At sixteen years old, while most teenagers were preparing for Black Friday as shoppers, I was organizing a pop-up event with more than thirty small business owners and hundreds of attendees. Watching entrepreneurs generate income for their families that day taught me a lesson I still carry with me: economic empowerment changes lives. Seeing local business owners succeed reinforced my belief that business is about more than profit. It is a powerful tool for creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and driving lasting social change. As a first-generation college student, entrepreneur, and proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, I have experienced firsthand how access to opportunity can transform lives. My vision is to use business innovation and marketing to expand economic mobility and create pathways for underrepresented communities to thrive. At fifteen years old, I founded Breezy Cosmetics, a beauty brand created to empower women while teaching me the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. What began as a small business selling lip glosses evolved into a platform that allowed me to develop marketing strategies, build customer relationships, and generate revenue. The Black Friday pop-up event remains one of my proudest accomplishments because it demonstrated how entrepreneurship can create opportunities not only for business owners but for entire communities. By bringing together local vendors, I helped create an environment where small businesses could gain visibility, increase sales, and build meaningful connections. My experience at an HBCU further strengthened my commitment to economic empowerment. Through scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities, organizations such as the Thurgood Marshall College Fund have played a significant role in my journey. These experiences helped me graduate college debt-free, secure a full-time position in my field, and develop the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. More importantly, they showed me the impact that investment and access can have on someone's future. Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not always reach everyone equally. This fall, I will begin my career in marketing with Ally Financial while pursuing my MBA at North Carolina A&T State University. My long-term goal is to launch my own marketing firm dedicated to helping businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations expand their reach and maximize their impact. I believe that no great product, service, or idea can succeed without effective marketing. Too often, small businesses in underrepresented communities have innovative products and valuable services but lack the resources, visibility, and strategic guidance needed to grow. Through my future firm, I hope to help bridge that gap by providing businesses with the tools, strategies, and exposure necessary to thrive. By empowering entrepreneurs to grow sustainable businesses, create jobs, and generate wealth within their communities, I can contribute to lasting economic change while advancing social equity. When businesses succeed, communities benefit through increased opportunity, stronger local economies, and greater financial stability. Social equity and justice are deeply connected to economic empowerment. When individuals have access to entrepreneurship, financial resources, education, and meaningful career opportunities, they gain the ability to create lasting change for themselves and future generations. My journey has shown me what is possible when someone invests in your potential. Through business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, I am committed to paying that investment forward and helping others build brighter futures. The Social Change Fund United Scholarship would support my continued education and strengthen my ability to pursue a career dedicated to expanding opportunity. I am committed to using business innovation as a force for good and creating meaningful change in the communities that need it most.

In the journey of life, there are moments when the path seems uncertain and the challenges insurmountable. For me, faith has been the steadfast compass that guides me through these trials, providing clarity and strength when I need it most. As it is written in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” my faith in God has been the foundation upon which I build my life and career, shaping my aspirations and fortifying my resolve. Growing up, my connection to faith was rooted in my active involvement in the church. I was an usher and a member of the church choir, roles that allowed me to contribute to my community and develop a strong sense of service and discipline. These early experiences helped to cultivate a deep appreciation for spiritual guidance and community support. However, it was not until I entered college that my relationship with God truly evolved and deepened. College presented new challenges and pressures that tested my resilience and faith. The transition to higher education was marked by rigorous academic demands, personal struggles, and the pressures of balancing multiple responsibilities. During this period, I found myself facing moments of uncertainty and doubt. It was through these tough times that I felt a profound need to re-dedicate my life to Christ and renew my commitment to my faith. I began to immerse myself more deeply in spiritual practices, attending Bible studies, and seeking solace in prayer. This intentional reconnection with God provided me with the strength and clarity I needed to navigate the complexities of college life. My renewed faith became a source of comfort, guiding me through the difficulties and helping me to maintain a positive and determined outlook. This renewed relationship with God has had a significant impact on my personal and professional growth. As I pursued my studies and entrepreneurial endeavors, I found that my faith provided me with a sense of purpose and resilience. The principles and values I learned through my spiritual journey influenced my approach to leadership and business. For instance, my experience as a founder of Breezy Cosmetics was guided by the values of integrity, kindness, and service, all of which were reinforced through my deepened faith. Moreover, my faith has shaped my vision for the future. As I continue my education in marketing and entrepreneurship, I am committed to integrating my beliefs into my professional endeavors. I aspire to create positive change by fostering inclusivity, supporting others, and making ethical decisions, all of which are reflections of the principles that guide my life. In conclusion, my faith is the bedrock upon which I build my life and career. It has provided me with strength, purpose, and guidance through every challenge and achievement. Growing up in the church laid the foundation for my spiritual journey, but it was during the trials of college that I truly deepened my relationship with God. As I continue on my path, I am confident that my faith will remain a vital source of inspiration and support, helping me to excel in my career and make a meaningful impact in the world. With God’s guidance, I am empowered to pursue my aspirations with determination, integrity, and a deep sense of purpose.

In a world brimming with possibilities, education stands as the beacon guiding us towards our fullest potential. As a proud HBCU student at North Carolina A&T State University, I’ve come to realize that education is more than just a pathway to a career; it is a transformative force that empowers us to break barriers, overcome challenges, and elevate our aspirations. For me, education has been the cornerstone of personal and professional growth, making me a stronger candidate for the workforce and a more resilient individual. From the moment I stepped into the halls of my HBCU, I understood that education here is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about embracing a legacy of excellence and empowerment. North Carolina A&T State University is a place where academic rigor meets cultural richness, creating an environment that fosters both intellectual and personal development. The value of this education lies in its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing students not only to excel in their fields but also to lead with purpose and confidence. One of the most significant ways education has added value to my life is by enhancing my skills and expanding my perspectives. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on experiences, I have gained a deep understanding of marketing and entrepreneurship. This knowledge is not just theoretical but has practical applications that I’ve utilized in real-world scenarios. For example, my role as a student entrepreneur and my success in executing a marketing campaign that led to a product selling out in three hours are direct results of the skills and insights I’ve acquired through my education. These experiences have not only solidified my expertise but also demonstrated the tangible impact of my academic achievements. Moreover, education has been instrumental in shaping my character and resilience. The challenges of navigating a demanding curriculum, participating in leadership roles, and balancing academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities have taught me valuable lessons in time management, problem-solving, and perseverance. These qualities are crucial in today’s competitive job market and have prepared me to face the complexities of the professional world with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset. Being part of an HBCU has also provided me with a unique sense of community and support. The strong network of peers, mentors, and alumni has been invaluable in my personal and professional growth. The shared experiences and collective aspirations within this community have inspired me to strive for excellence and to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Black professionals. This support system has reinforced my belief in the power of education to foster not only individual success but also collective empowerment. Education has also broadened my horizons by exposing me to diverse perspectives and innovative ideas. The interdisciplinary approach encouraged at my HBCU has allowed me to explore various fields and integrate different viewpoints into my work. This holistic education has been essential in developing a well-rounded skill set and a forward-thinking approach that is highly valued in the workforce. In conclusion, education is more than a mere stepping stone to a career; it is a profound catalyst for personal and professional growth. As a proud HBCU student, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of education in shaping my ambitions, enhancing my skills, and strengthening my resolve. It has made me a more capable and confident candidate for the workforce, ready to contribute to and lead in the ever-evolving landscape of my field. Education has not only added value to my life but has also empowered me to embrace my potential and drive positive change in my community and beyond.

Imagine a world where every aspiring Black entrepreneur is given a fair chance to succeed, where barriers are dismantled, and opportunities are abundant. This vision isn't a distant dream but a future I am committed to creating through my education and career. As a junior marketing student at North Carolina A&T State University, my mission is clear: to harness the power of my education to pave a smoother path for Black individuals in the business world, transforming aspirations into achievements and dreams into realities. Growing up, I observed firsthand the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in accessing resources and opportunities. My parents, successful business owners, navigated these hurdles with immense determination and resilience. Their journey inspired me to not only follow in their entrepreneurial footsteps but also to address the systemic barriers that hinder others in our community. This motivation led me to establish Breezy Cosmetics at the age of 15, a venture that has become a platform for promoting Black economic growth and empowerment. My ambition extends beyond personal success. I am driven by a vision of a business landscape where diversity and inclusion are not merely aspirations but the norm. With my education in marketing and entrepreneurship, I plan to champion initiatives that support Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. I aim to develop innovative marketing strategies that highlight Black-owned brands and provide them with the visibility they deserve. By creating tailored campaigns and leveraging digital platforms, I will help these businesses reach wider audiences, attract investors, and grow sustainably. A testament to my marketing prowess is a recent campaign I executed, where I advertised a new product for Breezy Cosmetics. The campaign was a resounding success, leading to the product selling out in just three hours. This experience, along with a plethora of other marketing projects, has equipped me with the skills and insights necessary to drive impactful change. Moving forward, I will use this extensive marketing experience to implement similar initiatives on a larger scale, fostering networks that connect Black business owners with mentors, investors, and industry experts. In addition, I plan to establish a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Black entrepreneurs. This organization will provide mentorship, funding, and resources to emerging business leaders, helping them overcome the obstacles that often hinder their progress. By offering workshops, networking events, and one-on-one coaching, I will contribute to building a robust support system that nurtures talent and drives success. Higher education is a powerful tool in this mission. It equips me with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to advocate for and implement these changes. My marketing expertise will enable me to craft compelling narratives that challenge stereotypes and highlight the strengths of Black-owned businesses. Through strategic partnerships and innovative outreach, I will work to ensure that the path to success is accessible to all, regardless of background. In conclusion, my education is not just a personal achievement but a means to drive broader societal impact. By leveraging my marketing skills and entrepreneurial spirit, including my proven ability to execute successful campaigns, I am dedicated to building a better path for Black people in the business world. I am committed to fostering an environment where every dream can be realized and every ambition can be achieved. Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to this transformative journey.

Domestic violence and substance abuse have profoundly impacted my life and shaped my commitment to improving support systems for African American women facing these challenges. Growing up, I witnessed the effects of domestic violence within my extended family, which left a lasting impression on me. The emotional and psychological toll it took on those involved, including the cycle of trauma and the barriers to seeking help, made me acutely aware of the urgent need for better support and intervention. In addition, substance abuse has affected friends and family members, highlighting the complex interplay between addiction and personal trauma. The stigma surrounding both domestic violence and substance abuse often prevents individuals from seeking help, exacerbating their struggles and isolating them from crucial support networks. These experiences have motivated me to pursue a path where I can contribute to meaningful change. As I embark on my higher education journey at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, majoring in marketing with a minor in entrepreneurship, my focus will be on using my education to address these issues from a unique perspective. While marketing may seem distinct from social work or psychology, I believe it offers valuable tools for improving care, coordination, and communication in addressing domestic violence and substance abuse. My goal is to leverage my marketing expertise to enhance awareness, education, and accessibility for support services related to domestic violence and substance abuse. Here's how I plan to achieve this: I will use my skills in marketing to create and promote campaigns that educate communities about the signs of domestic violence and substance abuse, available resources, and how to seek help. By developing impactful and culturally sensitive messaging, I aim to reduce stigma and encourage individuals to access support services. I plan to work with non-profit organizations, community groups, and healthcare providers to create collaborative campaigns that bridge gaps between services and those in need. Effective communication and coordination between these entities are crucial for providing comprehensive care. I will develop outreach programs that utilize digital platforms to reach underserved communities. By creating engaging content and using data-driven strategies, I aim to connect individuals with relevant services and support networks. I intend to advocate for policies that address the needs of African American women affected by domestic violence and substance abuse. This includes working on initiatives that promote equitable access to resources and support, as well as supporting legislation that addresses systemic barriers. Through my business ventures and community engagement, I will work to empower individuals affected by these issues by providing resources, support, and opportunities for economic independence. I believe that economic empowerment can be a crucial factor in breaking the cycle of abuse and addiction. By integrating my marketing expertise with a commitment to social impact, I hope to contribute to a more effective and compassionate approach to addressing domestic violence and substance abuse. My education will equip me with the tools to drive meaningful change, ensuring that African American women and their communities receive the care and support they need to overcome these challenges and thrive. Thank you for considering my application. I am dedicated to using my skills and education to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence and substance abuse.

Pure, righteous, and intelligent are the meanings behind my name, Zakiya, and I strive daily to embody these qualities. As a young entrepreneur and a first-generation college student of Haitian descent, I am committed to making a significant impact on my community and beyond. Growing up, I was inspired by my parents, both successful entrepreneurs, who instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. This entrepreneurial spirit led me to launch my own business, Breezy Cosmetics, at the age of 15. The company's slogan, "Beauty is Life," reflects my mission to empower individuals by helping them feel beautiful and confident. Through Breezy Cosmetics, I have become a role model in my community, particularly for Black-owned businesses. I use my platform to promote economic growth and create opportunities for other Black entrepreneurs. One of my proudest achievements was organizing a pop-up event on November 27, 2020, during the pandemic. This event featured 32 Black-owned vendors offering a variety of products, including home decor, clothing, and cosmetics. The event was a resounding success, drawing over 400 attendees and generating significant profits for the vendors. This accomplishment earned me the 'Teen Queen Entrepreneur of The Year' award from The City of Hartford and a nomination as the youngest honoree at The 100 Women of Color Gala & Award Ceremony. These recognitions marked a turning point in my journey, transforming my dreams into reality. In the fall, I will be a rising junior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, majoring in marketing. My educational goals are aligned with my career aspirations. I aim to develop an all-inclusive marketing system that fosters diverse and equitable work environments. I am passionate about ensuring equal pay and opportunities for all, regardless of gender, race, sexuality, or religion. Higher education is crucial for achieving these goals, and this scholarship would significantly alleviate the financial burden of college, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue to excel academically. Being of Haitian descent, I understand the importance of resilience and perseverance. My heritage has shaped me into a hard worker, determined to overcome challenges and succeed. As a first-generation college student, I am driven to set an example for others in my community, demonstrating that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible. Moreover, I plan to open my own marketing firm dedicated to helping small businesses scale. This firm will provide comprehensive marketing strategies tailored to the unique needs of each business, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to grow and thrive. By focusing on inclusivity and diversity, my firm will help create equitable opportunities for all businesses, regardless of their background. This commitment to community and economic empowerment will drive my efforts to make a lasting impact post-graduation. Thank you for considering my application for this scholarship. It would be an honor and a blessing to receive your support, enabling me to achieve my academic and career goals while continuing to make a positive impact on my community.

I am Zakiya Gilles, a junior marketing student at North Carolina A&T State University, and I am committed to leaving a lasting impact on my community. As a proud native of East Hartford, Connecticut, my upbringing in this small, tight-knit community has deeply influenced my aspirations and values. Growing up, I witnessed both the strengths and challenges faced by my community, which instilled in me a strong desire to make a positive impact and contribute to its growth and development. East Hartford is a place where resilience and determination are woven into the fabric of everyday life. I have seen how local businesses strive to succeed and how community members support one another in times of need. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the importance of community solidarity and the need for economic empowerment. With my marketing degree, I plan to leverage my skills and knowledge to benefit my community in several impactful ways. Firstly, I aim to continue growing my cosmetics business, Breezy Cosmetics, into a thriving enterprise that not only provides quality products but also creates job opportunities and supports local suppliers. Breezy Cosmetics started as a passion project, but it has grown into a business that I believe can significantly contribute to the economic development of East Hartford. By fostering local entrepreneurship, I hope to inspire others in my community to pursue their business dreams and contribute to a vibrant local economy. Additionally, I aspire to open my own marketing firm, where I can offer affordable and effective marketing solutions to small businesses and startups in my community. Many small businesses struggle with marketing due to limited resources and expertise. By providing them with the tools and strategies they need to succeed, I can play a role in revitalizing our local economy and promoting sustainable growth. My firm will focus on creating personalized marketing plans that cater to the unique needs of each business, ensuring they can reach their target audiences and achieve their goals. My background as a first-generation college student has also been a significant factor in shaping my direction. The challenges I have faced and overcome have fueled my passion for giving back and helping others navigate their educational and professional journeys. At North Carolina A&T State University, I have had the privilege to lead in various campus organizations and participate in initiatives that promote academic and personal development. These experiences have honed my leadership skills and deepened my commitment to mentorship and community service. Understanding the importance of mentorship and support, I am dedicated to using my expertise to empower others, particularly young Black women, to pursue their dreams and break barriers. Representation and encouragement are crucial for success, and I aim to be a source of inspiration and guidance for the next generation of leaders in my community. By offering mentorship programs and workshops, I hope to equip young women with the skills, confidence, and resources they need to thrive in their chosen fields. In essence, my degree is not just a personal achievement but a tool to uplift my community, drive positive change, and inspire the next generation of leaders. By applying my education and experiences, I am determined to make a meaningful difference in East Hartford and beyond. My goal is to create a ripple effect of empowerment and growth, ensuring that my community continues to flourish and that future generations have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.