To be a purposeful, responsible, and productive community member means to lead with intention, uplift others through action, and stay committed to making a lasting, positive impact. These qualities are not just traits I admire—they are values I strive to live by every day, especially as a first-generation Latina college student raised by a single mother. After my parents divorced when I was nine, my mom became the sole provider for me and my younger siblings. We moved often due to financial instability, which forced me to adapt to new schools, communities, and responsibilities. Through those challenges, I learned how to be resilient and self-motivated. I began working as a cashier, babysitter, and dog sitter in high school to help my family. These early jobs gave me a sense of purpose and taught me that even small contributions can make a big difference. Being purposeful means using your strengths and experiences to contribute meaningfully. I do this by combining my love for creativity and community through entrepreneurship and leadership. I launched my own small business, Heavenly Sweets, where I sell chocolate-covered desserts and handle everything from product development to online marketing. My goal is not only to support myself financially but to show other young women of color that they, too, can build something from scratch and succeed. Being responsible means showing up for others and honoring commitments, even when it is difficult. I take this to heart in my role as the founder of the Latinx Student Union at my school. I saw the lack of cultural representation and decided to act. I created a space where Latinx students could feel seen, empowered, and united. I planned events, advocated for inclusivity, and took on the responsibility of building a platform for others. This role taught me the importance of listening, organizing, and standing up for what matters. Being productive means using time, energy, and resources wisely to create progress. As a student, business owner, and content creator, I manage multiple responsibilities with intention. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, I share lifestyle content that promotes femininity, confidence, and cultural pride. I view social media not only as a creative outlet but also as a tool for impact. By sharing my journey, I aim to inspire other young people from similar backgrounds to pursue their goals with confidence. In the future, I plan to use my degree in marketing to support small businesses, nonprofits, and cultural organizations that serve underrepresented communities. I want to create campaigns that tell powerful stories, connect people to resources, and promote equity and inclusion. I believe that when marketing is done with purpose and responsibility, it can drive real change. Receiving the CEW IV Foundation Scholarship would allow me to continue my education without the weight of financial stress. More importantly, it would affirm my commitment to being a purposeful, responsible, and productive leader—not just for myself, but for the many young women and students of color who deserve to feel empowered, supported, and capable of success.

Growing up as a first-generation Latina raised by a single mother, I have learned the value of strength, sacrifice, and perseverance from an early age. When my parents divorced when I was nine, my mother became the sole provider for me and my younger siblings. We moved frequently from city to city, always in search of better opportunities, stability, or simply a fresh start. These moves often meant starting over in new schools, making new friends, and readjusting to unfamiliar environments. Through it all, I learned how to adapt, how to lead, and most importantly, how to keep pushing forward. As the oldest sibling, I felt a deep responsibility to support my family in any way I could. I worked as a cashier, babysitter, and dog sitter while balancing school responsibilities. Over time, I decided to create something of my own. I launched my own business, Heavenly Sweets, where I sell chocolate-covered desserts. I manage every part of the business myself, from production to branding to online marketing. Running this business taught me how to be resourceful and how to turn my creativity into opportunity. It also inspired me to pursue a degree in marketing so I can one day support and empower other young women and entrepreneurs, especially from communities like mine. In addition to running my business, I am also a content creator on TikTok and Instagram, where I focus on lifestyle and feminine empowerment. I share content that reflects my culture, values, and personality, and I have slowly grown a loyal audience. I believe in creating spaces where women of color can see themselves, feel inspired, and feel proud of who they are. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is founding the Latinx Student Union at my school. I saw a need for cultural representation and community, and I decided to take action. I organized events, recruited members, and made sure that Latinx students had a space to feel seen and supported. This experience showed me the importance of leadership and the power of representation, and it confirmed that I want to use my voice and skills to uplift others. My career goal is to become a marketing professional who helps mission-driven brands and small businesses grow while staying true to their identity and culture. I want to use storytelling, digital strategy, and creativity to amplify voices that are too often overlooked. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of my college education and allow me to invest more time and focus into my studies, my business, and my long-term vision. Receiving the Concrete Rose Scholarship would not only be a financial blessing, but also a meaningful recognition of the journey I am on. Like the rose that blooms through concrete, I am determined to rise, to thrive, and to help other young women of color do the same.

Growing up in a single-parent household after my parents divorced when I was nine taught me resilience, adaptability, and purpose. My mother has raised me and my younger siblings on her own, often working multiple jobs to provide for us. We moved frequently from city to city, which meant constantly starting over in new schools. Although these transitions were difficult, they taught me how to stay focused and determined no matter the circumstances. As the oldest sibling, I took on responsibilities early. I worked as a cashier, babysitter, and dog sitter to help support my family. Over time, I used those experiences as motivation to build something of my own. I started a small business called Heavenly Sweets, where I sell chocolate-covered desserts and market them through social media. Running this business has helped me discover my passion for marketing and entrepreneurship, and I am now pursuing a degree in marketing to build a future that combines creativity, culture, and purpose. I am also a content creator on TikTok and Instagram, where I share feminine lifestyle content that promotes confidence and everyday beauty. These platforms have helped me grow my voice and connect with others who share similar stories. In college, I founded the Latinx Student Union from the ground up to create a space where Latinx students could feel represented and empowered. My cultural pride and leadership experience have shaped my mission to uplift others, especially young women and underrepresented communities. The Lotus Scholarship would help ease the financial burden of college expenses and allow me to continue building a future rooted in service, identity, and empowerment. My goal is to use my life experiences not only to succeed, but to create a positive impact for others like me who come from similar backgrounds.

As a first-generation Latina college student, I carry my family's hopes, sacrifices, and strength with me every step of the way. I come from a community where we learn early on how to stretch resources, share what we have, and support one another. For us, sustainability is not a trend. It is part of daily life. It means using creativity to solve problems, making things last, and helping our neighborhoods thrive, even when resources are limited. I am studying marketing because I want to help bridge the gap between important ideas and the people they are meant to reach. Too often, low-income Black and Brown communities are left out of conversations about wellness, access, and sustainability because the messaging is not made with us in mind. I want to change that. In the next five years, I plan to use marketing to bring meaningful information and resources to communities like mine in ways that feel authentic, relatable, and empowering. Marketing has the power to shape how people think, act, and connect. I want to use that power to support small businesses run by people of color, promote programs that educate families on financial wellness and health, and spread awareness about local efforts that keep our communities strong. Whether it means creating a bilingual campaign for a neighborhood event or designing a social media strategy for a youth mentorship program, I want to ensure the messages that matter reach the people who need them most. Food access is one example that matters deeply to me. In my own neighborhood, many families live far from affordable, healthy grocery options. If I work with organizations that address food insecurity, I want to help them connect with communities through culturally relevant visuals, Spanish-language resources, and storytelling that reflects the lived experiences of the families they serve. Volunteering at Marbles Kids Museum has shown me how powerful inclusive communication can be. I have seen how children respond when they feel heard, supported, and welcomed. Even small details—like using familiar language or inviting family participation—can build trust and encourage deeper community engagement. I want to bring that same care and attention into my future marketing work. With the support of the FLIK Hospitality Group’s Entrepreneurial Council Scholarship, I will continue building the skills I need to create campaigns rooted in equity and connection. I am committed to using marketing not just as a career, but as a tool to uplift others. My goal is to show young people—especially Latinas like me—that we belong in spaces of influence and impact. I believe that change begins with clear, honest, and inclusive communication. Through this work, I will help create stronger, more informed communities that are ready to lead and grow together.

As a first-generation Latina college student in North Carolina, I have grown up understanding how powerful positive role models can be, especially for children who do not often see themselves represented in leadership positions. I am pursuing a degree in business and marketing because I want to create inclusive and empowering spaces for young people and families, particularly those from underrepresented communities. I believe that marketing can be more than just a tool for sales. It can be used to educate, inspire, and amplify voices that deserve to be heard. One of the most meaningful experiences I have had was volunteering at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh. At Marbles, I helped lead hands-on, play-based learning activities for children of all ages and backgrounds. Whether I was assisting with exhibits, guiding craft activities, or helping families feel welcome, I saw how deeply children learn through creativity and human connection. I also realized how important it is for children to interact with mentors who listen, encourage, and believe in their potential. My time at Marbles showed me how much of an impact simple moments can have on a child’s confidence and curiosity. It also helped me understand the powerful relationship between education, communication, and community. That experience shaped my vision for the future. I want to combine my passion for storytelling, community engagement, and youth empowerment to build a marketing career that promotes positive social change. In the future, I hope to work in nonprofit or educational marketing, supporting organizations that serve children and families. Whether it is designing outreach campaigns for youth programs or building strong identities for mission-driven organizations, I want my work to make a lasting difference. I also dream of starting my own nonprofit or social enterprise focused on educational access and leadership development for underrepresented youth. Being a first-generation college student comes with many challenges. I have had to navigate college applications, financial aid, and academic life largely on my own. At times it has been overwhelming, but it has also made me resilient, focused, and determined to succeed not just for myself, but for my family and my community. These experiences have fueled my desire to lead with empathy and to use my education to serve others. Receiving the John Walker and Christine Horton Education Scholarship would support my academic journey and bring me one step closer to building a career rooted in purpose. I am committed to using business and marketing to uplift young people, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more inclusive and hopeful future.

One of the most important experiences of my life was founding the Latinx Student Union at my high school. It didn’t start with grand ambition. I simply wanted a space where I could see myself reflected and where we could speak openly about our identities, cultures, and struggles. But it quickly became much more than a club. It became a movement that changed how I saw myself, my community, and the power we have to shape our future. Growing up as a Latina, I didn’t often see people who looked like me in leadership positions, especially not in education or professional spaces. I’m a proud daughter of immigrants, and like many in my community, I’ve been taught to work hard, stay humble, and give back. But when I entered high school, I realized that being proud of where I come from wasn't always enough. There were cultural misunderstandings, jokes about accents, and a lack of events that reflected the diversity of our student body. That’s when I decided that if the representation wasn’t there, I’d help create it. The Latinx Student Union began with only five members. We met during lunch, shared snacks from our cultures, and talked about everything from college applications to family expectations. As the club grew, so did our impact. I led the planning for our first-ever Hispanic Heritage Festival, which brought together students, parents, and teachers for a night of music, food, and celebration. We highlighted the stories of local Latinx leaders, created bilingual materials to reach families, and hosted panels about navigating college as first-generation students. Seeing people feel seen, sometimes for the first time, was a powerful reminder that change starts with community. This experience has completely shaped how I view the world. I used to think leadership meant being the loudest person in the room. Now, I understand it means listening first, lifting others up, and creating space where everyone belongs. I’ve also learned that ambition doesn’t have to be self-serving. My dream of working in marketing isn’t just about personal success. It’s about bringing diverse voices to the table and helping brands connect authentically with underrepresented communities. That is how I plan to pay it forward. I know that many of us carry the weight of our families’ sacrifices and dreams on our shoulders. But I also know we carry an incredible strength. Founding the Latinx Student Union taught me that even small acts of leadership, like inviting someone to speak up, organizing a community event, or sharing your story, can ripple out and inspire lasting change. I’m applying for this scholarship not just to support my education, but because I believe deeply in the power of community. The support I’ve given to others has taught me who I am: a proud Latina, a student, a leader, and most of all, someone who will continue to serve and uplift the community that raised me.

Graduating with a college degree means more to me than just completing four years of education—it represents liberation, legacy, and leadership. It’s the culmination of years of perseverance, navigating adversity, and finding ways to uplift not just myself, but others along the way. As a Latina student with a vision for inclusive marketing and community-driven storytelling, my pursuit of higher education is not only about achieving personal success—it's about becoming a leader who creates space for others to succeed too. I’ve moved many times throughout my life. Each move meant more than just a change in scenery—it meant starting over socially and academically. It meant leaving behind friends, adapting to new school systems, and constantly trying to find a sense of belonging. These transitions shaped me in profound ways. They taught me resilience and adaptability, but they also instilled in me a longing for connection and community—especially among students like me who straddle multiple cultures. That longing became the motivation behind one of my proudest achievements: founding the Latinx Student Union at my high school. Until this year, there was no space on campus specifically for Latinx students to celebrate our identities, talk about shared experiences, or simply exist in a space where we felt seen and supported. I didn’t wait for someone else to make that space—I created it. I drafted proposals, recruited members, and started holding monthly meetings where we talked about everything from cultural pride to academic challenges. This club quickly became a source of empowerment—not only for me but for dozens of students who finally felt they had a home within our school. One of the biggest accomplishments to come from this initiative was organizing our school’s first-ever Hispanic Heritage Festival in October. From the ground up, I planned the entire event. I coordinated performers, reached out to vendors, curated a cultural program, managed logistics, and worked with the administration to ensure it ran smoothly. Watching students, families, and staff gather to celebrate our food, music, traditions, and stories was one of the most powerful moments of my high school experience. It reminded me of the power of representation and the joy that comes when a community is given the spotlight it deserves. That success led me to my next project: planning a Multicultural Festival, which is set to happen next week. This event will bring together students from all backgrounds—Latinx, Black, Asian, Indigenous, Middle Eastern, and more—to celebrate the diverse tapestry of our school. Planning it has been no small feat. I’ve been leading meetings, coordinating performances, managing decorations, and encouraging students to take pride in their heritage. I want every student to walk into that festival and feel celebrated for who they are. Both of these events have been more than extracurriculars. They’ve been extensions of my leadership and reflections of my values: community, inclusivity, and empowerment. These experiences have also affirmed my passion for marketing—not the surface-level kind, but storytelling with heart. I want to pursue a career in culturally inclusive marketing where I can amplify underrepresented voices and ensure that companies and organizations reflect the communities they serve. I’ve seen firsthand how culture can be misunderstood, tokenized, or erased in mainstream media, and I want to be part of changing that. My dream is to earn a degree in marketing and eventually build a career that blends creativity with advocacy. I hope to work for socially conscious brands, non-profits, or multicultural marketing firms, helping them craft messages and campaigns that uplift real stories. Longer term, I want to launch my own marketing agency that specializes in diversity-focused campaigns. I want to work with small businesses owned by immigrants and people of color, giving them the tools and visibility to thrive in an increasingly digital world. But dreams require support, especially when financial barriers stand in the way. I come from a low-income background, and while my family supports me in every way they can, the financial burden of college falls largely on my shoulders. My parents, both immigrants, have sacrificed so much to give me this chance. They’ve taught me the values of hard work, humility, and faith. Watching them work tirelessly for our family has been the greatest motivator in my life. They didn’t have the same opportunities I do, and I carry their dreams with me into every classroom I enter. Receiving the Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr. Furthering Education Scholarship would be an incredible blessing. It would alleviate financial stress, allowing me to focus on my academics and leadership work. It would mean I could say “yes” to more opportunities—internships, conferences, workshops—without worrying about how I’ll afford textbooks or housing. But more than that, this scholarship would be a symbol of belief in my potential, in my vision, and in the impact I know I can make. Pastor Rorie’s legacy, as I’ve learned, was one of community leadership and spiritual integrity. I strive to reflect those same values in my own journey. I believe in using whatever platform I’m given to uplift others. I believe in leading with humility and purpose. I believe that education is not just a tool for personal advancement, but a responsibility to serve the greater good. That’s how I want to live my life—and that’s the kind of legacy I want to build. My future plans are rooted in service. I want to mentor younger students, especially Latinx and BIPOC youth who may not see themselves represented in leadership or professional fields. I want to speak at schools, offer guidance on college applications, and help others find their voice the way I’ve found mine. One of my biggest goals is to start a summer program or leadership camp for first-generation and immigrant youth interested in business, media, or entrepreneurship. I want to show them that they belong in these spaces—and that their stories matter. To many, a college degree is just the next step after high school. But for me, it’s the key to transforming not just my future, but my community’s future. I don’t just want a seat at the table—I want to build a longer table where more of us can belong. I know I have the drive, the purpose, and the faith to get there. With the support of this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to turning that vision into reality. Thank you for considering my application and for investing in the futures of students like me—students who are ready not only to rise, but to lift others as we climb.

Faith has been my compass—guiding me through every transition, challenge, and new beginning. Growing up in a family that leaned on prayer during times of uncertainty taught me that even when life feels unstable, my purpose is not. That quiet, unwavering belief in something greater has carried me through seasons of change and inspired the person I strive to become. I’ve moved frequently throughout my life, which meant switching schools, adjusting to new environments, and constantly rebuilding my sense of belonging. It wasn’t always easy. But faith reminded me that my identity didn’t have to be tied to a place—it could be anchored in who I am and how I serve others. That belief became a foundation I could return to no matter where I was planted. This year, I leaned on that faith when I decided to start the Latinx Student Union at my high school. For years, I had wished for a space where students like me—Latinx students navigating the world between cultures—could feel seen and supported. No one handed me a blueprint. But I felt called to create what didn’t yet exist. I founded the club, led weekly meetings, and planned our school’s first Hispanic Heritage Festival in October. Seeing our community come together to celebrate food, music, and culture reminded me that faith isn’t only about personal belief—it’s also about action. It's about being the answer to someone else's prayer. That same faith has led me to organize our school’s upcoming Multicultural Festival, where students from all backgrounds will come together to showcase their traditions and stories. Creating spaces where people feel valued and uplifted is part of how I practice my faith—it’s how I live out the call to love my neighbor, build community, and leave things better than I found them. Academically, my faith has been my fuel. Even when resources were limited or the future felt uncertain, I held on to the belief that education would open doors—not just for me, but for the generations after me. I plan to study marketing in college because I want to amplify voices that are often overlooked. I’ve seen how media and messaging shape our world, and I want to be part of creating more honest, inclusive narratives. As a Latina woman, I know how powerful it is to see yourself reflected in stories, ads, and leadership—and I want to be part of making that possible for others. My family has also been a driving force in my journey. My parents, both immigrants, have worked tirelessly with faith as their foundation. They taught me to give generously, even when we didn’t have much. They modeled resilience, service, and humility—all values rooted in faith and reflected in how I lead. I carry their sacrifices with me as a constant reminder of why I push forward. My goal is not only to succeed academically but to use that success to uplift others. Whether through community events, mentorship, or storytelling, I want my life to reflect the values that women like Patricia Lindsey Jackson and Eva Mae Jackson embodied: service, integrity, and a deep belief in the power of education. This scholarship would allow me to continue walking in purpose—pursuing college not just as a personal goal, but as a calling to lead, build, and inspire. With faith as my foundation, I know I can continue to open doors—not just for myself, but for those who come after me.

To me, going to college means more than just earning a degree—it means building a future that my family and I once only dreamed about. As a Latina student raised by immigrant parents, I’ve witnessed what it means to work hard with limited resources, to chase stability in an unfamiliar system, and to push forward even when the odds feel stacked against you. College represents a turning point—not just for me, but for the legacy I want to create. My education has always been my anchor through constant change. Because my family moved frequently, I often had to adjust to new schools, new communities, and new expectations. That instability made me resilient, adaptable, and deeply motivated to take ownership of my path. It also opened my eyes to the importance of community—something I learned to build rather than wait to find. This year, I took that lesson to heart by founding the Latinx Student Union at my school. I wanted to create a safe, affirming space for students like me—students who were proud of where they came from but didn’t always feel seen or supported. I led the planning of our school’s first-ever Hispanic Heritage Festival in October, and now, I’m organizing a Multicultural Festival that will bring students of all backgrounds together to celebrate who we are and where we come from. These moments have shown me the power of representation and the impact of giving people a platform to share their stories. College will allow me to continue this work on a bigger scale. I plan to study marketing because I believe storytelling can shift perspectives and spark change. I want to help shape narratives that reflect the world as it truly is—diverse, layered, and full of unheard voices. As a Latina woman in marketing, I want to bring more inclusion to a field where authentic representation is still lacking. I hope to lead campaigns that don’t just speak to people—they empower them. Beyond my career, I want my education to be a symbol of what’s possible. I want to show my younger siblings, cousins, and community that we are more than our circumstances—that our dreams are valid, and our stories matter. I want to break cycles, not just for myself, but for everyone who sees a part of themselves in me. Receiving this scholarship would make a meaningful difference in lifting some of the financial pressure that comes with pursuing higher education as a low-income student. But more than that, it would be a recognition of the work I’ve done—and the work I’m determined to continue. I’m not just going to college for a degree. I’m going to college to build something greater than myself: a future where my voice and my culture are part of the conversation.

My greatest achievement to date has been founding the Latinx Student Union at my school—a space created by us, for us. As someone who moved frequently throughout my school years, I often felt like I was starting over, constantly having to find my place and navigate new environments. Each time I entered a new school, I searched for representation—for people who looked like me, spoke like me, understood my culture—but more often than not, I found silence where community should’ve been. That’s why, this year, I decided to take action. I started the Latinx Student Union to create a space where students like me could come together, speak freely, and share pride in our cultures. From day one, I wanted the club to be more than just meetings—I wanted it to make an impact. One of our first goals was to organize the school’s first-ever Hispanic Heritage Festival, which I planned entirely from scratch this past October. I coordinated with school staff, invited local Latinx vendors and performers, and brought together food, music, art, and stories to celebrate our vibrant community. The turnout and support we received was overwhelming. It was one of the most meaningful days of my life. But I didn’t stop there. After seeing how powerful cultural representation could be, I began planning a Multicultural Festival to bring all of our school’s diverse communities together. That event is taking place next week, and I’ve worked hard to ensure that every culture has a voice and a space. We’ll be highlighting traditions, performances, and cuisines from students’ countries around the world—a true celebration of our shared and unique identities. Through all of this, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about having a title. It’s about listening, building, and showing up—especially when no one else has before. These experiences have taught me that I have the power to build community, create visibility, and make real change. This experience has only deepened my desire to pursue a degree in marketing. I want to be a Latina voice in this industry—one that helps tell stories that matter, stories that reflect real people. I believe marketing can be a force for connection and inclusivity, and I want to lead the way in creating campaigns that are both impactful and authentic. One day, I hope to start my own agency focused on empowering underrepresented voices and crafting narratives that resonate with purpose and pride. This scholarship would help me overcome the financial barriers that come with pursuing higher education as a low-income student. But more than that, it would honor everything I’ve worked to build so far. I’m not just pursuing a degree—I’m building a future where culture is celebrated, stories are valued, and no one feels like they have to hide who they are.

As the daughter of immigrant parents, I’ve witnessed firsthand the sacrifices made for opportunities I now have the privilege to pursue. My parents came to this country with little more than courage and hope. They worked long hours, often in jobs that demanded everything of them physically, so that I could focus on school and dream beyond what they ever had the chance to imagine for themselves. Their journey taught me the value of perseverance, resilience, and education. It’s their strength that motivates me to pursue my own path with purpose—to turn their sacrifices into something meaningful. I’ve learned to navigate challenges with determination and to approach every opportunity with gratitude and ambition. I plan to study marketing because I believe stories have the power to connect, inspire, and create change—especially when they reflect the richness of diverse communities. As a Latina woman, I want to bring more representation to the marketing world, helping brands connect authentically with the people they serve. I want to lead campaigns that do more than sell—I want them to empower, include, and elevate voices that are often overlooked. This scholarship would be a vital step in helping me continue my education and pursue my dreams without the added weight of financial strain. More than that, it would be a recognition of everything I stand for: hard work, community, and the belief that every voice—especially those like mine—deserves to be heard.

I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I carry not only my own hopes, but the hopes of every woman who has ever been told her voice is too soft, her culture too foreign, or her ideas too bold. I aspire to be a Latina woman in the marketing field, not just to succeed, but to shift narratives, break ceilings, and amplify voices like mine that too often go unheard. Growing up as a Latina, I learned the power of storytelling long before I knew that marketing was even a profession. I saw it in the way my abuela told stories through recipes, how my mother communicated strength through silence and action, and how our community created connection through shared traditions and resilience. These were the first lessons in branding, audience understanding, and cultural relevance that no textbook could teach. They gave me a foundation rooted in authenticity, empathy, and connection—exactly what the best marketing stands for. Yet, as I pursued my interest in marketing, I quickly noticed the lack of representation—very few campaigns reflected my culture, and even fewer professionals looked like me. That’s when I realized that my dream wasn’t just about a career. It was about representation. It was about helping brands see the power in connecting with communities authentically, not just for profit, but for progress. I am worth my dream because I bring something essential to the table: perspective. As a Latina, I understand the nuances, challenges, and beauty of a culture that deserves more than a month of celebration or a stereotype in a commercial. I want to be part of a generation of marketers who don’t just chase trends but shape them with intention, inclusivity, and cultural awareness. More than ambition, I bring action. I’ve sought internships, taken initiative in school projects, and engaged in community programs that allow me to explore both the creative and strategic sides of marketing. I’m building the skills, but more importantly, I’m building the mindset of a marketer who wants to lead with purpose. I’ve learned that dreams flourish not in isolation, but through the strength of community. My goal isn’t just to rise, but to lift others as I do. I want to mentor young Latinas, advocate for inclusive representation in media, and be the role model I once searched for. I want to walk into a boardroom and show that you can be powerful and kind, professional and proud of your roots, driven and deeply human. This scholarship isn’t just financial support—it’s a vote of confidence in the future I’m fighting for. And I promise to carry that belief with integrity, gratitude, and fierce determination. I am not just dreaming for myself—I am dreaming for every girl who needs to see that it’s possible. That is why I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve.

From a young age, I’ve been inspired by Disney princesses, especially Belle from Beauty and the Beast. While her story is about falling in love with a beast, I’ve always seen it as one of resilience, adaptability, and pursuing passions despite challenges. These qualities have shaped my journey, and I hope to apply them in my life to create a positive impact through my studies and future career. My life has been unpredictable, but like Belle, I have learned to persevere in the face of adversity. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was growing up in a constantly changing environment. After my parents’ divorce, my family moved frequently, often changing schools and cities. At times, this instability was overwhelming, and it was hard to feel grounded. But, like Belle, who adapted quickly to life in the Beast’s castle, I had to adjust to new settings, new people, and new challenges. I learned how to navigate social dynamics, build resilience, and find my footing no matter where I was. While the constant moving was difficult, it taught me to embrace change with an open mind and to value the diverse perspectives that each new place offered. Beyond resilience, Belle’s love for knowledge is something I’ve always admired and related to. I’ve always sought out ways to learn and grow, even when it wasn’t easy or when others didn’t understand my passions. Inspired by Belle’s curiosity and individuality, I found my own passion in baking. What started as a simple love of making desserts like cakepops and chocolate-covered sweets turned into a small business venture, where I began selling my creations to family and friends. As I built my business, I learned valuable skills in marketing, social media, and entrepreneurship. Through this experience, I discovered a deeper passion for business and marketing—skills that I now hope to use to impact the world in a meaningful way. My entrepreneurial spirit also led me to become a content creator on social media. I began sharing positivity, promoting self-confidence, and encouraging others to embrace life’s small joys. As my following grew, I started collaborating with brands, learning how to market myself, and realizing that my true calling lies in business & marketing. I want to leverage these platforms to help individuals & communities create positive change. Belle’s famous line, “I want adventure in the great wide somewhere,” resonates with me. I too long for adventure beyond the familiar, but as I’ve grown, my fears have shifted from external ones, like the Beast, to internal ones—fear of failure and not reaching my full potential. These fears have only strengthened my determination. I’ve learned that growth often comes with discomfort, but it’s through overcoming challenges that we achieve success and fulfillment. My passion for creativity, business, and marketing is rooted in my desire to make a positive impact. I believe that by combining my love for storytelling, entrepreneurship, and digital media, I can help elevate voices, promote meaningful messages, and inspire others to follow their own paths. Like Belle, who used her intellect, courage, and kindness to change the world around her, I hope to use my studies and career to make a difference in the lives of others. In the end, my journey is about embracing change, following my passions, and persevering through challenges. I’ve learned that the greatest adventures lead to personal growth, and I’m excited to see where my own journey will take me in business and marketing. As Belle wisely said, “I want so much more than they’ve got planned,” and I know my future is full of limitless possibilities.