My family has always followed the African proverb, “You need a village to raise a child,” representing the need for community and environmental security. As I have branched out into adulthood to bring more people to my village, I have always built the community around me with devotion, strength, and empathy. I have transformed the concept of a “village” from a support system I inhabit into a community I actively cultivate through creativity, advocacy, and leadership. One of my most notable examples of commitment to service is my work educating youth. Throughout my teenage and adult years, I have taken on many positions as an educator and child caretaker. I started as a volunteer counselor at The Drama Studio in Springfield, Massachusetts, where we oversaw younger students learning to act and assisted in their theatre training. I thoroughly enjoyed this role and got a lot of positive feedback from staff, peers, and the kids about my personal impact. This encouraged me to take on more roles focused on education and mentorship, such as serving as an arts and science teacher in summer camps and mentoring freshmen at my college. These experiences have deepened my dedication to youth development across diverse environments, particularly for neurodivergent youth of color. As a neurodivergent Black woman myself, I recognize that a community that understands you and fosters your dreams at a young age is influential. Embracing my identity and stepping into leadership spaces to advocate for inclusive representation requires a distinct form of bravery. My work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a community that sees their unique potential rather than just their challenges, a mission that demands the sacrifice of my own time and energy to ensure no one is left behind. Currently, at Spelman College, I serve as the Membership Coordinator and Wellness Committee Chair for the Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honors Society Spelman College and Greater Atlanta University Chapter, and will serve as the Vice President this upcoming fall. My work within this organization is built on the idea that creative expression brings people together and is vital to healing and activism. I encourage our members and the wider campus to view any art form as both advocacy and wellness, especially in the African American community, where creativity has long served as a form of resilience and freedom. I aim to continue doing this work after I graduate, ensuring that our work builds our communities rather than being viewed as dreaded labor. When looking at the current challenges faced by the African diaspora in the US, ranging from systemic inequities in education to the lack of mental health resources, I believe the most critical community reform we need is the integration of culturally accessible mental health care and creative advocacy within our educational systems. To drive this change, key stakeholders must include Black educators, creative arts therapists, community leaders, and student-led organizations who understand the nuances of our shared experiences. By channeling the bravery to challenge existing institutional gaps and dedicating ourselves to sustained service, we can build a village that truly sustains and empowers the next generation.

I was consistently introduced to the importance of community building since I was a little girl. My mom often quotes the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” My commitment to helping those around me has grown as I navigate the larger world. I am a rising sophomore at Spelman College, a prestigious historically Black college. I am majoring in documentary filmmaking with a double minor in performance theater and psychology. As a Spelmanite, I strongly believe in the value of community service, and I have always actively participated in my communities. I volunteered for various events and fundraisers throughout middle school and high school, including bake sales, food and clothing drives, and organizing performances. This commitment continued during my first year in college. I volunteered to support a petting zoo we had for midterms to help reduce stress, welcomed guests at staff events, and provided photography and videography for our annual Research Day. Furthermore, I look forward to the upcoming school year, as I will serve as a Freshman Orientation Leader for the new class. One of my fondest memories of volunteering comes from the summers of 2022 and 2023. I served as an intern and camp counselor at The Drama Studio Conservatory in Springfield, Massachusetts, where I had previously studied from grades 2 to 12. My responsibilities included cleaning and organizing, but my primary role was supervising campers and assisting them in creating small plays. A highlight of my experience was supporting neurodivergent youth, recalling my own positive experiences at the studio as a child. I worked closely with one student who opened up about being bullied and exploring their gender identity; we used creative duo scenes to build trust and provide support. Many campers left feeling happy and proud of their work, and I was honored to be recognized as one of their favorite counselors, strengthening my connections with the students and staff. Although my main career goal is to become a director and producer, I aim to do more for my community. I envision creating a wellness organization for youth of color interested in various art forms. This organization would focus on how artistic expression can serve as a means of healing and protest. It will also teach youth how their passions can become a successful career. As a neurodivergent young Black woman, I understand the value of access to opportunities that foster creativity and emotional well-being. Even today, there are very few organizations similar to this. It would have made a significant difference during my childhood, and I am committed to ensuring that future generations have access to valuable resources. My work has solidified my belief in the power of community and the arts. As I continue to learn and grow through my studies at Spelman College, I remain dedicated to using my art as a service and a voice for my community. I am determined to make a lasting impact on future generations, ensuring they have the support and opportunities I wish I had during my formative years. With this commitment, I look forward to making an impact in the future and staying true to Spelman’s motto, “A Choice to Change the World.”

A classmate once shared a powerful idea: if we cannot confront our oppressors face-to-face, we will harness the power of art as a code within our community. In light of the challenges facing our world today, we are responsible for reclaiming our voices. There is something truly inspiring about witnessing a group of individuals come together in solidarity, navigating conflict, and extending a helping hand to those in need. This sense of unity fuels my mission, as I hold steadfast to my selflessness, love for community, and determination to utilize acting and film as tools for education and empowerment. My main career objective is to become a filmmaker, explicitly focusing on directing and production. However, there is much more to my aspirations. Along with filmmaking, I have always been interested in psychology and how we represent mental health and neurodivergence in marginalized communities. I envision creating a wellness organization for youth of color interested in various art forms to empower my community. This organization would center on how artistic expression can serve as both a way for healing and a form of protest. As a neurodivergent young Black woman, I understand the immense value of having access to opportunities that cultivate creativity and emotional well-being. It would have made a significant difference in my childhood, and I am committed to ensuring that future generations have similar, if not better, access to these resources. If given the opportunity, I would take what I’ve learned at Spelman and within the broader AUC to build a safe, nurturing space where youth of color can heal, create, and grow. It is essential for these young individuals to feel seen, heard, and empowered in their journeys. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and community events, I would aim to cultivate an environment that celebrates expression in all artistic forms while emphasizing mental health awareness and support. Using my resources, such as my fellow creatives at Spelman, Morehouse, and Clark, as well as my mother, who has extensive experience in wellness facilitation, I believe we can create an innovative platform that amplifies these voices. Together, we can promote healing from generational trauma while using art as our medium. Attending Spelman College has brought me closer to my goal of improving my community through creativity and wellness, and has also been a transformational experience in my personal growth. Being surrounded by Black women who share my passion for storytelling, representation, and social justice has affirmed my identity and strengthened my future goals. I’ve learned the importance of collaboration and the power of collective effort, realizing that by working together, we can foster lasting change in our communities. Nevertheless, I will do everything possible to succeed in Spelman’s motto, “A Choice to Change the World.” I believe that by embracing our stories and sharing our experiences through film and art, we can inspire change within our communities and globally. My vision is not only to leave an indelible mark on the world of film but to be a catalyst for healing and transformation in the lives of marginalized youth. In an ever-changing world, I remain steadfast in my commitment to uplift and empower, ensuring that the next generation knows the boundless potential that lies within them. Together, we can turn our struggles into art and our art into a movement for change.

A classmate once shared a powerful idea: if we cannot confront our oppressors face-to-face, we will harness the power of art as a code within our community. In light of the challenges facing our world today, it is our responsibility to reclaim our voices. There is something truly inspiring about witnessing a group of individuals come together in solidarity, navigating conflict, and extending a helping hand to those in need. This sense of unity fuels my mission, as I hold steadfast to my selflessness, love for community, and determination to utilize acting and film as tools for education and empowerment. From the age of three, I found myself captivated by the world of acting and dancing. Unlike the rest of my family, which was rooted in music, my mother affectionately labeled me a "dramatic child,” believing that acting was my true calling. Fortunately, her intuition was spot on. The performing arts quickly transformed from a hobby into a fervent passion; I was resolute in my commitment to turn that passion into a career. By the time I reached middle school, my interests expanded beyond acting to embrace various facets of filmmaking, including directing, producing, writing, cinematography, and costume design. While attending a performing arts high school, I stood out as the only student of color specializing in film. This unique position required me to exert extra effort to ensure my voice was heard. The journey was challenging and often exhausting, yet my love for film propelled me forward. Teachers, peers, friends, and family encouraged me to share my ideas and embark on creative projects that would resonate with the world around us. I have always been driven by the desire to inspire other Black girls as a Black actress and creator. My experiences within the film industry have underscored my commitment to tell stories that often go untold. Furthermore, psychology has always been an intriguing subject to me. This is particularly relevant to how mental health and generational trauma are depicted in cinema. As a Black neurodivergent individual, I am a dedicated advocate for youth of color grappling with mental health challenges. I aim to create narratives that delve into the complexities and nuances of mental health within historically marginalized communities, approached through an intersectional lens. Throughout my life, I have observed that representations of Black individuals, especially in the context of mental health, often reduce us to caricatures marked by hypersexuality, substance abuse, and domestic violence. While these issues merit attention, they only scratch the surface of our lived experiences. I aspire for my art to illuminate the multifaceted nature of mental health, bringing forth stories filled with joy, resilience, introspection, and growth to the stage and screen. As a rising sophomore at Spelman College, I recognize my privilege in accessing resources that foster my success in this journey. Through the medium of art, marginalized communities have reclaimed their narratives and challenged oppressive systems. I am dedicated to honoring the legacy of those ancestors who bravely stood against the status quo. One of my deepest aspirations is to connect with youth of color, reassuring them through my work: “You are not alone. We will rejoice.”

My namesake, Writer Maya Angelou, once said, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive...” This is my mission as I hold onto my selflessness, love of community, and determination to use acting and film to educate the masses. By fall of 2025, I will be continuing my education at Spelman College as a sophomore. I am a Documentary Filmmaking Major with a double minor in Psychology and Theater Performance. Film and theater have always been my favorite forms of storytelling because of how immersive, bold, and emotionally powerful they can be. In just my first year, I’ve made various independent and group projects, met like-minded creatives, and explored the historical impact of art on social change. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate on student-led productions, participate in workshops that center Black cinematic traditions, and begin shaping my own voice as a filmmaker. At Spelman, I’ve learned that storytelling isn’t just about entertainment. It’s truly about legacy, representation, and building community. Being in a space that nurtures both artistic excellence and cultural pride has helped me grow as an artist and has ensured my goals to keep this as my profession. When I was in middle school, I developed a strong interest in other elements of filmmaking, such as directing, producing, writing, cinematography, and costume-making. At my performing arts high school, I was the only person of color with a film concentration. This position meant I had to work twice as hard to ensure my voice was heard. The effort took a lot of energy; sometimes I would get ready for the morning while holding back tears. However, I continued to remind myself that art is my life and has influenced who I am today. This reminder helped me push through the challenges. As I began making more independent short films, I was encouraged by teachers, peers, friends, and family to keep sharing my ideas and creating unique projects for the world. Being a black actress who inspired other black people was a passion of mine at a young age. Partaking in filmmaking ensured I could truly represent overlooked communities. My experience in the film and acting industry has validated my quest to tell the stories no one else would. Psychology has always intrigued me, especially how mental health and generational trauma are portrayed in cinema. As a Black neurodivergent person, I am a passionate advocate for youth of color navigating mental health challenges. I want to create stories that explore the layers and complexities of mental health in historically marginalized communities through an intersectional lens. Since I was young, I’ve noticed that portrayals of Black people—particularly in the context of mental health—are often reduced to narratives of hypersexuality, drug use, and domestic violence. While these issues are real and deserve attention, I believe our experiences are far more nuanced. I want my art to show that there is more to our mental health. One of my deepest goals is to reach Black youth and remind them through my work that they are not alone. Another topic I hope to explore more often is generational trauma. I was fortunate to grow up with a mother who studied psychology and always taught me how generational trauma affects communities of color, including our own family. Her guidance helped me understand the patterns that often go unspoken and inspired me to break cycles through awareness and compassion. Too many people are afraid to confront these inherited struggles, but I want to use film and acting to spark those difficult conversations and help heal what has long been hidden. Through storytelling, I aim to transform pain into power and form a creative space for evolution. Art is my activism, my healing, and my calling. Through film and performance, I will continue to amplify silenced voices, challenge harmful narratives, and create space for truth, joy, and transformation. This is how I plan to thrive and help others do the same.

A classmate once said that if we can’t fight back directly, we will use art as code. With everything going on in the world, it is our responsibility to reclaim our voice no matter what. It inspires me to see a group of people in solidarity, pushing through a conflict or coming together to help someone in need. Therefore, this is my mission as I hold onto my selflessness, love of community, and determination to use acting and film to educate the masses. When I was in middle school, I developed a strong interest in other elements of filmmaking, such as directing, producing, writing, cinematography, and costume-making. However, my ideas and stories were often undermined in film production classes throughout my high school experience. I attended the Pioneer Valley of Performing Arts, where I was the only person of color with a film concentration. Being the only one has meant that I had to constantly work twice as hard to ensure my voice was heard, which has taken a lot of energy; yet, because film is my life, I pushed through it. Fortunately, despite those challenges, I made various independent films for college courses, music videos for my high school’s Black History Month celebration, my Senior Showcase, and more. Seeing people tear up and feel such strong emotions after watching it reminded me that storytelling can be transformative—for both the creator and the audience. I am incredibly grateful to be finishing my first year at Spelman College, where I major in Documentary Film and have a double minor in Psychology and Performance & Theater. Coming to Spelman College has already strengthened these values even more. Not only am I surrounded by Black women, but our education, community, and spirituality highlight the importance of Black women and our intersectional identity. Even after two semesters, I have learned different historical perspectives and new forms of storytelling and have met professors and peers who have inspired my creative works. Courses like “African Women in Cinema” and “Psychology of the African American Experience” have expanded how I think about culture, trauma, and art. One of my professors encouraged me to start a docu-series on Black women and mental health in HBCUs, and I’ve already begun outlining interview questions and researching visual styles. As not only an advocate but a Black neurodivergent person myself, I want to create stories that recognize the layers of mental health in historically marginalized communities through an intersectional lens. Spelman College educates its students through courses such as Africana and Gender Studies while providing them with academic freedom not available at predominantly white institutions. As my education evolves and I gain my degree, my skills will evolve as a cinematic storyteller. I have made it my mission to advance my storytelling through film as a catalyst to confront the barriers in addressing mental health services for youth of color worldwide, and I will use everything I have learned to teach Black and non-Black communities alike about mental health in the African Diaspora using my creative liberties. For example, I plan to produce a fictional Southern Gothic horror movie that follows a young black teen navigating generational trauma, neurodiversity, cultural stigma, and resilience. This is inspired by my southern family, who have been through so many struggles through decades. My mother and other family members have pushed me to show the stories we forget about. Through this, I hope to spark conversations that inspire change. Through what I learn in my major and other studies, I know that I will be able to achieve this goal and excel in Spelman’s motto, “A Choice to Change The World.” My dream is to one day launch a multimedia production company that centers on various Black mental health narratives and mentors young storytellers of color. I am not just creating films—I’m using my second voice.

A classmate once said that if we can’t fight back directly, we will use art as code. With everything going on in the world, it is our responsibility to reclaim our voice no matter what. It inspires me to see a group of people in solidarity, pushing through a conflict or coming together to help someone in need. Therefore, this is my mission as I hold onto my selflessness, love of community, and determination to use acting and film to educate the masses. At Spelman College, I major in Documentary Film and a double minor in Psychology and Performance & Theater. I have been drawn to acting and modeling since I was three. However, once I joined Pioneer Valley Performing Arts for middle and high school, something finally clicked: why don’t I create stories about myself? In my freshman year, I focused on filmmaking and grew a deep admiration for it. Coming to Spelman College has already strengthened these values even more. Not only am I surrounded by black women, but our education, community, and spirituality highlight the importance of black women and our intersectional identity. When it comes to subjects in my work, Psychology has also been intriguing to me, especially mental health and generational trauma portrayed in cinematic arts. I am a mental health and neurodivergent advocate for youth of color. As a black neurodivergent person myself, I want to create stories that recognize the layers of mental health in historically marginalized communities through an intersectional lens. In film and television, we can see the lives of fictional or nonfictional people we empathize with or relate to. Since I was little, I have recognized that the portrayal of black people, especially mental health, is usually surrounded by the idea of hypersexuality, drug use, and harm to others. Though these topics need to be discussed, I want to share with the world that there’s so much more going on in black and brown communities, which we ignore. This would be presented through my films, directing, and acting roles to bring representation. Post-secondary education built toward marginalized communities is essential, especially when the world has gone 10 steps back. Access to quality education will encourage these communities to challenge systemic barriers. After my time at Spelman College, I intend to go to graduate film school at the University of Southern California, Howard University, Yale University, or New York University. Through my studies, I aim to amplify underrepresented voices and bring untold stories to life. My academic pursuits will be to advance my knowledge and grow my opportunities. As my career evolves, so will my mind and education. As a cinematic storyteller, I have made it my mission to advance my storytelling through film as a catalyst to confront the barriers in addressing mental health services for youth of color worldwide. Through what I learn in my major and other studies, I know that I will be able to achieve this goal. Art is my second voice, and I will always use this voice to change the world.

Art allows for escapism into different worlds while also creatively discussing real-world circumstances. For most of my life, I’ve been told that I am five things: dramatic, creative, compassionate, empathetic, and an old soul. I cherish being in a newly created world without worrying about anything else. These traits have guided my love for theater and film. When I was in middle school, I developed a strong interest in other elements of filmmaking, such as directing, producing, writing, cinematography, and costume-making. At my performing arts high school, I was the only person of color with a film concentration. This position meant I had to work twice as hard to ensure my voice was heard. The effort took a lot of energy, yet because film and theater are my life, I pushed through it. I was encouraged by teachers, peers, friends, and family to keep sharing my ideas and creating unique projects for the world. I always knew that being a black actress and creator who inspired other black people was a passion of mine. My experience in the film and acting industry has validated my quest to tell the stories no one else would. Psychology has also been intriguing to me, especially mental health and generational trauma portrayed in cinema. I am a mental health and neurodivergent advocate for youth of color. As a black neurodivergent person myself, I want to create stories that recognize the layers of mental health in historically marginalized communities through an intersectional lens. Since I was little, I have recognized that the portrayal of black people, especially in mental health, is usually surrounded by the concepts of hypersexuality, drug use, and domestic violence. Though these topics need to be discussed, I want to share with the world that there’s so much more going on that we ignore; additionally, I want to show black youth that they are not alone. I am incredibly grateful that I have been accepted into my dream school, Spelman College, where I major in Documentary Filmmaking and had a double minor in Psychology and Theatre and Performance. As a cinematic storyteller, I have made it my mission to advance my storytelling through film as a catalyst to confront the barriers in addressing mental health services for youth of color worldwide. Through what I learn in my major and other studies, I know that I will be able to achieve this goal. Art is my second voice, and I will always use this voice to change the world.

Art allows for escapism into different worlds while also creatively discussing real-world circumstances. For most of my life, I’ve been told that I am five things: dramatic, creative, compassionate, empathetic, and an old soul. I cherish being in a newly created world without worrying about anything else. These traits have guided my love for theater and film. When I was in middle school, I developed a strong interest in other elements of filmmaking, such as directing, producing, writing, cinematography, and costume-making. At my performing arts high school, I was the only person of color with a film concentration. This position meant I had to work twice as hard to ensure my voice was heard. The effort took a lot of energy, yet because film and theater are my life, I pushed through it. I was encouraged by teachers, peers, friends, and family to keep sharing my ideas and creating unique projects for the world. I always knew that being a black actress and creator who inspired other black girls was a passion of mine. My experience in the film and acting industry has validated my quest to tell the stories no one else would. Psychology has also been intriguing to me, especially mental health and generational trauma portrayed in cinematic arts. I am a mental health and neurodivergent advocate for youth of color. As a black neurodivergent person myself, I want to create stories that recognize the layers of mental health in historically marginalized communities through an intersectional lens. Since I was little, I have recognized that the portrayal of black people, especially in mental health, is usually surrounded by the concepts of hypersexuality, drug use, and harm to others. Though these topics need to be discussed, I want to share with the world that there’s so much more going on that we ignore; additionally showing black youth that they are not alone. I am incredibly grateful that I have been accepted into my dream school, Spelman College, where I intend to major in Documentary Filmmaking and a double minor in Psychology and Theatre and Performance. By attending Spelman, I will join a sensational community that hears my voice while participating in studies under black scholars and professors such as Filmmaker and producer Dr. Akoya Chenzira. Additionally, I look forward to the various opportunities they provide, including the HBCU domestic exchange program with the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. As a cinematic storyteller, I have made it my mission to advance my storytelling through film as a catalyst to confront the barriers in addressing mental health services for youth of color worldwide. Through what I learn in my major and other studies, I know that I will be able to achieve this goal. Art is my second voice, and I will always use this voice to change the world.

Art allows for escapism into different worlds while also creatively discussing real-world circumstances. For most of my life, I’ve been told that I am five things: dramatic, creative, compassionate, empathetic, and an old soul. These traits have guided my love for theater and film. I cherish being in a newly created world without worrying about anything else. By middle school, I developed a strong interest in other elements of filmmaking, such as directing, producing, writing, cinematography, and costume making. At my performing arts high school, I was the only person of color with a film concentration. This position meant I must work twice as hard to ensure my voice is heard. The effort has taken a lot of energy, yet because film is my life, I pushed through it. I have been encouraged by teachers, peers, friends, and family to keep sharing my ideas and creating unique projects for the world. I always knew that being a black actress and creator who inspired other black girls was a passion of mine. My experience in the film industry has validated my quest to tell the stories no one else would. Psychology has also been intriguing to me, especially mental health and generational trauma portrayed in cinematic arts. I am a mental health and neurodivergent advocate for youth of color. As a black neurodivergent person myself, I want to create stories that recognize the layers of mental health in historically marginalized communities through an intersectional lens. In film and television, we can see the lives of fictional or nonfictional people we empathize with or relate to. Since I was little, I have recognized that the portrayal of black people, especially mental health, is usually surrounded by the idea of hypersexuality, drug use, and harm to others. Though these topics need to be discussed, I want to share with the world that there’s so much more going on in black and brown communities, which we ignore. As a cinematic storyteller, I have made it my mission to advance my storytelling through film as a catalyst to confront the barriers in addressing mental health services for youth of color worldwide. Through what I learn in my major and other studies, I know that I will be able to achieve this goal. Art is my second voice, and I will always use this voice to change the world.

For most of my life, I’ve been told that I am five things: dramatic, creative, compassionate, empathetic, and an old soul. These traits have guided my love for theater and film. I cherish being in a newly created world without worrying about anything else. My passion for acting has sustained and evolved as I gained more experience through drama classes and auditions, leading to being cast in various films, commercials, and television ads. By middle school, I developed a strong interest in other elements of filmmaking, such as directing, producing, writing, cinematography, and costume making. However, my ideas and stories were undermined in film production classes throughout my high school experience. I attend the Pioneer Valley of Performing Arts, where I am the only person of color with a film concentration. Being the only one has meant that I must constantly work twice as hard to ensure my voice is heard, which has taken a lot of energy; yet, because film is my life, I pushed through it. I have been encouraged by teachers, peers, friends, and family to keep sharing my ideas and creating unique projects for the world. I always knew that being a black actress and creator who inspired other black girls was a passion of mine. My experience in the film industry has validated my quest to tell the stories no one else would. Psychology has always been intriguing to me, especially mental health and generational trauma portrayed in film and television. I am a mental health and neurodivergent advocate for youth of color. Sadly, discussing mental illness and neurodiversity is commonly looked down upon in communities of color. However, I have been privileged to learn about mental health from my mother and through independent research like school assignments, mental health surveys, and general research in my free time. As a neurodivergent person of color myself, I want to create stories that recognize the layers of mental health in historically marginalized communities through an intersectional lens. In film and television, we can see the lives of fictional or nonfictional people we empathize with or relate to. Since I was little, I have recognized that the portrayal of black people, especially mental health, is usually surrounded by the idea of hypersexuality, drug use, and harm to others. Though these topics need to be discussed, I want to share with the world that there’s so much more going on that we ignore while showing black youth that they are not alone. I am incredibly grateful that I have been accepted into my dream school, Spelman College, where I intend to major in Documentary Filmmaking and a minor in Psychology. Attending Spelman will join a sensational community that hears my voice and study under black scholars and professors such as Filmmaker and producer Dr. Akoya Chenzira. Additionally, I look forward to the various opportunities they provide, including the African Diaspora & the World Program and the HBCU domestic exchange program with the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. As a cinematic storyteller, I have made it my mission to advance my storytelling through film as a catalyst to confront the barriers in addressing mental health services for youth of color worldwide. Through what I learn in my major and other studies, I know that I will be able to achieve this goal. Art is my second voice, and I will always use this voice to change the world.

My namesake, writer Maya Angelou, once said, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” I aim to maintain these values and use my filmmaking passion to inspire others, especially young women of color. Throughout my life, my mother has worked in higher education; she focuses on student support, diversity, and inclusion. When she started working at Mount Holyoke College, my eyes were opened to so many learning experiences. Not only was I old enough to observe the meaningful conversations happening around me, I was able to be fully immersed in experiences for my age. A primary example that comes to mind is attending the annual Trailblazers of Color Leadership Conference. My mother and her students founded this conference ten years ago, and it has been a beautiful experience for the community. I reflect on attending some of the first workshops around black hair for young girls to a workshop this year about black poetry and artistic activism. Witnessing their hard work for marginalized groups in the Western Massachusetts community inspired me to do the same thing from elementary school to post-college. These empowering experiences taught me about community, guidance, and open-mindedness. As an ambiverted performer like, I’ve grown to adapt to my surroundings. As I have grown, I have learned to speak up and stand against the suppression I see around me. Now, I am a head member of my school’s senior committee for funding, an active member of our Black Student Union, an upcoming young black businesswoman, and so much more. I realized that I have a voice and should not be silenced. I can be assertive and adapt to different situations as a leader. When I think of how I want to empower those around me, I think about young queer neurodivergent black girls who struggle with being represented on media such as television and movies positively. Every day, my brain is flooded with new visual ideas and stories that I now know should not be hidden because of my intersectional identities. As a cinematic storyteller, I have made it my mission to advance my storytelling through the film as a catalyst to confront the barriers in addressing mental health services for the youth of color worldwide. Art is my second voice, and I intend to speak on essential subjects that are still forgotten. In addition, as a future student at Spelman College, I promise to uphold their empowering motto, “A Choice To Change The World”.

I love thinking about all the black women I have learned about throughout my education. Maya Angelou, Shirly Chisholm, Audrey Lorde, and many more; however, I would prefer to acknowledge the woman who showed me all of these fantastic women in the first place–Latrina Denson, my mom. From the projects in Louisiana, she is now an Associate Dean of Students at Mount Holyoke College, all while doing this independently as a single parent. I look up to her charisma and selfless values. She taught me that leadership needs to be about community, flexibility, guidance, open-mindedness, and assertiveness. Now, I could go on and on about how amazing Ms. Denson is just as a mother, but I wish to acknowledge more than that. Throughout my life, she has worked in higher education; she focuses on student support, diversity, and inclusion. When she started working at Mount Holyoke College, my eyes were opened to so many learning experiences. Not only was I old enough to observe the meaningful conversations happening around me, I was able to be fully immersed in experiences for my age. A primary example that comes to mind is attending the annual Trailblazers of Color Leadership Conference for the past 10 years. Ms. Denson and her students founded this conference 10 years ago, and it has been a beautiful experience for the community. I reflect on attending some of the first workshops around black hair for young girls to a workshop this year about black poetry and artistic activism. Witnessing all the hard work Ms. Denson and her students have done for marginalized groups in the Western Massachusetts community inspired me to do the same thing from elementary school to post-college. She taught me about community, guidance, and open-mindedness. My career aspiration is to use film and acting to create stories. Through these stories, I will advocate for youth of color and the lived experiences people forget about or stereotype. As an ambiverted performer like Ms. Denson, I’ve grown to adapt to my surroundings. As I have grown, I have learned to speak up and stand against the suppression I see around me. Now, I am a head member of my school’s senior committee for funding, an active member of our Black Student Union, an upcoming young black businesswoman, and so much more. I realized that I have a voice and should not be silenced. I can be assertive and adapt to different situations as a leader. All in all, my mom has been my role model for how to be a leader in my communities and organizations. When discussing my experiences as a leader for social justice with my friends, they sometimes ask, “Why do you always mention your mom?”. My answer… It’s because she was the first activist I ever met. Of course, she is my mom and has provided me with gifts and an excellent education, but those things are temporary. What will last forever are her values and motivating drive. My mom taught me how to implement my art into activism and fight for my beliefs. I would never trade her hard work as a mother, her role as a hardworking woman of color, and the life lessons I have gained from her guidance for anything.