Why I Started Uplifted Scholar Studio—And What I Hope to Build
It all begins with an idea.
When I think back to the beginning of my own journey, I didn’t always believe I could succeed beyond the boundaries of my neighborhood or the limitations society placed on me. I was born to Haitian parents who worked hard and believed in the value of education—but they didn’t have the networks or connections to help me land a job after college. I had to figure that part out on my own.
And it started with one internship.
That opportunity gave me more than a resume boost. I was trusted with real projects—planning community events, working on outreach strategies, and strengthening my communication and relationship-building skills.
It also opened my eyes to the power of networking.
One person introduced me to another, and that chain helped me land my first job out of college. Those early skills—event planning, public speaking, community engagement—were transferable in ways I couldn’t have imagined. And they set the tone for the work I do now.
That experience wasn’t by chance—it was access. And it shouldn’t be rare.
That’s why I started The Uplifted Scholar Studio: to help organizations create internship programs and career pathways that are structured, meaningful, and rooted in equity. Because when young people are seen, supported, and given space to grow—they blossom.
Years later, after working in workforce development, community engagement, and education, I saw that far too many brilliant young people are still waiting for someone to believe in them—while also waiting for opportunities that never quite come.
I created Uplifted Scholar Studio to change that.
What Is Uplifted Scholar Studio?
Uplifted Scholar Studio is more than a consulting business. It's a mission-driven space focused on reimagining what it means to prepare youth—especially Black, Brown, immigrant, and first-gen scholars—for their futures.
We design career pathway programs, internship support models, and workforce development strategies that help students gain meaningful experience, build confidence, and make informed choices about their lives. We partner with schools, nonprofits, philanthropy, and employers to bring this vision to life.
Why It Matters
Too often, internships are unpaid. Career exploration starts too late. And policies meant to "help" underserved youth fail to consider their lived realities.
I started Uplifted Scholar Studio because I believe:
Every student deserves access to paid, high-quality career experiences.
Communities should have a say in how workforce initiatives are designed.
Talent is everywhere—but opportunity is not.
We’re here to close that gap.
The Vision We're Building
Through Uplifted Scholar Studio, I hope to:
Launch a scholarship fund that supports students doing unpaid or underpaid internships.
Create tech-enhanced internship models that blend career learning with mentorship.
Offer consulting and training to schools, employers, and local governments seeking to improve workforce equity.
Build a national community of changemakers who believe in the promise of every young person.
This is just the beginning.
To the Scholars We Serve
If no one has told you today—you are worthy of every opportunity, every dream, and every seat at the table. You don’t have to wait to be chosen. You already belong.
Uplifted Scholar Studio was built for you. And we’re just getting started.