I was five years old when my family left the Democratic Republic of the Congo, trading flickering lights and rolling blackouts in Goma for a fresh start in Minnesota’s Twin Cities. That move, though I didn’t fully understand it at the time, would become the foundation of everything I’ve grown to believe in—resilience, responsibility, and the power of opportunity. Now, as a 19-year-old freshman at the University of St. Thomas studying Computer Engineering, I carry both the memories of where I came from and the motivation to shape what comes next—not just for me, but for others too. Why should I be selected for this scholarship? Because I’m not just dreaming of success—I’m designing it with purpose. My academic path is not about chasing titles, but building tools and systems that serve people. I’ve set my sights on earning a master’s degree in power systems and power electronics, because I want to return to Goma and help bring a stable, modern power grid to the region. Electricity is more than energy—it’s a stepping stone to education, healthcare, business, and independence. Helping to bring that light back home would be the first chapter of the legacy I plan to build. In the long run, I also want to rise in the cybersecurity field as a senior ethical hacker or tech executive. But not just to climb a corporate ladder—I want to launch a cybersecurity business that gives back. My dream company will protect digital infrastructure while investing its profits into tech education programs for underrepresented youth in both Africa and the U.S. In this way, I can use technology not only to protect systems, but to empower people. Right now, I’m already taking action. I’m actively involved in a nonprofit organization that empowers young Black men through leadership and communication development. It’s taught me how to lead with empathy, how to advocate, and how to give back. As a young Black man in STEM, I also understand the importance of representation, so I shine my light by showing up—as a student, as a mentor, and as a visible example of what’s possible. I’m passionate about more than engineering—I care deeply about social justice, literature, and Africa’s economic future. I believe stories change minds, technology changes lives, and opportunity changes everything. With this scholarship, I won’t just move forward in my education—I’ll move forward in building a future that reaches beyond me. One powered by service, innovation, and a promise to make sure no one is left in the dark.

I was five years old when my family left the Democratic Republic of the Congo and resettled in Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Though I was young, I carried the memory of Goma—a city where power was unreliable, opportunity was limited, and resilience was woven into daily life. I also carried a deep sense of responsibility. As I began to grow and thrive in a new country, I realized that my purpose wasn’t just to succeed—but to shine a light forward for others, and build something that lasts beyond myself. Now, as a 19-year-old Computer Engineering major at the University of St. Thomas, I’m not only working toward a degree—I’m building a legacy. I plan to do this in three ways: through sustainable infrastructure, representation, and entrepreneurship. My first mission is to return to Goma to help develop a stable, modern power grid. Electricity is a foundation for economic growth, education, and health—and it’s still inaccessible for many families in my hometown. I plan to pursue a master’s in power systems and power electronics to gain the expertise I need to design and implement solutions that bring light—literally and symbolically—to places still in darkness. Second, I aim to rise in the field of cybersecurity, becoming a senior ethical hacker or executive leader in tech. From there, I plan to launch a social-impact business that combines cybersecurity consulting with education and philanthropic funding. My dream is to create a company that protects digital infrastructures while reinvesting profits into STEM access programs for underrepresented communities across Africa and the U.S. I want to prove that business and social responsibility aren’t mutually exclusive—that profit can fuel purpose. In the meantime, I shine my light through visibility, mentorship, and service. As a young Black man in STEM—a field where we are still severely underrepresented—I’m showing what’s possible. I actively participate in a nonprofit that empowers young Black men through leadership, communication, and community development. I speak up, I support, and I show up—for others who are finding their way. I also care deeply about social justice, literature, and Africa’s economic empowerment. I believe that stories—whether told through books or technology—have the power to change lives. My legacy will not be measured only in success, but in the people I lift, the systems I help build, and the communities I leave stronger than I found them. This journey is bigger than me. And I plan to make sure the light I carry doesn’t end with me—it multiplies.

I was five years old when my family left the Democratic Republic of the Congo in search of stability and opportunity. We settled in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, where I grew up straddling two worlds—one rooted in survival, and the other filled with possibility. In my hometown of Goma, power outages were frequent, internet access was rare, and dreams were often sacrificed for necessity. Here in the U.S., I found access to technology and education, and I began to wonder: Why can’t both worlds coexist with equal opportunity? Now, as a 19-year-old freshman at the University of St. Thomas pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering, my mission is to answer that question through innovation, advocacy, and impact. I see technology not just as a career field, but as a tool for transformation. There are three core ways I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my degree and future career. First, I am committed to returning to Goma to help build the sustainable infrastructure my community still lacks—starting with the power grid. I plan to earn a master’s degree in power systems and power electronics, allowing me to design and implement electrical systems that can support schools, homes, and small businesses in my hometown. Electricity is more than a utility—it’s a gateway to education, healthcare, and opportunity. Second, I aspire to rise as a senior ethical hacker or cybersecurity executive. My goal is to protect the systems that hold our most vital information and to use my position to generate the capital needed to support philanthropic projects, both in Africa and in underserved communities here in the U.S. I want to use technology not only to secure data, but to unlock progress. Third, I am committed to representation and mentorship. As a young Black man in STEM—a field where we remain severely underrepresented—I understand how powerful visibility can be. I want to mentor youth who look like me, support initiatives that make tech education accessible, and help others realize that they, too, belong in rooms they were once excluded from. Currently, I am involved in a nonprofit organization that empowers young Black men through leadership development, communication skills, and community engagement. This experience has shaped my voice, taught me to lead with empathy, and helped me understand the responsibility of giving back. I also have strong opinions about social justice, literature, and Africa’s economic potential. I believe that storytelling, policy reform, and innovation must work together to drive systemic change. Africa is not a continent of poverty—it’s a continent of potential. I want to help shift that narrative and fuel that growth through my work in technology. My life, education, and vision are all grounded in service. I’m not just pursuing a degree—I’m pursuing a purpose. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue building toward a future where power, progress, and opportunity reach the people and places that need them most.

I was five years old when my family left the Democratic Republic of the Congo in search of stability and opportunity. We settled in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, where I grew up straddling two worlds—one rooted in survival, and the other filled with possibility. In my hometown of Goma, power outages were frequent, internet access was rare, and dreams were often sacrificed for necessity. Here in the U.S., I found access to technology and education, and I began to wonder: Why can’t both worlds coexist with equal opportunity? Now, as a 19-year-old freshman at the University of St. Thomas pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering, my mission is to answer that question through innovation, advocacy, and impact. I see technology not just as a career field, but as a tool for transformation. There are three core ways I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my degree and future career. First, I am committed to returning to Goma to help build the sustainable infrastructure my community still lacks—starting with the power grid. I plan to earn a master’s degree in power systems and power electronics, allowing me to design and implement electrical systems that can support schools, homes, and small businesses in my hometown. Electricity is more than a utility—it’s a gateway to education, healthcare, and opportunity. Second, I aspire to rise as a senior ethical hacker or cybersecurity executive. My goal is to protect the systems that hold our most vital information and to use my position to generate the capital needed to support philanthropic projects, both in Africa and in underserved communities here in the U.S. I want to use technology not only to secure data, but to unlock progress. Third, I am committed to representation and mentorship. As a young Black man in STEM—a field where we remain severely underrepresented—I understand how powerful visibility can be. I want to mentor youth who look like me, support initiatives that make tech education accessible, and help others realize that they, too, belong in rooms they were once excluded from. Currently, I am involved in a nonprofit organization that empowers young Black men through leadership development, communication skills, and community engagement. This experience has shaped my voice, taught me to lead with empathy, and helped me understand the responsibility of giving back. I also have strong opinions about social justice, literature, and Africa’s economic potential. I believe that storytelling, policy reform, and innovation must work together to drive systemic change. Africa is not a continent of poverty—it’s a continent of potential. I want to help shift that narrative and fuel that growth through my work in technology. My life, education, and vision are all grounded in service. I’m not just pursuing a degree—I’m pursuing a purpose. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue building toward a future where power, progress, and opportunity reach the people and places that need them most.

I was five years old when my family left the Democratic Republic of the Congo in search of stability and opportunity. We settled in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, where I grew up straddling two worlds—one rooted in survival, and the other filled with possibility. In my hometown of Goma, power outages were frequent, internet access was rare, and dreams were often sacrificed for necessity. Here in the U.S., I found access to technology and education, and I began to wonder: Why can’t both worlds coexist with equal opportunity? Now, as a 19-year-old freshman at the University of St. Thomas pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering, my mission is to answer that question through innovation, advocacy, and impact. I see technology not just as a career field, but as a tool for transformation. There are three core ways I plan to make a positive impact on the world through my degree and future career. First, I am committed to returning to Goma to help build the sustainable infrastructure my community still lacks—starting with the power grid. I plan to earn a master’s degree in power systems and power electronics, allowing me to design and implement electrical systems that can support schools, homes, and small businesses in my hometown. Electricity is more than a utility—it’s a gateway to education, healthcare, and opportunity. Second, I aspire to rise as a senior ethical hacker or cybersecurity executive. My goal is to protect the systems that hold our most vital information and to use my position to generate the capital needed to support philanthropic projects, both in Africa and in underserved communities here in the U.S. I want to use technology not only to secure data, but to unlock progress. Third, I am committed to representation and mentorship. As a young Black man in STEM—a field where we remain severely underrepresented—I understand how powerful visibility can be. I want to mentor youth who look like me, support initiatives that make tech education accessible, and help others realize that they, too, belong in rooms they were once excluded from. Currently, I am involved in a nonprofit organization that empowers young Black men through leadership development, communication skills, and community engagement. This experience has shaped my voice, taught me to lead with empathy, and helped me understand the responsibility of giving back. I also have strong opinions about social justice, literature, and Africa’s economic potential. I believe that storytelling, policy reform, and innovation must work together to drive systemic change. Africa is not a continent of poverty—it’s a continent of potential. I want to help shift that narrative and fuel that growth through my work in technology. My life, education, and vision are all grounded in service. I’m not just pursuing a degree—I’m pursuing a purpose. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue building toward a future where power, progress, and opportunity reach the people and places that need them most.

I was five years old when my family left the Democratic Republic of the Congo and resettled in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but I knew one thing: we were leaving behind a place where electricity flickered in and out, where dreams were dimmed by instability, and where access to opportunity was not a given. Even at that age, I carried with me a quiet sense that something needed to change—not just for me, but for those we left behind. That feeling grew with me. As I learned to navigate a new culture and language, I also began discovering a world of technology that fascinated me. Computers weren’t just machines—they were tools of power, progress, and connection. I became curious about how they worked, how they could be protected, and how they could be used to build something lasting. This curiosity evolved into purpose, and now I’m pursuing a Computer Engineering degree at the University of St. Thomas, with plans to earn a master’s in power systems and power electronics. My dream is to return to Goma, not with empty promises, but with real solutions. I want to help design and implement a power grid that can sustain homes, schools, and hospitals. At the same time, I’m working toward becoming a senior ethical hacker—using my cybersecurity skills to protect the digital world while building the financial foundation to support meaningful philanthropy. My career path is not just a job—it’s a vehicle for impact. I believe I’m the right candidate for this scholarship because I know what it means to go without, and I’ve made a promise to never waste the opportunities I’ve been given. I’ve turned my story into a mission. I study hard not just to succeed, but to uplift. My motivation isn’t only personal—it’s deeply rooted in the people and place that raised me. This scholarship would not only ease the burden of my education; it would be an investment in a young immigrant who plans to give more than he takes—someone who’s ready to bring light, both figuratively and literally, to communities in need.