Spelman has shaped the lives of generations of women, and for The Blash family, giving back is a deeply personal commitment. Sisters Dr. Alayna Blash, a dedicated faculty member, and Toi Blash, a devoted volunteer, and Toi’s daughter Destiny Blash, a proud senior, all share a love for Spelman that goes beyond words—it’s reflected in their continued commitment to giving back. Their generosity ensures that future generations of Spelman women have access to the same transformative experience they cherish. Read about their love for Spelman and why they choose to give so generously.Photo Caption: A Legacy in the Making – The Blash women celebrating Homecoming 2023 at the Granddaughters Club Handprint Campaign.
“As a proud Spelman alumna, staff member, and part of a multi-generational Spelman legacy, my commitment to this institution runs deep. My mother entered the gates before me, my cousins continued the journey, and now my niece represents the future of Spelman excellence. Each day, as I walk across the Oval and take in the beauty of our campus, I am reminded of the generations of brilliant Spelman women who have shaped the world, leading in every industry. This fills me with pride and motivation to serve. Spelman has given me so much; strengthening my purpose and affirming my confidence as a Black woman. Giving back is my way of honoring this legacy, ensuring that Spelman remains a beacon of light for generations to come."
Photo Caption: Sisters by Bond – Captured at their Baccalaureate Ceremony in Sisters Chapel, Toi Blash (left) and Dr. Alayna Blash (right) share a moment as Spelman sisters and as the Class of ’94
"There is an often-quoted adage that states, 'charity begins at home.' Spelman is home. In the late summer of 1990, I entered the hallowed grounds of Spelman College as a bright-eyed 17 ½-year-old ready to conquer the world. Spelman gave me the tools and confidence to believe I could. Serving and supporting Spelman is important to me, as both an alumna and parent, because it allows me to give back to the place that gave so much to me and is now preparing my daughter to be a world change-maker. I, and so many others, often say, 'Spelman is the gift that keeps on giving.' That, it truly is. As a 'Spelmanite,' it has been a blessing to witness Spelman through the eyes of my legacy; what an amazing almost four years it has been. Anytime and every time I can serve or support Spelman College, I am ignited to remain undaunted in this thing called life."
Photo Caption: Full Circle Moments – Toi Blash (in pink) and Dr. Alayna Blash (in blue) share a joyful moment inside their freshman dorm, Packard Hall—where their Spelman journey began. With Dr. Blash playfully on Toi’s back, this moment reflects their bond as freshman roommates turned best friends. Years later, they married brothers—solidifying their sisterhood for life.
"Being part of a multigenerational Spelman family is an honor that holds deep meaning for me. Choosing to attend Spelman was more than just selecting a college; it was embracing a legacy of excellence, resilience, and sisterhood that has been woven into my family’s history since the 1960s. When I walk on our beautiful campus, I am reminded that these are the same sidewalks my mother, aunt, and several cousins journeyed on before me. It is both empowering and humbling, reminding me daily of the strong and resilient women who came before me. Now, sharing this journey with my cousin as we prepare to graduate in May has made this experience even more special. While we continue the paths our mothers and other family members once walked, we have also forged our own unique journeys, creating our own legacy for generations to come. To me, Spelman is more than a school. It is home. I am extremely grateful to share this experience with many of the incredible women in my family. I hope that our stories, journeys, and experiences continue to inspire and empower generations of Spelman women to come."
Photo Caption: Two Generations of Sisterhood - Sisters Toi Blash (left) and Dr. Alayna Blash (right), stand proudly with Destiny Blash (center)—current senior, daughter, and niece, respectively—in front of Rockefeller Hall on Founders Day 2024.
Show your love this Valentine’s Day and join the Blash family in honoring Spelman’s past, present, and future by making a gift today. Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference in the lives of Spelman women.