Founder, BYP

Education:
M.A. in Business and Economic Reporting, NYU (December 2024)

Current Role:
Markets Reporter & Data Analyst – Houston, TX
Makailah has officially launched her career in the energy sector, reporting on key trends and data in oil, gas, and energy markets. Her work blends journalism and analytics, offering valuable insights in one of the world’s most critical industries.

Mission & Impact:
As a co-founder of BYP, Makailah is deeply committed to uplifting young women of color through education, exposure, and empowerment. Her career journey reflects the importance of representation in spaces where women, especially Black women, are often underrepresented.

Looking Ahead:
Makailah brings the same passion for accuracy, truth, and impact that shaped her graduate work into her professional career, and she remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation of Black women professionals.

Founder, BYP

Current Role:
3L Student at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law, University of South Carolina
Taylor is in her final year of law school, where she is focused on gaining expertise in contract law while advancing equity and access in the legal profession.

Career Focus:
Taylor is committed to becoming part of the 2% of Black women lawyers in the United States. She is currently building her legal career within the contracts business unit at one of the world’s largest aerospace companies, gaining hands-on experience in high-level corporate law.

Mission & Impact:
Driven by her passion for diversity, mentorship, and representation, Taylor remains a dedicated leader and advocate within BYP. She strives to show mentees that they belong in both the legal and corporate sectors, regardless of the barriers they may face.

Major: Media, Journalism, and Film Communications (Audio Concentration)
Minor: Theatre Arts Administration
Hometown: Maryland

Current Role:
Specialist, Repertoire Matching at SoundExchange
After nearly a year of interning, Laila received a full-time offer from SoundExchange, where she now supports artists through data-driven music rights management.

Long-Term Goals:
“I want to continue becoming a pillar and advocate for artists within the music industry.”

Program Impact:
“BYP taught me how to collaborate with others and step outside of myself to see a bigger picture in my community. The same way we applied care and consideration for the girls we mentor is the care that I apply to my work within the music industry.”

Biggest Accomplishment:
“During undergrad, I completed five internships; including SoundExchange, I.M.P Concerts, SiriusXM, and WHUR. My proudest moment is collecting data for I.M.P. that contributed to a bill being passed in Maryland to prevent egregious ticket reselling for concerts.”

Fun Fact:
“A fun fact about me is that while working in music, I also make it under the name Laila Olivia!”

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Major: Media, TV, and Film (Broadcast Journalism)
Minor: Community Health
Hometown: Boston, MA

Current Role:
Graduate Assistant at Boston College
Alesha is continuing her academic and professional journey while supporting student programs and development at Boston College.

Long-Term Goals:
Alesha aspires to become a News Director, leading impactful, community-focused journalism that drives awareness and change.

Program Impact:
“This program exposed me to talented, hard-driven, resilient women who have aspirations for themselves, enabling me to aim for more within my own life.”

Recent Achievements:

2025 Ed Bradley Scholarship Recipient

Participated in the Presidential Debate as a CNN Intern, a defining accomplishment that speaks to her commitment and drive in the field of broadcast journalism.

Quote to Live By:
“God is within her, she will not fail.”

Marketing Major
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Current Role:
People Solutions Consultant at Nike
Mya recently relocated to Oregon to begin her career at Nike, where she supports people-focused strategies and solutions within a global organization.

Long-Term Goals:
Mya’s ultimate goal is to achieve financial freedom, allowing her to build a life rooted in purpose, stability, and impact.

Program Impact:
“B.E.S.T. You Programming helped me grow in self-awareness, confidence, and connection with others who are also working toward becoming their best selves.”

Biggest Post-Graduate Accomplishment:
Moving to Oregon and starting her new role at Nike, a major milestone in both her personal and professional journey.

Words to Live By:
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
— Proverbs 31:25

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Communications (Broadcast Journalism) Major
Minor: Political Science

Current Role:
MarCom Development Program Associate
Tianna is building her career in marketing communications, gaining hands-on experience and growing her impact within corporate America.

Long-Term Goals:
Tianna is driven to create generational wealth and make a lasting impact, particularly within Black and Brown communities, by opening doors and increasing access to opportunities in corporate spaces.

Program Impact:
“I found some of my lifelong friends and sisters through B.E.S.T. You Programming. I also truly enjoyed mentoring the kids, it always reminded me why I’m so passionate about the work that I do, because these girls need role models they can look up to.”

Biggest Post-Graduate Accomplishment:
Securing a role at PNC, marking an exciting milestone in her professional journey.

Words to Live By:
“God is within her, she will not fall.”
— Psalm 46:5

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B.S. in Biology
Minor: Chemistry
Hometown: Bear, Delaware

Current Roles:
Medical Assistant at a Primary Care & Lifestyle Medicine Practice
Social Media Manager for an Allergy & Asthma Clinic
Hannah balances patient care with digital health communication, blending science, service, and creativity.

Long-Term Goals:
Hannah aspires to become a Physician Associate, serving communities with compassion, advocacy, and culturally competent care.

Program Impact:
“B.E.S.T. You Programming gave me the opportunity to be the big sister I always wanted to girls in the DC community. As one of the first organizations I joined at Howard, it gave me the confidence to be bold about taking up space, hold leadership positions, and advocate for initiatives I care about. Through BYP, I learned that mentorship truly fills my cup and is something I plan to carry with me throughout my career and the communities I serve. I also gained a beautiful group of sisters who I’m grateful to have experienced college with.”

Biggest Post-Graduate Accomplishment:
Moving into her own apartment and living independently for the first time—an experience that has helped her grow and learn more about herself.

Favorite Quote:
“Nothing will work unless you do.”
— Maya Angelou

Words of Encouragement:
Practice daily gratitude—especially when it’s hard to see the good. You’ll begin to recognize how abundant your life truly is. Never operate from a lack mindset.

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