The Hope Chest Scholarship Foundation represents access to education and hopes for a brighter future in many ways. I am grateful for the foundation to be a Hope Chest Scholar in 2008 and preparing me to attend Northeastern University. Through the Leadership and Training Development Program (LTD), I gained new insight on my professional development and found ways to improve my networking abilities. However, my connection with The Hope Chest family did not end there. In 2015, I was a participant of the FLAME program (Finding Leaders Among Minorities Everywhere) with the United States Olympic Committee. I was filled with extreme joy when I was told that the Hope Chest Foundation would help sponsor me to attend the program. Learning about the United States Olympic Committee and meeting some of the athletes and executives involved with the Olympics Games would not have been possible if it were not for the contribution of the Hope Chest Foundation.

If I had to describe Hope Chest in two words, it would be growth and opportunity. I greatly appreciate the support and hope to inspire others just as the foundation has done for several years. I am one of just many students who have a story with Hope Chest, and it shows the positive impact they have in the community in assisting students to be the best they can be. We must play a role today in giving back because the youth are the future leaders of tomorrow and must not let financial burdens get in the way of diverse talent who are ready to be trailblazers. Thank you, Hope Chest, for giving me the courage to follow my dreams and allow me to explore new opportunities that I never imagined.