Meet our 2023-2024 Scholarship Committee


Founder, Executive Director, & Scholarship Chairwoman 

Ayishat Yussuf

 

Ayishat Yussuf is a junior at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, from Baltimore, Maryland. Her major is Psychology and minors in Public Health. Ayishat is an author of the self-help book, The M.e.l.a.n.i.n Guide, which gives advice, self-affirmations, self-care activities, & more. She’s written the guide to better her community and spread unity. Ayishat has also been involved in the world of STEM since middle school by conducting and presenting many research projects. Those research projects include infectious diseases, hyper-segregated neighborhoods, DNA Replication, microbiology, & more.

At Spelman, she serves as a Bonner & UPS Scholar. Thanks to both programs, Ayishat has been able to volunteer at Fickett Elementary, WAWA, Trees Atlanta, &, etc. Regarding her passion in public health and STEM, she is a research lab assistant for the SUPERNOVA Research Lab, where she analyzes data for Black maternal health projects.

Summer 2023, she decided to take her idea of creating The M.e.l.a.n.i.n by Ayishat. Y Scholarship Program. This program awards an African/African American high school senior a micro-scholarship, two finalists gift cards, and all applicants a comprehensive list of academic resources. She believes with this program, all applicants should be awarded to successfully strive in their educational endeavors! 

Her future careers is being an environmental health scientist, public health specialist, civil rights activist, & motivational speaker.

 

Fun Fact: "I used to play volleyball for almost 6 years".

 

 

Creative Director

Samiatu Yussuf

Samiatu Yussuf is a current freshman at Spelman College – Atlanta, Georgia, from Baltimore, Maryland  She is a passionate STEM advocate, primarily involved in community-based programs that help individuals of diverse backgrounds amplify her voice.  A few are being UMB CURE Scholars program ambassador, MERIT Health Leadership scholar, and NIH Intern. More on her, she’s a strong advocate for civil reform.  She also has experience with establishing diverse settings, which entails creating clubs in school and joining noted civil reform groups.  Her appreciation for being appointed as creative director derives from being helpful to a meaningful small business that pays homage to finding self-love and helping many aspirational individuals looking to further their education. 


   

Fun Fact: "I love talking to people and having truthful and fulfilling conversations".

 

 

 

Academic Resources Representative

Danielle Bagarli 

Danielle Bagarli is a junior economics student from Aberdeen, Maryland. Prior to Spelman, she was a leader in her high school community and had multiple internships in the business and advocacy fields. Now at Spelman, Danielle has begun her involvement and leadership in the college’s community.

 

As an Ethel Waddel Githii Honors Scholar and Dovey Johnson Roundtree Merit Scholar, Danielle has engaged with the Spelman College Women in Hip Hop Collective and Future Business Leaders of Spelman. Danielle plans to continue her matriculation at Spelman through advocacy and community work while also engaging in her passions in entertainment and business, hoping to leave the institution not only with the beginning of a fulfilling career but lasting connections and relationships.

 

Fun Fact: "I used to play flute for 5 years".

 

 

 

Academic Resources Representative

Evan Spann

 Evan Spann is a junior psychology student from Howard County, Maryland. He believes that psychological wellness among globally underserved communities is intentionally neglected and disregarded by antiquated systems. Naturally, he aims to work with other servant-leaders and communities, as a psychologist, to continue the work of his predecessors and deconstruct these issues.   

Intrigued by kindred interests, Spann has been involved in activities such as the Black Men’s Research Institute, The Maroon Tiger (school newspaper), the Morehouse College Social Justice Mental Health Scholars Program, the Maurice Washington Emerging Leaders Program and more.  He has also been fortunate to earn spots in two Travel Broad trips during his freshman year: The Liberia West Africa Winter 2022 Service-Learning Fellowship Program and The Morehouse College 2023 Spring South Africa Social Justice Experience.  

It is safe to say that Evan Spann lives to serve, as he will be working in the Morehouse College Career Services Office as an ambassador, and continuing a research assistantship looking at Black Women’s Work-Life Balance and Wealth Building this Fall.

 


 

Fun Fact: "I've visited four countries in the last year".

 

 

Fundraiser Coordinator

Michael Smith

Michael Smith and is a Senior attending Loyola University-Maryland. He's a Communications Major directed in Public Relations. Outside of being a college student, he's an amazing Public Speaker, Youth Pastor, Drummer, and business owner of “PreacherSmith Apparel”. He is most passionate about social justice and cultivating the gifts of those who have been overlooked. Additionally, he just became a licensed minister!

 

Fun Fact: "I am a Dance teacher".

 

Communications Manager

Jayda Harris

Jayda Harris is a third-year Health Science student on the Pre-Med track at Spelman College from Baltimore, Maryland. She is passionate about healthcare advocacy, reducing health disparities, and ensuring health equity. She is also an advocate for women's health and vows to ensure that sexual and reproductive information is accessible to everyone. She plans to use her degree to attend medical school to become an Obstetrician-Gynecologist. Additionally, she plans to give back to the community she grew up in and serve in the Greater Baltimore area.

 

Fun Fact: "I'm born on New Years Eve".