II am a determined and accountable female undergraduate student currently pursuing my passion for graphic design at Arizona State University. My journey towards academic and professional success has been shaped by profound personal experiences and a commitment to learning from adversity. Growing up with an alcoholic father who missed his chance at college and professional success, I learned early on the importance of accountability. My mother instilled in me the belief that some of life's most powerful lessons come from understanding what not to do. This upbringing has driven me to hold myself to the highest standards, determined to create a different path for myself and ensure financial security, even for my father in his retirement years. From the age of 13, I began working as a swim instructor and coach to support myself financially, as my mother started reducing financial support. This early experience in responsibility and independence laid the groundwork for my future endeavors. After completing my associate degree, uncertain of my career direction, I took on the challenge of managing a local painting studio. With minimal guidance, I navigated the complexities of business management, gaining invaluable insights into leadership, marketing, and operational efficiency. Currently, I balance three part-time jobs while pursuing a degree in graphic design with a focus on social media marketing. This academic journey is not just about acquiring skills; it's about refining my craft and leveraging my experiences to propel my career forward. Social media marketing, in particular, has captured my interest as it allows me to merge my creative passion with strategic business acumen. I am drawn to working with small, woman-owned businesses, where I have found inspiration, mentorship, and guidance that have shaped my professional aspirations. My experiences with these businesses have solidified my commitment to supporting and uplifting women entrepreneurs through effective marketing strategies. I believe in the power of visual storytelling to amplify their voices and showcase their unique offerings to a broader audience. This aligns perfectly with my goal to forge a career path that not only fulfills my artistic ambitions but also contributes positively to the community of women in business. In conclusion, my journey thus far has been defined by resilience, accountability, and a relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth. The Harvest Achievement Scholarship represents more than financial support—it embodies a community dedicated to uplifting and empowering women like me to achieve their academic and career aspirations. I am committed to leveraging this opportunity to continue my path towards success, contributing meaningfully to both my field and the collective advancement of women.

Art has always been a profound part of my life, serving as both a refuge and a means of self-expression. Growing up in Virginia, I was a shy and quiet child, often feeling unable to articulate my thoughts and emotions through words. However, art provided a safe outlet for my inner world, allowing me to express myself in ways that spoken language never could. It became a window into my psyche, helping me explore and understand my feelings and experiences. My grandmother was a significant influence in my life. She dreamed of being an artist but dedicated herself to raising her family as a single mother. Her passion for art, despite the challenges she faced, ignited my own love for creativity. She would share her dreams and sketches with me, fostering an early appreciation for the power of visual expression. Her resilience and dedication to her family inspired me to pursue my artistic passions, even when the world around me suggested that art was not a viable career path. Art continued to be a central part of my life as I grew older. It was my sanctuary during difficult times and a source of joy during moments of happiness. The process of creating art allowed me to feel more like myself, giving me a sense of identity and purpose. The rush and focus I experience when I am deeply engaged in a project are unparalleled, a high I will forever want to chase. This deep connection to my work has fueled my determination to pursue a career in the arts, despite the challenges and uncertainties. Another pivotal figure in my journey was my partner's mother. Over the past three years, I served as her caretaker. She recognized my passion for art and encouraged me to return to school and pursue my dreams. Her unwavering support and belief in my abilities gave me the courage to apply to Arizona State University, where I am now a full-time graphic design student. Art has impacted my life by allowing me to express myself, connect with others, and explore my deepest thoughts and emotions. It has given me insight into who I am and what I value, and it continues to be a source of inspiration and fulfillment. The encouragement from my grandmother and my partner's mother has been instrumental in my decision to pursue higher education in the arts. Pursuing a degree in Graphic Design allows me to combine my love for creating with practical skills in marketing and technology. It is a field that fulfills my creative desires and offers a viable career path. I believe that through graphic design, I can make a meaningful impact in the world while also achieving personal and professional success. Receiving the Elizabeth D. Stark Art Scholarship would be an incredible honor and a crucial step toward achieving my goals. It would enable me to continue my education and further develop my skills, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and inclusive artistic community. Elizabeth Stark's legacy of passion for art and dedication to supporting artistic students is a powerful inspiration, and I am committed to carrying forward this legacy by making a positive impact through my work in the arts. In conclusion, art has profoundly impacted my life by providing a means of self-expression, exploration, and connection. The support and encouragement from my grandmother and my partner's mother have inspired me to pursue my passion for art through higher education. With the Elizabeth D. Stark Art Scholarship, I hope to continue my journey, honor their legacies, and contribute to a more creative and inclusive world.

I am a 28-year-old full-time graphic design student at Arizona State University, balancing roles as a digital mentor, social media manager, and lead artist. My journey in the visual arts began with inspiration from my grandmother, who dreamed of being an artist but dedicated her life to raising her family. Her passion ignited my own, and I have been painting since I was young. My experiences managing a paint and sip business in Richmond, VA, where I created a safe and inclusive environment for BIPOC and queer individuals, have further shaped my commitment to the arts and community. At Wine and Design, I created a supportive community where individuals could express themselves freely. This experience reinforced my belief in the transformative power of the arts and the importance of accessible creative spaces. However, my curiosity and ambition extend beyond the visual arts, and I am passionate about the interdisciplinary nature of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics). The integration of the arts with science and technology is crucial for fostering innovation and addressing complex societal challenges. The arts promote creativity, empathy, and critical thinking, while science and technology provide the tools to bring innovative ideas to life. This holistic approach to education excites me about STEAM and drives my desire to make a meaningful impact. One of my primary goals is to establish a non-profit organization that provides free or pay-what-you-can art classes and workshops to under-resourced communities. By incorporating digital art and design tools, I aim to bridge the gap between traditional art forms and modern technological advancements. This will empower young people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, to explore their creativity and develop valuable skills for future careers in STEAM fields. My interest in STEAM also stems from the belief that these disciplines can drive social change. I plan to create workshops that teach digital design, coding, and engineering principles alongside traditional art techniques. These workshops will provide hands-on experiences, enabling participants to develop a diverse skill set that is increasingly valuable in today’s job market. Additionally, I intend to leverage my network of local artists and technology professionals to offer mentorship opportunities, ensuring participants have access to guidance and support. The impact I hope to make through my education is twofold: empowering individuals from under-resourced communities to pursue careers in STEAM and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. By providing accessible education and resources, I aim to break down barriers that have historically excluded women and marginalized groups from these fields. This aligns with Connie Konatsotis’s legacy of promoting gender equality and education for women. Receiving the Connie Konatsotis Scholarship would be an incredible honor and a significant step toward achieving my goals. It would enable me to continue my education and expand my initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and inclusive world. Connie’s dedication to gender equality and education is a powerful inspiration, and I am committed to carrying forward her legacy by making a positive impact through my work in STEAM. In conclusion, my journey in the visual arts, coupled with my passion for technology and education, positions me to make a meaningful difference in the world. By integrating the arts with science and technology, I aspire to create opportunities for underrepresented individuals and promote a more inclusive and innovative future. The Connie Konatsotis Scholarship Fund would provide the support I need to realize this vision and honor Connie’s enduring legacy.

From the moment I began working at a small paint and sip business in Richmond, VA, I knew I had found my calling. This business became more than just a place of employment; it became a sanctuary for me and many others. As I took on the role of manager, my primary goal was to create a safe and inclusive environment where BIPOC and queer individuals could work and find a haven of creativity and acceptance. Creating this space was not without its challenges, but the reward was seeing a community flourish. Through intentional hiring practices and fostering an inclusive culture, we built a diverse team that reflected the values of equality and respect. Our customers, too, became part of this vibrant community, finding joy and comfort in an environment where they could express themselves freely. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work was organizing community events that celebrated diversity and promoted inclusion. These events not only showcased the talents of BIPOC and queer artists but also provided opportunities for local youth to engage with the arts in a meaningful way. By offering workshops and art classes, we created a platform for young people to explore their creativity and build their confidence. My experiences at the paint and sip business have profoundly shaped my vision for the future. I am determined to make art accessible to those in need by offering free or pay-what-you-can art classes once I graduate. Art should not be a privilege reserved for the few; it should be a fundamental right accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. To achieve this, I plan to establish a non-profit organization dedicated to providing art education to under-resourced communities. This organization will offer a range of programs, including free art classes, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. By partnering with local schools and community centers, we can reach a broader audience and ensure that young people have the resources and support they need to pursue their artistic dreams. One of the unique aspects of my approach will be incorporating the invaluable lessons I learned at my job into these workshops. I had the privilege of taking classes and gaining hands-on experience that went beyond traditional art education. These classes taught me not only technical skills but also the importance of community, resilience, and self-expression. I want to pass these lessons on to the next generation, empowering them with the tools and confidence to succeed in the creative industry. Additionally, I am fortunate to be part of a network of local artists and businesses who share my passion for giving back. Through collaborations and partnerships, we can amplify our impact and create a sustainable model for art education in under-resourced communities. By leveraging my privilege and connections, I aim to create opportunities for those who have historically been excluded from the arts. In conclusion, receiving the Wendy Alders Cartland Visual Arts Scholarship would be a significant step towards realizing my vision of making art accessible to all. By providing free and pay-what-you-can art classes, creating a non-profit organization, and utilizing my network to support under-resourced communities, I am committed to giving back and fostering a new generation of artists. Wendy Alders Cartland’s legacy of mentorship, guidance, and friendship inspires me to continue this important work and ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in the visual arts.