Charlye Jackson—a sophomore at the illustrious Howard University—was recently awarded the Legacy of Leadership Scholarship, supported by an initiative between Revlon's Creme of Nature haircare brand and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Jackson received the scholarship—explicitly created to "give more access to minority students"—over her winter break. Several other recipients were also announced back in early August, as AfroTech previously reported.
Jackson was awarded the Legacy of Leadership scholarship through her involvement in Revlon's business pitch program, and her pitch—titled "Rooted in Melanin"—ultimately came in second place, winning her $1,500.
"We felt that they needed to engage a bit more with their consumers of Black women and learn a bit more about them," she said of her diversity-centered pitch.
"It's a win-win for everybody. You know, we can reach out to them, and they can tell us information, and we can help them further their education," Stephanie Burks, Revlon's senior director of marketing, added of the overall initiative.
Additionally, while she may currently be based in the DMV for school, Jackson was sure to shout out her hometown: Houston, Texas.
"[Houston] shaped me into the person I am. Recognizing diversity and important issues, not only in the Black community but other minority communities," she said.
This news comes as Creme of Nature gears up to award a new round of scholarships to HBCU undergrads. From Feb. 28 to Apr. 4, eligible students can apply to win up to $5,000. A total of 20 scholarships will be distributed, and the application process includes submitting a short video, responding to a prompt, and completing a form.
