Brandi Jean-Baptiste
Edward Waters College
Ms. Brandi Jean-Baptiste, a sophomore majoring in Criminal Justice at Edward Waters College, has established herself to be a servant leader especially in the area of social justice. Since her arrival on campus two years ago she has been a voice for her peers presenting their issues to administration. Ms. Jean-Baptiste accepted the role of President of the campus NAACP her freshman year and is currently leading her cabinet in writing a grant to obtain the funding needed to renovate the Student Union Building. Her work with the New Town Success Zone, a community engagement and development initiative in partnership with the College, has served to help build relationships between the community and the college. She also serves as the President of the College Residence Hall Council and Vice President of the Pre-Alumni Council and is an active member of the Student Government Association, Cafeteria Committee and History Club. What is most remarkable is how she is able to encourage her peers to become engaged in her initiatives to bring about change. Through her work with the New Town Success Zone Vision Keepers she is leading the charge for voter registration, Clean Street Initiatives and food distribution.
Personal Statement
"Passion Drives Success"...all of my life I have been motivated by this quote as it keeps me focused and inspires me to work harder. I developed a strong sense of community at an early age which grew into a personal commitment to help others. As a youth in West Palm Beach Florida, I would organize and lead neighborhood beautification and charity drives which provided food, clothing, and personal hygiene items to those in need. I would also visit the local elementary and middle schools making presentations about African American History, the law and legal issues.
Currently, I serve as President of the Edward Waters College chapter of the NAACP. We work to bridge the gap between our institution and the surrounding community. I am also actively involved with the Vision Keepers initiative of the New Town Success Zone, a neighborhood based organization in partnership with the College which engages the community in addressing social issues that impact their quality of life. I am passionate and driven to excel at being a servant leader and through the pursuit of higher education, I am positioning myself to have a positive impact on my community, state and nation.
