led me to pursue a career in special education. I want to create the kind of classroom she gave me: inclusive, creative, safe. I want my students to know that there’s no shame in learning differently. And I want to meet them with the same grace that changed my life. Professor Ortega shaped the way I approach life—with curiosity, openness, and empathy. She didn’t just teach us lessons—she made us believe that we mattered. Her influence follows me every time I choose to ask a student how they feel, every time I listen without judgment, and every time I imagine a world where school is not a place of pressure—but of possibility. Now, as a first-generation college student in the U.S., I carry her legacy forward. I’m not just working toward a degree—I’m working toward creating classrooms where every child is seen the way I once was. This scholarship would help me keep going—financially, yes—but more importantly, it would honor the ripple effect one teacher can create across years, countries, and lives. I will always be grateful for Professor Ortega. And one day, I hope a student says the same about me.