31 March 2025 3 minute read
Cori’Anna White vividly remembers the moment she realized the power of leadership, long before she stepped onto his mom’s campus. Growing up in Miami, she witnessed the devastating impact of gun violence on our community. One tragedy in particular — a five-year-old girl lost her life to senseless violence became a defining moment.
Determined to take action, White became a voice for her community, working alongside community leaders, churches and politicians to ensure the issue wasn’t ignored. Using her voice to demand change at just 14 years old, taught her a lesson that would shape her approach to leadership: “When you see a problem, you don’t just acknowledge it — you make sure that it’s addressed.”
Now as the 84th Student Government Association (SGA) President at Spelman College, White brings that same fearless, dedication, and passion to her role. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in action, collaboration, and resilience — qualities she honed through programs like the Women of Excellence Leadership Series. This prestigious program, which helps to develop and nurture the leadership potential of Spelman women, gave White the opportunity to engage with influential figures, including Spelman president Dr. Gayle. And As a sophomore, White facilitated a fireside chat with former Spelman President Dr. Helene Gayle, modeling the session after the popular talk show, The View where multiple speakers share their experiences while engaging in meaningful discussions. “That conversation was incredible,” White reflects. “I had the chance to ask Dr. Gayle about her journey, the challenges she faced, and how she navigated them. It reinforced for me that leadership isn’t about having an easy path—it’s about resilience and pushing forward despite adversity."From this experience, White internalized the importance of being fearless in the face of adversity amongst other powerful leadership lessons. “Just because something is difficult for you and seems effortless for someone else doesn’t mean you quit,” White says. “You work harder, show up earlier, and exceed expectations.”
Her participation in the Women of Excellence Leadership Series was just one of the many initiatives that has shaped her and her leadership philosophy centered on unity, empowerment, and service. This approach is evident in how she leads as SGA president. “Leadership isn’t about titles or recognition,” she asserts. “It’s about actively listening to students, working alongside them, and creating tangible solutions. My goal is to uplift others and ensure that every student’s voice is heard.”
White's leadership is driven by her passion for making a lasting impact, not just for herself, but for the community as a whole. As SGA president, she will focus on initiatives that prioritize mental health awareness, student empowerment, and the need for stronger support systems for under-represented groups on campus. “We have to ensure that every student feels seen and valued,” White emphasizes. “At Spelman, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.”
Beyond her current role, White envisions a future that blends her passions for business finance and public policy. After graduation, she plans to work on Wall Street to gain experience in the corporate sector and eventually pursue a dual J.D.-MBA degree. Long-term, her goal is to transition into politics, using her expertise in business and policy to address the economic challenges facing marginalized communities. “I’m deeply passionate about finance, business, and public policy,” White explains. “I want to use the knowledge I gain in the corporate world to educate communities on financial literacy and economic empowerment. It’s about giving people the tools they need to break cycles of financial instability and challenge systemic barriers.”
One of her primary concerns is the erosion of resources that are essential to the marginalized populations. “We’re seeing vital programs like Medicaid, FAFSA, and even Obamacare face threats,” she says. “These resources are lifelines for so many people. If we don’t have leaders willing to protect them, those who need them most will continue to be left behind.” Her ultimate mission is to ensure the policies are put in place that promote economic and social equity, equipping communities with the resources they need to thrive. “If I see a problem, I find a way to fix it,” White asserts. “Ignoring it isn’t an option. We have to take action to break these cycles.”
White relentless commitment to change is apparent in everything she does. From organizing protests in Miami to leading Spelman’s student body, her leadership is rooted in a deep sense of responsibility to serve others and a desire to create meaningful impact.
As she embarks on her tenure as SGA president, Cori’Anna White embodies the very essence of common leadership – bold and unwaveringly committed to affecting meaningful change. Her journey to becoming the 84th SGA president at the country's top HBCU proves that when passion meets purpose, transformation follows. With a clear vision and a heart dedicated to service, White is well on her way to becoming a transformative leader in her community and beyond.