Today we’d like to introduce you to LaSteshia Ekeocha.
Hi LaSteshia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2018, while pursuing our own doctoral journeys at Texas Woman’s University, a nursing student approached us, captivated by the sight of five women of color striving for excellence in nursing. During our lunch break, we discussed both the challenges and triumphs that come with our pursuits. Her admiration ignited something within us; we recognized the profound need to uplift and inspire young women of color.
From that moment, Black Women Instilling Scholarly Excellence (BWISE) was founded on September 21, 2018, by Dr. Whitney Kirkpatrick, Dr. Leticia Pryor, Dr Kyanna Silas, Dr. Dennia Thompson, and Dr. LaSteshia Ekeocha. Our mission transcends mentorship; it’s about cultivating a legacy of empowerment, guiding women toward the heights of educational achievement and professional success. In October 2022, BWISE mourned the loss of Dr. Whitney Kirkpatrick, our founding president. Her passing profoundly affected us, but we committed to carrying on her legacy through initiatives such as the annual Dr. Whitney Kirkpatrick Nursing Scholarship. Every member is not just a mentor but a beacon of hope, dedicated to illuminating the path for others to follow.
During the height of the pandemic, we proudly awarded our inaugural scholarship of $500. Since then, our impact has grown exponentially. We have distributed over $10,000 in scholarships, provided $700 in educator appreciation gifts, and given away 12 laptops to students in need, alongside $3,600 in essential school supplies. Through mentorship, we’ve supported four remarkable young women in reaching their academic aspirations.
Today, our organization thrives with 10 passionate members, each an accomplished professional in nursing, law, or social work. Together, we are not just shaping futures—we are creating a community where dreams are attainable, and every young woman of color can embrace her potential. We believe in the power of mentorship, the strength of our collective voices, and the undeniable possibility of a brighter future for all women pursuing their dreams. We are accepting applications for professional women looking to pour into our future leaders, especially in STEAM professions.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our journey has certainly been filled with challenges, but our commitment to empowering young women remains strong. In the beginning, we faced the uncertainties of establishing a non-profit organization, marketing our mission, and raising the necessary funds to achieve our ambitious goal of providing a full-ride scholarship to a deserving student. Until last year, we self-funded all our initiatives. This year, we proudly secured over $5,000 in sponsorships and donations. Although we still face obstacles in recruiting mentees, we are excited to share that we are currently accepting applications from high school and college students who are ready to be supported in their academic and professional journeys. In turn, we hope they will inspire and uplift the next generation.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
BWISE is a dedicated non-profit mentoring organization that goes beyond the conventional to empower individuals on their academic and professional journeys. We provide comprehensive support, including academic assistance, resume building, public speaking, interview preparation, and invaluable professional guidance.
What truly distinguishes us from other mentoring organizations is our commitment to excellence: every mentor must complete a mentoring certification. We also have a mentoring curriculum to guide both our mentors’ and mentees’ experiences. We believe in the power of personalized connections, which is why we not only match our mentees and mentors based on compatibility but also strive to align them with mentors who are actively working in their desired fields.
At BWISE, we are not just creating connections; we are building futures. Together, we inspire and elevate potential, fostering a community where ambition and dreams can thrive.
How do you think about happiness?
Helping others is at the core of BWISE, as each member is dedicated to supporting the community. We are all involved in various organizations, school boards, and groups focused on improving our neighborhoods and the future of our youth. I remember a time when we were uncertain about BWISE’s future, feeling we weren’t making the impact we had hoped for. However, we received an email from a former scholarship recipient expressing her gratitude for helping her graduate from college completely debt-free. This message reignited our passion and motivated us to continue our efforts, no matter how small they may seem.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BWISEmentoring.org
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/bwise_mentoring/
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/BWISEMentoring/about/
Image Credits
Personal Photo (in order left to right): Leticia Pryor (Founder), Elena Fernandez (Vice President), Tonya Brooks, Dennia Thompson (Founder), Kyanna Silas (Founder), LaSteshia Ekeocha (Founder, President), Kira Sewell, and Artisha Browder.
