In May 2024, Khadijah graduated Cum Laude from Dominican University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, endorsed in English as a Second Language (ESL). Her commitment to academic excellence is clear—she maintained an impressive cumulative GPA of 3.6, embodying the values of scholarship and leadership that The Finer Alliance, Inc. holds dear.
Khadijah’s academic journey, however, goes beyond personal success. From the moment she received her scholarship, she knew that she wanted to use her education to make a difference in the lives of others. With a passion for teaching, Khadijah set her sights on becoming a teacher within Chicago Public Schools. Her story is one of resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to her goal of empowering the next generation through education.
A Journey Fueled by Community Support
Khadijah’s story began when she was awarded The Finer Alliance, Inc.’s Light of Candle Memorial Scholarship in 2022. Since then, she has been laser-focused on not only excelling in her studies but also on making a tangible difference in the educational field. Her ESL endorsement is just one example of how she is preparing to meet the diverse needs of the students she will one day teach.
In a special video shared on our social media channels, Khadijah expressed her heartfelt gratitude to The Finer Alliance, Inc. for believing in her dreams and providing her with the financial support to focus on her studies. In her own words, this scholarship allowed her to “focus on my studies and continue working toward my goals.”
Her journey reached an exciting milestone in May 2024 when she walked across the stage at Dominican University to receive her degree. Graduating with honors and an endorsement that will allow her to serve a wide range of students, Khadijah is well on her way to becoming an influential educator in the Chicago community.
A Testament to the Impact of Scholarships
Khadijah’s accomplishments are a true reflection of the mission of The Finer Alliance, Inc.—to empower individuals through education and support, ultimately strengthening communities. Her success reminds us all of the transformative power of a scholarship and the lasting impact it can have, not only on the recipient but on the broader community as well.
As we celebrate Khadijah’s academic achievements and the bright future she is building, we are incredibly proud to have been a part of her journey. Her story is a beacon of hope, inspiring future educators and reminding us of the importance of investing in young leaders.
In Her Words:
“Receiving this scholarship has been a blessing that allowed me to focus on my studies and continue working toward my goals. I am incredibly grateful to The Finer Alliance, Inc. for believing in me and supporting my journey. I hope to pay it forward by empowering others in my community to pursue their dreams, just as The Finer Alliance has done for me.” —
Khadijah’s future is full of promise, and her commitment to serving the Chicago Public Schools is a testament to her desire to give back. She is proof of the impact that scholarships like the Light of Candle Memorial Scholarship can have, and we look forward to witnessing her continued success as an educator.
Your Generosity at Work: Tonja’s Journey from Scholar to Changemaker
“Because of you, I’m not just earning a degree—I’m building systems that restore, uplift, and transform lives.”
— Tonja Robinson-Harris, 2025 Light of Candle Scholarship Recipient
When you give to The Finer Alliance, Inc., you’re not just funding scholarships—you’re investing in real people who create lasting impact in our communities. Tonja Robinson-Harris is one of those people. Thanks to your support, Tonja is turning opportunity into action—and lighting the path for others to follow.
Today, Tonja is pursuing her Ph.D. in Applied Social Justice at Dominican University, where she holds a remarkable 3.89 GPA. With the help of the Light of Candle Scholarship, Tonja was able to share her groundbreaking research—Everyday Resistance, Strategic Survival, and the Urgent Call for Cultural Transformation in Chicago’s Nonprofit Sector—at a national conference on social equity in Maryland.
But your generosity goes far beyond the classroom.
As the Director of Housing at New Moms, Tonja oversees services for more than 40 families each year, helping young mothers transition from homelessness to independence. Under her leadership:
- New Moms achieved 100% occupancy in their Oak Park housing site
- Their Chicago Transformation Center reached 87.5% occupancy
Over 65 children and 35 mothers have found a safe place to grow and heal
Your donation helped make this possible. Tonja leads a team rooted in equity, compassion, and resilience. From promoting staff into leadership roles to empowering residents to complete medical programs on their own terms, Tonja is proof that scholarship funding fuels both achievement and transformation.
And the impact doesn’t stop there.
In recognition of her work, Tonja was honored with:
- The 2025 Light of Zeta Award, recognizing outstanding leadership and community service
- The 2024 Community Service Award from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
- Multiple nominations for her work in housing justice and social advocacy
She is now preparing to publish her first book, The Burdened Crown—a healing guide for Black women in leadership. Designed as an interactive workbook, it blends scripture, affirmations, and journaling prompts to support women navigating racism and trauma in the workplace.
What Your Support Means
“Thank you for amplifying the brilliance and labor of Black women in leadership. Your support doesn’t just inspire—it equips and empowers.”
— Tonja Robinson-Harris
Because of donors like you, Tonja is equipped to pursue her education, lead with vision, and create change that touches generations. She envisions a future of public speaking, mentorship, executive leadership, and continued advocacy for women and families.
When you support The Finer Alliance, you help women like Tonja turn purpose into power.
“Learn more about how you can support our mission.”
“Help fund scholarships and programs that empower students today.”
Celebrating Our Scholars
Tonja Harris, a doctoral student at Dominican University, is the 2024 recipient of the Light of Candle Memorial Scholarship. Her commitment to Applied Social Justice and her deep dedication to community impact embody the spirit of this prestigious award.
Leah Norwood, a recent graduate of Kenwood Academy in Chicago, will be attending Howard University this fall to pursue a degree in Education. Leah’s dedication to academic excellence and her vision for impacting future generations inspire us all!
Aramie Lyte, an outstanding Marian Catholic High School graduate with a 4.1 GPA, is headed to Louisiana State University to study Communication Disorders. Aramie’s passion for advancing this critical field highlights her potential to make significant contributions to society.
Khadijah Bilal, in May 2024, Khadijah graduated Cum Laude from Dominican University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, endorsed in English as a Second Language (ESL). Her commitment to academic excellence is clear—she maintained an impressive cumulative GPA of 3.6, embodying the values of scholarship and leadership that The Finer Alliance, Inc. holds dear.