Ramatou, a recent graduate of Pinson Valley High School and a first-generation college student, was recently awarded a prestigious Girls Inc. National Scholarship, which will go toward her tuition at Howard University where she will begin college this fall. Her journey with Girls Inc. began in 2019 when she joined the Eureka! Program, a five-year STEM initiative that promotes science, technology, engineering, and math to 8th-12th grade girls. Although the pandemic disrupted her participation in the program, Ramatou remained connected with Girls Inc., which played a pivotal role in her academic and personal development.
“Girls Inc. gave me the courage to pursue my goals. Seeing other women excel in male-dominated fields made me realize that I could achieve my dreams too,” Ramatou shared. Her time with Girls Inc. introduced her to influential mentors, including Pat Hoban-Moore from Miles College, who has been a guiding force in her life, helping her secure opportunities such as a trip to Washington, D.C., where she learned more about Howard University and how she could become a future student.
Ramatou’s decision to attend Howard University was influenced by the opportunities and connections provided by Girls Inc. “If it wasn’t for Girls Inc., I might never have considered Howard University. The support and resources they provided have been life-changing,” she reflected. She aims to study political science and become a lawyer, motivated by a desire to assist those affected by systemic injustices—a passion that grew from her involvement in youth programs and leadership roles at Girls Inc.
Through her experiences at Girls Inc. of Central Alabama, Ramatou learned about the importance of relationship building and gained the confidence to pursue her goals. She is grateful for the scholarship and the opportunities Girls Inc. has afforded her, and she looks forward to staying involved with the organization in the future, potentially giving back as a mentor to the next generation of Girls Inc. participants. She encourages young girls to actively participate in Girls Inc., seize every opportunity, and stay open to new experiences. As she prepares to embark on this new chapter, Ramatou remains deeply appreciative of the role Girls Inc. of Central Alabama has played in her journey and is committed to giving back to the community that helped her realize her potential.