As Vice President of Visibility365, I work to positively impact the world by striving to provide brave and safe spaces for Black transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary individuals and youth to preserve, create, share, explore, and express their stories. Visibility365 was founded in Florida and is a collective dedicated to showcasing the triumphs of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) innovators, disruptors, and change agents within the trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) community. Our mission is to shed light on the critical issues marginalized individuals face while fostering connections among youth, individuals, communities, and allies. By offering fresh, insightful content and creative programming, we aim to enhance internal and external community engagement and empower the BIPOC TGNC community to combat the negative narrative perpetuated by unauthorized storytellers. Through our efforts, we strive to break the cycle of poverty and marginalization by empowering individuals with the knowledge, inspiration, and tools to create meaningful change in their lives and communities. Thus driving a societal shift that builds empathy, champions rights, and promotes equality, inclusion, and access for the BIPOC TGNC community. At the beginning of 2024, Florida became the political hotbed and ground zero for anti-trans and anti-black legislation after eleven anti-trans bills impacted several areas, including employment, civil rights, incarceration, healthcare, and child abuse, were passed by the current governor and his supporters, after successfully carrying out a strategic plan to strip certain medical professionals from providing life-saving, gender-affirming care for youth and consequently affecting adults. Schools, which were once safe havens for youth to confide in guidance counselors, teachers, and other trusted staff, have shifted into “Don’t tell” institutions. Support no longer exists for in-school TLGBQ+ student-led organizations and youth are left to figure out how to support themselves without resources. Our state has also removed diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Higher Education, banned sex education in all public schools, banned critical race theory, and banned more books than any other state in their extreme right-wing “Stop Woke” brigade. Through my efforts at Visibility365 and the work of many other trans organizations who are stepping outside of their silos and beginning to understand the importance of collaboration. Our community is resilient, and we are not only calling out the LGBT community but calling them in to be our accomplices while having conversations about how these political attacks affect all of us as we are all connected. Through my work efforts at Visibility365, I aim to satisfy the hunger for uplifting messages and manifestations while amplifying and preserving the voices of those yearning to express their authentic selves. Our very first collaboration was with UWC, based out of California. When we teamed up to feature black transgender individuals on social media daily during black history month, it was through this collaboration that Visibility365 was birthed. Our future plan includes strategizing, marketing and social media strategy, building a budget for equipment and software, and networking. We have collaborations lined up with local black-led trans and LGBQ+ organizations, and we are also building our email and contact list.

1.) As a black, gender-expansive trans-man, I am often faced with significant and multifaceted barriers to educational support and access. I've encountered professors who did not understand or accept gender-expansive identities, instructors with inadequate training on gender diversity, gender expression, and how to create an inclusive environment for all students, as well as misgendering and gendered assumptions at the hands of instructors, peers, and administration. I’ve even faced discrimination and harassment from peers, teachers, and administrators, which created a hostile learning environment. Unfortunately, some of these experiences have temporarily impacted my academic performance and mental health. Others have even managed to affect my overall well-being because the extreme lack of support and acceptance at times expands my stress, anxiety, and depression just that much. To this day, I face bureaucratic obstacles with my name and pronouns on official records, ID cards, or other documents, and the lack of inclusive policies in the educational system offers no protection for my rights and well-being, which leaves me vulnerable to intolerance, bigotry, and discrimination in the future. There have also been times when I was tokenized and stereotyped as an example of "diversity" rather than being seen as the unique individual I am with individual needs. 2.) My major is Pre-Law, and my educational goal is to earn a juris doctorate. 3.) My career goal is to sit for the Florida Bar Exam and become a Public Interest Attorney who collaborates with non-profit organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups focused on civil rights and public policy regarding the LGBTQ community. 4.) To address these barriers and positively impact the LGBTQ community, after completing my education, I will continue my efforts as the vice president of Visibility365, a non-profit organization working to positively impact the world by striving to provide brave and safe spaces for Black transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary individuals and youth to preserve, create, share, explore, and express their stories. Visibility365 was founded in Florida and is a collective dedicated to showcasing the triumphs of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) innovators, disruptors, and change agents within the trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) community. Our mission is to shed light on the critical issues marginalized individuals face while fostering connections among youth, individuals, communities, and allies. By offering fresh, insightful content and creative programming, we aim to enhance internal and external community engagement and empower the BIPOC TGNC community to combat the negative narrative perpetuated by unauthorized storytellers. Through our efforts, we strive to break the cycle of poverty and marginalization by empowering individuals with the knowledge, inspiration, and tools to create meaningful change in their lives and communities. Thus driving a societal shift that builds empathy, champions rights, and promotes equality, inclusion, and access for the BIPOC TGNC community.

As Vice President of Visibility365, I work to positively impact the world by striving to provide brave and safe spaces for Black transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary individuals and youth to preserve, create, share, explore, and express their stories. Visibility365 was founded in Florida and is a collective dedicated to showcasing the triumphs of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) innovators, disruptors, and change agents within the trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) community. Our mission is to shed light on the critical issues marginalized individuals face while fostering connections among youth, individuals, communities, and allies. By offering fresh, insightful content and creative programming, we aim to enhance internal and external community engagement and empower the BIPOC TGNC community to combat the negative narrative perpetuated by unauthorized storytellers. Through our efforts, we strive to break the cycle of poverty and marginalization by empowering individuals with the knowledge, inspiration, and tools to create meaningful change in their lives and communities. Thus driving a societal shift that builds empathy, champions rights, and promotes equality, inclusion, and access for the BIPOC TGNC community. At the beginning of 2024, Florida became the political hotbed and ground zero for anti-trans and anti-black legislation after eleven anti-trans bills impacted several areas, including employment, civil rights, incarceration, healthcare, and child abuse, were passed by the current governor and his supporters, after successfully carrying out a strategic plan to strip certain medical professionals from providing life-saving, gender-affirming care for youth and consequently affecting adults. Schools, which were once safe havens for youth to confide in guidance counselors, teachers, and other trusted staff, have shifted into “Don’t tell” institutions. Support no longer exists for in-school TLGBQ+ student-led organizations and youth are left to figure out how to support themselves without resources. Our state has also removed diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Higher Education, banned sex education in all public schools, banned critical race theory, and banned more books than any other state in their extreme right-wing “Stop Woke” brigade. Through my efforts at Visibility365 and the work of many other trans organizations who are stepping outside of their silos and beginning to understand the importance of collaboration. Our community is resilient, and we are not only calling out the LGBT community but calling them in to be our accomplices while having conversations about how these political attacks affect all of us as we are all connected. Through my work efforts at Visibility365, I aim to satisfy the hunger for uplifting messages and manifestations while amplifying and preserving the voices of those yearning to express their authentic selves. Our very first collaboration was with UWC, based out of California. When we teamed up to feature black transgender individuals on social media daily during black history month, it was through this collaboration that Visibility365 was birthed. Our future plan includes strategizing, marketing and social media strategy, building a budget for equipment and software, and networking. We have collaborations lined up with local black-led trans and LGBQ+ organizations, and we are also building our email and contact list.

My life journey and experiences thus far have been filled with diverse situations and opportunities that have shaped my values and goals. With the education I plan to pursue, I aim to make a difference by utilizing my knowledge and skills to address pressing social issues, contribute to innovative solutions, and empower marginalized communities. This scholarship will provide much needed financial support and resources to help me achieve my goals and create a positive impact in the world. I come from a black, low-income, single-parent household and have faced challenges accessing equal higher education opportunities all my life. Without faith, grit, conscious effort, and sheer determination, it is impossible to remain motivated when facing adversity, and today, I am a product of my hard work and dedication. Despite life's obstacles, I am determined to make something of myself. I persevere and work hard to improve my worth. I will be a second-generation college graduate very soon. I have made it my mission to help others in similar situations gain access to more opportunities than I had. Education is the key to success, and I am committed to ensuring others like myself have the chance to succeed. I cannot count the times I have had to "P.U.S.H.," literally get down on my knees and Pray Until Something Happens just to stay focused on obtaining my juris doctorate and practicing law one day. Currently, I am the adoptive parent of my five-year-old autistic brother, an adult learner with a 3.76 GPA, a surviving federal victim witness with monocular vision as a result of the injuries I sustained during the incident, and nearing the federal loan limit. Despite life's challenges, I show up and remain determined to positively impact marginalized and underserved communities through art, which allowed me to begin the process and afforded me the courage to testify in federal court against my attacker, prompting me to return to college and become a lawyer so that I could use legal advocacy, and community engagement to create a philanthropic initiative focused on educating youth in the community where I lost my right eye. I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need; utilizing my resilience, determination, and commitment through legal advocacy and community engagement, I plan to continue serving the community and making a meaningful difference. I will always advocate for my community to ensure its voices are heard, and our rights are respected while using my platform to raise awareness of the challenges marginalized and underserved communities face. I will ensure that these communities can access adequate resources to help them achieve their goals. I will also work to create opportunities for collaboration and partnership and create a safe space for dialogue. Finally, I will empower those most affected by these issues and provide them with the tools and support necessary to succeed. In this way, I hope to foster an equitable and inclusive society for all.

My life journey and experiences thus far have been filled with diverse situations and opportunities that have shaped my values and goals. With the education I plan to pursue, I aim to make a difference by utilizing my knowledge and skills to address pressing social issues, contribute to innovative solutions, and empower marginalized communities. This scholarship will provide much needed financial support and resources to help me achieve my goals and create a positive impact in the world. I come from a black, low-income, single-parent household and have faced challenges accessing equal higher education opportunities all my life. Without faith, grit, conscious effort, and sheer determination, it is impossible to remain motivated when facing adversity, and today, I am a product of my hard work and dedication. Despite life's obstacles, I am determined to make something of myself. I persevere and work hard to improve my worth. I will be a second-generation college graduate very soon. I have made it my mission to help others in similar situations gain access to more opportunities than I had. Education is the key to success, and I am committed to ensuring others like myself have the chance to succeed. I cannot count the times I have had to "P.U.S.H.," literally get down on my knees and Pray Until Something Happens just to stay focused on obtaining my juris doctorate and practicing law one day. Currently, I am the adoptive parent of my five-year-old autistic brother, an adult learner with a 3.76 GPA, a surviving federal victim witness with monocular vision as a result of the injuries I sustained during the incident, and nearing the federal loan limit. Despite life's challenges, I show up and remain determined to positively impact marginalized and underserved communities through art, which allowed me to begin the process and afforded me the courage to testify in federal court against my attacker, prompting me to return to college and become a lawyer so that I could use legal advocacy, and community engagement to create a philanthropic initiative focused on educating youth in the community where I lost my right eye. I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need; utilizing my resilience, determination, and commitment through legal advocacy and community engagement, I plan to continue serving the community and making a meaningful difference. I will always advocate for my community to ensure its voices are heard, and our rights are respected while using my platform to raise awareness of the challenges marginalized and underserved communities face. I will ensure that these communities can access adequate resources to help them achieve their goals. I will also work to create opportunities for collaboration and partnership and create a safe space for dialogue. Finally, I will empower those most affected by these issues and provide them with the tools and support necessary to succeed. In this way, I hope to foster an equitable and inclusive society for all.

I come from a black, low-income, single-parent household and have faced challenges accessing equal higher education opportunities all my life. Without faith, grit, conscious effort, and sheer determination, it is impossible to remain motivated when facing adversity. I am a product of my own hard work and dedication. Despite the obstacles, I was determined to make something of myself. I persevere and work hard to improve my worth. I will be a second-generation college graduate very soon. I have made it my mission to help others in similar situations gain access to more opportunities than I had. Education is the key to success, and I am committed to ensuring others like myself have the chance to succeed. I cannot count the times I have had to "P.U.S.H.," literally get down on my knees and Pray Until Something Happens just to stay focused on obtaining my juris doctorate and practicing law one day. Currently, I am the adoptive parent of my five-year-old autistic brother, an adult learner with a 3.76 GPA, a surviving federal victim witness with monocular vision as a result of the injuries I sustained during the incident, and nearing the federal loan limit. Despite life's challenges, I show up and remain determined to positively impact marginalized and underserved communities through art, which allowed me to begin the process and afforded me the courage to testify in federal court against my attacker, prompting me to return to college and become a lawyer so that I could use legal advocacy, and community engagement to create a philanthropic initiative focused on educating youth in the community where I lost my right eye. I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need; utilizing my resilience, determination, and commitment through legal advocacy and community engagement, I plan to continue serving the community and making a meaningful difference. I will always advocate for my community to ensure its voices are heard, and our rights are respected while using my platform to raise awareness of the challenges marginalized and underserved communities face. I will ensure that these communities can access adequate resources to help them achieve their goals. I will also work to create opportunities for collaboration and partnership and create a safe space for dialogue. Finally, I will empower those most affected by these issues and provide them with the tools and support necessary to succeed. In this way, I hope to foster an equitable and inclusive society for all.

Question 1. As a transfer student with a 3.76 GPA. I have applied to the University of Central Florida and Barry University and heard back from both institutions. On May 23, 2024, I remitted the required seat deposit to Barry University because, thanks to the Barry University Department of History and Political Science and the Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, I will earn a combined Pre Law Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor Degree via the accelerated 3 + 3 program. My core undergraduate requirements will be completed in the spring of 2025, and my senior undergraduate year will also be my first year of law school. Question 2. My thirst for knowledge and scholarly growth cannot be quenched, so the walls of formal education can not confine me; I am always seeking opportunities to advance by attending developmental workshops and seminars, reading books and articles, engaging in discussions and debates as well as painting which challenges the norms of intellectual development. I also actively participate in online study groups and courses to gain access to new information and seek guidance, mentorship, advice, and feedback on my development. At the same time, I take full advantage of my network of peers and professionals because they provide valuable insights and perspectives that prompt new challenges and opportunities to stretch my knowledge and skills—an example of how this pursuit shapes your legal aspirations is how it allowed me to develop a comprehensive understanding of the legal field and hone my skills to become a more well-rounded professional. It also enabled me to build a strong network of contacts that I can use to stay ahead of the competition. Question 3. As someone raised with a solid foundation of morals and values, I have done my best to avoid situations that cause moral dilemmas. To this day, I am persistent in upholding my values, so strategizing is not a significant concern. Still, when I was younger, I faced an instance regarding whether to stand up for a friend being bullied or to remain silent and avoid getting involved. Ultimately, I chose to defend my friend, even though it meant potentially facing the same mistreatment, which was a difficult decision. Still, it taught me the importance of loyalty and standing up for what is right. Question 4. Suppose I had the resources to create a philanthropic initiative, the cause it would support would be youth and art-focused and centered on engaging and educating the underserved community in the direct vicinity of two superfund sites near the city where I grew up and lost my right eye after being robbed while working in 2017, where the negative socioeconomic impacts of formerly contaminated land are still present to this day. It is art's extraordinary ability to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and create a profound connection between individuals and the environment that allowed me to begin the process of healing. I firmly believe that Art’s potent ability to increase awareness while fostering emotional connections and motivating efforts to tackle crises that afforded me the courage to testify in federal court against my attacker, and that experience prompted me to go back to college and become a lawyer. As it stands, the city council would rather regentrify the area and make it far too expensive for locals to continue living in the region rather than adhere to terms of environmental justice, which encourages fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income concerning the development, implementation, and enforcement of envenvironmental laws, regulations, and policies and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits.