Kore’Yana Matthews
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Dec. 3, 2025) – Prairie View A&M University sophomore Kore’Yana Matthews is her own hero.
Since she once heard, “You can’t wait on nobody to save you, because nobody is coming,” that has become her motto, mantra, and battle cry.
That mindset has now propelled her onto the national stage as part of an elite delegation of young leaders. Matthews, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice with a minor in chemistry, has been selected to participate in the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference through the World Youth Foundation, a nonprofit that seeks to empower youths from communities nationwide.
“This opportunity is deeply personal because it affirms that my voice, my vision, and my commitment to service matter,” Matthews said. “Opportunities like this remind me that we are our own advocates, our own leaders, and our own legacy builders.”
Through the experience, she hopes to learn how legislation intersects with community needs, especially in areas such as criminal justice reform, as well as how policy decisions translate into tangible change.
This latest recognition comes on top of a fast-growing list of achievements.
Most recently, Matthews interned with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), an experience she calls “transformative.” Working with federal and veterinary teams on canine scent detection, she presented her research paper to federal agents.
“It taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of precision,” Matthews said. “That experience didn’t just prepare me for this honor; it confirmed that I am ready to make meaningful contributions.”
She first learned about the Congressional Black Caucus opportunity through former Mayor of the City of Prairie View, David Allen, also a PVAMU alum, whose legacy of service inspired her.
“Hearing about it from someone who shares my PV roots and has built a career in service and advocacy made it feel attainable,” she said. “His belief in my potential reminded me that PVAMU students belong in national spaces and that our voices deserve to be heard where policy and progress are shaped.”
As she represents Prairie View on the national stage, Matthews hopes to learn from changemakers who have shaped policy and justice for generations. She wants to be in the room where important national security decisions are made, with plans to become an FBI agent specializing in forensic science.
Meanwhile, she remains deeply involved on campus. She serves as senator for the College of Juvenile Justice, director of marketing and communications for Panther Ambassadors, and as community service chair for the Criminal Justice Club. Matthews was also recently selected for the VICEROY program, which prepares students for careers in national security and cybersecurity.
PVAMU has shaped Matthews in more ways than one.
Campus career coach Cheleatha Lott was with her “every step” of her DHS internship. Dr. DeLinda Marzette’s class on race, class, and gender opened her eyes to the interconnectedness of justice and representation, while Rev. Charles Lewter, dean of the Chapel, was a beacon of wisdom and inspiration. “Each of them has helped shape my path, and I carry their lessons with me in every room I enter,” Matthews said.
So, she urges fellow Panthers: Claim your seat.
“Your story is powerful, and your perspective is needed,” Matthews said. “PVAMU students should be present in every room where decisions are made.”
That means: apply, speak up, and show up–be your own hero.
“PVAMU has been my launchpad,” Matthews said. “I’m committed to ensuring others have theirs, too.”
By Christine Won
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