14 February 2025 2 minute read
At Spelman College, leadership, resilience, and service define the lasting impact of extraordinary students like Ke’Zhiah Chapman. As a junior majoring in economics with a minor in political science, her journey to Spelman was one of faith and determination. Without prior connections to the institution, she embraced her path with confidence, trusting that this was where she belonged.
Born in Wisconsin and raised in Dallas, Texas, Chapman‘s pursuit of an HBCU education was driven by her desire to learn alongside like-minded Black scholars who shared her passion for academic excellence. Spelman's intimate class sizes, rigorous coursework, and supportive community solidified her choice, shaping the transformative experience she envisioned both personally and professionally. "I knew I wanted to be in a space where people looked like me, were intellectually curious, and shared a drive for excellence. Spelman is the Black Harvard in my eyes, and I took a leap of faith knowing it was where I was meant to be."
Chapman has made a profound impact beyond the classroom through her involvement in multiple organizations. She is a member and ambassador of the Morehouse Spelman Pre-Law Society, a Center for Black Entrepreneurship Scholar, a Spelman Ambassador, and Co-Publicity Chair for the Spelman Pre-Alumnae Council, as well as actively participating in various other extracurricular and leadership initiatives. Additionally, she works at the Wellness Center where she prioritizes student well-being and engagement. Her dedication to mentorship and advocacy reflects her commitment to creating a positive and uplifting environment for her Spelman sisters. "My goal is to leave every space better than I found it—whether that’s through mentorship, lending a helping hand, or making sure my Spelman sisters feel seen and supported."
Chapman’s professional aspirations lie at the intersection of law, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit work. She credits Spelman‘s vast network and opportunities – like the Center for Black Entrepreneurship, and the European Innovation Academy for expanding her global business and leadership acumen. With Spelman’s support, she traveled to Portugal for a three-week competition, where she gained hands-on experience in business development—from ideation to securing venture capital—alongside a diverse group of mentors, including Silicon Valley professionals, unicorn company leaders, CEOs, marketing experts, intellectual property lawyers, software mentors, life coaches, and many more.
She also participated in Spelpreneur 10-Day Startup Competition, an accelerator program where she worked alongside top professional professionals from Morgan Stanley and Home Depot to refine her entrepreneurial skills. "Spelman has opened doors I never imagined. From competing in global innovation challenges to working with top business leaders, I’ve gained the skills and confidence to navigate the worlds of business and law."
For Chapman, Spelman has been more than an academic institution – it has been a transformative space that has shaped her into more of a leader ready to take on the world. Her journey hasn't been without its challenges, but her resilience in navigating them and standing firm in pursuit of her goals speaks volumes about her strength and determination.
When asked about her legacy, she hopes to be remembered as someone who never gave up, a student who made an impact in both small and significant ways, ensuring that her sisters always were uplifted and inspired. "If there’s one thing I want my legacy to be, it’s resilience. I want people to remember that I never gave up, and I always made sure my Spelman sisters knew they belonged here, just as much as I did."
Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the strength of community, and the boundless possibilities that come with choosing to be a reflection of Spelman‘s legacy of excellence.