I believe economic empowerment is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change in underrepresented communities. When people have access to education, career opportunities, financial resources, and supportive networks, they are better positioned to improve their lives and contribute to the success of their communities. Economic empowerment goes beyond increasing income; it creates opportunities for individuals to build stability, invest in their futures, and create opportunities for the next generation. For many underrepresented communities, barriers such as limited access to resources, professional networks, and financial support can make it more difficult to achieve these goals. By addressing these challenges, businesses and community leaders can help create a more equitable society. Business innovation plays a significant role in this process. Innovative businesses have the ability to identify problems and create solutions that improve access to opportunities. Whether through technology, education initiatives, workforce development programs, or partnerships with local organizations, businesses can make a meaningful impact on the communities they serve. I believe that successful businesses should not only focus on profit but also consider how they can contribute to positive social change. When companies invest in people and communities, they help create long-term growth that benefits everyone. As a senior at Howard University pursuing a degree in International Business with a concentration in Management, I have developed a strong interest in project management and event planning. Throughout my academic journey, I have learned the importance of organization, leadership, communication, and collaboration. I have also balanced my coursework with work-study responsibilities and professional development opportunities, experiences that have strengthened my understanding of how effective planning and teamwork can help achieve meaningful goals. In the future, I hope to use my skills in project management to help develop programs, events, and initiatives that connect individuals with educational, professional, and economic opportunities. I am particularly interested in creating spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can access resources, build professional networks, and gain the tools needed to succeed. Whether through coordinating community programs, supporting workforce development initiatives, or managing projects that benefit underserved populations, I want my work to have a positive and lasting impact. As a student at a historically Black university, I have witnessed the importance of representation, access, and community support. Howard University has reinforced my belief that empowering individuals through education and opportunity can transform lives. This experience has inspired me to pursue a career that combines business knowledge with a commitment to service and inclusion. Ultimately, I envision a future where business serves as a force for positive change. I want to contribute to organizations and initiatives that prioritize both economic growth and social impact. By helping create opportunities for others and supporting programs that promote equity, I hope to play a role in building stronger communities and a more just society. Through my education, career, and continued commitment to service, I aim to help ensure that more individuals have the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of their background or circumstances.

Growing up, I had no idea what I wanted to be. When people asked, I said I wanted to become a nurse like my grandmother. However, I never really imagined myself as one or anything related to healthcare. As a result, I felt lost and left behind, unsure of what I wanted to do. However, for one thing, I know, I loved to travel and explore, so I knew my career choice had to have some type of traveling involved. That is when I discovered the business field and I finally realized what I wanted to pursue in life: International Business. Ever since then, that is all I prepared myself for, taking any business-related classes that would get me ready to be in the business world. My primary goal for going to college would be to increase my career stability and network. I want to have the ability to make an impact on my community, make connections and grow as a person. It is important to me that I go to college and create a life for myself that a few others are not able to accomplish. I want to make lifelong relationships that could not only benefit me but benefit those around me and encourage people that are less fortunate to not give up and keep pursuing their dreams. My goal is not only to make sure I have a good job and connections but to let others know that they too could achieve their career goals no matter their background. After high school I will attend Howard University to earn a Bachelor's degree in International Business and one day I would like to work under a company and soon become the Chief Operating Officer. Even though I come from a household with two incomes, both incomes go straight to bills and to continue paying off college debt, therefore with the help from this scholarship it will not only allow me to become a step closer to my goals but also let me possibly become one of the many successful black women who pursue a business career. Thank you for taking the time to read and review my application and for providing financial assistance to students. I am taking an active role in minimizing my student debt so this scholarship fund will allow me to continue accomplishing my dreams and focus more on my studies rather than having to worry about how I will be able to cover different college expenses. While college is quite difficult and expensive, I know I will be successful and overcome these obstacles.

Growing up, I had no idea what I wanted to be. When people asked, I said I wanted to become a nurse like my grandmother. However, I never really imagined myself as one or anything related to healthcare. As a result, I felt lost and left behind, unsure what I really wanted to do. However for one thing I know, I loved to travel and explore, so I knew my career choice had to have some type of traveling involved. That is when I discovered the business field and I finally realized what I wanted to pursue in life: International Business. Ever since then, that is all I prepared myself for, taking any business related classes that would get me ready to be in the business world. My primary goal for going to college would be to increase my career stability and network. I want to have the ability to make an impact on my community, to make connections and grow as a person. It is important to me that I go to college and create a life for myself that a few others are not able to accomplish. I want to make lifelong relationships that could not only benefit me but benefit those around me and encourage people that are less fortunate to not give up and keep pursuing their dreams. My goal is not only to make sure I have a good job and connections, but to let others know that they too could achieve their career goals no matter their background. After high school I will attend Howard University to earn a Bachelor's degree in International Business and one day I would like to work under a company a.nd soon become a Chief Operating Officer. Even though I come from a household with two incomes, both incomes go straight to bills and to help my older realatives with financial problems, therefore with the help from this scholarship it will not only allow me to become a step closer to my goals but to also let me possibly become one of the many successful black women who pursue a career in business. Thank you for taking your time to read and review my application and for providing financial assistance to students. I am taking an active role in minimizing my student debt so with this scholarship fund it will allow me to continue accomplishing my dreams and focus more on my studies rather than having to worry about how I will be able to cover different college expenses. While college is quite difficult and expensive, I know I will be successful and overcome these obstacles.

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.." This quote by Albert Schweitzer drives me to achieve my version of success. Growing up, I had no idea what I wanted to be. When people asked, I said I wanted to become a nurse like my grandmother. However, I never really imagined myself as one or anything related to healthcare. As a result, I felt lost and left behind, unsure of what I wanted to do. However for one thing I know, I loved to travel and explore, so I knew my career choice had to have some type of traveling involved. That is when I discovered the business field and I finally realized what I wanted to pursue in life: International Business. Ever since then, that is all I prepared myself for, taking any business-related classes that would get me ready to be in the business world. My primary goal for going to college would be to increase my career stability and network. I want to have the ability to make an impact on my community, make connections and grow as a person. It is important to me that I go to college and create a life for myself that a few others are not able to accomplish. I want to make lifelong relationships that could not only benefit me but benefit those around me and encourage people that are less fortunate to not give up and keep pursuing their dreams. My goal is not only to make sure I have a good job and connections but to let others know that they too could achieve their career goals no matter their background. After high school, I will attend Howard University to earn a Bachelor's degree in International Business and one day I would like to work under a company and soon become a Chief Operating Officer. Even though I come from a household with two incomes, both incomes go straight to bills and to continue paying off college debt, therefore with the help from this scholarship it will not only allow me to become a step closer to my goals but also let me possibly become one of the many successful black women who pursue a career in business. Thank you for taking the time to read and review my application and for providing financial assistance to students. I am taking an active role in minimizing my student debt so this scholarship fund will allow me to continue accomplishing my dreams and focus more on my studies rather than having to worry about how I will be able to cover different college expenses. While college is quite difficult and expensive, I know I will be successful and overcome these obstacles.

To feel accepted. I grew up in a small community and went to school surrounded by people who did not have the same skin tone, hair texture, or culture as me. Since I was different, I was held to higher standards than other kids. Could not speak too loud or express certain emotions cause then I would become the aggressor and never the victim. Although I do have friends now that I am thankful for, back then I did not have many and maybe because their parents' opinions about my “type” may have influenced what they thought of me even if they did not know me personally. As a little girl, that damaged me horribly. I never deserved that. All I wanted was to feel included and that is what an HBCU will allow me to feel. Being able to attend an HBCU and my dream one at that, will allow me to succeed socially and emotionally. I will finally be surrounded by people who are similar to me and would not judge me off on stereotypes. I will be able to express my emotions without coming off as aggressive. At an HBCU, I will finally be accepted and feel like I belong somewhere.