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.
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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.