Before attending the Illustrious North Carolina A&T State university, or joining a global firm as a financial analyst I knew I had to be the change agent in my community. Being able to volunteer my time to the local community has always been immensely important to me, because I know first hand the effect & importance other people supporting me had on my personal & career development. As a member of S.I.S.T.E.R.S. program during my freshman year of college I was allocated the opportunity  to learn how to plan and execute my own community service projects, as well as understand what it means to belong to an organization full of people with similar backgrounds. As I began brainstorming service projects I learned a lot about myself and why I was so passionate about executing programs specifically for young black women. 

                    Being a first generation college student with little to no knowledge of what to expect in the future, I felt a strong need to ensure that other children from a similar background did not have to endure the same suffering. I took what I missed out on and provided it to other young girls just like me. I missed out on an opportunity to look up to someone, I missed out on that feeling of fully belonging. I had no one to guide me through college applications & FASFA, especially being a first generation college student. I yearned for a group or organization that fought for inclusiveness and belonging at my high school. For black students, mentoring can be particularly vital in regards to their college success. Studies show that  black undergraduates may have feelings of disengagement, withdrawal, isolation, and less campus involvement than their classmates. For students of color transitioning to a college setting, these emotions may prevent them from seeking the support necessary to persist to degree. Mentoring programs can truly improve the students attitude towards school. Being that I directly associated with many of the marginalized communities as mentioned above I understood the need of belonging and having a support system. I felt that mentorship was a great way to provide this support. During my first semester of college I created my own mentoring organization, which I named Mentoring for H.E.R. INC. 

                    Mentoring for H.E.R. INC, is a non-profit organization consisting of young women from NC A&T and the greater Greensboro community. We are focused on empowering young women all across Guilford County, with our mission being to develop effective leaders and cultivate self love, while being positive role models in their lives. H.E.R stands for High-Reaching, Empowering, & Radiant, as these are some of the traits we emphasize in our young mentees. During my time at A&T & through  my organization I  implemented four after school program initiatives in Title I or low income schools to provide students with a safe place to wait while their parents are at work or busy with other children. These programs started humbly at  Rankin Elementary School, Washington Elementary School, Kiser Middle School and High Point Central High School. I am forever grateful to the teachers and faculty who let me execute my idea at their schools. Today, 5 years later our reach has expanded to more schools and organizations in Greensboro and surrounding cities. I am excited for the future of my non-profit as it has provided over 100 college students the opportunity to volunteer on a regular basis. The organization continues to get better with the leadership of many young women at NC A&T and I have no doubt the legacy will continue for many years.