Sarah Sloan - 2025 Emma Bowen Scholarship Recipient (Winning a Local Scholarship or Award: 4 points)

This year, I was honored to receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF), as a recognition that not only supports my academic journey at Spelman College but also affirms EBF’s commitment to empowering students of color both professionally and academically. As a student who has navigated the challenges of limited financial assistance, this award represents more than financial relief, it symbolizes opportunity, encouragement, and belief in my potential.

The Emma Bowen Foundation stands apart for its holistic approach to student development. Beyond its fellowship placements and career-building programs, the Emma Bowen Foundation invests in the academic success of its fellows, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit access to education or opportunity. Through this scholarship, I was reminded that professional advancement is deeply tied to educational equity and that supporting a student’s ability to thrive in the classroom is just as vital as preparing them for success in the workplace.

Receiving this award prompted me to reflect on the broader mission of EBF, standing as the urge to cultivate a pipeline of diverse, talented leaders in media and technology who bring authenticity, cultural understanding, and innovation to their work. This commitment challenges systems of inequity and expands the definition of who belongs in leadership spaces.

On a personal level, this scholarship reaffirmed the importance of resilience and community. It reminded me that hard work and perseverance do not go unnoticed and that I am part of a network that believes in uplifting each other’s journeys. Balancing academic rigor and professional development can be demanding, but this award has lightened that burden, allowing me to focus more fully on learning, creating, and growing.

The Emma Bowen Foundation’s support inspires me to pay it forward. As I continue to pursue my studies and career in communications, I am committed to using my voice and platform to create access for others. 

By Sarah J. Sloan