Since I was a kid, I have always dreamed of building and improving the world’s infrastructure. This, in part, has to do with my obsession with legos. As a kid, I would spend hours building countless towers and even whole cities. When I got a little older, I was able to visit the country of my ancestors and that trip changed my life. I’m a first-generation American born to Congolese immigrants. It was in the Congo that I saw the importance of infrastructure and that those lego pieces I used to play with, were foreshadowing my destiny. In the Congo, I saw the dilapidated dirt roads and poor structures. This inspired me to do something about it, thus my passion for the creation and improvement of infrastructure in developing countries was born. Infrastructure is crucial to our daily lives. I hope to use this drive to impact countless people and their surroundings. During my senior year of high school, I went on a school trip to Jamaica where we built two houses for the local community. Seeing the impact that these houses had on the families really moved me. I am currently going into my second year at OSU studying civil engineering. I am a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, African Youth League, as well as a leading member of STEM DRC, a nonprofit that promotes STEM in the Congo, USA, and the world. One of the things we do at STEM DRC is help low-income, marginalized students who study STEM get the chance to reach their goals. I run the website and social media platforms for the organization. Being a part of all these organizations have been an adversity but has taught me the importance of time management and organization. During my second semester of freshman year, I also joined the Engineers Without Border Ohio State chapter. I am on the International Project Committees where we design and engineer projects to help communities in developing countries. Currently we are working on designing and constructing an open-air marketplace in Njau, Gambia as well as a school in Ecuador. Being a part of Engineers Without Borders helps me use engineering concepts I learn in class to solve real world problems and it aligns perfectly with my passion of constructing infrastructure in developing countries. This summer, I am participating in a co-op at Lathrop/Turner, the #1 general contractor in the US. This has further helped my passion grow because I get to see the real-life evolution of a project and the impact it has on the community. It’s like piecing together a lego set. The thrill I get from seeing the construction drawings come to life is simply indescribable. After I obtain my bachelors degree, I plan on getting my PE (professional engineer) license before landing a career with the United Nations Office for Project Services. From this position, I will most effectively be able to improve infrastructure systems throughout the world and leave my mark on society.

I’m a second-generation Congolese immigrant studying Civil Engineering at the Ohio State University. Having been raised in an African household, faith has played a huge role in my life. I proudly embrace my Christian faith and integrate its values daily, emphasizing kindness and service to others. As a kid, I’d spend hours building LEGOs. When I got older, while traveling to the Congo, I saw the importance of infrastructure and that those LEGO pieces I used to play with, were foreshadowing my destiny. In the Congo, I saw the poor infrastructure. This inspired me to do something about it, thus my passion for the creation and improvement of infrastructure in developing countries was born. Infrastructure is crucial to our daily lives. I hope to use this drive to impact countless people and their surroundings. Ubuntu is an African concept that emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals. The importance of community has always been a core value to me, given my Congolese background, which has driven me to serve whenever possible. In my senior year of high school, I went on a school trip to Jamaica, where we built two houses for the local community. Seeing the impact that these houses had on the families moved me. My service didn’t just stop there. I’m currently going into my second year at OSU. I am a member of ASCE, NSBE, as well as a leading member of STEM DRC, a nonprofit that promotes STEM in the Congo and the world. We also help low-income, marginalized STEM students in the Congo get the chance to reach their goals. My love for service has led me to join the Engineers Without Border (EWB) Ohio State chapter. I’m on the International Project Committee where we engineer projects to help communities in developing countries. Currently, we’re working on designing and constructing an open-air marketplace in the Gambia and a school in Ecuador. Being a part of EWB helps me use engineering concepts I learn in class to solve real-world problems, and it aligns perfectly with my passion. I was also Director of Community Service for the African Youth League at Ohio State for the 2024-2025 year. As Director, I helped execute the organization's philanthropic vision. This included doing acts of service in the Columbus area and fundraising for projects in Africa that helped the community. We were able to raise money for a local hospital in Columbus as well as support a project that made clean water more accessible in rural villages across the continent. I also spearheaded a campaign to raise money for war victims in Eastern Congo. This summer, I’m participating in an internship at Lathrop, a local general contractor. This has further helped my passion for infrastructure grow because I get to see the real-life evolution of a construction project and the impact it has on the community. It’s like piecing together a lego set. The thrill I get from seeing the construction drawings come to life is simply indescribable. After I obtain my bachelor's degree, I plan on getting my PE (professional engineer) license before landing a career with the United Nations Office for Project Services. From this position, I will most effectively be able to improve infrastructure systems throughout Africa and the world. Receiving this scholarship would provide the necessary support for me to pursue my aspirations in civil engineering, helping me contribute to the development of the world while upholding the legacy of love for one's community, a virtue embodied by Dr. Nnaji. This scholarship would empower me to continue my journey of service while contributing to the field of STEM.

Since I was a kid, I have always dreamed of building and improving the world’s infrastructure. This, in part, has to do with my obsession with legos. As a kid, I would spend hours building countless towers and even whole cities. When I got a little older, I was able to visit the country of my ancestors and that trip changed my life. I’m a first-generation American born to Congolese immigrants. It was in the Congo that I saw the importance of infrastructure and that those lego pieces I used to play with, were foreshadowing my destiny. In the Congo, I saw the dilapidated dirt roads and poor structures. This inspired me to do something about it, thus my passion for the creation and improvement of infrastructure in developing countries was born. Infrastructure is crucial to our daily lives. I hope to use this drive to impact countless people and their surroundings. During my senior year of high school, I went on a school trip to Jamaica where we built two houses for the local community. Seeing the impact that these houses had on the families really moved me. I am currently going into my second year at OSU studying civil engineering. I am a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, African Youth League, as well as a leading member of STEM DRC, a nonprofit that promotes STEM in the Congo, USA, and the world. One of the things we do at STEM DRC is help low-income, marginalized students who study STEM get the chance to reach their goals. I run the website and social media platforms for the organization. During my second semester of freshman year, I also joined the Engineers Without Border Ohio State chapter. I am on the International Project Committees where we design and engineer projects to help communities in developing countries. Currently we are working on designing and constructing an open-air marketplace in Njau, Gambia as well as a school in Ecuador. Being a part of Engineers Without Borders helps me use engineering concepts I learn in class to solve real world problems and it aligns perfectly with my passion of constructing infrastructure in developing countries. This summer, I am participating in a co-op at Lathrop/Turner, the #1 general contractor in the US. I am currently working on two projects: an apartment complex for young adults coming out of foster care, and a new library in Toledo. As an intern, I help with administrative tasks as well as reviewing construction drawings, reviewing and submitting submittals, generating reports like JHA (job hazard analysis) and asset lists, and more. I also assist them with the preparation and distribution of information for contract requirements to appropriate parties, the preparation of estimates for changes in work from subcontractors, project site visits to observe and document construction field activities and communicating with Trades and subcontractors to understand and track job schedules. This has further helped my passion grow because I get to see the real-life evolution of a project and the impact it has on the community. It’s like piecing together a lego set. The thrill I get from seeing the construction drawings come to life is simply indescribable. After I obtain my bachelors degree, I plan on getting my PE (professional engineer) license before landing a career with the United Nations Office for Project Services. From this position, I will most effectively be able to improve infrastructure systems throughout the world and leave my mark on society.

In my bedroom, I sit captivated by the intricate details of my Lego Parisian House, a Christmas gift. Each page of the manual beckons with promise. My fingers move with eager precision, assembling colorful bricks into a symphony of creativity and order. As I attach the final gray cube to the tower, my eyes light up with accomplishment. This moment of creation, transforming simple pieces into complex forms, ignited my passion for engineering and revealed its endless possibilities, making it the backbone of our society. From that early fascination, I began to see my life as a grand Lego tower, each cube representing a step towards my ultimate creation: myself as an engineer. Each piece, each effort, each moment of learning and growth contributes to the ever-expanding structure of my dreams and ambitions. The first block that built up my Lego structure was added after my visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As a first-generation American from Congo, I traveled back to immerse myself in the rich history of my homeland. Despite its vibrant culture and flavorful food, the Congo is plagued by poor infrastructure, rendering it unsafe for many of its inhabitants. Cracked foundations and unsupported roofs told a story of neglect and hardship. That’s why I decided to study civil engineering, to partake in the development of not only my ancestors’ continent, but the whole world. Infrastructure and the built environment has a positive impact on many lives—something I want to partake in. What better way to do that than through civil engineering where you build infrastructure that provides essential services like transportation, healthcare, and clean water. As a civil engineer, I envision planning and designing resilient buildings and robust infrastructure—elements not only my homeland but the whole world desperately needs. In this role, I see myself as a builder of hope, laying down each block with precision and purpose, transforming dreams into enduring structures. I continued building my journey as a civil engineer by volunteering for the STEM DRC Initiative, a nonprofit providing scholarships for underserved Congolese students to pursue STEM education. My role went beyond managing the website; I passionately rallied for donations to fund scholarships and elevate Congolese youth into STEM fields. Raising over $15,000 for scholarships, I nurtured a vibrant and inclusive STEM community. Flying to Congo in 2019 for the award ceremony remains a vivid memory. The radiant smiles of the scholarship recipients affirmed my mission: to inspire other Congolese to pursue STEM and help rebuild the country. Each block I add to my structure as a civil engineer is infused with the hope and determination of those young minds, building a future where dreams and resilience shape a stronger world. In 2024, I traveled to Jamaica on a mission trip, adding another crucial block to my structure. There, I helped build houses, laying each brick with care and precision. The experience solidified my commitment to creating safe and sustainable living conditions. Seeing the joy and relief on the faces of the new homeowners was a powerful reminder of the impact that strong infrastructure can have on a community. Now, with an internship lined up for summer 2025 in civil engineering with the Lathrop Company in my hometown of Toledo, I am set to refine my skills. Each project and volunteer effort has added a unique block to my ever-growing Lego structure. As I look ahead, I see a future where my work builds resilient communities. This journey, brick by brick, shapes a world where my skills as a civil engineer bring dreams to life.

I grew up in a Congolese household and I've been influenced by my African heritage in various ways. The Congo is a linguistically diverse country, sparking my interest in languages and leading to my fluency in seven: English, French, Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo, Tshiluba, and Mashi. Having been raised in an African household, faith has played a huge role in my life. I proudly embrace my faith and integrate its values daily, emphasizing kindness and service to others. Hospitality—a cornerstone of Congolese culture—has additionally shaped me, molding me into the welcoming and outgoing figure I am today. I'd consider myself a people person and love being around people and making sure everyone around me is happy. Furthermore, I love to travel. Traveling has made me more open-minded and given me a desire to positively impact the world. Traveling to the Congo in particular ignited my passion for civil engineering. The Congo holds a special place in my heart, however, it’s not perfect. I’ve seen the poor infrastructure. That’s why I decided to study civil engineering, to partake in the development of not only my ancestors’ continent, but the whole world. Infrastructure and the built environment has a positive impact on many lives—something I want to partake in. What better way to do that than through civil engineering where you build infrastructure that provides essential services like transportation, healthcare, and clean water. I’m a member of STEM DRC, a nonprofit promoting STEM. One of the things we do is help low-income, marginalized students who study STEM get the chance to reach their goals. STEM DRC has helped me take on other leadership roles, such as being Senior Class President. As President, I embody servant leadership, organizing events to support my classmates and community— such as fundraisers for scholarships and planning our annual charity 5k run for Veterans: Knight Veteran Run. Additionally, I have been a part of a LLS Student Visionaries team, where my team and I raised thousands of dollars to help battle leukemia and blood cancer. My dedication to helping others extends beyond borders. I recently went on a mission trip to Jamaica, where I helped build houses and fostered relationships with locals. In addition to my community engagements, I've utilized writing papers to shed light on the ongoing conflict between the Congo and Rwanda. I aim to raise awareness so people can advocate for an end to the genocide. I’m also involved in the Congolese Community of Toledo as well as the African-American Club at my school. Another way my cultural background has shaped my experiences is through my book. I have written many books on various subjects such as Kwame Nkrumah, Pan-Africanism, etc. However, I recently published one on my family heritage. It compiles the stories of three families in the Congo, spanning multiple generations. Through testimonies, I not only explore my ancestry, but also depict the dramatic history of the nation and its people across many generations. The book is called Those Who Came Before Us and is available in both English and French on Amazon. The main reason I wrote it was so readers would be educated on the history of the Congo, as well as to bring awareness to the genocide that is happening in the Congo. Writing the book was not easy. A lot of research and interviews went into writing this book. It took me about 6 years to write and there were moments when I wanted to quit but I persevered. Now, I can proudly call myself a published author. Receiving this scholarship would provide the necessary support for me to pursue my aspirations in civil engineering—helping me contribute to the development of the world. I plan to own an infrastructure firm to serve those in places with struggling infrastructure. This scholarship would empower me to continue my journey of service and contribute to the field of STEM— fulfilling my goal of making a difference in the world.

My parents are from the Congo and having been raised in an African household, faith has played a huge role in my life. I proudly embrace my faith and integrate its values daily, emphasizing kindness and service to others. I lean on my faith and values when taking up leadership roles. Furthermore, traveling has made me more open-minded and given me a desire to positively impact the world, something that all leaders should strive to do. The Congo in particular ignited my passion for civil engineering. The Congo holds a special place in my heart, however, it’s not perfect. I’ve seen the poor infrastructure. That’s why I decided to study civil engineering, to partake in the development of not only my ancestors’ continent, but the whole world. Infrastructure and the built environment has a positive impact on many lives—something I want to partake in. What better way to do that than through civil engineering where you build infrastructure that provides essential services like transportation, healthcare, and clean water. I’m a member of STEM DRC, a nonprofit promoting STEM. One of the things we do is help low-income, marginalized students who study STEM get the chance to reach their goals. STEM DRC has helped me take on other leadership roles, such as being Senior Class President. As President, I embody servant leadership, organizing events to support my classmates and community— such as fundraisers for scholarships and planning our annual charity 5k run for Veterans: Knight Veteran Run. Additionally, I have been a part of a LLS Student Visionaries team, where my team and I raised thousands of dollars to help battle leukemia and blood cancer. My dedication to servant leadership extends beyond borders. I recently went on a mission trip to Jamaica, where I helped build houses and fostered relationships with locals. In addition to my community engagements, I've utilized writing papers to shed light on the ongoing conflict between the Congo and Rwanda. I aim to raise awareness so people can advocate for an end to the genocide. I’m also involved in the Congolese Community of Toledo as well as the African-American Club at my school. I have written many books on various subjects such as Kwame Nkrumah, Pan-Africanism, etc. However, I recently published one on my family heritage. It compiles the stories of three families in the Congo, spanning multiple generations. Through testimonies, I not only explore my ancestry, but also depict the dramatic history of the nation and its people across many generations. The book is called Those Who Came Before Us and is available in both English and French on Amazon. The main reason I wrote it was so readers would be educated on the history of the Congo, as well as to bring awareness to the genocide that is happening in the Congo. Those are just some ways I have contributed to my community. Receiving this scholarship would provide the necessary support for me to pursue my aspirations in civil engineering—helping me contribute to the development of the world. I would like to pursue a PHD in civil engineering and plan to own an infrastructure firm to serve those in places with struggling infrastructure. This scholarship would empower me to continue my journey of service and contribute to the field of STEM— fulfilling my goal of making a difference in the world.

Growing up in a Congolese household, I've been influenced by my African heritage in various ways. The Congo is a linguistically diverse country, sparking my interest in languages and leading to my fluency in seven. Having been raised in an African household, faith has played a huge role in my life. I proudly embrace my faith and integrate its values daily, emphasizing kindness and service to others. Hospitality—a cornerstone of Congolese culture—has additionally shaped me, molding me into the welcoming and outgoing figure I am today. Furthermore, traveling has made me more open-minded and given me a desire to positively impact the world—Congo in particular ignited my passion for civil engineering. The Congo holds a special place in my heart, however, it’s not perfect. I’ve seen the poor infrastructure. That’s why I decided to study civil engineering, to partake in the development of not only my ancestors’ continent, but the whole world. Infrastructure and the built environment has a positive impact on many lives—something I want to partake in. What better way to do that than through civil engineering where you build infrastructure that provides essential services like transportation, healthcare, and clean water. I’m a member of STEM DRC, a nonprofit promoting STEM. One of the things we do is help low-income, marginalized students who study STEM get the chance to reach their goals. STEM DRC has helped me take on other leadership roles, such as being Senior Class President. As President, I embody servant leadership, organizing events to support my classmates and community— such as fundraisers for scholarships and planning our annual charity 5k run for Veterans: Knight Veteran Run. Additionally, I have been a part of a LLS Student Visionaries team, where my team and I raised thousands of dollars to help battle leukemia and blood cancer. My dedication to helping others extends beyond borders. I recently went on a mission trip to Jamaica, where I helped build houses and fostered relationships with locals. In addition to my community engagements, I've utilized writing papers to shed light on the ongoing conflict between the Congo and Rwanda. I aim to raise awareness so people can advocate for an end to the genocide. I’m also involved in the Congolese Community of Toledo as well as the African-American Club at my school. Another way my cultural background has shaped my experiences is through my book. I have written many books on various subjects such as Kwame Nkrumah, Pan-Africanism, etc. However, I recently published one on my family heritage. It compiles the stories of three families in the Congo, spanning multiple generations. Through testimonies, I not only explore my ancestry, but also depict the dramatic history of the nation and its people across many generations. The book is called Those Who Came Before Us and is available in both English and French on Amazon. The main reason I wrote it was so readers would be educated on the history of the Congo, as well as to bring awareness to the genocide that is happening in the Congo. Those are just some ways I have contributed to my community. Receiving this scholarship would provide the necessary support for me to pursue my aspirations in civil engineering—helping me contribute to the development of the world while upholding the legacy of love for one's community, a virtue embodied by Dr. Nnaji. I plan to own an infrastructure firm to serve those in places with struggling infrastructure. This scholarship would empower me to continue my journey of service and contribute to the field of STEM— fulfilling my goal of making a difference in the world