F A L L / W I N T E R 2 0 2 5

Like many other families at this time of year, we yearn to gather together to reflect and give thanks. To our good fortune, our Phoenix Pact family is too large and dynamic to fit around a single table.

Instead, we invite you to feast on a few dispatches from Phoenix Pact Scholars here– joining us in celebration of their journeys, milestones, and successes– becoming the gift they have received.

–Christopher Kelly, Phoenix Pact President

Lovie Hillard
DePaul University | NLCP 2023 |
“College has helped me so much with coming out my shell, exploring new ideas, meeting amazing people, and putting me around the necessary tools to be successful for my career,” Lovie reports.
“I am studying Film and television with a concentration of creative producing and a minor in Criminology, and I am excited to be going to study abroad this December, in London for a business program.” Lovie says that college has taught her to take charge and make change –"Now!"– but also to have patience and to give yourself grace, because “achieving greatness is not easy.”
Lovie’s advice for future Pact Scholars is to stay focused and to not wait until college to really apply oneself. “I understand that I am the next up to change the world, and college makes sure I am ready for all that's ahead. It can help you achieve that, too!”

Lynne Goggins
Michigan State University | NLCP 2020 |
Pursuing a degree Education, Lynn reports that she’s enjoying getting to work with real students. “This is my internship year, and the hands-on work I’m doing in classrooms has been especially exciting—it’s been wonderful to see how much I’ve learned and grown.
College has pushed me to advocate for myself, manage my time, and explore who I want to be both academically and personally. It’s helped me realize that growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone.”
That’s exactly why she encourages future college students to not be afraid to ask for help. “College is much easier when you build relationships with professors, advisors, and classmates. Take advantage of every resource, even the small ones, because they add up and open doors you didn’t know were there.”
As a future teacher Lynn says that she’s knows how much small gestures matter. “Everyday acts of kindness and responsibility make the biggest impact. When you show up for your community, you create ripples that reach far beyond you.”

Kiana Porter
Lake Forest College, Aurora University | NLCP 2015 | Kiana recently received a Masters in Social Work and has already begun making a difference in people’s lives. “In addition to being a clinical therapist at a private practice, I also work with young parents– helping to ensure their basic needs are met, but also helping them with healthy bonding with their babies and understanding child development.”
Talking with Pact recently, Kiana offered to mentor future Pact Scholars who might be thinking of a career in social work, but says that exploring a variety of subjects in college is crucial. “My college experience as an undergrad and in graduate school helped me to learn about myself, my own interests, and helped me to learn about others and their cultures, as well. I have made many connections that have opened doors for me, and I have become a more well-rounded person.”

Freddie Golden
Morehouse College | NLCP 2022 |
Freddy reports from Morehouse College that he’s taking the final classes to receive a degree in Computer Science, preparing for a study-abroad experience in Ireland this January—and eyeing a masters degree program at Ravensbourne University in London next fall.
Last year, Freddy was thrilled to attend the Emmy Awards ceremony to support a documentary film he appeared in about a creative and cultural exchange between London and Chicago students, which was nominated for two awards.
Freddy is the author of Million Dollar Dream, and says that through the book and speaking engagements throughout Chicagoland, he hopes “to inspire the next generation to begin their journey into seeking out a free higher education experience through scholarships… and to one day have my own scholarship program to give back to young students in underserved communities like the one that I grew up in.” 

Nakiya White
Xavier University | NLCP 2024 |
Nakiya isn’t wasting a moment of her time at Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) as part of the Phoenix Pact's first cohort of students at this top HBCU: “I’m currently studying Political Science Pre-Law with a minor in Sociology. Since attending XULA I’ve joined the Pre-Law Society, the National Society of Leadership, and the National Council of Negro Women, where I now serve an E-Board position. I’ve been surrounded by a community that not only looks like me, but wants to see me win and push me to become the best version of myself.”
Attending school far from home is a challenge for many students, but Nakiya assures us that the choice of an HBCU was the right one for her. “Xavier University of Louisiana has welcomed me with open arms from the moment I arrived freshman year. Even though the classes can be challenging, the Xavier community makes sure I never face anything alone. There are countless resources on campus tutoring centers, office hours, study sessions all designed to help students succeed I always think of Eleanor Roosevelt’s words: ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’ Wherever you choose to go, even if it’s not XULA, never stop chasing your dreams.”

Shania Harris
Grand Valley State University | NLCP 2018 |
“Through Phoenix Pact, I was able to experience a world outside of Chicago. I was able to find myself as an individual, understand where I wanted to be in the future, and outline the steps needed to get there.”
After focusing on Criminal Justice at GVSU, Shania is now studying to obtain teaching licensure while simultaneously teaching Visual Arts and coaching sports at North Lawndale College Prep.
Shania acknowledges that there have been challenges, and is quick to share her experiences with future Pact Scholars. “There were obstacles. Culture shock—but only because the environment at college was different from what I've known all my life. I didn't let that stop me from seeing the bigger picture. I broke barriers of tradition by being the first to graduate college on both sides of my family. With that, I was able to set a new tradition for youth in my family after me,” she says proudly.
“If I could leave you with anything, remember: Life is what you make it. If you fail, it's not about the failure, but what you do afterwards.”

Stephen Thorpe
Colby-Sawyer College, Concordia University Chicago | NLCP 2010 | Stephen credits Phoenix Rising Summer Program for getting his college career off on the right foot. “Because of that introduction, I entered college confident and prepared, but went on to learn how to make my own decisions, overcome obstacles, and strengthen my communication skills; tools that still guide me today.”
Stephen currently teaches Physical Education at Learn 8 Middle School and is entering his tenth season as a basketball coach. Stephen says the 2025 basketball season is especially meaningful as he's returned to North Lawndale College Prep to coach their team. It's where he achieved so much success as a player and now has the opportunity to coach where his father, Coach Lewis Thorpe, built a Hall of Fame legacy. Stephen and his family continue to honor that legacy through the Coach Lewis Thorpe Legacy Organization.
To future Pact Scholars, Stephen says, “After college and once you begin your career, ask yourself, ‘What is my impact on the world or my community?’ What’s the point of living your best life if the world is crumbling around you? Do something memorable. Do something impactful. Leave behind more than just accomplishments—leave a legacy that makes life better for others.”

Demarion Phipps
Jackson State University | NLCP 2020 |
“I am political science major who aspires to inspire!” reports Demarion, who is celebrating his recent graduation from JSU.
Beginning his college experience at Lake Forest College, Damarion knew it wasn’t the right fit. He was succeeding and the college had everything one needs but it wasn't where he felt fully connected. After much reflection, he dove back into studies farther from home at Jackson State, an HCBU in Jackson, Mississippi. “Remember, life is like a GPS. Even if you make a detour,  there is a way to reroute to your destination,” he says confidently.
With a college degree now under his belt, Demarion is looking forward to making a difference. “For me, poverty met opportunity. A chance was all that I needed as a kid growing up in the North Lawndale community. Now, I want to take my new knowledge and resources and use them to help improve my community.”

Jaylan Brackens
Grand Valley State University | NLCP 2024 |
Jaylan’s college journey captures the true essence of being a Pact Scholar: exploring, discovering, and actively pursuing a path forward—all while supporting and inspiring others to do the same.
Now in his 2nd year at Grand Valley State, Jaylan says “I am choosing between a major in business, education, or engineering/ architecture, and a minor in archaeology.” That's not a lack of focus on Jaylan's part, it's knowing that there's real power in having options.
Employed on campus at the Office of Student Support and Belonging, he’s been recognized by GVSU’s staff for his quick willingness to mentor first-year students by sharing his lessons learned about college transition and following their own path to success. “Being at GVSU has been an honor. It is honestly the perfect college for me,” he says confidently.
To future Pact Scholars Jaylan offers this: “Do not to give up on what you want to do. The road will be difficult, but any obstacle can be overcome and you will succeed. The Phoenix Pact is my honest truth; the payoff is worth the hard work.”

Damarcus Thompson
Michigan State University | NLCP 2022 |
Currently in his Junior year working toward a bachelor's degree in Digital Storytelling with a concentration in Filmmaking, Damarcus reports that he’s busy looking for a meaningful internship this coming summer. “College has been a bumpy ride if you ask me, but I am still pulling through to be the first in my family to graduate college!”
Damarcus is also the President and a Founding Member of the MSU Peace Warriors. Along with three other NLCP alumni, the MSU group is now focused on expanding their experiences to spread the good word of Kingian Nonviolence principles to Michigan State University and the East Lansing schools communities. 

Melvina Mcmorries
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | NLCP 2022 | Melvina reports that she’s currently preparing for a spring internship where “I look forward to applying my social work skills in real-world settings!” Graduating in 2026 with a degree in Social Work with a minor in Health Administration, Melvina already plans to begin graduate school to pursue her Master of Social Work in the fall.
Higher education isn’t all that motivates her, however. "College has benefited me far more than I ever expected; it has helped me learn who I am, recognize my potential, and gain confidence in my abilities," she says. “Over time, I have become increasingly involved in my community—serving as a mentor, giving back through service, and participating in programs that allow me to make a meaningful impact. These experiences have strengthened my passion for helping others and contributing to positive change."

Brittany Wiggins
Illinois State University | NLCP 2029 |
“I am a PROUD NLCP alum and Roberta Bachman Lewis scholarship recipient. With the help of this scholarship, I was able to attend Illinois State University where I received my undergrad degree to pursue my long term dream of being a teacher in the North Lawndale community!“
“I started this journey at my very own elementary school, Herzl Elementary, in Fall 2014. This was truly a full circle moment for me. Fast forward 12 school years and 2 Master degrees later, I am now the Assistant Principal of Herzl Elementary serving in my 4th full year in this role and have begun my Doctoral program. The reward of being able to enact generational change in a neighborhood that is so dear to my heart, truly keeps me going and is the peak of ‘My Why!’”
“My advice for future Pact Scholars is to get out in the world and see what’s out there. It’s so much more to the world than North Lawndale and everyone deserves to see what’s out there. Going away to college and that culture shock allowed me to figure out who I was as a student, young adult, and even more, a member of our society.”

PHOENIX PACT SCHOLAR :
BECOME THE GIFT YOU HAVE RECEIVED

Please join us on Instagram where we celebrate the journeys, milestones, and successes of Phoenix Pact Scholars year round.