My Journey as a Black Woman in STEM at NC A&T SU

Growing up as the daughter of a first-generation college graduate, I always understood the power of education and sacrifice. My mother graduated from Kentucky State University in 2004, the same year I was born. Even while raising me on campus, she still walked across that stage and earned her degree. Watching her perseverance inspired me from an early age, and in many ways, my journey is a continuation of what she started. She became the first college graduate in our family, and now I will become the first engineer.

When it came time to choose a university, attending an HBCU felt natural to me. I chose North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University because of its legacy, excellence, and impact, especially as the nation’s leading producer of Black engineers. As a Black woman in STEM, it was important for me to be in an environment where I felt seen, supported, and empowered. I wanted to prove not only to myself, but also to young girls who look like me, that we belong in these spaces. We are engineers, we are leaders, and we are capable of succeeding at the highest level.

My experience at North Carolina A&T allowed me to grow in ways I never expected. I immersed myself into opportunities that challenged me academically, professionally, and personally. Throughout my time at A&T, I was involved with organizations and programs including Clark Construction Group, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, Global Engineering Brigades, the Helping Orient Minorities to Engineering Program, Student Government Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, Girls Like Me Organization, Habitat for Humanity, Mentoring for H.E.R., and many others. Every experience helped shape me into a stronger leader and future engineer.

One of the greatest honors of my HBCU journey was serving as the 91st Miss North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Representing my university as a female leader was an experience I will cherish forever. In that role, I felt supported in a way that allowed me to lead authentically while still embracing my student experience. I had the opportunity to connect with students across campus and inspire prospective Aggies who saw themselves in me. Hearing someone say that I motivated them to pursue leadership or attend A&T reminded me why representation matters so much.

“As a Black woman in STEM, it is important for me to show others that we belong in these spaces.”

Beyond leadership and academics, some of my favorite moments came from the relationships I built during my time at A&T. I met people who became family to me, people I know will remain in my life forever. Whether it was late-night conversations, random outings, or simply being together on campus, those moments became some of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. As graduation approaches in May 2026, it is emotional knowing we may no longer be physically close every day, but the love, memories, and support we shared will always stay with me.

Attending an HBCU taught me confidence in who I am and what I can achieve. Through programs like HOME, I learned early on the importance of networking, maintaining a strong GPA, building my résumé, and preparing for life after college. My HBCU prepared me for the real world by teaching me discipline, balance, leadership, and resilience while also giving me the confidence to embrace my culture unapologetically in every space I enter.

I believe students should attend HBCUs because these institutions provide something much deeper than academics. They create environments where students feel valued, affirmed, and inspired to become the best versions of themselves. At an HBCU, you are surrounded by people who understand your journey, your challenges, and your greatness. That sense of community changes lives.

For students preparing for college, I always encourage them to visit campuses and truly experience the environments they are considering. College is one of the most transformative chapters of your life, and finding a place where you feel connected matters. For me, North Carolina A&T State University became more than a university. It became home, family, purpose, and proof that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.