My name is Diontay Santiago. I am currently a Senior student at Fordham University, where I am pursuing my degree in Marketing. I want to get a Marketing degree because I want to utilize my communication skills and tell the stories of different brands.

I first heard about TLF through an email from my university. I applied for the scholarship because I wanted to alleviate the financial burden put on my family. Additionally, I knew that TLF could provide me with professional networks. I believe in TLF’s mission because placing minorities in marketing firms and more will subsequently increase the amount of representation that people of color will get in the media. With this scholarship, I can focus more on my education as opposed to helping my family make ends meet. 

Once I earn my degree, I hope to work in the entertainment industry. I want to pursue these goals because I want to be able to bring diversity in terms of race and perspective to these kinds of companies. Bringing diversity into these kinds of industries is important because it shows that people with backgrounds similar to myself are capable of good work. 

Beyond receiving the scholarship, I want to continue to stay involved with TLF because I believe in their mission. I think the work TLF is doing is important because I don’t know many other organizations working to increase diversity in advertising, marketing, and public relations. From my perspective, the work that TLF does is truly unique and necessary.

I want to say thank you to TLF for giving me the opportunity to explain the circumstances that led to my current GPA. I’m very grateful for not being judged solely by my GPA, but also by my character.