As a first-generation college student, empathy has never been an abstract concept to me. It has been a necessity shaped by lived experience. Growing up in a single-parent and low-income household, I learned early how to listen carefully, how to adapt, and how to extend grace to others because I knew what it felt like to struggle quietly. Those lessons, grounded in hardship and resilience, are the same skills I plan to use to help build a more empathetic and understanding global community. Being the first in my family to pursue a college degree meant navigating unfamiliar systems without guidance. There were no academic traditions to lean on and limited financial resources to fall back on. Instead, I relied on emotional intelligence, adaptability, and perseverance. These skills were not learned in a classroom. They were developed through responsibility, loss, and the need to keep moving forward even when life felt uncertain. Over the past several years, I faced the deaths of close family members, financial devastation when my savings were stolen, and the loss of my job during that same period. These experiences deepened my capacity for empathy and reinforced my belief that understanding others begins with humility and presence. I saw this most clearly during the COVID pandemic, when I helped elderly individuals who were isolated and in need of support. Many were afraid, alone, and unsure where to turn. Sometimes the help they needed was practical, and other times it was simply someone willing to listen and check in. Being present for them showed me that empathy does not always require grand solutions. It often begins with showing up consistently and treating people with dignity. Even after the height of the pandemic, I continued supporting others. As recently as last year, I mentored people professionally while grieving the loss of my brother and sister. Showing up for others while carrying my own grief deepened my understanding of compassion. It taught me that empathy does not require having everything together. It requires choosing to care, even when it is difficult. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with people where they are. I listen without judgment and approach others with patience because I understand how much unseen weight people carry. In a global society that is increasingly divided, these skills matter. Empathy allows communities to collaborate, resolve conflict, and build systems that are inclusive rather than exclusive. It creates space for understanding across differences in culture, background, and experience. I am pursuing my degree not only to advance myself, but to contribute to systems that support people who are often overlooked. I want to work in spaces that bridge gaps between resources and communities, where cultural awareness, ethical leadership, and compassion are essential. Education has strengthened my ability to think critically, but my life experiences have shaped my ability to lead with empathy. As a first-generation student, I also understand the importance of representation. When people see someone who looks like them and has faced similar challenges continue to persist, it expands what they believe is possible. I want my journey to encourage others to pursue education, to use their voice, and to lead with understanding. Building a more empathetic global community begins with individuals who are willing to listen, learn, and act with compassion. This scholarship would provide critical support that allows me to remain focused on my education while continuing to develop the skills needed to serve others. With access to education and resources, I can continue building a future rooted in empathy, understanding, and meaningful impact.

Returning to school at this stage of my life has been one of the hardest and most meaningful decisions I have ever made. I chose to start over at a time when everything around me felt like it was falling apart. I was grieving the loss of my brother and sister, both of whom passed far too soon. I lost my job during a period of financial devastation, and my savings were stolen through fraud. It felt like something you would only see in a movie or read in a book. Then, to add insult to injury, my uncle, who was a father figure, a spiritual leader, and my friend, passed away just last week. I felt like life kept hitting me in every direction, and for a moment, I did not know how I would move forward. Yet even in the middle of that pain, my trust in God refused to let me give up. I made a promise to myself that I would not let grief destroy me, and that I would honor the people I loved by continuing to live, to learn, and to grow. Going back to school was more than pursuing a degree. It was an act of resilience, a declaration of faith, and a commitment to rebuilding my life from the ground up. When I was accepted into New York University, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I was not returning to education for a piece of paper. I was returning because I believed in my future again. I wanted to show myself that it was not too late to start over, and I wanted my nieces and nephews to see that strength, discipline, and determination can carry you through the darkest seasons. I wanted them to know that even when times get rough, you can choose not to let grief and loss consume you. The passing of my brother, sister, and now my uncle changed the way I view life. Their lives and their legacies reminded me that I am still here for a reason. They pushed me to stop postponing my goals and to pursue my education with intention. Their memory motivates me to stand stronger because I know they wanted more for me. I want my journey to become an example for those who come after me. I want them to see that even when life takes everything from you, you can still create a future you are proud of. Education has given me structure, direction, and confidence. It has reminded me of who I am and what I am capable of. My experiences have shaped my values, especially my commitment to service. I plan to use my education to expand my consulting work so I can support nonprofits, small businesses, and underserved communities that often lack the resources to build sustainable systems. I want to help people who feel overlooked, forgotten, or unsupported. I want my work to reflect the compassion and strength that my family instilled in me. This scholarship would help lighten the financial burden of continuing my degree, especially during a time when I am rebuilding my life with limited resources. It would support my commitment to finishing my education and using it to serve my community. Most importantly, it would allow me to honor the spirit of resilience that Geneva Mabry embodied. Like her, I believe in second chances. I believe in starting over. And I believe that no matter when you begin, education has the power to transform your life and the lives of those around you.

Growing up in a single-parent and low-income household taught me the meaning of perseverance long before I understood the word. My mother, and my great aunt worked together to raise me, and even with limited resources, they showed me love, strength, and resilience. None of them had the opportunity to earn a college degree, yet they sacrificed their time, comfort, and dreams so that I could pursue mine. This degree is not just for me. It is for them, and I want them to know that their love, guidance, and support were not in vain. Those lessons carried me through some of the hardest years of my life. The last three years I have faced the loss of my brother, my sister, and most recently my uncle, who was a father figure and spiritual guide for me. Their deaths happened so close together that I barely had time to process one loss before another followed. During this same period, my savings were stolen, and in the midst of trying to recover from that financial blow, I also lost my job. It felt like life was collapsing around me, one hardship on top of another. But the strength I learned as a child would not let me give up. These experiences pushed me to return to school and continue pursuing my education at New York University. Education has given me renewed purpose, confidence, and direction. I want to use my life experiences to uplift others who feel overwhelmed or unsupported, especially families who face financial hardship or grief. My journey has shown me that resilience can be shared, and I want others to feel the hope that was given to me. This scholarship would ease the financial pressures I still face as I rebuild my life and move toward my goal

My name is Shakisha Redd, and service has always been a natural part of who I am. I grew up in a family of strong women who believed in caring for others, whether they were relatives, neighbors, or strangers in need. Their influence shaped the way I see community and taught me that true leadership begins with compassion. As a first-generation college student at New York University, I continue to build my education around the belief that service is not something you do for recognition but something you do because someone’s life may depend on it. One of the most impactful moments in my journey of servitude came from witnessing the growing homeless crisis in my community. As the weather grew colder and the holiday season approached, I began to notice not only the increasing number of people living on the streets but also the heartbreaking rise in younger adults who were unhoused. Some of them looked like they could have been my younger brother, my older sister, my niece, or my nephew. Many wore thin clothing or had no socks, and some had shoes that were falling apart. The sight of young people who reminded me of my own family struggling to survive in freezing temperatures touched me deeply. I could not walk past them and feel nothing. I felt called to respond. This year, I have committed myself to taking action in a meaningful way. I plan to meet with local authorities and community leaders to coordinate a distribution effort where I provide warm sweatsuits, socks, and other basic necessities to people who are living outside. My goal is to ensure that they have something warm to wear during the coldest months, and to remind them that someone cares about their well-being. I want to do more than hand out items. I want to speak to them, listen to their stories, and offer encouragement, because many of them have been met with judgment and coldness instead of compassion. I want them to feel seen, valued, and respected. What breaks my heart the most is that homelessness does not discriminate. It can affect someone who once had stability, a job, or a family. Life can shift in an instant. I know this because I have experienced loss, hardship, and times when I was unsure how I would move forward. These experiences taught me to lead with empathy. They taught me that while I cannot solve every problem, I can show up, and that showing up matters. Service is not always about fixing everything. Sometimes it is simply about bringing humanity back into a space where it has been forgotten. The Emma Jane Hastie Scholarship reflects everything I believe about servant leadership. Emma dedicated her life to serving her community and uplifting others, and that is the path I am also walking. My long-term goal is to build a career that supports vulnerable populations through advocacy, community partnerships, and strategic leadership. Whether through my consulting work, community engagement, or volunteer efforts, I want to continue making an impact wherever I am needed. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education while expanding my work in the community. It would help me strengthen the initiatives I am building and equip me with the knowledge and resources to serve more effectively. I am committed to living a life of purpose through service, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story.

In the span of two years, I lost my baby brother and my eldest sister. Losing two of the most important people in my life broke my heart and changed the way I see the world. I went from being surrounded by the people who grounded me to feeling like the foundation beneath me had disappeared. Grief became an unwanted companion, one that taught me lessons about life, loss, and purpose that I never asked to learn but will carry forever. Shortly after those losses, my life changed again. My savings were wiped out after my bank account was hacked, and I soon lost my job as well. I had to start over from the ground up with nothing but my faith and determination to keep going. There were nights I questioned whether I had the strength to rebuild and days when it felt impossible to focus on school or the future. Yet I knew that giving up would mean allowing loss to define me. Instead, I chose to let my faith guide me and to believe that I was being refined, not destroyed. Through it all, I discovered what resilience truly means. It is not the absence of pain, but the willingness to keep showing up despite it. I learned how to find stability within myself when everything around me felt uncertain. Those experiences taught me empathy and patience for others, because I know how it feels to carry invisible burdens while trying to keep your head high. They shaped the way I lead and the way I approach my goals. As a student at NYU pursuing a degree in Business Management and Leadership, I use every assignment and every class as a reminder of how far I have come. Balancing school while searching for a stable job has not been easy, especially after losing my finances, but it has strengthened my focus and faith in my purpose. I remind myself daily that education is not just about a degree, but about the opportunity to rebuild and create a better future for myself and those around me. My personal losses have also shaped my career goals. I want to use my background in operations and leadership to help others build systems that empower people. I have seen firsthand how easily life can fall apart and how important it is for organizations to support the human side of success. Whether through consulting, leadership, or community impact, my mission is to create environments where people are valued, seen, and given the tools to rise again. Losing my siblings, my finances, and my sense of security forced me to rely on something stronger than circumstance: faith, perseverance, and the will to keep going. I have learned that resilience is built one decision at a time. Each time I chose to stand up again, I became stronger. Each setback became a lesson in courage. My story is not just about what I have lost, but about everything I continue to build. I may not have all the answers yet, but I have the determination to keep moving forward. My journey taught me that no matter what life takes away, I can, and I will.

Faith has been the foundation of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up attending church regularly, where I learned not only scripture but also the importance of service, compassion, and perseverance. My church was more than a place of worship; it was the heart of my community and the place where I first discovered how powerful faith in action could be. As a child, I was deeply involved in church life. I sang in the youth choir until I left for college, an experience that taught me discipline, teamwork, and the joy of using my gifts to inspire others. During the summers, I volunteered with vacation Bible school, helping younger children learn about faith in creative and engaging ways. Each February, our church came alive with Black History Month plays, and I proudly participated in bringing our culture and history to life through storytelling and performance. These experiences gave me a sense of pride, responsibility, and purpose. They showed me that being part of the church was not just about receiving but also about contributing and serving. Those early lessons shaped how I engage with the world as an adult. When COVID-19 brought not only a health crisis but also a heightened awareness of social and civil injustices, I felt called to act. Drawing on the same foundation my church instilled in me, I helped orchestrate peaceful marches during that time. These marches were not just about protest; they were about creating unity, raising awareness, and showing that faith and justice are deeply connected. Leading in that space required courage, patience, and compassion, the very values my church had poured into me for years. My faith and church involvement also carried me through personal hardships. I have faced the loss of close family members, financial struggles, and professional setbacks. Through it all, my faith anchored me. My church family reminded me that even in moments of grief, God’s purpose is greater than my pain. Prayer gave me strength, and service gave me direction. I leaned on the lessons I learned in choir rehearsals, Bible school classrooms, and church halls to keep moving forward. Today, after deciding to go back and finish my studies, I am a student in the Business Management and Leadership program at New York University, pursuing my degree with a GPA of 3.445. My church background continues to guide me as I shape my career goals. I am building a consulting practice focused on helping nonprofits and small businesses create stability and growth. My vision is to use my education and my faith to support mission-driven organizations, ensuring that communities, especially underserved ones, have access to opportunities and resources that make a lasting impact. The Sherman S. Howard Legacy Foundation Scholarship would provide critical financial support in continuing my education, but it would also affirm the values that define me: faith, service, and leadership. My involvement in church began with songs, plays, and Bible lessons, and it has grown into a life of advocacy, service, and dedication to uplifting others. With your support, I will continue to honor those values by completing my degree, expanding my service, and using my faith to lead with purpose in both my community and my career.

On Friday nights, my family and I would sit together clipping coupons from the newspaper and saving enough to treat ourselves to dinner out. Spaghetti Wednesdays were a tradition, and stretch meals like kielbasa, potatoes, and onions were staples on our table. Although times were hard, what I appreciated most about those moments was that my mom never made us feel like we were missing anything. She made us feel special, even in the middle of struggle. I grew up in a single-parent household, raised by my mother with the support of my great cousin and my great aunt. My father was not consistently present, and the responsibility of raising me and my siblings fell on my mom’s shoulders. When it became too much for her to carry alone, my extended family stepped in to help. Watching their sacrifices taught me what true resilience looks like. I saw how hard they worked, how they stretched every dollar, and how they carried themselves with dignity even when resources were limited. Growing up in a low-income family shaped my values. It taught me to value perseverance, because I witnessed how hard work was the only way to move forward. It taught me empathy, because I knew what it meant to go without, and I wanted to make sure others never felt unseen. It taught me resilience, because giving up was never an option in our home. And most of all, it taught me to value community, because I would not be where I am today without the sacrifices of my mother, my great cousin, and my great aunt. These values continue to guide me as a first-generation college student. In 2024, I was accepted into New York University’s Business Management and Leadership program, a milestone that represented more than just academic progress. It was a breakthrough for my family, proof that the sacrifices made on those Friday nights and spaghetti Wednesdays were not in vain. Today, I am pursuing my degree with a GPA of 3.445, even as I balance the challenges of grief, financial hardship, and building a new foundation for my future. Service has always been close to my heart. I have volunteered and worked with organizations that supported vulnerable populations, including families and patients in community and healthcare settings. Through these experiences, I saw how nonprofits can transform lives when they have the resources to sustain their mission. I also saw how easily they can struggle without proper systems and support. That realization inspired my future goals: to use my education to strengthen nonprofits and small businesses by helping them grow with clarity, stability, and equity. My vision is to combine business strategy with innovation to create opportunities for underserved communities. I want to ensure that families like mine, who grew up stretching every dollar, can have access to programs, resources, and support that allow them to thrive. For me, business is not just about profit; it is about people, about service, and about creating structures that last. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to continue building toward my future. With your support, I will complete my degree, grow my consulting work, and dedicate my career to lifting up communities who, like mine, know the meaning of sacrifice but also the power of resilience and hope.

I was raised in a single-parent household where my mother carried the responsibility of providing for me and my siblings. She worked tirelessly to make sure we had stability and love, even when resources were limited. When the weight became too much for her to carry alone, my great cousin and my great aunt stepped in to help raise us. I grew up surrounded by strong women whose sacrifices shaped my outlook on life. Their resilience taught me that giving up is never an option, and their example continues to guide me through every challenge I face. Although my father was not consistently present and later passed away, it was my mother who raised me. Her determination made it clear that success was possible through hard work, education, and perseverance. Being raised in a single-parent household meant that from an early age I understood sacrifice, responsibility, and the importance of community. Those lessons became the foundation of my journey as a first-generation college student. That foundation has carried me through many seasons of grief and uncertainty. In recent years, I lost my younger brother and my older sister, losses that reminded me of how fragile life can be. At the same time, I faced financial struggles and challenges in my career. In May 2024, I made the difficult decision to leave a toxic job where I was undervalued and disrespected. It was frightening to step into the unknown without a clear plan, but I leaned on the faith and resilience that my mother and the women in my family modeled for me. Their example reminded me that I had already overcome so much, and that I could keep moving forward. Service has always been important to me. I have volunteered and worked with organizations that supported vulnerable populations, including patients and families in community and healthcare settings. Through this work, I saw how much nonprofits mean to underserved communities. I also saw the challenges they face when it comes to sustainability, resources, and innovation. Those experiences gave me a vision for the future: to use my education and skills to help strengthen nonprofits and mission-driven organizations so they can serve more people with clarity and purpose. In 2024, I was accepted into New York University’s Business Management and Leadership program. I am currently pursuing my degree with a GPA of 3.445, proof that resilience and hard work can turn obstacles into achievements. Alongside my studies, I am building my consulting firm, where my mission is to help nonprofits and small businesses design systems that create stability and growth. For me, this is not only a career goal but also a calling to ensure that organizations serving underserved communities are equipped to thrive. This scholarship would provide critical financial support that would allow me to continue my education while also dedicating time to building my consulting work. More importantly, it would allow me to honor Mireya TJ Manigault’s legacy by following in her footsteps: using creativity, strategy, and compassion to empower organizations and create lasting impact. With your support, I will complete my degree, strengthen my consulting practice, and dedicate my career to lifting up communities that deserve equal opportunity to succeed.

I was always raised in a single-parent household. My father passed away during my first year of undergrad in 2001, and even before then his presence in my life was inconsistent. His death from AIDS was painful, not only because I lost him but also because I realized too late how much he truly loved and admired me. My mother carried the responsibility of raising our family long before his passing, and after his death she shouldered it completely. She did so with remarkable strength, ensuring that we were cared for even when resources were limited. There were seasons when the weight was simply too much for her to carry alone. During those times, my great cousin stepped in and took us in, making sacrifices of her own to help raise me and my siblings. My great aunt also supported us, filling in the gaps where she could. I grew up surrounded by strong women who showed me that determination, sacrifice, and love could overcome even the hardest circumstances. Their example has shaped me into who I am today. Watching my mother, great cousin, and great aunt work tirelessly while grieving their own losses instilled in me the importance of perseverance. They never let me forget that education was a path to stability and opportunity. Even when life tested me through grief, financial challenges, and career setbacks, the foundation they built reminded me to keep moving forward. In recent years, that lesson has carried me through some of the most difficult seasons of my life. Two years ago, my younger brother passed away, and last year I lost my older sister. Grief resurfaced with full force, and I found myself reflecting not only on their absence but also on the absence of my father. At the same time, I faced financial struggles when my savings were wiped out by fraud, and I felt stuck in a toxic work environment where I was undervalued and disrespected. In May 2024, I made the difficult decision to quit my job, uncertain of what would come next. It was then that I leaned most on the lessons of my mother and the women who raised me. They had faced hardships, yet they never gave up. I prayed for direction and leaned on my best friend, who encouraged me to return to school. With renewed courage, I applied to New York University, and to my amazement, I was accepted. Today, I am pursuing my degree in Business Management and Leadership with a GPA of 3.445, proof that resilience and faith can carry you even in the hardest seasons. My experience being raised in a single-parent household has not only shaped my personal life but also influenced my vision for the future. I am building my consulting firm, S. Redd Global Consulting, where my mission is to help small and mid-sized companies design systems that create clarity, stability, and growth. I want to use my talents to do good by supporting women, single parents, and underrepresented communities who face the same uphill battles that my family endured. Being raised in a single-parent household taught me the value of sacrifice, resilience, and love. It gave me the drive to pursue my education and the vision to use it to serve others. By awarding me this scholarship, you are not only helping me continue my education, but you are also investing in a student who is committed to using her talents to make a difference.

Faith has been the foundation of my life, the steady compass that has guided me through loss, uncertainty, and new beginnings. My belief in God has not only carried me through seasons of grief but has also shaped my vision for how I want to serve others through my career. Without faith, I would not have the strength to continue pursuing my education at New York University or the courage to build my consulting firm. My faith was tested early and often. I lost my father to AIDS during my first year of undergrad. Our relationship had not always been consistent, but in his absence I realized how much he loved and admired me. I was the first in my family to attend college, and that meant everything to him. After his death, I struggled to focus and to emotionally pull myself together. Years later, more grief followed. Two years ago, my younger brother passed away, and last year I lost my older sister. Their deaths, coming so close together, reopened old wounds and brought me to my knees. It was in those dark moments that my faith became more than belief. It became my lifeline. I remember nights when I felt completely broken, but prayer reminded me that God had not left me. My faith reminded me that my story was not finished and that loss does not mean defeat. Scripture became a source of strength, reminding me to lean not on my own understanding but to trust in the Lord with all my heart. Through prayer and reflection, I found the courage to keep moving, even when I felt paralyzed by grief and uncertainty. In 2024, I reached another crossroads. My savings had been wiped out by fraud, and at work I was being overlooked for promotions, even demoted without cause. I felt disrespected, undervalued, and trapped in a toxic environment. By May 2024, I made the decision to quit my job. It was terrifying to step into the unknown, but my faith reminded me that God’s plans are greater than my own. I prayed for direction, and soon after, my best friend encouraged me to return to school. I asked God for confirmation, and when doors opened for me to be accepted into NYU, I knew it was His answer. My faith has shaped not only my resilience but also my vision for the future. I am pursuing a degree in Business Management and Leadership because I believe God has called me to use my gifts to serve others. Through my consulting firm, S. Redd Global Consulting, I want to help small and mid-sized businesses scale with clarity, integrity, and purpose. My goal is not just to build successful organizations but to create opportunities for women, single parents, and underrepresented communities. I want to model the very values my faith teaches me: stewardship, honesty, service, and perseverance. God has carried me through pain, guided me through uncertainty, and equipped me with the resilience to continue forward. My career will not only reflect my ambition and entrepreneurial spirit but also my faith in Him. I believe that success without integrity is empty, but success rooted in faith can transform lives. That is the legacy I hope to leave.

I grew up in a single-parent household after losing my father during my first year of undergrad in 2001. His passing from AIDS was devastating, not only because I lost him, but also because our relationship had not always been consistent. It was only in his absence that I realized how much he truly loved and admired me. I was the first in my family to attend college, and he was proud of that. His loss shaped me, and for many years I pushed forward. But grief is not a straight line. In 2024, as I faced new losses and challenges, I found myself mourning him all over again. Two years ago, I lost my younger brother, and last year my older sister passed away. The back-to-back deaths of my siblings reopened wounds I thought had healed. I felt crushed under the weight of grief that connected me back to losing my father decades earlier. While trying to navigate that pain, my bank account was hacked and my entire savings were stolen. Professionally, I endured setback after setback, being overlooked for promotions and even demoted without cause. By May 2024, I was grieving my siblings, reflecting on the absence of my father, and working in an environment where I felt undervalued and disrespected. I made the difficult choice to quit my job, a decision that forced me to reexamine my path and lean on the lessons I had been taught growing up in a family of resilient women. My mother stayed strong through every storm, holding our family together while carrying her own grief. Alongside her, an army of single women in my family stepped in to help raise me and my siblings. My great cousin and great aunt made sacrifices to fill the gaps left by my father’s absence. I am proud to say I come from a family full of strong, resilient women who showed me never to give up, no matter how long it takes or what life throws my way. In my own seasons of grief, lack, and stress, I look to their lives and the examples they set. I admire them. I respect them. And I strive to live with the same strength and grace that they embodied. Through the encouragement of my best friend, I applied to New York University’s Business Management and Leadership program, and to my amazement, I was accepted. That acceptance letter was not just an academic opportunity. It was a sign that even through hardship and loss, my journey was not over. In April 2025, I relocated to California to continue my studies and pursue my dream of building my consulting firm, S. Redd Global Consulting. My vision is to help small and mid-sized companies scale with clarity by designing systems that promote growth and stability. This is more than a career goal. It is a mission to create opportunity, particularly for women, single parents, and underrepresented communities who face the same uphill battles my family endured. By awarding me this scholarship, you are not only honoring Sue and James Wong’s legacy, but also investing in someone who has lived the challenges of loss and single-parent resilience. I will carry forward the lessons of the strong women in my family, complete my degree, and use my education to build impact that uplifts others for generations to come.

Friendship has been the anchor that has carried me through the most turbulent storms of my life. My best friend, Lanae, and I have been inseparable since we were six years old. Over the years, she has stood by me through every season, childhood joys, adult challenges, and devastating losses. Her loyalty, devotion, and sacrifice are what define true friendship, and I cannot imagine where I would be without her unwavering presence. One of the greatest tests of my life came with the loss of my siblings. Two years ago, I lost my younger brother, and just as I was beginning to process that grief, my older sister passed away last year. Losing two siblings in such a short span shattered me. I felt as if life had completely given up on me. The pain was compounded by financial hardship. Shortly after my sister’s passing, my bank account was hacked and my entire savings were wiped out. Professionally, I faced setback after setback, being overlooked for promotions and even demoted without cause. In May 2024, I made the difficult decision to quit my job. I was left with no plan, no savings, and no sense of direction. Through all of this, Lanae never wavered. She reminded me of my strength when I felt weakest. She told me, “What do you have to lose?” and encouraged me to return to school and finally complete my degree. Her words lit a spark in me that I did not think I had left. With her encouragement, I applied to New York University, and to my amazement, I was accepted. That acceptance letter was not just a turning point in my education. It was proof that Lanae’s belief in me was not misplaced. Our friendship has always been rooted in shared dreams. Years ago, we once joked that if we were still single by our mid-thirties, we would pack up and move to California together. Last year, Lanae decided she was ready to take that leap, and she encouraged me to do the same. At first, I resisted. With no job or savings, the idea of moving across the country felt impossible. But I prayed on it and told myself that if she asked me one more time, I would take it as a sign. In February 2025, she did. And so, I embarked on yet another journey with my best friend. This time we were moving to California so I could pursue my degree and begin building my consulting firm. Since arriving in California in April, the path has not been easy. I am still working to secure employment to create stable income while pursuing scholarships to fund my education. But through it all, Lanae has continued to stand by me. Not just emotionally, but also financially and spiritually. She has sacrificed to support me, and together we pray, plan, and encourage one another to keep pushing forward. Lanae is more than my best friend. She is my motivator, my sounding board, and my constant reminder that I am capable of achieving my dreams. Her friendship has given me the courage to keep moving despite loss and hardship. By honoring CF Boleky’s legacy, this scholarship celebrates the very bond that has carried me to this point, and for me, that bond will always be defined by Lanae.

I never imagine that after years of serving in senior leadership, I would be out of work for more than a year, facing rejection after rejection, sometimes even from entry level positions at local coffee shops. It is humbling, painful, and often discouraging. Yet even in the middle of this season, I see God placing Phoebes in my life who keep me grounded, supported, and reminded that this season is shaping me, not breaking me. One of my Phoebes is my best friend. When I had no stability and no direction, she encouraged me to move across the country with her. She opened her home and her heart, reminding me that I was not alone. She is willing to help me until I get back on my feet, not out of obligation but out of genuine belief in me. Her actions reflect what a Phoebe truly is: someone who steps in at the right time, sees something in you that you cannot see yourself, and reminds you that you are still capable of greatness. Being stripped of titles and facing rejection tests my identity daily. I go from managing teams and shaping strategy to applying for positions at coffee shops and not even getting called back. It breaks my pride but builds my perseverance. In those moments, my best friend steps in to lift me up. She reminds me that my worth is not defined by a job description but by the purpose God places over my life. Her presence gives me space to breathe, to regroup, and to keep pressing forward. I also carry the memory of my brother and sister. My sister loses her 20 year battle with health challenges, and my brother dies in his sleep for no reason. They both live with boldness and strength, and I feel the weight of carrying their torch forward. At times that burden feels overwhelming, and I recently had a breakdown at the anniversary of my brother’s death. My best friend was there too, reminding me that I honor them not by being perfect, but by continuing to push toward my goals. One of my Phoebes gives me the courage to keep my vision alive: to finish my degree at New York University, to grow my consulting firm S. Redd Global Consulting LLC, and to create a legacy for my family. These goals feel heavy at times, especially without financial stability, but her support reminds me that progress, even when slow, is still progress. She helps me see rejection as redirection and setbacks as preparation. Today, as a BIPOC woman over 30 pursuing her degree, I embody the spirit of Phoebe by refusing to let setbacks define me. The belief of one of my Phoebes carries me forward, reminding me that perseverance is my gift back to the world. By continuing my education, finishing strong, and building a business that serves others, I honor not only my brother and sister, but also the best friend who has been one of my Phoebes through this difficult season. I hope to be a Phoebe for others, a source of encouragement, a reminder that it is never too late, and proof that even in rejection, there is purpose.

I've always seen entrepreneurship beyond making money rather about solving problems, creating opportunities, and building something that could last beyond yourself. My own journey has shown me that it is also about resilience. Every step I have taken as an entrepreneur has been rooted in determination, faith, and the desire to turn adversity into purpose. What excites me most about being an entrepreneur is the ability to create something from nothing. When I formed S. Redd Global Consulting LLC, it was not simply a dream but a decision to build a future where I could direct my own path. Spending years advancing in my career, ultimately becoming a Director of Communications, I reached a ceiling where I could no longer grow the way I envisioned. That was the moment I knew I needed to create my own ladder instead of climbing someone else’s. Although my business is in its early stages, I am committed to laying the foundation and investing in myself so that when opportunities come, I am prepared to deliver. Entrepreneurship excites me because it challenges me. There are sleepless nights of planning, days of research, and moments of doubt. Yet even in those times, I remind myself why I started. I am not just building for today, I am building for tomorrow. I am creating a foundation of generational wealth and legacy for my family so those who come after me will have opportunities I did not. That vision keeps me moving forward, even when progress feels slow, because every step is part of a larger picture of impact. My inspiration to pursue this path comes from both my lived experiences and the example of my family. My sister embodied resilience and creativity. Even while battling health challenges, she poured herself into the community and dreamed of starting a children’s cooking show. Her bold spirit taught me that life is too short to silence your dreams. After losing both my brother and sister, I made a promise to myself that I would live fully, pursue my purpose without hesitation, and honor their memory through the work I do. Entrepreneurship has become my way of carrying their legacy forward while also building one of my own. Returning to New York University to finish my degree in Business Management and Leadership has been another important step in my journey. Balancing academics with trying to grow a business has not been easy, especially while facing financial pressures. I do not currently have paying clients, and I am still in the stage of building credibility, networking, and seeking opportunities. At the same time, tuition and living expenses weigh heavily on me. I am determined to continue, but without support it becomes difficult to give my studies the focus they deserve while also trying to get my business off the ground. Winning this scholarship would not only ease that burden but also give me the stability to keep moving forward. It would allow me to continue my education while building a business that reflects my vision for the future. More than financial help, it would represent belief in someone who has faced adversity yet continues to push forward with resilience and purpose. Entrepreneurship excites me because it allows me to dream boldly, create freely, and turn vision into reality. My inspiration comes from my own ceiling-breaking journey and from my sister’s fearless example. With resilience, education, and faith, I am committed to living fully, finishing my degree, and building a business that will create a legacy of generational wealth and impact for my family and my community.

No family should have to bury two children in less than two years, but that became my family’s reality when I lost my younger brother in August 2022 and my eldest sister in January 2024, when she passed away from septic shock. My sister was only forty-two years old when she died. She had lived with diabetes since she was fourteen, enduring countless hospital stays, surgeries, and the amputation of six toes. Despite those challenges, she was full of life. She was a comedian at heart, always making us laugh, and she was an entrepreneur in the making, preparing to launch a children’s cooking show. She volunteered at her church and was always the first to lend a helping hand. Through her life she overcame every adversity that came her way, so who could have imagined that a simple cut would be what ended it all. In late December 2023, she told me she had nicked herself while grooming. She reassured me that she would keep the wound clean until her scheduled doctor’s appointment after the holidays. By early January, she admitted she was feeling unwell but brushed it off as being tired. At her appointment, the doctor immediately sent her to the hospital. The infection was spreading quickly, and emergency surgery was needed. Even in that moment, she joked with me over the phone, saying, “I can’t believe all of this from a cut on my vagina.” Those were her last words of humor to me. The surgery was rushed, and though she survived the procedure, hours later she went into septic shock. Through the night, she coded multiple times, and by the next morning the doctors warned us that keeping her alive was putting her body through more pain than peace. Watching them try to bring her back in front of us is an image I cannot erase. Her death shattered our family. To lose my brother at twenty-five and then my sister so suddenly felt unbearable. But while her passing was traumatic, her life was anything but. She lived boldly, with joy, generosity, and a drive to create. I carry that with me. Losing my siblings has changed me forever. It taught me that life is too short to wait for the right time to live fully. I returned to New York University to finish my degree in Business Management and Leadership because I want to honor their memory by achieving everything they could not. Alongside my studies, I am building my consulting business, helping organizations improve operations and create growth. My ambition is to complete my education, grow into executive leadership, and expand my consulting practice to help others. My drive comes from the pain of my losses and the example of resilience my sister showed in her life. And my impact will be measured not only by business results but also by the way I mentor, support, and uplift others in my community, just as my sister did through her church and her plans to inspire children through cooking. Sepsis stole my sister from us, but it will not define how I carry her legacy. I will live boldly, pursue my goals with purpose, and create lasting impact that reflects the fearless love and generosity she gave to the world.

At 41, I stand at the threshold of higher education, my journey a testament to faith, resilience, and God's guiding hand. In 2003, a traumatic attack forced me to leave school, setting me on an unexpected path that would shape my values and career. Starting as a pharmacy cashier, I progressed through the pharmaceutical industry, eventually becoming a director at a start-up company. I developed nine locations and mentored staff both domestically and internationally, all without a completed degree. This experience honed my leadership skills and deepened my appreciation for education's transformative power. This year brought profound challenges: the loss of my brother and sister, job loss, and my bank account being hacked. In these dark moments, my faith in God provided the courage to make a life-altering decision. In May, underpaid and disrespected at work, I realized I had allowed others too much control over my life. This epiphany led me to return to school, refusing to let circumstances dictate my future. My decision to pursue higher education now is about setting an example and making a positive impact. I plan to use my degree to advocate for fair labor practices in the pharmaceutical industry, mentor young professionals, and contribute to making healthcare more accessible to underserved communities. With a completed degree, I aim to bridge the gap between business practices and ethical patient care. I envision creating training programs that emphasize both technical skills and empathetic patient interaction, drawing from my experience in staff development. I also plan to engage in community service initiatives focusing on health education and career development for underprivileged youth. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others facing similar challenges, showing it's never too late to pursue education and that setbacks can become stepping stones to success. This scholarship would be instrumental in achieving these goals. It would alleviate the financial burden of returning to school and validate the importance of lifelong learning and second chances. With this support, I can fully focus on my studies and continue working towards making a meaningful difference in my community and the pharmaceutical field. As I reflect on my journey, I'm filled with gratitude for the experiences that have led me here. The challenges I've faced have only strengthened my resolve and deepened my faith. I stand ready to embrace this new chapter, armed with the wisdom of past experiences and excitement for future possibilities. Through higher education, I aim not only to better myself but also to become a beacon of hope and change in my community. I embody the belief that with faith, perseverance, and education, we can overcome any obstacle and create a positive impact in the world. My life demonstrates that even without a completed degree, God can open doors. From a pharmacy cashier to a director shaping multiple locations, I've navigated the pharmaceutical industry with determination and faith. Now, as I return to complete my education, I carry with me the lessons learned from overcoming personal losses, professional setbacks, and financial challenges. This decision to pursue my degree is rooted in the belief that education is a powerful tool for personal growth and community impact. It represents my refusal to let past traumas or current difficulties define my future. Instead, I choose to use these experiences as motivation to create positive change, both in my life and in the lives of others.