Aliyah Crump was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2017, she graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor’s in Public Relations. She founded Thrive Women’s Empowerment in 2017. In 2019, she graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master’s in Human Resource Management.

Aliyah currently lives in Durham, North Carolina. She works as a Campus Recruitment Program Manager for Varonis Systems Inc., a cybersecurity company located in the Research Triangle Park Area. Her professional interest includes working with college students and recent college graduates to help them find job and educational opportunities. She also works in program management, professional writing/design, and working to bring minorities to the technology industry through diversity and inclusion. 

She enjoys spending time with her wife, doing yoga, and dedicating her time to her sorority. Thriving to her means staying true to your goals and doing whatever it takes to achieve them.

Lexxus Betts-Keyes was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2017, she graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor’s in Bioengineering. She co-founded Thrive Women’s Empowerment in 2017. She is currently matriculating at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration. 

Lexxus resides in Greenville, North Carolina with her husband Denzel, son Daeton, and daughter Dennver. Professionally, Lexxus works in the medical device industry as a Global Product Manager in the area of Interventional Cardiology/Radiology. Lexxus has a passion for bridging the healthcare and medicinal gaps for underrepresented persons. Lexxus is passionate about the empowerment and upliftment of young women as she was nurtured through her collegiate experience. Lexxus strives for relentless pursuit of excellence in all her work and endeavors. When she is not working or learning, she enjoys traveling, playing tennis and most importantly spending quality time with family. Thriving to her means remembering the motto “relentless pursuit of perfection."

Imani Caldwell was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2022, she graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering.

Imani currently resides in Apex, North Carolina. She works as a Product Manager for ABB, a technology leader in electrification and automation. She desires to make African American students and professionals aware of the professional, academic, and financial opportunities available to them.

She is the Founder of Thee Cornucopia, a platform showcasing opportunities and providing her audience with digital products to aid them in their professional success. In her personal time she enjoys crafting and writing. Thriving to her means keeping the community of future leaders at the forefront of her mind and remembering this in unmotivating times to remain disciplined.

Shanel LaShay Smith was born in Seattle, WA and raised in Charlotte, NC. In 2019, she graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Minor in Professional Theater.

Shanel currently lives in Providence, RI. She works as an Open Innovation Advisor for NASA and a freelance set designer and director for stage and film. Her professional interests include finding intersection points of technology and the arts, advocating for equal access to interdisciplinary education models, and empowering others to find their passions and pursue their dreams. Thriving to Shanel, means waking up every day and choosing joy and growth. It's about striving to be the best version of oneself, for oneself and for the community, and consistently seeking opportunities for learning and self-improvement.

Evanna was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She has earned her B.S. in Sport Science & Fitness Management, Pre-Physical Therapy in 2016 from North Carolina A&T State University and her M.S. in Athletic Training in 2020 from High Point University. 

Evanna currently resides in Woodruff, South Carolina. She works as a Claims Examiner with the Federal Employee Program at Florida Blue. Professionally, Evanna wishes to continue her career growth to work with the Education, Learning, and Development Training department and in Leadership. Personally, she wishes to start a non-profit organization to support and educate my local communities on health and wellness, financial awareness, and more. To thrive means to persevere and overcome obstacles, to remain positive in moments of adversity, and to excel and succeed beyond expectation.

 Kelsey Armstrong was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 2014, she graduated with a B.S. in Journalism and Mass Communication from North Carolina A&T State University. In 2015, she graduated with a Masters in Public Relations from Syracuse University. In 2023, she completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communications from Liberty University. 

Kelsey currently resides in Durham, North Carolina. Kelsey currently works as the Student Life Communications Manager at Elon University. She has a professional background and interest in social media management, brand management, social media analytics, public speaking, event management, and writing for digital platforms. Her doctoral dissertation focused on how HBCUs use social media to reduce uncertainties and anxieties about COVID-19. 

Kelsey is also the founder of Kreativity by Kay,  a DIY crafting and personalized gifts company. Thrives is dear to Kelsey’s heart as it allows her to be included with her passion of mentorship. She feels that he has dynamic women to pour into her and she is happy and feels charged to do the same.

Jasmine Glover is from Fort Washington, Maryland. She is currently a senior attending North Carolina A&T State University studying Psychology. She is currently a University Relations intern at Volvo Group. In the future, she plans to become an Industrial and Organizational Psychologist working in DEI and early talent. Thriving to her means believing in her abilities, constantly evolving, and being consistent in her endeavors no matter her doubts or fears. 

Alexandra Njie is from Fredericksburg, Virginia. She is currently a sophomore attending North Carolina A&T State University studying Health Services Management. In the future, she would like to attend medical school to earn a MD with a concentration in Obstetrics and Gynecology to limit the amount of maternal health disparities in society. To Alexandra, thriving means consistently growing, whether that be in your career, personal goals, faith, or health."

Madison Petersen is from Greenville, South Carolina. She is a Junior Honors student attending North Carolina A&T State University studying Animal Science. Upon graduation, Madison’s career aspirations include attending veterinary school to attain her doctorate degree and become a veterinary surgeon. 

In her free time, Madison enjoys dancing, yoga, painting, and spending time with her family and friends. Thriving, to Madison, means having the courage and ambition to dream big, the determination to achieve those dreams, and always keeping God at the forefront in each of her endeavors.