Leadership is often defined in moments of uncertainty, when challenges push us to step forward not only for ourselves but for those who depend on us. One of the most transformative experiences of my life was working as a medical assistant in a pediatric cardiology clinic. In this role, I faced situations that required me to support families navigating medical crises while also ensuring that the children received compassionate, thorough care. It was in those moments—when parents were overwhelmed, when patients were scared, and when time was critical—that I learned what it means to lead under pressure. This experience solidified my commitment to pursuing medicine while also preparing me to take on broader roles in STEM and emergency management, where innovation and resilience can make the difference between despair and hope. One particular day stands out vividly. A young patient came in for an urgent evaluation after experiencing troubling heart symptoms. His parents were frightened, overwhelmed with medical terminology, and uncertain about what the next steps would mean for their child’s future. While the physician led the medical assessment, I recognized the need for clear communication and emotional stability in the room. I took the initiative to calmly explain each step of the process to the family, breaking down complex instructions in a way that was both medically accurate and understandable. I reassured the child, keeping him engaged and calm during a procedure that could have been terrifying. By bridging the gap between clinical care and human understanding, I helped transform a tense, overwhelming situation into one where the family felt supported and informed. This experience taught me that leadership is not always about having the loudest voice in the room—it is about being a stabilizing presence, a problem-solver, and an advocate for those who may not have the resources or knowledge to advocate for themselves. In moments of crisis, whether medical or otherwise, leaders are called to be anchors of resilience. This is the type of leader I aspire to be in medicine and beyond. My academic and professional journey has consistently prepared me for this path. As a McNair Scholar and participant in the AME Aspiring Physicians Program, I have built a foundation of research and leadership skills that deepen my understanding of how STEM innovation intersects with human well-being. In my genetics laboratory work, I experienced firsthand how persistence and creative problem-solving drive scientific discovery. Through these opportunities, I learned to manage setbacks, collaborate across diverse teams, and lead projects that required both critical thinking and resilience. These skills extend far beyond the laboratory—they are transferable to crisis response, disaster preparedness, and medical leadership, where adaptability and clear decision-making can save lives. My long-term goal is to become a physician with a specialization in pediatric cardiology while also expanding my leadership into emergency management and crisis preparedness. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how fragile healthcare systems can be when faced with large-scale emergencies, and how deeply communities of color are impacted by inequities in access and response. I want to stand at the intersection of medicine and crisis leadership, ensuring that underserved populations—particularly Black communities—are not left vulnerable during times of disaster. My vision is to help design systems of care that are not only medically sound but also equitable, ensuring that every family, regardless of background, has access to resources and support when they need it most. In my community, this means creating outreach initiatives that combine health education with preparedness planning, empowering families to understand and navigate medical crises before they occur. On a broader scale, I hope to contribute to policy development that strengthens global responses to disasters, pandemics, and medical emergencies. Representation matters, and as a Black woman in STEM and medicine, I believe my presence in leadership can open doors for others while also ensuring that diverse perspectives shape the future of crisis management. This scholarship represents more than financial support—it embodies the vision of resilience, leadership, and innovation that I strive to live out every day. Dr. Terran Jordan’s commitment to equipping underrepresented students with the tools to lead in STEM and emergency management mirrors my own desire to be both a healer and a strategist in times of uncertainty. With this support, I will continue to build on my academic achievements, strengthen my leadership experiences, and prepare to make lasting contributions in medicine, crisis response, and global health. In every challenge I have faced, I have learned that leadership is not about avoiding fear or uncertainty but about meeting it with clarity, courage, and compassion. From the clinic room where I guided families through moments of crisis to the research lab where I sought solutions to complex problems, I have carried the same mindset: lead with resilience, innovate with purpose, and never lose sight of the people who are counting on you. As I continue my journey in STEM and emergency management, I am determined to use my skills, experiences, and voice to make an impact that extends far beyond myself—into my community, my field, and the world.

Being raised in a Christian household with both my mother and aunt as pastors, faith has always been the foundation of my life. From a young age, I understood that Christianity is not just about attending church—it's about living a life of purpose, compassion, and service. That belief has shaped how I engage with both my church and the broader community, whether in Chicago or New Orleans, and continues to guide me as I pursue higher education. My journey of service began within the church, where I was involved in praise dance and served as the lead singer in the youth choir. These ministries allowed me to grow spiritually and discover my gifts. Through dance and music, I learned how to uplift others and express the love of God in creative ways. These roles also taught me leadership and discipline—qualities I’ve carried with me into every service opportunity. In addition to church-based ministry, I was a proud member of the Girl Scouts through my church. That experience reinforced the value of service and sisterhood. From an early age, I was helping with community events and learning how to organize drives, plan outreach activities, and work as a team. I saw that even small acts of service can leave a lasting impact. My service extended far beyond the walls of the church, especially in the Roseland and Englewood communities of Chicago, where I’ve been involved in initiatives like Toys for Tots, coat and scarf drives, and Feed My Starving Children. Through Empowered by Faith Ministries and other local programs, I worked on missions focused on youth development, providing essentials to families, and supporting those in crisis. These experiences taught me empathy and gave me a clear sense of responsibility to uplift my community. While attending school in New Orleans, I continued my service. I volunteered in the hospital, offering comfort and assistance to patients, and I supported youth through programs like Angel Tree and Under Carey’s Care. One of the most fulfilling moments was helping at the Louisiana Children’s Museum, where I could engage with children and encourage learning in a safe, joyful environment. I also helped with Feeding the Multitude, an outreach that reminded me how important it is to not only feed people physically, but also to nourish them spiritually. All of these experiences were rooted in the Christian values instilled in me since birth: love, humility, and service. They’ve shaped who I am today—a young woman driven by faith and committed to making a difference.