2017 Southwest 20 Under 20 in STEM and Leadership

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2017 Class

under

SARAH BERHE KAITLYN MALONE MADISON MOORE CORDEJAH WALKER L A U R Y N P I G G AT T

in STEM & LEADERSHIP

KAYL A JACKSON TA M Y R A H F O R B I N VICTORIA LYONS ABIBA MONCRIFFE CARLYN KNIGHT C O U R T N E Y M AT H I S KIARA JONES MONICA JONES TAY L O R M C C O WA N JADAN CROW CARA JAMES A’MYRIE FREENY LAILA HARRELL JACEY EDWARD SHANNON LEWIS

BOSS Motivating the

next generation to

Go B eyond

under in STEM & LEADERSHIP

SW 20 UNDER 20 PRODUCED BY T H E Z O E C O M M U N I C AT I O N S A G E N C Y + VISION MEDIA DFW20UNDER20.COM

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the ďŹ rst for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

THE ROAD NOT TAK EN ROBERT FROST

a reason t o c e l e b r at e

THE FUNCTION OF EDUCATION IS TO TEACH ONE TO THINK INTENSIVELY AND TO THINK CRITICALLY. INTELLIGENCE

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE INAUGURAL 20 UNDER 20 AWARD CELEBRATION F R A N K I E W I L S O N + F E L E C E I A B E N TO N DFW 20 UNDER 20 AWARD FOUNDERS w. T I F FA N I E B L A C K M O N - J O N E S D E S OTO I S D D I R E C TO R O F C O M M U N I C AT I O N Achievements in leadership, innovation and education merit celebration, especially for our children.

These are the years where their world-view begins to take shape, where the words we say and the ways we treat them begin to take root into their minds and into their spirits.

That’s why we created the 20 Under 20 Awards.

In an age where to be social is to be recognized and to be popular is to be important, we found it necessary to give recognition to those whose work might go unnoticed and whose efforts might be negated.

Words are important, which is why

in this, our inaugural publication of the Southwest 20 Under 20 in STEM and Leadership honorees, we pay tribute to twenty young women in Southern Dallas County by sharing the words that others said about them.

PLUS CHARACTER THAT IS THE GOAL OF TRUE EDUCATION. MART IN LUT HER K I N G J R .

DFW20UNDER20.COM

2017 Class

under

SARAH BERHE KAITLYN MALONE MADISON MOORE CORDEJAH WALKER L A U R Y N P I G G AT T

in STEM & LEADERSHIP

KAYL A JACKSON TA M Y R A H F O R B I N VICTORIA LYONS ABIBA MONCRIFFE CARLYN KNIGHT C O U R T N E Y M AT H I S KIARA JONES MONICA JONES TAY L O R M C C O WA N JADAN CROW

Thank you so much to DeSoto ISD and the DeSoto ISD Female Leadership Forum for partnering with our team on this event.

It is our hope and prayer that students the in our communities will continue to be celebrated and shown the same love, admiration and support as you have displayed during our first of many 20 Under 20 Award Celebrations.

CARA JAMES A’MYRIE FREENY LAILA HARRELL JACEY EDWARD SHANNON LEWIS

BOSS

Motivating the

next generation to

Go B eyond

ON THE COVER: Photography by J. McClure Photography GRAPHIC DESIGN: Feleceia Benton - Zoe Communications Agency STUDENT: Kiara Jones SHOOT LOCATION: DeSoto High School

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table of contents 6:

A’MYRIE FREENY

6:

ABIBA MONCRIFFE

8:

CARA JAMES

8:

CARLYN KNIGHT

10:

CORDEJAH WALKER

10:

C O U R T N E Y M AT H I S

12:

JACEY EDWARD

12:

JADAN CROW

14:

KAYL A JACKSON

14:

KIARA JONES

16:

LAILA HARRELL

16:

L A U R Y N P I G G AT T

18:

MADISON MOORE

18:

MONICA JONES

20:

SHANNON LEWIS

20:

TAY L O R M C C O WA N

22:

VICTORIA LYONS

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NOT PICTURED: 23:

SARAH BERHE

23:

KAITLYN MALONE

23:

TA M Y R A H F O R B I N

24:

2017 FALL AMASSADORS

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A’ Myrie Fre e n y | D e So t o H ig h S c ho o l A’Myrie is a young servant leader who puts other’s needs before hers. She loves to work with special needs kids and has volunteered as such since elementary. She is an ECHS-STEM student and is currently a leader in the AIM-IRS Youth Program and Gear-Up. She has always been a help mate for teachers and staff while maintaining her academics and sports. While attending McCowan Middle School, she was the i-STEAM ambassador for the school from 6-8 grade. She was the class President and Mentor, tutoring students of all grade levels. She participates in community service initiatives and also attended the Pre-Freshman Engineering program at Cedar Valley over the summer. A’Myrie was a part of the winning team representing DeSoto in a TWU-STEM edible food contest. This past year, she was awarded the DeSoto ISD Citizenship of the year award for Academic Excellence and Leadership at a Board Meeting by the administration, and was also recognized for her leadership and completion of the first Glenn Heights Fire Academy ACE program initiative.

A’Myrie is also a Junior Honor Society inductee.

Abiba Mo n c r i ff e | We s t Mid d l e S c ho o l Abiba Imani Moncriffe is exceptional in Leadership. She always seeks out opportunities to help her fellow students. During the past school year, she earned the following awards: Junior Energy Manager, Desoto ISD Spelling Champion, 3rd Place in the RYE Oratorical Competition, SOAR awards for Reading and English, and also served on the Student Council. Throughout her years at Ruby Young Elementary, she quickly stood out as a leader amongst her peers. Abiba is also a gifted speaker, who uses her voice to advocate for others, as well as herself. At the young age of 11, she understands, and has carefully thought out opinions about politics, the environment, education, and her place in the world.

She is already a fierce proponent of issues affecting girls and women. Always a critical thinker, Abiba has excellent analytical skills, and is not afraid to express her opinions.

Indeed, one of her role models is Malala Yousafzai, who stood up for the right of girls to learn in Pakistan. As her mother, I am exceedingly proud of the young lady she is growing up to be. She continues to amaze me each day with her creativity, her leadership skills, and her zest for learning. In short, Abiba is poised, and ready to be polished as a Global leader.

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Cara Ja m e s | Co c kre l l H il l El e m e n t ar y Cara is extremely inventive. She loves math and science. One year, she made the highest math grade on a standardized test. Her dad is an engineer, and she wants to attend Texas A&M University to study engineering. She is also a great leader. She serves on the Cockrell Hill Elementary Student Council and leads her praise dance team at church.

Carl yn Kni gh t | Tu r n i n g Po in t C hr ist ian A c ad e m y Carlyn is undoubtedly an exceptional young woman. She is a highly capable, intelligent, trustworthy, and accountable individual who can accomplish almost anything when she puts forth effort toward a goal! Moreover, she is respectful, polished, and a great reflection of the morals, standards, expectations and values that have been instilled in her. Not only is she worthy of leadership accolades, but she will be a tremendous reflection of any organization or entity. Currently, she’s working above grade level in many subject areas, and she recently took the 10th grade PSAT. She’s participated in the science fair at our school for the past six years and been recognized in the Regional Science Fair at Cedar Valley Community College.

Miss Carlyn Knight serves in many facets including: peer leadership (2 years), Grafted Branches (dance troupe), Big Sister Program (2 years), TPCA’s student assistant (2 years), Cedar Valley’s Family Theater, and as a musician for her church worship team.

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Cordej ah Wa l ke r | D e S o t o H ig h S c ho o l It is with pleasure that I nominate Cordejah Walker for the Best Southwest 20 Under 20 in STEM and Leadership Award. I have had the pleasure of working with Cordejah during the past year. Cordejah has shown the ability to establish an excellent rapport with many different constituents including students, alumni, administrators and staff. She is genuinely interested in helping others and provides service in a consistently positive and helpful manner. Cordejah is self-assured and calmly handles the stress associated with the busy times of being a senior in high school. Cordejah is exceptionally responsible and volunteers to jump in and help out with any task, from the mundane to the challenging. She blends a well-organized, task-oriented style with the aforementioned sensitivity to the needs of everyone. Cordejah has studied engineering and robotics for three years at DeSoto High School and plans on pursuing this major in college. This past summer, Cordejah was accepted into The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) STEM program. During her summer stay, she took engineering and technology college course and received dual credit hours and credit for those classes. She successfully mastered those two classes with a grade of 95 for the first half and 92 for the second half. As a student, Cordejah has grown tremendously into someone who is goal oriented and prepared to work hard to accomplish the goal that she has set for herself. Cordejah is an assertive student who believes in the power of life long learning. In addition, Cordejah is ranked 18 in a class of 779 students. As a first generation college student, Cordejah is looking to change the culture of her family by attending and obtaining her college degree, thus setting a new precedent for education.

Courtney M at h i s | D e So t o H ig h S c ho o l Courtney Breanna Mathis of the graduating class of 2018 has been an instrumental fixture in the development and execution of true leadership. Courtney’s honors and achievements are as follows: Courtney was selected to serve as “Judge for the Day” in DeSoto Court of Appeals on March 10, 2016. Courtney was selected to Student Advisory Committee to dialogue with Senator Royce West and police officers on ways to improve the relationship with police officers, and minority communities. Courtney has three consecutive years volunteering with Dallas Operation Care For the Homeless, feeding, clothing, and praying with and for the less fortunate. She has been a poll worker for the Presidential Election.

Courtney was blessed with the God given talent to lead, and never seeks to be recognized for what she doe. She just has a true heart for her community, and that is what makes her such an exceptional student.

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Jac ey Edwa rd | To w n v i ew En g in e e r in g M ag n e t Jacey Edward is an extraordinary young lady. I have seen many examples of her talents and have long been impressed by her diligence and work ethic. Jacey has outstanding organizational skills. She is able to successfully complete multiple tasks with favorable results despite deadline pressure. Jacey has been part of the STARS Program with UT Southwestern for the past 3 years, excelling in biology, chemistry, and physics. She has been a member of the Dallas Links STEM program since she was in the 6th grade. Under the Dallas Links STEM program, she has explored mathematics and science. She has also been a volunteer for the Giving Project and TangoTab. Jacey has tutored many young ladies in math, and now those young ladies are excelling mathematics. Not only does she excel at school and in the community, but she is a member of Mount Rose Church and is a part of the praise dance team.

Jada n Cro w | D e So t o H ig h S c ho o l Miss Jadan Crow embodies leadership and scholastic pursuit. She adds positive energy and inuence to each program she participates in and has no qualms about inviting more students to join the fun. Her talent goes beyond the classroom to the runway where she is also a positive role model for peers and youth who have seen her showcase her modeling skills. Those who know Miss Crow are impressed with her respectful demeanor and ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. This young lady is indeed a global leader in the making.

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Kayl a Jac ks o n | We s t M id d l e S c ho o l

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Kayl a Jac ks o n | We s t M id d l e S c ho o l Kayla is an iSTEAM student who enjoys math and science. iSTEAM is the most rigorous program in our building and Kayla is an honor roll student. She is also in athletics but still manages to keep her grades very high. She is a deďŹ nitely a leader on the court and off, and the students look up to her.

Ki ara J ones | D e So t o H ig h S c ho o l Kiara is an exceptional leader. Kiara has a love for Math and designing. Kiara started her business, TutusByKiara, while in middle school. Kiara's custom made tutus were featured at Kwanzaa Fest in Dallas. Kiara's tutus were also modeled in other fashion shows around the Metroplex. When Kiara is not sketching and designing clothing, she helps lead her cheer squad, is a member of student government, a math tutor, and participates in numerous community service projects. Kiara serves at the North Texas Food bank, Paul Quinn's We Over Me Farm, and donates clothing and care packages to those in need. As a high school student, Kiara has maintained her position as a student in the top 10% of her class, while also pursuing an associates degree in high school.

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L a i l a Harre l l | M c Co w a n M id d l e S c ho o l Laila strives to be an all-around leader. Although sometimes quiet, she has proven that she doesn't have to follow the crowd. She proved teachers wrong when she became the Student Council Secretary because they thought she would be too shy to give speech. She has been a Girl Scout for 5 years, setting goals with her cookie sales and surpassing them. She isn't afraid to speak up about anything or to anyone. Laila is an “A” student; she was the only 5th grader to maintain all A's last year at her school. She has received SOAR medals each year and has already set the goal of maintaining her “A” average for this year. She is a leader because she is a positive friend and peacemaker. She desires to see the good in everyone, especially girls. She started a phase amongst her friends called "Girl love," meaning that if someone is saying something negative about another girl, instead of agreeing or not saying anything, she says "GIRL LOVE.” Laila is also patient and if she doesn't understand something, she is the first to ask for guidance.

L a uryn Piggatt | D e So t o H ig h S c ho o l Lauryn's dream was always to become a biomedical engineer. When she was nominated and chosen as a high-ranking student to attend the Collegiate Magnet Program at Desoto High School, it meant that her dream was within reach. During the previous two years, she also attended the Summer Texas Pre-Freshman Engineering Program at Cedar Valley College where she was the Vice President. She is currently a member of the Southwest Dallas Chapter Delta Sigma Theta and plays on the Varsity Tennis Team. She is a dedicated young lady with an exceptional attitude and behavior.

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M adison M o o re | Fra n k D. Mo at e s El e m e n t ar y Madison Moore is only in the ďŹ fth grade, yet she shares her love of science through presentations and workshops with her peers. As an academically gifted student, she creates inventions and unique products at school and at home. She had the opportunity to share her invention, the self-loading tennis racket, at the Gifted and Talented Exposition in Fort Worth, Texas earlier this year. She also organized and assisted facilitate a STEM lesson on hydrophobic properties at her school. Her genuine excitement and love of learning will propel her to the forefront of STEM leadership.

M on ic a Jo n e s | D e So t o H ig h S c ho o l It is with great pleasure and excitement that I nominate Ms. Monica C. Jones for her exceptional leadership and academic achievements. Monica is a Junior at Desoto High School and is currently a part of the Early College Program. This program allows her to graduate with not only a high school diploma, but also an Associates in Science degree.

Academically, Monica has maintained a 3.0 and above grade point average. Ms. Jones strives for academic excellence in all subjects. Monica exhibits exceptional leadership skills. She is currently the captain of the Junior Varsity Cheer team at DeSoto High School. She also held this honor her Freshman year. Her ability to bring comradery amount her peers, organization skills, and work hard mentality have driven her school cheer squad to success and recognition from other cheer organization. She has been a competitive cheer leader for 10 years. She leads her team each year in positive encouragement and brings that same work hard drive to bring home the win. On both teams, she is the go to person by the coaches. She motivates her teammates by remaining positive in all situations and working hard to improve her craft. Monica teaches children’s church at her church and speaks motivationally to the congregation. She is an avid animal lover and is inspiring to be a veterinarian. She volunteers for Feed the Children preparing Manna Packets, as well as works with the outreach ministry and youth department at her church.

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S h an n on Le w i s | Ce d a r H il l Co l l e g iat e H ig h S c ho o l Shannon Lewis a current 9th grader at Cedar Hill Collegiate High School and is working to obtain a dual diploma by the time she graduates high school. This determined and focused young lady plans to graduate high school with her Associate Degree from Cedar Valley College and transfer to the University of Oklahoma where she will major in non-surgical orthopedics. She is currently enrolled in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. signature ASCEND program where it focuses primarily on the Achievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking and Developmental Skills of young people. The program focuses heavily on STEM activities. She has recently joined the Dallas NAACP. In the community, she is always looking for things to do and has become a servant by volunteering her time and resources to help others who are less fortunate. Her community outreach is not limited to participating in the Kenny Beavers Foundation, serving meals at the Dallas Life Foundation, Dallas Feast of Sharing and volunteering at the Brentwood Nursing Home. Shannon is preparing herself to be a strong and successful leader in the church, school and community by attending leadership seminars. Shannon has attended several leadership seminars and academies like TSI Young Scholars, Geek Squad Academy, The Apprentice Helping Young Women Succeed Globally Summit and iLIVE EXPO that focus on the wellness of girls and women.

Tayl or McCo w a n | D e So t o H ig h S c ho o l Taylor is a natural born leader and is always learning and growing. I have seen this student blossom into an efďŹ cient and driven young lady. In my classroom, she is always inspiring others and leading the pack when it comes to activities. She is a blessing to work with and is continuously looking for ways to learn and progress not only in the classroom, but among her peers & teammates. Taylor possesses great listening skills, which is pertinent in a leader.

A leader who listens to people and is willing to accept different ideas is one that will not only work well with others, but will push others to live to their fullest potential. Taylor is also very active in her community as she spends her spare time assisting with Meals on Wheels.

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Vi ctoria Ly o n s | Ce d a r H il l Co l l e g iat e H ig h S c ho o l I have had the privilege of knowing Victoria Lyons for several years in my role as Teen Volunteer Coordinator of the DeSoto Public Library. Victoria currently serves as the President of the Library's Teen Advisory Board and has demonstrated the ability to be a leader among her peers. The Teen Advisory Board's mission is to promote teen literacy through a variety of activities, including planning and implementing teen programs, promoting and encouraging teen literacy, and advocating the rights of teens. As President, she has provided the Library with valuable leadership skills, numerous hours of community service and has helped to plan many programs for teens and children. She was very instrumental in helping to plan and coordinate the DeSoto Public Library's Best Southwest Everything Teen Expo 2017 which was a mega teen event sponsored by TAB. During this event, thousands of teens learned about valuable resources, services and programs especially catered to them. She has also participated in our Book Buddies Program in which teens are paired with young children to encourage them to continue reading throughout the summer. She is dependable, has exceptional character and works cooperatively with others. She a leader who loves her community and demonstrates that love by giving her time and commitment.

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N ot Pic ture d : S ara h Berh e | H a r m o n y S c ho o l o f Nat u re Sarah has been a straight “A” student since 3rd grade. For 3 years in a row, she scored 100% on the math STAAR test. She has won competitions in robotics and engineering. In 6th grade, her team won 1st place out of 75 middle schools in an engineering competition. Last year her team won 1st place in design in the solar car competition. She was accepted in TexPrep for 2 years in a row. Sarah also participated in the National Association of Black Engineers SEEK program in 5th grade. She was inducted in the National Junior Honor Society 2 years ago. Sarah is in her 2nd year of the College Readiness Leadership Program at her school. Lastly, she volunteers at the animal shelter and a local food pantry.

Ka itl yn Ma l o n e | Ce d a r H il l Co l l e g iat e H ig h S c ho o l I nominate Kaitlyn Malone for the Southwest 20 Under 20 in STEM & Leadership. She is exceptional in her leadership skills where she possess many leadership characteristics and qualities. She is part of Cedar Hill’s Mayor’s Teen Council and Superintendent’s Roundtable of CHISD. Kaitlyn is involved in various leadership clubs such as Principal’s Roundtable P3 Leo’s Club, Interact, Student Council Treasurer, and National Honor Society. An exceptional leadership quality Kaitlyn has is serving others. Her is goal is to service others while pursuing a career in the medical field. She wants to pursue a career of becoming an Orthopedic surgeon or Anesthesiologist. Kaitlyn has started working toward her goal as she was selected and participated UT Southwestern Medical Center Exposure Program. She was selected and completed an internship at Arlington Memorial Hospital.

Ta myra h Fo r b i n | Pe r m en t e r Mid d l e S c ho o l Tamyrah is a younger student in my advanced band classes, but there is no doubt she can take charge. She leads her section by incredible example. She is always ready to perform, but more importantly, ready to help another learn. I have seen her work with students both younger and older to help the feel successful in band. Sharing the feeling of success is a true mark of leadership!

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2 0 1 7 Southwest 20 Under 2 0 A mbassado r s

MAYOR CURTISTENE MCCOWAN MAYOR PRO TEM RACHEL PROCTOR JUDGE AMBER GIVENS DAVIS TRUSTEE SANDRE MONCRIFFE ESTHER CALLOWAY JENNIFER GROMER KYM STRONG

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own your actions create your experperiences S PEAKER | ENTREPRENEUR | PHI LANTRHOP I ST

MRFRA N KIE WILS O N.CO M

W E

B U I L D

B ran ds THAT

B U I L D

M ean ing Zoe Communications Agency is a content creation + brand management company that thrives on working with cause-based brands and communities looking to use their powers for good.

Z O E S AY S H E L L O. CO M

T H AN K YO U TO O UR

2017 FALL PARTER

for helping to make our inaugural 20 Under 20 in STEM & Leadership experience such an incredible one.

We are forever grateful.

DESOTOISD.ORG

THANK YO U - -

We deeply believe that the future of our communities lies in the hands of those who are coming behind us.

This simple fact compels us to pour what we have been gifted into the next generations.

That’s why this program was created. We are committed to its growth and to the belief that every child deserves support, encouragement, empowerment and direction. We consider it our duty and our honor to give what was given to us.

On behalf of the Zoe Communications Agency + Vision Media, thank you to everyone who contributed to making this idea a reality. It is our hope and our prayer that those who are touched by this experience will feel empowered to move boldly into the destinies that were crafted just for them.

_____ F R A N K I E W I L S O N + F E L E C E I A B E N TO N DFW 20 UNDER 20 AWARD FOUNDERS

DALLAS FORT WORTH

under

under in STEM & LEADERSHIP

MOT IVAT ING T HE

NEXT

GENER AT IO N TO

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BEYO ND

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