Alumni Scholarship 37

Over the past two years, 20/20 Leadership has provided me with invaluable knowledge that goes beyond college readiness and career development. It deepened my understanding of the city I love by introducing me to places and history I never knew. Exploring the Indigenous trade routes and murals in the historic West Bottoms or learning about the contributions of African American educators and inventors revealed how my city’s past continues to influence me and the opportunities I now have. These experiences didn’t just enrich my knowledge—they expanded my sense of responsibility to carry that legacy forward.

Through this program, I’ve grown as a leader by learning how to collaborate effectively and foster inclusivity. Working with diverse groups of peers in 20/20 Leadership taught me the importance of listening to different perspectives and pulling from the ideas of many to create more impactful solutions. A memorable example was during my junior year when my program group was narrowing down the school problem we wanted to focus on and disagreed on what was most important to address. Bus transportation issues? The disparity in attention given to boys versus girls sports? Rather than letting our differences divide us, we combined our ideas to address multiple concerns, creating a project that aimed to uplift our community in a positive, feasible, and inclusive way. This experience taught me that true leadership is about finding ways to unite people behind a shared goal. I learned when to make sacrifices, when to speak out, and when to listen. 

The skills I developed through 20/20 Leadership have carried over into other roles I hold today. In student organizations like Student Council and Future Legal Professionals Club, I draw on my collaboration and leadership experience to foster teamwork and resolve conflicts. As the Student Communications Liaison at my school, I’ve also applied these skills to leading mediation processes, such as discussions on how to address sexual misconduct, ensuring that everyone feels like their voice is heard and every concern is addressed with sensitivity and care.

In the future, I know these lessons will continue to shape my future. In college, I plan to take on leadership roles in student organizations and advocacy groups, working to foster inclusivity and positive change. Beyond college, as I pursue a career in law and advocacy, the skills I’ve developed in collaboration, leadership, and conflict resolution will guide my efforts to rally my community against injustice and create a more just society. Women’s rights and humanitarian justice are deeply important issues to me, and I believe that the foundation I’ve built through 20/20 Leadership will help me drive meaningful change in those areas.

To me, leaving a legacy means creating a positive impact on my community that those that come after me can build upon. It’s not about personal recognition but about enacting good in the world that continues to inspire and uplift others after I’ve moved on. It is the tangible difference that I desire to see in my community and that others will desire to continue. I vow to leave a legacy of unity, resilience, and commitment to justice here in Kansas City—one that empowers future leaders to continue the work of making our community stronger. 20/20 Leadership has given me the knowledge and skills to do so, but more than that, it has given me a deeper connection to my community and my city’s past, present, and future. As I step into the next chapter of my life, I strive to carry forward the lessons I’ve learned and contribute to a legacy of positive change.