My goal in pursuing an honors finance degree is shaped by more than just personal ambition—it’s motivated by a genuine desire to pave a better path for Black people, especially young Black women, in the business world. My recent internship in the financial services industry was both eye-opening and challenging: on my floor, I was one of only two Black women and one of just four people of color overall. That sense of isolation, while daunting, has fueled my commitment to creating real, lasting change—not only in corporate diversity statistics, but in the actual culture and opportunities available to people like me. What I experienced goes beyond simple numbers. It’s about belonging—walking into a room and seeing no one who looks like you, wondering if your voice and perspective will be heard, or questioning whether you’re truly welcome. I want to change that, not just for myself but for all the Black and Brown girls who come after me. Studying finance at the honors level means more than mastering technical concepts; it’s about developing the insight and leadership skills necessary to dismantle these barriers. I want to leverage my education to both challenge discriminatory practices and empower others. My vision is to use what I learn to design initiatives that directly address the gaps I’ve seen. This includes mentorship programs connecting established Black professionals with students and young professionals—especially those feeling discouraged or out of place. I want to host workshops that demystify the business world, providing real information, skills, and encouragement to students who may not have family or social networks in the industry. These kinds of programs can make a meaningful difference by showing young Black and Brown women that there is a place for them and that their dreams are valid. I also hope to advocate for deeper, systemic change within business environments. Representation alone isn't enough; companies must invest in retention, growth, and authentic inclusion for people of color. I plan to work alongside organizations committed to equity, helping to implement policies and pipelines that ensure advancement and belonging at all levels—not just at the entry point. Ultimately, my degree is both a tool and a platform. I want to forge a smoother, more welcoming path for those who follow, using my own experiences to illuminate what needs to change. My dream is to leave business spaces not just more diverse, but truly transformed and empowering for the next generation of Black excellence.

Growing up in my local church has been one of the most formative aspects of my journey in service and community advocacy. My church isn’t just a building or a weekly obligation—it’s a vibrant, multi-generational community that has, in many ways, raised me. The same members who taught me Sunday school and cheered at my elementary school graduation now congratulate me as I prepare for college. They have watched me grow, nurtured my ambitions, and provided a consistent foundation of faith and service. My earliest memories of community service are rooted in our church initiatives. Every year, I looked forward to joining our backpack packing event, where we’d assemble school supplies for students at the local elementary. I saw families like mine—many from underserved Black and Brown communities—receive the support they needed to help their children start the school year right. It was here that I realized how small gestures could mean the world to someone else. Our Thanksgiving food drives were another annual highlight: members of every age would come together, organizing donations and delivering meals to families who might otherwise go without. Witnessing the collective joy and relief these efforts brought to our neighbors solidified my belief in the power of community. Another powerful influence has been our church’s dedication to honoring and teaching our history. Our Black History Month trips have been especially meaningful—not only for the young people, like myself, learning about our ancestors’ resilience, but also for the older members who sponsor these trips, ensuring every youth has a chance to go, regardless of their family’s situation. These experiences have deepened my pride in my heritage and fueled my desire to uplift the voices and needs of Black and Brown communities. They’ve also shown me the importance of intergenerational collaboration: we are strongest when we’re united by purpose and love. My passion for service and advocacy hasn’t stopped at the church doors; it was elevated further through my mom’s nonprofit, which has partnered with our congregation to bring even more resources—from scholarships to mental health workshops—to our faith family. The intersection of my church’s work and my mom’s organization exposed me at a young age to the critical need for accessible support systems, especially in underserved communities where the barriers to success are often greatest. This foundation inspired me to focus on mental health advocacy, an area I recognized as underrepresented both in our church discussions and the broader community. It wasn’t always easy to talk about emotional well-being or therapy, but watching the church embrace my mother’s efforts to destigmatize mental health—hosting seminars, connecting members with counselors, and funding resources—empowered me to become more outspoken and proactive myself. My journey ultimately led me to serve as a mental health ambassador for Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty mental health initiatives. In this role, I bring my church’s values of compassion and service into a new arena, creating safe spaces and resources for youth who often feel unseen or misunderstood. What drives me most is the hope that my advocacy—rooted in faith, love, and community—will encourage others to seek help and know they’re never alone. In every project I join, I remember my church: the faces that have watched me bloom, the elders who invested in my learning, the joy of giving side-by-side with peers. Their example is why I’m committed to giving back, especially to other Black and Brown youth, ensuring they experience the same care, pride, and opportunity that shaped my life. Service isn’t just an activity for me; it’s a calling, a legacy I am proud to carry on.

Charity has always been an important part of my life, not just because my parent runs a non-profit but because I’ve grown up seeing first-hand the impact kindness and support can have on individuals and a community. I understand that charity isn’t simply about giving money—it’s about dedicating time, skills, and empathy to address real needs and empower others. Volunteering at my parent’s organization has shown me how meaningful change often comes from consistent, collective efforts. In the future, I plan to continue giving back by leveraging what I learn in school and beyond to develop meaningful community projects. I hope to work directly with people to understand their stories and needs, and to use my skills, whether it’s tutoring, organizing events, or advocating for important causes. I also want to inspire other young people to get involved, so we can build a stronger culture of service. Most importantly, I believe giving back is a lifelong commitment, and I am determined to always find ways—big or small—to contribute and create a lasting, positive impact.

My decision to pursue a career in sales and marketing is rooted in both personal inspiration and a deep, evolving passion for making an impact in business. My godmother was the first to introduce me to the world of sales, but my goal truly took shape during my internship in the summer of 2025, where I worked alongside powerful women in finance. In a field where the further you rise, the fewer women you see—especially women of color—I was fortunate to learn from a POC female managing director leading a high-performing team in collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). Her story and example demonstrated to me what’s possible when talent and diversity converge. CLOs fascinated me from the start: the complexity, the creativity, the strategy involved, and the essential role they play in the broader markets. Through close mentorship, I learned that buying and selling these instruments takes place on a trading desk. My mentor encouraged me to pursue roles in sales and trading—not only to deepen my understanding, but so I could someday sit where she does, influencing decisions and culture from the top down. My motivation is twofold. First, I want to become one of the changemakers that sales and trading desks desperately need. I want to open doors, challenge norms, and help drive increased representation for women and people of color in finance. Second, I’m genuinely passionate about sales because it uniquely connects the analytical side of business with the human element—understanding products, communicating value, and building relationships. Originally, my plan was to study marketing at Howard University and eventually become Chief Marketing Officer for the Philadelphia Eagles. That dream has not changed; rather, I see the power in broadening my skill set by blending finance and sales experience with a marketing background. By gaining exposure to quantitative disciplines early in my career, I’ll develop a deeper understanding of what drives business decisions, customer behavior, and financial outcomes. This will enable me not only to deliver results, but to communicate them confidently to stakeholders, investors, and teams—and to connect the dots between strategy and execution. Ultimately, my aim is to bring everything I’ve learned full circle—using my foundation in sales and finance to return to marketing, fully equipped to lead, innovate, and inspire. Getting into sales for me is not just about building a career; it’s about wielding influence, enabling diversity, and staying true to a lifelong passion for connecting people and ideas.

I am an honors student at Howard University, proudly serving as the Director of Operations for a campus organization dedicated to academic achievement and community impact. My journey to higher education has shaped not only my ambitions, but also my commitment to service, representation, and resilience. As a Black woman with aspirations in the finance sector—specifically private credit—I am dedicated to increasing representation and fostering leadership opportunities for Black and brown women in business. My passion for service is rooted in my experiences volunteering across various organizations. With the New York Power Authority (NYPA), I participated in community garden clean-ups, learning firsthand how environmental stewardship and collective action can transform neighborhoods. Volunteering with Junior Achievement of the Greater Washington Area allowed me to mentor youth in financial literacy and college preparedness, breaking down barriers that too often limit young students of color. At Howard University, I have joined my peers during our Day of Service, working to uplift surrounding neighborhoods and create visible, positive change in our city. Most impactfully, I have spent time speaking with inner-city students about pursuing higher education, encouraging them to view college as both accessible and essential for their future. These service experiences have reaffirmed my drive to advocate for increased inclusion within finance, where statistics still show too few women of color at the leadership table. My vision is to work in the private credit sector—a field often lacking in diverse voices—and to rise to a position where I can both drive vital decisions and mentor future generations of Black and brown women. Representation at the highest levels matters; through my career, I aim not only to succeed personally but to open doors for others. This scholarship is vital to my academic journey. My family has made significant sacrifices to support my education at Howard University, but as tuition and costs increase, financial support is crucial for me to fully engage in my studies and leadership opportunities. Earning this scholarship would allow me to pursue internships, participate in study abroad to become more culturally aware, and take on additional leadership roles—all without the constant worry of financial strain. Beyond academics and service, I am passionate about reading, immersing myself in diverse perspectives, and learning about global cultures through travel. These interests fuel my determination to effect meaningful change in business and inspire my peers and the students I mentor. I am continually inspired by the camaraderie and excellence I’ve found at my HBCU—a place where my identity is respected, my ambitions are encouraged, and I am challenged to give back.

I am an honors student at Howard University, proudly serving as the Director of Operations for a campus organization dedicated to academic achievement and community impact. My journey to higher education has shaped not only my ambitions, but also my commitment to service, representation, and resilience. As a Black woman with aspirations in the finance sector—specifically private credit—I am dedicated to increasing representation and fostering leadership opportunities for Black and brown women in business. My passion for service is rooted in my experiences volunteering across various organizations. With the New York Power Authority (NYPA), I participated in community garden clean-ups, learning firsthand how environmental stewardship and collective action can transform neighborhoods. Volunteering with Junior Achievement of the Greater Washington Area allowed me to mentor youth in financial literacy and college preparedness, breaking down barriers that too often limit young students of color. At Howard University, I have joined my peers during our Day of Service, working to uplift surrounding neighborhoods and create visible, positive change in our city. Most impactfully, I have spent time speaking with inner-city students about pursuing higher education, encouraging them to view college as both accessible and essential for their future. These service experiences have reaffirmed my drive to advocate for increased inclusion within finance, where statistics still show too few women of color at the leadership table. My vision is to work in the private credit sector—a field often lacking in diverse voices—and to rise to a position where I can both drive vital decisions and mentor future generations of Black and brown women. Representation at the highest levels matters; through my career, I aim not only to succeed personally but to open doors for others. This scholarship is vital to my academic journey. My family has made significant sacrifices to support my education at Howard University, but as tuition and costs increase, financial support is crucial for me to fully engage in my studies and leadership opportunities. Earning this scholarship would allow me to pursue internships, participate in study abroad to become more culturally aware, and take on additional leadership roles—all without the constant worry of financial strain. Beyond academics and service, I am passionate about reading, immersing myself in diverse perspectives, and learning about global cultures through travel. These interests fuel my determination to effect meaningful change in business and inspire my peers and the students I mentor. I am continually inspired by the camaraderie and excellence I’ve found at my HBCU—a place where my identity is respected, my ambitions are encouraged, and I am challenged to give back.

"Really? You chose Howard, why?" The words stung, both for their ignorance and for what they revealed: the unspoken expectations and shallow ideals that peers projected onto my identity and dreams. I was the only woman of color in my advanced high school classes, and was used to standing out for the wrong reasons. Nothing prepared me for the skepticism, often disguised as concern or other times as ridicule, that would greet my decision to attend a Historically Black College. For as long as my memory will serve me well, I have been proud and uncomfortable with being "the only one". In the halls of my 96% white high school, I became fluent in survival: code-switching, wearing confidence as armor, and carrying the hopes of others with a deterimination that I belonged. However, even as I was top of my class, capitain of the tennis team, valedictorian, student of the semester (3 times), I felt this constant void. My achievements didn't feel like victories to celebrate, they were treated as anomalies. When it was time to pick a college, I dreamed of academic prestige. I wanted somewhere I would no longer be 'the only' and a place where I could thrive as part of a supportive community that celebrated every part of who I was. Family, mentors, and campus visits led me to my dream: Howard, a place where excellence was the norm, culture is engrained in every crevice, and every student is more than just a testing percentile. Unfortunately, the minute I announced my choice, the whispers started. Friends and teachers questioned my ambition. "Why not Tech (Virginia Tech)?" "What would you even study there?" "Are you sure this is the best choice?" Some of the same people who pointed to my achievements as proof that "anyone could succeed" shivered at the idea of me embracing a university specifically designed to help me grow and find the belonging I had been deprived of. The doubts, both shared and unshared, were my biggest obstacle. Not because I believed them or that they were true, but because they tried to shrink my dreams to fit other peoples limited ideas. I sat with my discomfort, but I came back time after time to the question: Who am I doing this for? My answer was a no brainer. I deserve to be surrounded by peers who understand me, faculty who challenge me, and a legacy that is far beyond me and inspires me. Choosing Howard University was an act of self-affirmation. Every step I took, facing microaggressions, challenging stereotypes, and holding my ground in the face of ridicule, strenghtened my resolve. Now, as I am embracing this chapter, I am motivated by my consistent love of academic excellence and my drive to uplift those who will come after me. I yearn to show the other young Black girls from my school district that they are more than their circumstances, and that choosing yourself is the most selfless thing you can do. I am liberated by my choices, not limited. This journey is about pursuing a degree and joining a community where I am seen, heard, and valued. Because everyday I am liberated to choose.

As I stand on the threshold of my future, my aspirations are clear: to become a Chief Marketing Officer and to make a significant impact in the mental health space within the Black community. Attending Howard University, has been a pivotal step on this journey. It has provided me with an environment rich in culture and support, where I am surrounded by individuals who look like me and alumni who have achieved the professional heights I aim for. This unique setting has transformed my dream into a foreseeable reality, offering me access to unparalleled programs and opportunities that I could only have dreamed of before. Howard University has been instrumental in my growth, offering me the chance to network, learn, and develop in ways that far exceed my expectations. The connections I have made and the mentorship I have received are invaluable, helping me to build a robust foundation for my future career as a CMO. However, to continue on this path, financial support is crucial. This scholarship will not only alleviate the financial burden but also enable me to fully immerse myself in the academic and extracurricular opportunities that Howard offers, which are essential for my professional and personal development. Moreover, I am deeply passionate about mental health, particularly within the Black community, where there are significant gaps in support and resources. Receiving this scholarship will empower me to extend my reach in this critical area. I aim to bring much-needed mental health initiatives and programs to my campus, fostering a supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges faced by Black students. Ultimately, this scholarship will help me to blend my marketing expertise with my commitment to mental health, ensuring that I can make a lasting impact both at Howard and in my future career.I am committed to leveraging my education and experience to create innovative marketing strategies that not only promote mental health awareness but also drive actionable change within the Black community. By harnessing the power of effective communication and strategic outreach, I hope to dismantle the stigmas surrounding mental health, making it easier for individuals to seek the help they need without fear of judgment. In addition to my academic pursuits, I am actively involved in various campus organizations. These experiences have enriched my understanding of the complexities surrounding my own mental health and those of my peers and have equipped me with the skills necessary to lead impactful initiatives. I believe that through collaboration, education, and relentless dedication, we can cultivate a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone. Receiving this scholarship will not just support my educational journey but will also serve as a catalyst for my bigger plan. It will allow me to dedicate more time and resources to developing programs that address mental health disparities and provide meaningful support to those in need. With this financial backing, I can focus on creating sustainable solutions that will benefit the Howard community and beyond. In conclusion, the opportunity to receive this scholarship is not just a financial relief, but a profound endorsement of my goals and aspirations. It represents a belief in my potential to make a difference and inspires me to strive for excellence in all my endeavors. I am eager to continue my journey at Howard University, equipped with the knowledge, connections, and resources necessary to become a leading figure in marketing and mental health advocacy.

The importance of culturally competent and readily available mental health care for Black and brown people cannot be overstated. This pressing social issue is one that I, as a future Black marketing executive, am deeply committed to addressing. The disparities in mental health care access and the lack of diversity among mental health professionals often mean that Black and brown individuals do not receive the culturally sensitive care they need. The stigma surrounding mental health within these communities further exacerbates the situation, making it imperative to create awareness and provide resources that can help bridge this gap. In my current role as a youth mental health advocate and speaker, I strive to bring attention to these critical issues. I engage with young audiences to highlight the importance of mental health and the specific challenges faced by Black and brown communities. My talks often emphasize the systemic barriers that prevent these communities from accessing appropriate care, such as financial constraints, lack of insurance, and the cultural insensitivity of many mental health practitioners. By sharing personal stories and statistical data, I aim to foster a deeper understanding and inspire action among my listeners. My advocacy work extends to my involvement as a student at Howard University, where I collaborate with faculty and staff to raise awareness about mental health disparities. By working within the academic community, I hope to cultivate a culture of mental health awareness and support that extends beyond the university. As I progress in my career as a marketing executive, I plan to leverage my platform to amplify the voices and stories of people of color who struggle with mental health issues. Marketing has the power to shape public perception and influence behavior, and I intend to use this power to highlight the realities of mental health in Black and brown communities. This involves creating marketing campaigns that are not limited to Mental Health Awareness Month but run throughout the year, addressing the needs of different groups within these communities. By showcasing diverse stories and providing resources, these campaigns can help normalize conversations about mental health and reduce stigma. In addition to awareness campaigns, I aim to partner with mental health organizations that focus on serving Black and brown communities. Through these collaborations, we can develop and promote resources that are culturally competent and accessible. This might include creating directories of Black and brown mental health professionals, offering workshops on mental health literacy, and providing financial assistance for those seeking care. By making these resources widely available, we can help ensure that more people in our communities receive the support they need. Ultimately, my goal is to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for Black and brown individuals facing mental health challenges. By continuing my work as a youth advocate, collaborating with academic institutions, and leveraging my career in marketing, I hope to drive meaningful change. Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and it is essential that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the care and support they need. Through sustained effort and collaboration, we can work towards a future where culturally competent mental health care is the norm, not the exception.