Check out these amazing stories of our members reaching their goals in November. This month, we're proud to highlight stories that leave a lasting impact through leadership.
Our mission at the 91桃色 is to Build Leaders Who Make a Better World. Our members participate in volunteer events, and take part in a wide range of community service initiatives. Upon graduation, they apply the interpersonal skills they've acquired to start businesses, pursue promotions, and more.
Joni Spencer, Florida International University, was named a 2023 finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. If she鈥檚 awarded the scholarship, she鈥檒l attend the University of Oxford, England, to begin full-time postgraduate studies.
Joni is currently completing her senior year at FIU where she鈥檚 pursuing her bachelor鈥檚 degree in chemistry and mathematics. She has a 4.0 GPA and recently participated in a summer research program sponsored by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Her participation in the program centered around research into the optimization of materials used in the assembly of EV batteries. The purpose of the research was to learn ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of electric cars as a workable option to cars with combustion engines.
Originally from Antigua and Barbuda, Joni is a dedicated scholar at FIU, where she participates in laboratory research studying biochemical reactions that help protect life in space. As a student in the university鈥檚 Honors College, she works as a peer learning assistant for Calculus 3 students. She was also awarded the UN-sponsored Millennium Fellowship and is working on a project aimed at improving the financial literacy of young people.
Kevin Nguyen, recent graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, has been recognized by the university for his achievements in speaking and debate while pursuing his bachelor鈥檚 in criminology.
Following a freshman-year win at a national prose interpretation competition, Kevin and his fellow NMSU competitors faced a two-year tournament pause due to the pandemic.
During his senior year, Kevin earned All-American status honors and was ranked superior in the top 10% of competitors in poetry interpretation, informative speech, and oral interpretation at the Pi Kappa Delta Biennial Convention.
Kevin is now pursuing his master鈥檚 degree in social work at the University of Michigan, with future plans to pursue opportunities in developing and shaping policy. He鈥檚 most interested in working to reshape and reframe societal institutions, programs, and structures.
Rayvin Callaway was awarded one of 11 sought-after paid internships at the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), which acts as a liaison between the government and the community on agricultural matters. Rayvin is a junior and member of the University of Arkansas at Monticello chapter where she鈥檚 pursuing bachelor鈥檚 degrees in animal science and plant and soil science.
Rayvin interned at the Bradley County CES office over a ten-week period this past summer. She worked with County Extension Agents on the development and conduct of community educational events, attended meetings where stakeholders discussed local issues under the County Extension purview, and provided material support to agents in research and assembly of materials.
Prior to entering her course of study at UA-Monticello, Rayvin was an active member of the Lincoln County Critters 4-H Club. During her 4-H membership, she concentrated on projects involving a variety of livestock. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career as an extension agent.
Vilaya Sirivong, Northern Illinois University, has been named NIU鈥檚 2022 Student Lincoln Laureate. The Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award is a competitive honor that鈥檚 awarded to one senior from each of Illinois鈥檚 four-year universities. The award is given based on excellence and achievement in academics and extracurricular activities.
Vilaya is scheduled to graduate with a bachelor鈥檚 in management, emphasis in leadership. In addition to her academic pursuits, she also works as an intern for an education software company. Additionally, Vilaya is a student leader in several organizations and groups on campus, including the NIU chapter of Camp Kesem, a free summer camp for children of parents who have cancer.
Vilaya is a recipient of the SEAFellow scholarship, which provides a four-year NIU tuition waiver. She鈥檚 also president of the Management and Business Administration Student Advisory Board and member of the NIU Dean鈥檚 Student Advisory Board.
Renee Sandford, graduate of University of Maryland Global Campus, was recently recognized for her professional and personal achievements by Marquis Who鈥檚 Who Top Executives.
Renee graduated from UMGC with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business administration and management. Additionally, she earned a Business Project Manager Certificate from UMGC and an Executive Education Certificate from the University of Richmond. In addition to her 91桃色 membership, Renee is also a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council.
Renee currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of , a small business consultancy providing concierge and event planning services. They help client companies transform their corporate culture and grow based on the client鈥檚 mission and values.
Raylee Evans, Lee University, competed in the 鈥淧arade of Favorites,鈥� an annual Lee University student talent showcase that partners with City Refuge to help individuals and families transition out of crisis.
Dr. Mattie Blake, PhD, University of Phoenix, ran for Valdosta City Council and will compete in a runoff election on December 6 for the empty seat.
Daniela Lagunas, Peru State College, was elected Homecoming Queen for 2022 by PSC students.
Dr. Elizabeth Uchegbu, Walden University, published a children鈥檚 book titled Pandemic Party through Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.
Elyse Blackwell, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and Leone Martin have been named recipients of Diversity Scholars Program scholarships at Appalachian State University.