Born and raised in Gun Hill Houses in the Bronx, NY, Shaquaisa Spears has experienced her shares of trials and tribulations. However, despite all of her experiences, she managed to graduate from SUNY Purchase College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. The second to obtain a post-secondary degree in her family, following behind her eldest sister, Shaquaisa beat the odds and stereotypes placed against her simply because she was a young African-American female raised in the projects. Shaquaisa has always had a strong desire to work with adolescents because she felt that she could be a great role model and show youth that you can always overcome obstacles if you remain determined and resilient. Her experiences as a resident assistant and mentor have led her to a career working with adolescents aging out of the foster care system. Currently, Shaquaisa is an Educational Counselor at Goddard Riverside Community Center and will continue her education in January 2011 at John Jay College to receive a Master of Public Administration. Shaquaisa is grateful that the JJMSF and Dr. Patricia Jordan recognizes the strength that underprivileged youth hold. The scholarship has helped many youth, including Shaquaisa, achieve their scholastic endeavors and become more proactive in their communities.

(2010)