Since I was four years old, I’ve dreamed of designing cities that improve lives and strengthen communities. Growing up, my father, an ironworker, often sparked my interest in urban planning during our road trips. We would discuss buildings, highways, and neighborhoods, and he encouraged me to think critically about how these elements shaped the world around us. These early conversations became the foundation for my passion for city planning and inspired me to pursue a career in City and Regional Planning. In high school, I had the opportunity to take my first college course. Using SketchUp, I designed a multi-modal transportation center for Ohio’s 3-C Train Corridor (now the 3C+D Corridor). This project allowed me to translate my early interests into actionable designs and reinforced my passion for urban development. It was a defining moment that guided me toward earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in City and Regional Planning at The Ohio State University. As I advanced in my studies, I realized that great cities require more than just innovative infrastructure—they need strong schools and pathways to community ownership. Education and housing are the cornerstones of equitable and thriving cities. This understanding inspired me to pursue a doctorate in Education, focusing on STEM education in minority communities. By addressing the educational and economic disparities that exist in many urban areas, I hope to create sustainable solutions that empower families and foster community growth. Today, many families face significant challenges, including rising housing costs, gentrification, and barriers to homeownership. These issues threaten the inclusivity and stability of urban areas. My career goal is to work with organizations in the Midwest to develop affordable housing options, such as tiny homes and small homes, that make homeownership achievable. By collaborating with innovative housing builders, I aim to create opportunities for families to own homes in thriving school districts near city centers, where they can access vital resources without excessive transportation costs. A successful example of such efforts can be seen in Minneapolis, where housing costs have been kept relatively stable while the metropolitan population continues to grow. Drawing inspiration from such models, I plan to leverage strategies like rethinking zoning codes and utilizing land banks to prioritize affordable housing developments in accessible urban areas. Combining my passion for city planning and education, I aspire to build sustainable, inclusive cities that empower families and strengthen communities. Through this work, I am committed to creating urban environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

It was supposed to be a normal day—the second week of my graduate studies at The Ohio State University. I had gone to bed the night before, ready to start my morning routine of taking my nephew to school before heading to class. But at 5 a.m., my dad called my sister and me, urging us to come to my parents’ house immediately. Overnight, my mom had passed away unexpectedly. Growing up, my mom and I were inseparable. People often called me a “mama’s boy,” and I embraced it. In a family of six where disagreements were common, my mom and I were always on the same team. She was my biggest supporter—guiding me through academics, cheering me on at school events (even the smallest ones), and ensuring I stayed on the right path. Whether it was elementary, middle school, high school, or college, she was always there. When she passed, my sister and I found ourselves stepping into roles we never anticipated. Suddenly, we were responsible for caring for our father and, the following year, our grandmother during a global pandemic. It was then that we realized how much of the family’s responsibilities my mom had quietly shouldered. She had been the glue of the family, and now, her extended family looked to us to continue traditions, provide guidance, and to keep everyone connected. Navigating these new responsibilities unexpectedly as a young adult has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life. Yet, I am determined to honor my mom’s legacy by finishing my education—something she always emphasized. For her, not going to college was never an option. She kept me enrolled in college readiness programs and instilled in me the tenacity to face obstacles head-on, no matter what comes my way. Despite her personal struggles, health issues, and working various odd jobs to support us, my mom showed me the value of giving back to the community and family. Just days before she passed, she volunteered at a youth engineering event, reminding me to keep pushing forward. Her loss has been hard on me, but I carry her lessons with me every single day. She instilled in me the qualities of leadership, perseverance, and service that shape the person I am today. I know she’s watching over me, waiting to see what I’ll achieve as I continue my educational journey—a path she inspired me to follow.

“Mr. Kelton, do you know where my art project is?” “No, go look on my desk.” As I approached Mr. Kelton’s desk, my 7th grade art teacher, I stumbled upon an open call for an Dr. Martin Luther King art contest. That moment became a turning point in my life. It was at that contest where I met my future mentor, Mr. Hewitt. Although I only earned second place that year, I gained something far more valuable—a mentor who would guide me for a lifetime. Mr. Hewitt taught me the essence of being both a community leader and a professional as a black man. Through his mentorship, I learned about Black history, professionalism, and the power of perseverance. He shared stories of his experiences as a college student leading protests for civil rights and brought me along to his workplace, giving me a firsthand look at the importance of what it means to work for a local government office. He also supported me in navigating the college admissions process, ensuring that I had the tools to succeed academically and professionally. Mr. Hewitt was the first Black man I had ever seen with a higher education degree, a milestone I am proud to now share. Growing up in the South during the Jim Crow era, he faced racism daily—whether it was being denied access to schools or enduring systemic inequalities. Yet, he persevered, ultimately earning a master’s degree in psychology and becoming a civil rights leader in Louisville, Ky and Cincinnati, OH. His stories of resilience inspired me to develop grit and determination as I have had challenges completing my education. He often emphasized the importance of standing up for what is right while remaining mindful of how one leads those who come after them. Mr. Hewitt’s unwavering commitment to justice and progress shaped my perspective on leadership and service. Because of his guidance and sacrifices, I have grown into a committed community advocate and a rising leader. I now operate a STEM Education Mentoring Non-Profit that runs the program I once was in after Mr. Hewitt signed me up for the program. Mr. Hewitt showed me that true leadership is about lifting others while forging a path forward. Mr. Hewitt’s legacy lives on through the lessons he imparted to me, and I strive daily to honor his example by making a difference in my community and inspiring the next generation of leaders.