Yolanda and Sam Shuster Scholarship

My name is Trevaughn Sheppard, a first-generation college student and a junior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, pursuing a degree in Aviation Business Administration, focusing on Supply Chain Management in Aviation and Aerospace and a minor in Project Management. Joining the Army National Guard has empowered me to serve my country while managing college expenses to some degree. As the president of Future Business Leaders of America and a dedicated member of the Student Advisory Board, I am deeply engaged in community service, leadership development, and mentorship. I serve as the Vice President of the Business Eagles program at the O'Maley College of Business, a prestigious group that aims to launch high-achieving students into the dynamic aviation, and aerospace sectors. The internships I secured at The Boeing Company, first as a Supplier Quality Intern and later as a Property Management Analyst intern, provided me with a real-world application of my studies and a deeper understanding of the aerospace sector's supply chain complexities. They also afforded me the opportunity to contribute to the industry I am so passionate about, directly linking my academic experiences with my professional development. This scholarship is more than financial aid; it's a beacon of hope in the wake of my father's passing. His absence left a void, not just of love and guidance, but of economic support, shaking the very foundations of our home. As the sole breadwinner for five, my mother's unyielding efforts to keep us afloat have deeply moved me. Determined to lighten her load, I've shouldered the responsibility for my education costs, doing so to ensure that my siblings' futures remain bright and unhampered by our present trials. The scholarship funding will empower me to continue serving my community, maintaining my academic excellence, and contributing to the aerospace industry without the burden that financial constraints often bring. Your support would not only ease a financial burden—it would honor my father's legacy and fortify a family's dream of a better tomorrow. This scholarship will afford me the invaluable opportunity to engage in advanced projects and research initiatives, attend pivotal industry conferences, and network with leading professionals in the aviation field. Each step of my journey is dedicated to inspiring young black professionals, demonstrating unequivocally that the peaks of success can be scaled through sheer perseverance and unwavering commitment. By advocating for inclusivity, I will encourage a more dynamic dialogue within the industry, where different viewpoints lead to smarter, more creative solutions. Granting me this opportunity is not just an investment in my future—it's a vote of confidence in a vision that transcends barriers, and a celebration of the power of ambition to redefine what it means to be the business leaders of tomorrow. With this degree, my goal is to pay tribute to my father’s legacy and motivate the next wave of visionaries to leave a lasting impact on the world. Your support has the power to turn these aspirations into a shared reality.