PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Jan. 19, 2024) – AT&T Dream in Black recognizes Prairie View A&M University student Rejoice Adekoya, a junior nursing major, as a recipient of the 2023 Rising Future Makers award, a showcase dedicated to up-and-coming influential leaders in Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“Receiving this award holds profound significance for me, serving as both a source of gratitude and a reaffirmation of my belief that hard work and dedication lead to progress and success,” said Adekoya, an aspiring nurse and doctor. “This accolade stands as a visible testament to the steps I’ve taken towards my goals, emphasizing that each accomplishment brings me closer to realizing my dreams.”
The Rising Future Makers Showcase highlights AT&T’s enduring support for HBCUs, its ongoing commitment to empowering diverse communities, and its allocation of resources to stimulate economic growth while addressing the digital divide, which disproportionately affects communities of color. With each iteration, AT&T Dream in Black opens doors to technology and resources, linking students to broader possibilities.
“This campaign stands as a powerful embodiment of our unwavering commitment to connecting communities of color to greater possibility through AT&T’s purpose-filled sponsorships,” said Sabina Ahmed, assistant vice president of Sponsorships & Experiential at AT&T. “With Dream in Black and the Rising Future Makers Showcase, we remain dedicated to ensuring that HBCU students aren’t merely heard but are resoundingly celebrated and provided with the tools and resources to foster growth and innovation.”
PVAMU Shapes Global Leaders
Adekoya credits her ongoing participation in the PVAMU Honors Program as a critical contributor to her success. Through the Honors Program, she received invaluable guidance and inspiration that helped her acquire recognition as a Rising Future Maker.
“Dr. Quincy Moore, our esteemed director, consistently emphasizes the importance of making a global impact,” she said. “His motivational words have served as a catalyst for my aspirations, instilling in me the courage to pursue opportunities, whether big or small.
“The nurturing environment of the Honors Program has been pivotal in molding my character and fostering my growth, playing a crucial role in my journey toward success.”
AT&T chose the 2023 Rising Future Makers class from 15 colleges and universities. Each recipient aspires to become a leader in their respective fields. “About a year or two after graduation, I plan on working concurrently as a nurse and a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves, all while attending medical school,” Adekoya said.
Each student will receive a $5,000 grant from AT&T 5G, a 5G-enabled tablet with one year of AT&T service, and other gifts. Additionally, they will have access to professional workshops, including mentoring sessions with AT&T executives, to expand their networks and advance their professional development.
The AT&T Dream in Black “manifesto” outlines the intent and spirit of the showcase, positioning community and identity as critical to the overall vision. To Dream in Black, recipients “celebrate the dark” that prepares them for enlightenment as “kings and queens of self-written destinies.”
Adekoya embodies the manifesto’s thesis, seeking to engage in and develop initiatives that create positive change and “amplify underrepresented voices” that face systemic marginalization.
“Whether that is through my career choices, community involvement, or advocacy efforts, I aspire to be a catalyst for positive transformation, inspiring others to join the journey toward a more inclusive and empowered future for our generation,” she said.
The Rising Leader Recognized Again
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Adekoya continues to shine as one of the many stars at PVAMU. Recognition as a Rising Future Maker by AT&T is one of the recent honors the nursing major has received during her time at the University. Earlier in 2023, Denny’s and Getty Images awarded Adekoya the prestigious Denny’s x Getty Images Hungry for Education Stipend.
“Receiving both the Denny’s x Getty Images Hungry for Education Stipend and the AT&T Rising Future Makers award significantly heightens my sense of responsibility as a role model for others, particularly within the HBCU community,” said Adekoya.
In the tapestry of innovation and impact, Adekoya stands out as a shining thread within the 2023 Rising Future Makers Showcase. She embodies the spirit of creativity, technical prowess, and commitment to societal transformation found in future leaders.
“We are inspired by the overwhelming response to the Rising Future Makers Showcase,” said Michelle Jordan, AT&T’s chief diversity officer. “There is immense hunger for knowledge and opportunity among our youth, and we are humbled by the opportunity to empower the next generation with the support they need to reach their dreams.”
Adekoya’s journey as a Rising Future Maker reflects personal achievement as well as the collective aspirations of a diverse and dynamic generation. As she takes her place among the 25 students welcomed into the AT&T Dream in Black family, anticipation grows for the unfolding of her remarkable journey as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation.
“These accolades serve as a testament to the recognition of my dedication and achievements,” said Adekoya. “Now, more than ever, I feel a duty to inspire and guide fellow students, showcasing that success is attainable through hard work and perseverance.
“By being a recipient, I aim to set an example, encouraging others to pursue their goals relentlessly and make a positive impact within our community.”
By Kerry Laird
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