“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things the General Manager said to me when I was hired at Chuck E. Cheese in 2019. As a Black and Korean woman, this microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more open-minded people of color in management positions. The lack of diversity is a global concern. Therefore, I decided to get my Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Administration and Master’s in Global Hospitality Management and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable work environment for minorities in the hospitality industry. I enjoy being an active student and leader at Georgia State University and the School of Hospitality. I am a Graduate Student Ambassador to advocate for the Master of Global Hospitality Management program. Plus, I was interviewed by MeetingsNet, a resource for the meeting and convention industry, to get my opinion on how event planners can attract young professionals to attend conferences and trade shows. I am an also instructor for the First Year Experience (GSU 1010) course. I am guiding a class of 22 freshmen through their first semester of college by helping them navigate their strengths, weaknesses, personality, interests, and career aspirations. In addition, I was the Vice President of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Student Chapter. My role was to collaborate with my fellow officers to plan and conduct monthly meetings with guest speakers and event venue tours. Our organization had an Event Services Coordinator for the Atlanta Braves speak to our members, and we toured popular event venues such as AmericasMart and the Atlanta History Center. Additionally, I managed a budget of $10,000 for the 2022-2023 school year for events, travel, and merchandise. We sent four members to the 2022 IAEE Expo! Expo! Convention and four members to the 2023 Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convening Leaders Conference. These conferences and conventions allowed the members to network with hospitality professionals, receive job offers, and experience how large events are conducted. Moreover, I inducted a new President and Vice President and have been mentoring them through their roles. Before I was promoted to Vice President, I was the Communications Chair for IAEE. When I first joined IAEE in February of 2021, there was low engagement, and the organization did not hold events. However, once I gained the leadership position and was able to help the President and Vice President with marketing and communication material for IAEE, the organization began to blossom. I increased social media engagement by over 50% from the initial launch of the account to the end of my position. Afterward, our IAEE chapter grew in membership, gained an Events Chair officer, held multiple events, and attended three conferences. Additionally, I was inducted into the first cohort for the Hospitality Immersion Program. This allowed me to build on my personal branding and evaluate my strengths and leadership style to apply this knowledge in the workforce. I strive to become a mentor for other hospitality students and let my experience be an inspiration for other students to join. I want to give them hope that they can be successful in the program and their future careers. In conclusion, I am dedicated to showcasing my desire to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for guests, and advance the events and hospitality field for minorities.

“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things the General Manager said to me in my first hospitality job in 2019. As a Black woman, this microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more open-minded people of color in management positions. The lack of diversity is a global concern. This experience led me to pursue a career in the events industry and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable environment for all minorities in the hospitality industry. In my dream life, I am a Conference Event Manager and use events as a channel for diversity and the positive message of acceptance. I will include minorities, such as people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as speakers and vendors and appeal to a diverse audience. Conferences are an opportunity for people to be exposed to new mindsets and knowledge and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Underrepresented groups deserve to have a space where they can express themselves and learn. Therefore, my goal as a Conference Manager is to bring a diverse group of people together to enjoy a fun, educational event, build relationships, and expand their industry knowledge. I am practicing what I preach by working on events that celebrate diversity. One of my recent events was the Georgia State University School of Hospitality’s 50th Anniversary Gala. This event was significant because different generations and diverse groups came together to celebrate each other’s contributions and successes in the hospitality industry. With over 300 attendees, the audience consisted of people of different ethnicities, sexualities, genders, and abilities, and ages ranging from 18 to 95. The 50th Anniversary Gala encapsulated diversity, equity, and inclusion through the event planners, vendors, volunteers, and attendees. Plus, I am currently an Event Coordinator at the Georgia World Congress Center. This position is teaching me the fundamentals of conference management, handling clients’ and attendees’ needs, and curating memorable experiences. Furthermore, I was interviewed by MeetingsNet, a resource for the meeting and convention industry, to get my opinion on how event planners can attract diverse, young professionals to attend conferences and trade shows. Moreover, I am dedicated to immersing myself in hospitality on a global level. I traveled overseas for the first time to France and Italy through the Georgia State University European Hospitality Study Abroad Trip! Hospitality customs vary in different regions of the United States and especially in other countries. Exploring the different hospitality sectors in Europe, such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions, made me a more educated and cultured hospitality professional. Understanding other cultures helps prevent me from offending different individuals and cater to a diverse group of people’s expectations for hospitality. All in all, this study abroad trip made me less scared to jump into different environments and more comfortable with the unknown. The VNutrition & Wellness’ Annual LGBTQ+ Vitality Scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my Master’s degree in Global Hospitality Management and become an exceptionally qualified candidate to advance in my career. In addition, this award will allow me to funnel more focus into my school work, being involved on campus, and building on my professional hospitality experience to pursue my goal. In conclusion, I am dedicated to showcasing my desire to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for guests, and advance the events and hospitality field for all people.

“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things the General Manager said to me in my first hospitality job in 2019. As a Black woman, this microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more open-minded people of color in management positions. The lack of diversity is a global concern. This experience led me to pursue a career in the events industry and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable environment for Black people and all minorities in the hospitality industry. In my dream life, I am a Conference Event Manager and use events as a channel for diversity and the positive message of acceptance. I will include minorities as speakers and vendors and appeal to a diverse audience. Conferences are an opportunity for people to be exposed to new mindsets and knowledge and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves and learn. Therefore, my goal as a Conference Manager is to bring a diverse group of people together to enjoy a fun, educational event, build relationships, and expand their industry knowledge. I am practicing what I preach by working on events that celebrate diversity. One of my recent events was the Georgia State University School of Hospitality’s 50th Anniversary Gala. This event was significant because different generations and diverse groups came together to celebrate each other’s contributions and successes in the hospitality industry. With over 300 attendees, the audience consisted of people of different ethnicities, sexualities, genders, and abilities, and ages ranging from 18 to 95. The 50th Anniversary Gala encapsulated diversity, equity, and inclusion through the event planners, vendors, volunteers, and attendees. Plus, I am currently an Event Coordinator at the Georgia World Congress Center. This position is teaching me the fundamentals of conference management, handling clients’ and attendees’ needs, and curating memorable experiences. Furthermore, I was interviewed by MeetingsNet, a resource for the meeting and convention industry, to get my opinion on how event planners can attract young professionals to attend conferences and trade shows. Moreover, I am dedicated to immersing myself in hospitality on a global level. I traveled overseas for the first time to France and Italy through the Georgia State University European Hospitality Study Abroad Trip! Hospitality customs vary in different regions of the United States and especially in other countries. Exploring the different hospitality sectors in Europe, such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions, made me a more educated and cultured hospitality professional. Understanding other cultures helps prevent me from offending different individuals and cater to a diverse group of people’s expectations for hospitality. All in all, this study abroad trip made me less scared to jump into different environments and more comfortable with the unknown. The Man Helping Women Helping Women Scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my Master’s degree in Global Hospitality Management and become an exceptionally qualified candidate to advance in my career. In addition, this award will allow me to funnel more focus into my school work, being involved on campus, and building on my professional hospitality experience to pursue my goal. If I am not selected, I must continue to take loans to pay for my education fees. In conclusion, I am dedicated to showcasing my desire to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for guests, and advance the events and hospitality field for minorities.

“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things the General Manager said to me in my first hospitality job in 2019. As a Black woman, this microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more open-minded people of color in management positions. The lack of diversity is a global concern. This experience led me to pursue a career in the events industry and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable environment for Black people and all minorities in the hospitality industry. In my dream life, I am a Conference Event Manager and use events as a channel for diversity and the positive message of acceptance. I will include minorities as speakers and vendors and appeal to a diverse audience. Conferences are more than just going to sessions and having networking lunches. Conferences are an opportunity for people to be exposed to new mindsets and knowledge and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves and learn. Therefore, my goal as a Conference Manager is to bring a diverse group of people together to enjoy a fun, educational event, build relationships, and expand their industry knowledge. I am practicing what I preach by working on events that celebrate diversity. One of my recent events was the Georgia State University School of Hospitality’s 50th Anniversary Gala. This event was significant because different generations and diverse groups came together to celebrate each other’s contributions and successes in the hospitality industry. With over 300 attendees, the audience consisted of people of different ethnicities, sexualities, genders, and abilities, and ages ranging from 18 to 95. The 50th Anniversary Gala encapsulated diversity, equity, and inclusion through the event planners, vendors, volunteers, and attendees. Plus, I am currently an Event Coordinator at the Georgia World Congress Center. This position is teaching me the fundamentals of conference management, handling clients’ and attendees’ needs, and curating memorable experiences. Furthermore, I was interviewed by MeetingsNet, a resource for the meeting and convention industry, to get my opinion on how event planners can attract young professionals to attend conferences and trade shows. Moreover, I am dedicated to immersing myself in hospitality on a global level. I traveled overseas for the first time to France and Italy through the Georgia State University European Hospitality Study Abroad Trip! Hospitality customs vary in different regions of the United States and especially in other countries. Exploring the different hospitality sectors in Europe, such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions, made me a more educated and cultured hospitality professional. Understanding other cultures helps prevent me from offending different individuals and cater to a diverse group of people’s expectations for hospitality. Al in all, this study abroad trip made me less scared to jump into different environments and more comfortable with the unknown. In conclusion, I am dedicated to showcasing my desire to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for guests, and advance the events and hospitality field for minorities.

“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things the General Manager said to me in my first hospitality job in 2019. As a Black woman, this microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more open-minded people of color in management positions. The lack of diversity is a global concern. This experience led me to pursue a career in the events industry and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable environment for Black people and all minorities in the hospitality industry. In my dream life, I am a Conference Event Manager and use events as a channel for diversity and the positive message of acceptance. I will include minorities as speakers and vendors and appeal to a diverse audience. Conferences are more than just going to sessions and having networking lunches. Conferences are an opportunity for people to be exposed to new mindsets and knowledge and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves and learn. Therefore, my goal as a Conference Manager is to bring a diverse group of people together to enjoy a fun, educational event, build relationships, and expand their industry knowledge. I am practicing what I preach by working on events that celebrate diversity. One of my recent events was the Georgia State University School of Hospitality’s 50th Anniversary Gala. This event was significant because different generations and diverse groups came together to celebrate each other’s contributions and successes in the hospitality industry. With over 300 attendees, the audience consisted of people of different ethnicities, sexualities, genders, and abilities, and ages ranging from 18 to 95. The 50th Anniversary Gala encapsulated diversity, equity, and inclusion through the event planners, vendors, volunteers, and attendees. Plus, I am currently an Event Coordinator at the Georgia World Congress Center. This position is teaching me the fundamentals of conference management, handling clients’ and attendees’ needs, and curating memorable experiences. The Sylvester Taylor "Invictus" Hospitality Scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my Master’s degree in Global Hospitality Management and become an exceptionally qualified candidate to advance in my role. Moreover, this award will allow me to funnel more focus into my school work, being involved on campus, and building on my hospitality experience. If I am not selected, I must continue to take loans to pay for my education fees. In conclusion, I deserve this scholarship because I am dedicated to showcasing my desire to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for guests, and advance the events and hospitality field for minorities.

I must admit that it is hard for me to start watching and liking new things. So when I do like something, I watch it repeatedly. My repeat show is Bojack Horseman! Through the humor and wackiness of this human and animal hybrid world, this adult animation series tells the story of imperfect characters making bad decisions and dealing with the fact that life is not perfect. That description may make Bojack Horseman seem like a show that touches on a topic that is too heavy to watch leisurely, but it is the perfect blend of enjoyable humor and seriousness. The main character, Bojack Horseman, is a fifty-something-year-old humanoid horse who starred in a popular 90s sitcom called “Horsin’ Around.” Being a celebrity and surrounded by the toxic Hollywood scene for decades, on top of having a traumatic childhood, Bojack develops an addiction to drugs, alcohol, and hurting other people and himself. His three best friends, Todd, Diane, and Princess Carolyn, also have their own issues and wacky adventures, plus deal with the consequences of Bojack’s actions. Todd is a feebleminded young man who lives on Bojack’s couch, comes up with out-of-the-box business ideas, and accidentally finds himself entering executive jobs, like becoming the governor by winning a ski race. When Todd is not on a crazy adventure, he is struggling with his mother not wanting a relationship with him, coming to terms with his sexuality, and Bojack having relations with his girlfriend behind his back. Then, there is Diane, who was the publicist of Bojack Horseman’s biography, which ended up being an exposé that showed the dark side of Bojack’s life. In addition, Diane suffers from depression. She is unhappy in her marriage with Mr. Peanutbutter, an overly optimistic and oblivious humanoid golden retriever who also starred in a famous 90s sitcom that was a knockoff of Bojack’s show. Plus, Diane has a toxic, co-dependent relationship with Bojack. Finally, there is Princess Carolyn, a fifty-something-year-old humanoid cat who dedicates her entire life to being a celebrity agent and Bojack’s safety net whenever he makes bad decisions. This cat’s dating life is eventful from dating Bojack, a mouse, and three kids stacked on top of each other in a trench coat who pretend to be an adult named Vincent Adultman. One sad thing about her life is that she is infertile and struggles to settle down and find love. The characters are complicated, just like real life. There is no bad guy or good guy. Everybody does something bad and hurts someone, but there are also moments of happiness and laughs. Bojack Horseman brings me comfort because it addresses real-life issues, such as depression, politics, and substance abuse, but still allows viewers to sit back and have a laugh. Life can get sorrowful and stressful, and Bojack Horseman reminds me that it is okay to have those negative feelings, but there is still light in life. This is why I’ve rewatched Bojack Horseman multiple times, and I encourage you to binge-watch it and repeat it after you’re done.

The Beyond The C.L.O.U.D Scholarship will help me achieve my dream career of being a Conference Event Coordinator. My career objective is to diversify the business field and use my hospitality knowledge to spread the positive message of acceptance through these events. I will include minorities as speakers and vendors and appeal to a diverse audience. In 2019, I had a racist experience at my first hospitality job. “I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things the General Manager said to me when I was hired. As a Black woman, this microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality business sector needs more open-minded people of color in management positions. So, I decided to pursue a career in the events industry and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable work environment for Black people and all minorities in the hospitality industry. Conferences are more than just attending sessions and having networking lunches. Conferences are important to business because they are an opportunity for people to be exposed to new mindsets and knowledge and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves and learn, so I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in their respective industry. I am practicing what I preach by working on events that celebrate diversity. One of my recent events was the Georgia State University School of Hospitality’s 50th Anniversary Gala. This event was significant because different generations and diverse groups came together to celebrate each other’s contributions and successes in the hospitality business. With over 300 attendees, the audience consisted of people of different ethnicities, sexualities, genders, and abilities, and ages ranging from 18 to 95. The 50th Anniversary Gala encapsulated diversity, equity, and inclusion through the event planners, vendors, volunteers, and attendees. The Beyond The C.L.O.U.D Scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my business master’s degree in Global Hospitality Management. I will utilize my hospitality education to be a successful Event Coordinator and reach my diversification goal. Additionally, this scholarship will allow me to funnel more focus into my school work, being involved on campus, and building on my hospitality experience. Furthermore, this award will allow me to stay enrolled in school and participate in student organizations, such as the International Association of Exhibitions & Events and the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. Participating in these clubs have led me to networking opportunities to gain event planning experience and knowledge to advance in my career. My experience consists of working for the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau as a Destination Services intern during the Summer of 2023. My role was to assist with the preparation and on-site execution of site visits and conferences and conventions ranging in size from small to citywide, such as the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). My work experience has allowed me to build on my event planning and production skills and passion for my desired career in planning conferences. In conclusion, I deserve this scholarship because I am dedicated to showcasing my desire to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for guests, and advance the business field of events.

In my dream life, I am a Conference Event Coordinator and use events as a channel for diversity and the positive message of acceptance. I will include minorities as speakers and vendors and appeal to a diverse audience. In 2019, I decided to pursue a career in the events industry and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable work environment for Black people and all minorities in the hospitality industry when I had a racist experience at my first hospitality job. “I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things the General Manager said to me when I was hired. As a Black woman, this microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more open-minded people of color in management positions. The lack of diversity is a global concern. I believe conferences are more than just attending sessions and having networking lunches. Conferences are an event for people to be exposed to new mindsets and knowledge and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Black people and all underrepresented groups deserve to have a space where they can express themselves and learn, so I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in their industry. My dream timeline for becoming a Conference Event Coordinator is to start as an intermediate Event Coordinator or Manager for a company that participates in industry conferences or is dedicated to hosting conferences after completing my Master’s degree. I will hold this position for two to three years to gain more field experience and become familiar with collaborating with venues, caterers, travel agencies, and all other aspects of planning a conference. After being in this role, I would love to advance to a senior level, start traveling to take my expertise to other countries, and help other conferences and companies hold unforgettable events. Understanding other cultures will help prevent me from offending different individuals and catering to a diverse group of people’s expectations of hospitality. Traveling the world and submersion is the best way to prevent ignorance and be sensitive to people’s differences. In addition, traveling and collecting memories in new environments brings me joy. Many people may not perceive working as a dream. However, my passion is the events industry because of the gratifying hard work and fun for the planner and the guests to experience. I know I enjoy my work because after working long, hard hours, I am still willing to wake up and do it again. Moreover, my dream life consists of rest and a work-life balance. Although I love my work, I still need time to be human and prioritize my family and health. After traveling and completing a large event, I will take a break for a personal vacation. This will keep me charged to continue my work as an event planner and diversity advocate. In conclusion, my dream is to showcase my desire to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for guests, and advance the events and hospitality field for minorities.

“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things the General Manager said to me when I was hired at Chuck E. Cheese in 2019. As a Black and Korean woman, this microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more open-minded people of color in management positions. The lack of diversity is a global concern. Therefore, I decided to major in hospitality administration and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable work environment for minorities in the hospitality industry. Although my manager’s comment made me uncomfortable, I did not allow his racism to deter me from success in the company. So, I started as a Party Host and worked my way up to the Birthday Coordinator position in a year. As the Coordinator, I was the team leader for the Party Hosts and one step closer to a management position. I did not work hard to prove a point to my racist manager. I put forth the effort to get out of my comfort zone, prove I was capable of a leadership position, and be a quality example for the party hosts. People of color are not obligated to prove their worth to racist people or work for their respect. The only people we have to prove ourselves to are ourselves. My dream career is to be a Fashion Event Coordinator. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to diversify the business field and use my hospitality and event planning skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will include minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minority people deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. I have begun my journey of empowering underrepresented groups in college by becoming a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) student chapter. This organization addresses the diversity discrepancy in the hospitality industry and aims to educate minority students on the profitable opportunities of pursuing a career in hospitality. Participation in this club has led me to networking opportunities to become familiar with professionals, who are people of color, in the hospitality industry. NSMH is interesting because we are open to uncomfortable conversations regarding race and disproportionate representation. Talking about the problem is the first step to fixing it and moving forward. Moreover, I spoke at the Minorities in Hospitality Panel Event at Georgia State University. I had the chance to speak to a majority of minority high schoolers who were aspiring to be in the hospitality industry. I told them my success story of being at GSU and encouraged them to change the industry and not let adversity hold them back. Conclusively, I want to continue being an active leader in the hospitality industry so I can organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for guests, and advance the fashion and hospitality field to be more diverse and accepting of all underrepresented groups.

“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things the General Manager said to me when I was hired at Chuck E. Cheese in 2019. As a Black and Korean woman, this microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more open-minded people of color in management positions. The lack of diversity is a global concern. Therefore, I decided to major in hospitality administration and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable work environment for minorities in the hospitality industry. Although my manager’s comment made me uncomfortable, I did not allow his racism to deter me from success in the company. So, I started as a Party Host and worked my way up to the Birthday Coordinator position in a year. As the Coordinator, I was the team leader for the Party Hosts and one step closer to a management position. I did not work hard to prove a point to my racist manager. I put forth the effort to get out of my comfort zone, prove I was capable of a leadership position, and be a quality example for the party hosts. People of color are not obligated to prove their worth to racist people or work for their respect. The only people we have to prove ourselves to are ourselves. My dream career is to be a Fashion Event Coordinator. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to diversify the business field and use my hospitality and event planning skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will include minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minority people deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. I have begun my journey of empowering underrepresented groups in college by becoming a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) student chapter. This organization addresses the diversity discrepancy in the hospitality industry and aims to educate minority students on the profitable opportunities of pursuing a career in hospitality. Participation in this club has led me to networking opportunities to become familiar with professionals, who are people of color, in the hospitality industry. NSMH is interesting because we are open to uncomfortable conversations regarding race and disproportionate representation. Talking about the problem is the first step to fixing it and moving forward. Moreover, I spoke at the Minorities in Hospitality Panel Event at Georgia State University. I had the chance to speak to a majority of minority high schoolers who were aspiring to be in the hospitality industry. I told them my success story of being at GSU and encouraged them to change the industry and not let adversity hold them back. Conclusively, I want to continue being an active leader in the hospitality industry so I can organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for guests, and advance the fashion and hospitality field to be more diverse and accepting of all underrepresented groups.

“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things the General Manager said to me when I was hired at Chuck E. Cheese in 2019. As a Black and Korean woman, this microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more open-minded people of color in management positions. The lack of diversity is a global concern. Therefore, I decided to major in hospitality administration and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable work environment for minorities in the hospitality industry. Although my manager’s comment made me uncomfortable, I did not allow his racism to deter me from success in the company. So, I started as a Party Host and worked my way up to the Birthday Coordinator position in a year. As the Coordinator, I was the team leader for the Party Hosts and one step closer to a management position. I did not work hard to prove a point to my racist manager. I put forth the effort to get out of my comfort zone, prove I was capable of a leadership position, and be a quality example for the party hosts. People of color are not obligated to prove their worth to racist people or work for their respect. The only people we have to prove ourselves to are ourselves. My dream career is to be a Fashion Event Coordinator. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to diversify the business field and use my hospitality and event planning skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will include minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. I have begun my journey of empowering minorities in college by becoming a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) student chapter. This organization addresses the diversity discrepancy in the hospitality industry and aims to educate minority students on the profitable opportunities of pursuing a career in hospitality. Participation in this club has led me to networking opportunities to become familiar with professionals, who are people of color, in the hospitality industry. NSMH is interesting because we are open to uncomfortable conversations regarding race and disproportionate representation. Talking about the problem is the first step to fixing it and moving forward. Moreover, I spoke at the Minorities in Hospitality Panel Event at Georgia State University. I had the chance to speak to a majority of minority high schoolers who were aspiring to be in the hospitality industry. I told them my success story of being at GSU and encouraged them to change the industry and not let adversity hold them back. Conclusively, I want to continue being an active leader in the hospitality industry so I can organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for guests, and advance the fashion and hospitality field to be more diverse and accepting of all underrepresented groups.

“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things the General Manager said to me when I was hired at Chuck E. Cheese in 2019. As a Black and Korean woman, this microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more open-minded people of color in management positions. The lack of diversity is a global concern. Therefore, I decided to major in hospitality administration and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable work environment for minorities in the hospitality industry. Although my manager’s comment made me uncomfortable, I did not allow his racism to deter me from success in the company. So, I started as a Party Host and worked my way up to the Birthday Coordinator position in a year. As the Coordinator, I was the team leader for the Party Hosts and one step closer to a management position. I did not work hard to prove a point to my racist manager. I put forth the effort to get out of my comfort zone, prove I was capable of a leadership position, and be a quality example for the party hosts. People of color are not obligated to prove their worth to racist people or work for their respect. The only people we have to prove ourselves to are ourselves. My dream career is to be a Fashion Event Coordinator. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to diversify the business field and use my hospitality and event planning skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will include minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. I have begun my journey of empowering minorities in college by becoming a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) student chapter. This organization addresses the diversity discrepancy in the hospitality industry and aims to educate minority students on the profitable opportunities of pursuing a career in hospitality. Participation in this club has led me to networking opportunities to become familiar with professionals, who are people of color, in the hospitality industry. NSMH is interesting because we are open to uncomfortable conversations regarding race and disproportionate representation. Talking about the problem is the first step to fixing it and moving forward. Moreover, I spoke at the Minorities in Hospitality Panel Event at Georgia State University. I had the chance to speak to a majority of minority high schoolers who were aspiring to be in the hospitality industry. I told them my success story of being at GSU and encouraged them to change the industry and not let adversity hold them back. Conclusively, I want to continue being an active leader in the hospitality industry so I can organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for guests, and advance the fashion and hospitality field to be more diverse and accepting of all underrepresented groups.

I am pursuing a Hospitality Administration degree with a minor in Marketing at Georgia State University. I have been on the Dean's List since my first semester of college in 2020. My dream career is to be a fashion event coordinator. I will lead the planning and execution efforts for fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to use my knowledge and leadership skills to diversify the business field and spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will include minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. I am passionate about being a leader because I want my actions to influence others to become a better version of themselves, which can lead to improvements in many communities. My first significant leadership position was being the Birthday Coordinator at Chuck E. Cheese. My responsibilities were to be the first person of contact for parents who reserved parties, be the team leader for the party hosts and make their schedules, and ensure the parties were going smoothly. Initially, Birthday Coordinators mainly worked morning shifts and only intended to monitor the other party hosts. However, I had to step up as the leader and pick up the slack. Many weekends I had to work an open-to-close shift and simultaneously work multiple parties to ensure the guests' needs were met and everyone enjoyed themselves. Ultimately, my hard work paid off because I showcased my leadership skills, and my actions inspired the other party hosts to follow in my footsteps. My leadership style was effective because I had a great team of party hosts, and we all became friends. When employees are happy at work, this positivity is reflected in their performance. Our showroom, or birthday party space, had the highest-ranked surveys compared to the store's other departments. Additionally, the hosts would be eager to take on other birthday parties. Also, I built up the new Birthday Coordinator and proudly watched her grow from a party host to my replacement after I left Chuck E. Cheese. I am also a leader in Georgia State's International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) student chapter. When I joined IAEE in February of 2021, there was low engagement, and the organization was not holding guest speaker events. However, once I gained the position as the Communications Chair and was able to help the President and Vice President with marketing and communication material, the organization began to blossom. Since joining the organization, IAEE has grown in membership, gained an Events Chair officer, and planned and hosted a networking event with six hospitality professionals. Now, I am the Vice President and training a new member to become the Communications Chair. My previous work as the Communications Chair inspired the member to become a leader, improve her marketing skills, and bring new ideas to IAEE. Although I have only influenced a few people, they will grow into leaders who will affect more people, creating a domino effect of greatness. Conclusively, I am motivated to dedicate my future career to organizing entertaining events, creating long-lasting memories for guests, and diversifying the fashion and hospitality field through my leadership.

“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things my manager said to me when I was hired at Chuck E. Cheese in 2019. As a Black woman, this microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more Black women in management positions. Therefore, I decided to major in hospitality administration and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable work environment for Black women. My upbringing consisted of being loved and supported by a community of Black women, so my passion is to give back to the community by pushing for diversity in hospitality. I will contribute to the hospitality industry’s diversification through my dream career as a fashion event coordinator. I will be responsible for planning, organizing, and executing events such as fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to make the business field more inclusive and use my hospitality and marketing skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will include Black women as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. Unfortunately, the hospitality and events industry lacks diversity, which can deter other minorities from pursuing careers in the industry. In addition, some people allow their biases to affect their hiring decisions, leading to Black women being passed up on job opportunities. My actions will contribute to advancing the career of Black women by supporting their businesses and allowing them to showcase their expertise. Once I begin coordinating events that highlight Black women, this will encourage other minority groups to join the hospitality and events industry and lead to a more robust and diverse hospitality industry. I have begun my journey of empowering Black women in college by becoming a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. This organization aims to educate minority students on the profitable opportunities of pursuing a career in hospitality. Participation in this club also leads to networking opportunities to become familiar with professionals, who are people of color, in the hospitality industry. I will utilize the connections I have made in this organization in my career to assist me in booking flights, venues, performers, and more. One thing I love about being a Black woman and being surrounded by a community of Black women is the beauty in our versatility. We could wear our hair out and have our natural curls flowing one day, have our hair in a slick ponytail the next day, and then have braids the following day. No single look defines what a Black woman should be because we can do it all. Moreover, Black women confidently create, wear, and advance many fashion trends from alternative-punk to casual streetwear. Although we usually get left out of trends, despite being the pioneers, we are the inspiration behind many of today’s beauty standards. As someone who has experienced first-hand racism working in hospitality, I know the struggle of feeling unwelcomed and uncomfortable at work. Black women deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, be appreciated, and be unapologetically them, and my fashion events will provide them with that opportunity.

My dream career is to be a fashion event planner. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to diversify the business field and use my hospitality and marketing skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will include minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are for more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. I have begun my journey of empowering minorities in college by becoming a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. This organization is addressing the diversity discrepancy in the hospitality industry and is aiming to educate minority students on the profitable opportunities of pursuing a career in hospitality. Participation in this club has led me to networking opportunities to become familiar with professionals, who are people of color, in the hospitality industry. To be a successful fashion event planner and reach my diversification goal, I need hospitality administration and marketing knowledge. My field of study will allow me to gain insight into how to finance, plan, market, and administer events. The Stefanie Ann Cronin Make a Difference Scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Administration and Minor in Marketing. Furthermore, this scholarship will allow me to stay enrolled in school and participate in hospitality student organizations, such as the International Association of Exhibitions & Events and the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. A few opportunities I have gained from being involved in these clubs are volunteering with the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, interviewing the former GM of the Georgia World Congress Center, and traveling to different states for conferences. Plus, I will utilize my time at Georgia State University to work intern positions for event planning organizations and build on my qualifications. My desired timeline for becoming a fashion event planner is to start as an intermediate event planner for a fashion company after graduating college. While holding this position, a few of my responsibilities would be to work with the head event planner, make phone calls to guests, create a schedule for the event, and create marketing material. I want to hold this position for two to three years to gain more field experience and become familiar with collaborating with venues, caterers, travel agencies, and all other aspects of planning a fashion event. Once I have demonstrated my growth and ability to plan exceptional events, I hope to be promoted to a managerial position in the same company. I will have more control over the fashion events in this higher-up position. After spending four to five years as the fashion company's event manager, I would love to travel, take my expertise to other countries, and help fashion companies hold unforgettable, diverse events worldwide. It is my goal to open doors for minorities, such as people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities, to gain exposure and show minorities in a beautiful, fashionable light. Conclusively, I am motivated to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for the guests, and push for acceptance in the fashion and hospitality field.

My dream career is to be a fashion event planner. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to diversify the business field and use my hospitality and marketing skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will include minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are for more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. My desired timeline for becoming a fashion event planner is to start as an intermediate event planner for a fashion company after graduating college. While holding this position, a few of my responsibilities would be to work with the head event planner, make phone calls to guests, create a schedule for the event, and create marketing material. I want to hold this position for two to three years to gain more field experience and become familiar with collaborating with venues, caterers, travel agencies, and all other aspects of planning an event. Once I have demonstrated my growth and ability to plan exceptional events, I hope to be promoted to a managerial position in the same company. I will have more control over the fashion events in this higher-up position. After spending four to five years as the fashion company's event manager, I would love to travel, take my expertise to other countries, and help fashion companies hold unforgettable events worldwide.

My dream career is to be a fashion event planner. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, I want my legacy to be a more diverse business field and use my hospitality and marketing skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will include minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. I have begun my journey of empowering minorities in college by becoming a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. This organization aims to educate minority students on the profitable opportunities of pursuing a career in hospitality. Participation in this club also leads to networking opportunities to become familiar with people of color in the hospitality industry and provide assistance in gaining internships and jobs. Moreover, the professionals can be important contacts to utilize during my career to help me plan fashion events, find travel agencies, book the best hotels, and more. All in all, I am motivated to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for the guests, and leave a legacy of a more accepting fashion and hospitality industry.

“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things my manager said to me when I was hired at Chuck E. Cheese in 2019. This microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more minorities in management positions. Therefore, I decided to major in hospitality administration, pursue a career as a fashion event planner, and make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable work environment for minorities. Although my manager’s comment made me uncomfortable, I did not allow his racism to deter me from success in the company. Thus, I started as a party host and worked my way up to the Birthday Coordinator position in over a year. I did not work hard to prove a point to my racist manager. I put forth the effort to get out of my comfort zone, prove to myself that I am capable of a leadership position, and be a quality example for the party hosts. People of color are not obligated to prove their worthiness to racist people or work for their respect. The only people we have to prove ourselves to are ourselves. I have begun my journey of empowering minorities in college by becoming a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. This organization aims to educate minority students on the profitable opportunities of pursuing a career in hospitality. Participation in this club also leads to networking opportunities to become familiar with people of color in the hospitality industry and provide assistance in gaining internships and jobs. Moreover, the professionals can be important contacts to utilize during my career to help me plan fashion events, find travel agencies, book the best hotels, and more.

I am passionate about diversifying the hospitality industry. My dream career is to be a fashion event planner. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to diversify the business field and use my hospitality and marketing skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will include minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. I am a hospitality administration student, and I love being involved in the program and the student organizations. I am the Communications Chair for the International Association of Exhibitions & Events and I am a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. Participating in these clubs has led to networking opportunities for me to become familiar with professionals in the industry. A few opportunities I have gained from being involved in these clubs are volunteering with the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, interviewing the former GM of the Georgia World Congress Center, and traveling to different states for hospitality industry conferences. Conclusively, I am motivated to use my education and experience to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for the guests, and push for acceptance in the fashion and hospitality field.

My dream career is to be a fashion event planner. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to diversify the business field and use my hospitality and marketing skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will include minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. To be a successful fashion event planner and reach my diversification goal, I need hospitality administration and marketing knowledge. My field of study will allow me to gain insight into planning, marketing, and administering events. The Bold Make Your Mark Scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Administration and Minor in Marketing. Furthermore, this scholarship will allow me to stay enrolled in school and participate in hospitality student organizations, such as the International Association of Exhibitions & Events and the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. Participating in these clubs has led to networking opportunities for me to become familiar with professionals in the industry. A few opportunities I have gained from being involved in these clubs are volunteering with the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and interviewing the former GM of the Georgia World Congress Center. All in all, I will use my education and experience to create long-lasting memories for the guests and push for acceptance in the fashion and hospitality field.

The Black Lives Matter movement has always been inspirational to me since it started in 2013, but it especially made a significant impact on my life in 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the media coverage on police brutality and protests had increased, and I had ample time to watch the media and do my own research. It was heartbreaking to watch so many Black people be brutalized and murdered daily, but it encouraged me to make a difference within myself and the world. During the pandemic, I realized that I want to pursue a career in hospitality and uplift oppressed groups, such as people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities. My dream career is to be a fashion event planner. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to diversify the business field and use my hospitality and marketing skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these events. I will do so by including minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. Fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free and forget their worries.

One day at Chuck E. Cheese, a mother reserved a party for her son and invited the whole class because her child had special needs and struggled to make friends. Unfortunately, nobody showed up at his party, and he was heartbroken. So, as the designated party host, I knew I had to make him feel like a star, no matter what. Once the party started and it was time for the kid to start playing, I played some games with him. We raced virtual cars, played air hockey, tried to collect toys out of the claw machine, and more. The smile on his face while I interacted with him melted my heart. An hour later, it was time for the Chuck E. Cheese birthday song. Before the music started, I stood up on a chair and shouted out, “listen up, everyone, it’s Lucas’ birthday!” and encouraged everyone to clap and cheer. The whole store erupted, and Lucas was grinning from ear to ear. When it was time to start singing and dancing, I got a few of my coworkers to join along. I wanted to make sure the birthday star felt important. Lucas was so excited that he got up and started dancing with us. Lucas was happy by the end of the party, and his mother thanked me for showing such great hospitality and making her son’s birthday special. All in all, I was proud of myself for being able to bring joy to Lucas’s special day. This moment also pushed me to realize that I want to pursue a career in hospitality and uplift underrepresented groups, such as people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities. My dream career is to be a fashion event planner. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to diversify the business field and use my hospitality and marketing skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will do so by including minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and allow them to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. I have begun my journey of empowering oppressed groups in college by becoming a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. This organization aims to educate minority students on the profitable opportunities of pursuing a career in hospitality. Participation in this club also leads to networking opportunities to become familiar with professionals, who are people of color, in the hospitality industry and provide assistance in gaining internships and jobs. Moreover, the professionals can be important contacts to utilize during my career to help me plan fashion events, find travel agencies, book the best hotels, and more. All in all, earning my degree at Georgia State University will propel me into the event planning industry after graduation. Once I gain the position as a fashion event planner, I will be opening doors for minorities to gain exposure and show everybody in a beautiful, fashionable light. Conclusively, I am motivated to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for the guests, and advance the fashion and hospitality field.

“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things my manager said to me when I was hired at Chuck E. Cheese in 2019. This microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more minorities in management positions. Therefore, I decided to major in hospitality administration and make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable work environment for minorities. Although my manager’s comment made me uncomfortable, I did not allow his racism to deter me from being successful in the company. So, I started as a party host and worked my way up to the Birthday Coordinator position in a year. Now, I am the team leader for the party hosts and one step closer to a management position. I did not work hard to prove a point to my racist manager. I put forth the effort to get out of my comfort zone, prove to myself I am capable of a leadership position, and be a quality example for the party hosts. People of color are not obligated to prove their worthiness to racist people or work for their respect. The only people we have to prove ourselves to are ourselves. My dream career is to be a fashion event planner. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to major in hospitality administration and minor in marketing, use my knowledge and skills to diversify the business field, and spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will do so by including minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. I have begun my journey of empowering minorities in college by becoming a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. This organization aims to educate minority students on the profitable opportunities of pursuing a career in hospitality. Participation in this club also leads to networking opportunities to become familiar with professionals, who are people of color, in the hospitality industry and provide assistance in gaining internships and jobs. Moreover, the professionals can be important contacts to utilize during my career to help me plan fashion events, find travel agencies, book the best hotels, and more. All in all, earning my degree at Georgia State University will propel me into the event planning industry after graduation. Once I gain the position as a fashion event planner, I will be opening doors for minorities, such as people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities, to gain exposure and show minorities in a beautiful, fashionable light. Conclusively, I am motivated to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for the guests, and advance the fashion and hospitality field.

My dream career is to be a fashion event planner. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to major in hospitality administration and minor in marketing, use my knowledge and skills to diversify the business field, and spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will do so by including minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. I have begun my journey of empowering minorities in college by becoming a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. This organization aims to educate minority students on the profitable opportunities of pursuing a career in hospitality. Participation in this club also leads to networking opportunities to become familiar with professionals, who are people of color, in the hospitality industry and provide assistance in gaining internships and jobs. Moreover, the professionals can be important contacts to utilize during my career to help me plan fashion events, find travel agencies, book the best hotels, and more. My inspiration to major in hospitality administration stemmed in 2019 when I attended my first DECA state competition. During this competition, high school students in Georgia come to Atlanta and present business and marketing ideas in front of judges. The two most fun events during the 2-day match were the opening and closing ceremonies. The strategic planning, colorful lights, and interactive, upbeat music queue created a lively environment. Having the opening ceremony is beneficial because it helps everyone be less nervous and gets the competitors excited to give a flawless presentation and impress their judges. Additionally, the closing ceremony takes the edge off waiting for the results and lifts people’s spirits if they do not win. This experience opened my eyes to the wondrous world of event planning and compelled me to pursue a career in planning and organizing enjoyable and memorable events for all guests. Knowledge in hospitality administration and marketing is crucial for my career in event planning. The I Am Third Scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration and minor in marketing. Plus, with the help of the scholarship, I will be able to utilize more time to work intern positions for event planning organizations, gain field experience, and become familiar with collaborating with venues, caterers, travel agencies, and all other aspects of planning a fashion event. All in all, receiving the I Am Third Scholarship will allow me to funnel more focus into my schoolwork, being involved on campus, and working internships. Most importantly, this scholarship money will help me gain my bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration and minor in marketing and become a more exceptional candidate for my future career. Therefore, earning my degree at Georgia State University will propel me into the event planning industry after graduation. Once I gain the position as a fashion event planner, I will be opening doors for minorities, such as people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities, to gain exposure and show minorities in a beautiful, fashionable light. Conclusively, I am motivated to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for the guests, and advance the fashion and hospitality field.

“I knew you weren’t full Black because you’re respectful and well-spoken, unlike other Black people,” is one of the first things my manager said to me when I was hired at Chuck E. Cheese in 2019. This microaggression cut deep and was the moment I realized the hospitality industry needs more Black women in management positions. Therefore, I decided to major in hospitality administration and do what it takes to make the necessary changes to create a more diverse and comfortable work environment for minorities. Although my manager’s comment made me uncomfortable, I did not allow his racism to deter me from being successful in the company. So, I started as a party host and worked my way up to the Birthday Coordinator position in a year. Now, I am the team leader for the party hosts and one step closer to a management position. I did not work hard to prove a point to my racist manager. I put forth the effort to get out of my comfort zone, prove to myself I am capable of a leadership position, and be a quality example for the party hosts. Black women are not obligated to prove their worthiness to racist people or work for their respect. The only people we have to prove ourselves to are ourselves. I will contribute to the hospitality industry’s diversification through my dream career as a fashion event planner. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, fashion week parties, and more in this career. Ultimately, my objective is to make the business field more inclusive and use my hospitality and marketing skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will do so by including Black women as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I have begun my journey of empowering Black women in college by becoming a member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. This organization aims to educate minority students on the profitable opportunities of pursuing a career in hospitality. Participation in this club also leads to networking opportunities to become familiar with professionals, who are people of color, in the hospitality industry. One thing I love about being a Black woman is the beauty in our versatility. We could wear our hair out and have our natural curls flowing one day, have our hair in a slick ponytail the next day, and then have braids the following day. There is no single look that defines what a Black woman should be because we can do it all. Moreover, Black women confidently create, wear, and advance many fashion trends from alternative-punk to casual streetwear. Although we usually get left out of trends, despite being the pioneers, we are the inspiration behind so many of today’s beauty standards. Black women deserve to have a space where they can express themselves and be unapologetically them, and my fashion events will provide them with that opportunity.

My dream career is to be a fashion event planner. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, and fashion week parties. Ultimately, my objective is to use my knowledge and skills to diversify the business field and spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will do so by including minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. My inspiration to major in hospitality administration stemmed in 2019 when I attended my first DECA state competition. During this competition, high school students in Georgia come to Atlanta and present business and marketing ideas in front of judges. The two most fun events during the 2-day match were the opening and closing ceremonies. The strategic planning, colorful lights, and interactive, upbeat music queue created a lively environment. Having the opening ceremony is beneficial because it helps everyone be less nervous and gets the competitors excited to give a flawless presentation and impress their judges. Additionally, the closing ceremony takes the edge off waiting for the results and lifts people’s spirits if they do not win. This experience opened my eyes to the wondrous world of event planning and compelled me to pursue a career in planning and organizing enjoyable and memorable events for all guests. Knowledge in hospitality administration and marketing is crucial for my career in event planning. The Nervo “Revolution” Scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration and minor in marketing. Furthermore, this scholarship money will allow me to stay enrolled in school and participate in student organizations, such as the International Association of Exhibitions & Events and the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. Participating in these clubs will lead to networking opportunities to become familiar with professionals in the events industry who could help me in the process of planning successful fashion events. My desired timeline for becoming a fashion event planner is to start as an intermediate event planner for a fashion company after graduating college. While holding this middle position, a few of my responsibilities would be to work with the head event planner and assist them in making phone calls to guests, creating a schedule for the event, and creating marketing material. I will hold this position for two to three years to gain more field experience and become familiar with collaborating with venues, caterers, travel agencies, and all other aspects of planning a fashion event. Once I have demonstrated my growth and ability to plan exceptional events, I hope to be promoted to a managerial position in the same company. In this higher-up position, I will have more control and responsibility over the fashion events. After spending four to five years as the fashion company's event manager, I would love to start traveling and taking my expertise to other countries and helping fashion companies hold unforgettable events worldwide. My career plan may take longer than expected, but I am willing to work hard and do what it takes to reach my goal. However, obtaining my degree at Georgia State University, with the help of this scholarship, may shorten the timeline and allow me to hold a higher position at a faster rate. All in all, receiving the Nervo “Revolution” Scholarship will allow me to funnel more focus into my schoolwork and being involved on campus. Most importantly, this scholarship money will help me gain my bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration and minor in marketing and become a more exceptional candidate for my future career. Therefore, earning my degree at Georgia State University will propel me into the event planning industry after graduation. Once I gain the position as a fashion event planner, I will be opening doors for minorities, such as people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities, to gain exposure and show minorities in a beautiful, fashionable light. Conclusively, I am motivated to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for the guests, and advance the fashion and hospitality field.

My dream career is to be a fashion event planner. I will be responsible for planning and organizing fashion shows, product launches, fashion week parties, and more in this career. Ultimately, my objective is to diversify the business field and use my hospitality and marketing skills to spread the positive message of acceptance through these fashion events. I will do so by including minorities as spokespeople, models, caterers, and more. I believe fashion events are more than just showing off clothing; it is an opportunity for people to be free, showcase their creativity, and connect with people to have fun and build relationships. Minorities deserve to have a space where they can express themselves, which is why I will ensure the events are all-inclusive and give minorities the opportunity to excel in the fashion and hospitality industry. To be a successful fashion event planner and reach my diversification goal, I will need hospitality administration and marketing knowledge. The Impact Scholarship for Black Students will alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Administration and minor in Marketing. Furthermore, this scholarship money will allow me to stay enrolled in school and participate in student organizations, such as the International Association of Exhibitions & Events and the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. Participating in these clubs will lead to networking opportunities to gain event planning experience and advance my career. Plus, I will utilize my time at Georgia State to work intern positions for event planning organizations and build onto my qualifications. My desired timeline for becoming a fashion event planner is to start as an intermediate event planner for a fashion company after graduating college. I will hold this position for two to three years to gain more field experience and become familiar with collaborating with venues, caterers, travel agencies, and all other aspects of planning a fashion event. Once I have demonstrated my growth and ability to plan exceptional occasions, I hope to be promoted to a managerial position in the same company. After spending three to four years as a fashion company manager, I would love to start traveling and taking my expertise to other countries and helping fashion companies hold unforgettable events worldwide. My career plan may take longer than expected, but I am willing to work hard and do what it takes to reach my goal. However, obtaining my degree at GSU, with the help of this scholarship, may shorten the timeline and allow me to hold a higher position at a faster rate. All in all, receiving the Impact Scholarship will allow me to funnel more focus into my school work, being involved on campus, and working internships. Most importantly, this scholarship money will help me gain my Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Administration and minor in Marketing and become a more exceptional candidate for my future career. Therefore, earning my degree at Georgia State University will propel me into the event planning industry after graduation. Once I gain the position as a fashion event planner, I will be opening doors for minorities, such as people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities, to gain exposure and show minorities in a beautiful, fashionable light. Conclusively, I am motivated to organize entertaining events, create long-lasting memories for the guests, and advance fashion companies’ public images.