My childhood was a looking glass—distorting time and responsibility, forcing me to grow up too soon. My world was confined to cramped spaces, bills that never stopped piling up, and the constant pressure of not having enough. When other kids talked about summer camps, travel, or extracurricular activities, it felt like they were speaking a foreign language. I didn’t know what it was like to spend my days carefree because, in my household, time was too precious to be spent that way. As the second of four children raised by a single mother, I existed on the periphery of experiences that seemed to belong to someone else’s life. Learning to ride a bike or taking driving lessons was a privilege beyond my reach. I stood apart, knowing my mother lacked the time and resources to teach us the skills needed to thrive. In a world that seemed to expand for others, mine remained small, constrained by the invisible walls of financial limitations. Though those moments stung, they planted a deep yearning to break free and build a future where I’d no longer be trapped on the outside looking in. As I embark on a career in cosmetic chemistry, I carry with me three unwavering promises that will guide me toward a boundless life. First, I promise to take control of my financial future. Cosmetic chemistry is not just my passion—it’s also my pathway to financial freedom. I don’t want my future self to carry the fear and uncertainty I knew growing up. This career allows me to combine my love for science with my mission of formulating products for people of color. Through this work, I can achieve financial security while making a meaningful impact on others. This scholarship is a crucial step toward that goal, helping me become the person I needed when I was younger: someone who is financially free, stable, and able to give back. My second promise is to never stop seeking knowledge. The beauty industry is always evolving, with new discoveries, trends, and better ways to care for ourselves and others. But this promise extends beyond academic or professional growth—it’s about investing in personal development as well. For my future self to thrive, I must remain curious, adaptable, and committed to a lifestyle of expanding my horizons. Whether staying on top of industry trends, continual pursuit of higher-education, or developing better formulations for inclusive skincare. I will always strive to equip myself with the knowledge, tools, and skills to achieve my fullest potential. This scholarship will be instrumental in supporting my education, providing me with the foundation to continue growing later. Lastly, I promise to stay true to my purpose: uplifting women of color, and redefining beauty in ways that are affirming and inclusive. My journey of self-discovery started with learning how to care for my own natural hair, and skin. Now, I am committed to amplifying the voices and needs of those who have been overlooked or marginalized in the beauty industry. By creating products that reflect their beauty, I will ensure future generations feel seen and valued in ways I didn’t growing up. I want the future version of myself to look back and know that I lived a life of purpose, using my talents to serve others and make a difference. This scholarship is more than financial support—it’s an investment in a future where I can help others break free from the same limitations I once faced, whether it’s economic, societal, or emotional. With this opportunity, I will dedicate my career to ensuring that beauty is a tool for empowerment, not exclusion.

I sat in the church auditorium, waiting for the Urban League college career meeting to start. Graduation is just weeks away, and everyone keeps asking me the same question: What’s next? It’s a simple question, but it echoes in my mind like a bomb about to explode. College? Trade school? Should I dive into the workforce? I had no idea, and the pressure to decide felt suffocating. My mother, a first-generation college graduate, insisted I come, knowing exactly how overwhelming this was for me. Her advice always came from a place of love, but it only left me feeling more confused. Still, I knew she just wanted to help, and I couldn't bring myself to say no. A Black woman with a tapered afro and a white lab coat took the stage. She introduced herself as a cosmetic chemist, at first, I listened halfheartedly as she described her work of formulating natural haircare products for household name brands. But when she mentioned she was the only Black woman in a lab full of bald white men, my focus snapped back. With a smirk, she asked, “How funny is it that the people formulating products for Black women don’t even remotely look like us?” The crowd chuckled, but beneath the humor, her words resonated deeply. For the first time, I felt I was hearing a truth I hadn’t known I was missing: that representation matters, especially in industries that shape how we see ourselves. I left that meeting with a new clarity about my future. Now, as a chemistry major, my mission is to diversify the beauty industry and advocate for the social disparities of Black women. Historically, we have been excluded from skincare clinical trials and marginalized through a lack of representation in marketing and product development, despite being the largest consumers of personal care products. My goal is to advocate for health equity initiatives by formulating affordable, accessible skincare products that are seen not as a luxury, but as healthcare. Catering to the unique needs of hyperpigmentation, keloids, and eczema, which disproportionately affect BIPOC but are often under-researched or inadequately treated. My vision extends beyond developing products. While interning at a cosmetic company, I attended a chemistry tradeshow—and there she was again, the woman who started it all for me. Standing before her in that moment felt surreal, like coming full circle. Her impact on me was undeniable, I knew then that I had a responsibility to pay it forward, to be the person who opens doors for others like me. I will create a nonprofit specifically to empower Black girls in the inner-city of Chicago, introducing them to STEM. I will tackle systemic challenges BIPOC girls face, advocating for equity by establishing mentorship programs that connect them with women of color in STEM. Providing academic guidance and emotional support, helping with isolation and impostor syndrome in STEM environments. By partnering with schools and universities, I will offer hands-on workshops and lab exposure, addressing resource gaps in underserved communities. Additionally, I will create scholarships, ensuring financial barriers don’t limit their potential. Black girl magic is long overdue in these spaces, and these girls deserve to see themselves not just as consumers but as creators, leaders, and innovators. My path may have begun with uncertainty, but today, my vision is clear: My degree will be a catalyst for change and empowerment. I’m committed to revolutionizing the beauty industry, knowing that mere representation is simply not enough. I will use my education to fight for justice, spearhead transformation, and build a future where Black women are not just participants, but pioneers.