Maya Angelou said it best “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” Did you know that the unemployment rate for special needs individuals is 7.5%, African Americans is 5.5% and the national average is 4.3%? Society must break down those barriers, but it happens one employer at a time. Some people might not care about these statistics; however, when you are a minority and have a loved one with a disability you instantly become an advocate for inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are two causes that I’m extremely passionate about because of my family. My brother influenced me the most in life. He was born with Down Syndrome and Autism, and seeing life through his lens has shifted my perspective on what is important in life! My career goal is to create an inclusive and accommodating salon, where individuals of all abilities can thrive. My short-term goal of obtaining my cosmetology license is a small step toward my ultimate mission. I dream of attending college and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business, and ultimately I want to own my salon and be able to hire individuals with disabilities. My mission and career goal is to influence positive change in the communities I serve. Can’t you see it? I want to break down those barriers for people like my brother. I am filled with inspiration, passion, and unwavering commitment. My journey toward furthering my education and creating meaningful contributions in Business and cosmetology fills me with hope. I believe in my ability to make a profound impact. I will be able to give them meaningful and fulfilling employment in a welcoming environment. It will be life-changing for those individuals! Growing up in a a low income Medicaid, SSDI family, every penny matters. This scholarship would mean the world of difference for me. I was recently inducted into the Career and Technical Education Honor Society and also served on the Leadership Council at my Trade School. My passion in school has also exuded into the community. This past year I received an award for the 2024 Best and Brightest in Central New York. I received this partly because of academics, citizenship and also because of my positive impact on my community. As an older sister of someone with severe sensory needs, I recognized that there weren't any certified hairstylists within a three-hour radius who were trained to give haircuts to individuals with sensory issues. So, I flew to Florida to get the training and now I am the only certified stylist within a three-hour radius who is certified for Sensory Safe and Autism Haircuts. As a result of this, I am able to service 11 counties and fulfill a need to the community because of my passion and dedication to Cosmetology and helping those with disabilities. I am passionate in my trade of Cosmetology to make a difference in the lives of all individuals (including special needs). I want to have an inclusive salon that not only can provide haircuts to the clients but to employ the individuals as well. This is not just my future plan...I have already started giving back to my community and forging my path! Thank you for considering me as a recipient for the Chris Ford Scholarship.

Maya Angelou said it best “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” Did you know that the unemployment rate for special needs individuals is 65%, compared to the national average of 4.3%? Society must break down those barriers, but it happens one employer at a time. Some people might not care about these statistics; however, when you have a loved one with a disability you instantly become an advocate for inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are two causes that I’m extremely passionate about because of my family. My brother influenced me the most in life. He was born with Down Syndrome and Autism, and seeing life through his lens has shifted my perspective on what is important in life! My career goal is to create an inclusive and accommodating salon, where individuals of all abilities can thrive. My short-term goal of obtaining my cosmetology license is a small step toward my ultimate mission. I dream of attending college and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business, and ultimately I want to own my salon and be able to hire individuals with disabilities. My mission and career goal is to influence positive change in the communities I serve. Can’t you see it? I want to break down those barriers for people like my brother. I am filled with inspiration, passion, and unwavering commitment. My journey toward furthering my education and creating meaningful contributions in Business and cosmetology fills me with hope. I believe in my ability to make a profound impact. I will be able to give them meaningful and fulfilling employment in a welcoming environment. It will be life-changing for those individuals! Growing up in a a low income Medicaid, SSDI family, every penny matters. This scholarship would mean the world of difference for me. I was recently inducted into the Career and Technical Education Honor Society and also served on the Leadership Council at my Trade School. My passion in school has also exuded into the community. This past year I received an award for the 2024 Best and Brightest in Central New York. I received this partly because of academics, citizenship and also because of my positive impact on my community. As an older sister of someone with severe sensory needs, I recognized that there weren't any certified hairstylists within a three-hour radius who were trained to give haircuts to individuals with sensory issues. So, I flew to Florida to get the training and now I am the only certified stylist within a three-hour radius who is certified for Sensory Safe and Autism Haircuts. As a result of this, I am able to service 11 counties and fulfill a need to the community because of my passion and dedication to Cosmetology and helping those with disabilities. I am passionate in my trade of Cosmetology to make a difference in the lives of all individuals (including special needs). I want to have an inclusive salon that not only can provide haircuts to the clients but to employ the individuals as well. This is not just my future plan...I have already started giving back to my community and forging my path!

Financial education should be something that's taught in every high school. Access to this education is vital for life skill development. However, growing up with a learning disability from a low-income family, I attended our Boces program for Cosmetology and financial education was not a part of the curriculum. However, my parents did try to teach me to work for what I want most, and I am currently making payments for my used car to pay it off. I have set a budget and make monthly payments. I have had to learn about the cost of insurance, cost of registration, cost of gas and upkeep for the vehicle. They have me complete financial education courses to earn cash as an incentive through our Go Henry App. There are articles on saving, earning, spending, taxes, avoiding scams, savings goals, investing, borrowing and many more. It's a simple way to explain financial topics and get rewarded at the same time. My personal initiative is driven by overcoming adversity in my life. I am fueled with an entrepreneurial mindset and want to own a practice and employ individuals with disabilities to close the gap on unemployment rate gap between the disabled and typical individuals. Maya Angelou said it best “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” Did you know that the unemployment rate for special needs individuals is 65%, compared to the national average of 4.3%? Society needs to break down those barriers, but honestly, it happens one employer at a time. Some people might not care about these statistics; however, when you have a loved one with a disability you instantly become an advocate for inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are two causes that I’m extremely passionate about because of my family. Both of my parents have had strokes and my mother has had bilateral carotid and vertebral dissections. My career goal is to create an inclusive and accommodating salon, where individuals of all abilities can thrive. My short-term goal of obtaining my cosmetology license is a small step toward my ultimate mission. I dream of attending High Point obtaining my Bachelor's Degree in Business and ultimately be able to hire individuals with disabilities. Having a strong understanding of finance is crucial to my overall success. My mission and career goal is to influence positive change in the communities I serve by employing individuals of all abilities and having a thriving business that is financially secure.

In 2018 my mother had a stroke and then two years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. As the oldest daughter in the family, I was the one to help her with her breast drains and dressings. I was her shoulder to cry on when she was depressed. I hosted a pink swim meet with our swim team and we raised $1,495 for the American Cancer Society. I decorated the house with pink ribbons and pink balloons to cheer up my mom during treatment. I went to get a matching pink manicure with my mom before she went for surgery. I coordinated a food train with the ladies from her bible study. My father is also in liver failure as a result of a blockage to his portal vein. He is currently awaiting a liver transplant and is constantly in and out of the hospital. He has faced death in the ICU. It has been a five-year battle and it is a terminal condition. Having a younger brother with Down Syndrome who requires extensive care allowed me the opportunity to participate in much of his care. He would be in and out of the hospital for many reasons and I was by his side. I can remember he was in NICU for several days after he was born due to his condition and we were all worried. Then for years after, I sat with the Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists as they provided therapy in the home to help him learn to walk and talk. Maya Angelou once said it best “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” Cancer helped to carve my path in life, but it was a culmination of several things that compounded. I have an empathetic soul. Honestly, I believe God prepared me for my life's path in Nursing by giving me all of my life experiences. It has shown me the good, the bad, and the ugly! I have worried about my parents dying at a young age, and I am empowered by their fight and strength through faith! Nursing is so much more than the medical piece. It is about giving hope, creating connections, and seeing people better themselves. I want to be a part of that, and I am passionate about helping others just as the nurses helped my Mother, Father, and Brother. I want to provide compassionate care and improve patient outcomes.

My parents divorced when I was young and both my mother and father are legally disabled after having suffered strokes and beating cancer. When I turned sixteen my mom and stepdad gave me a hand-me-down car that I appreciated so much because to me it meant freedom. On the day I turned sixteen I was so excited! When I went for my license the examiner hopped in my car and I forgot my seatbelt. After that, I had a panic attack during the remainder of the test. Obviously I failed. I think she even called me dangerous. One week later I took it again and hit a curb and if you’re guessing… I failed again. So I figured it’s important to never give up. I paid for one on one driving lessons and then took it for a third time. I drove up for my test and it was the same examiner that called me dangerous just a few weeks before; however, this time I passed! That old car gave me freedom and taught me perseverance, drive and ambition that are life lessons that are able to carry me through. Not everyone will be able to have the freedom to drive like I’m able to do so. I think of my younger brother Grant who has Autism and Down Syndrome and I wonder if he will ever be able to drive a car but I hope that I can help him learn so that he has the same freedom and experience like his peers. Guaranteed, I might not be the best one to give driving lessons, but there’s nobody better than a big sister to have your back and help you succeed. The impact of a car can mean so much to a child. It’s that pivotal time for growth.