Angel Buckley

I was born to a single mother on the south side of Chicago.  My 5 siblings and I were often homeless and abused in our childhood. By the age of 16, I was away from my family and in Chicago alone with just the help of my oldest sister.

 I managed to graduate high school in 2014 and went on to college to pursue a Bachelor’s of Art in Political Science. Being a first-generation college student, I struggled tremendously throughout undergrad to afford my education. I’ve worked a total of 11 jobs, and up to at least 3 at once, while remaining a full-time student throughout my entire college career.

 I have also been heavily involved in campus activities such as being a member of the National Council of Negro Women, Student Government Association, Illinois Board of Higher Education, and being appointed the Undergraduate University Advisory Committee Representative by the university President. Though it has been a struggle to take care of myself entirely while also attending school, I have managed to receive many academic awards, including the Merit Award for my entire department--that I’ve been awarded twice.

 I also believe in the importance of community and finding time to do service. This past summer, I helped develop the non-profit organization It Takes A Village Chicago, which is a free and discounted ride share service for women in Chicago in partnership with Lyft. I also volunteer regularly at Camelot’s Chicago Excel Academies throughout the Chicagoland area.

 Upon graduation May, I will be pursuing both an MBA and law degree. My plans are to not only expand my current business, Ask Angel Cleaning Services, but also open multiple types of businesses and invest in real estate. It is my hope to be able to use my property investments as safe havens for the inner-city youth of Chicago to offer meals and activities during school breaks and weekends. My ultimate goal is to produce capital so that I may create a legal clinic that offers pro bono aid to young people of color while simultaneously employing black and brown law students and lawyers to defend these clients.

 I need this grant because I have exhausted my federal loans for undergrad. I have received scholarships and worked off-campus in addition to campus work studies in order to pay my tuition but have fallen short.

 Receiving this grant will allow me to pay my remaining balance to my university and release my degree and transcripts so that I may continue to pursue my education and apply for post-graduation jobs.