Kwanesia Ellis has always been an ambitious and driven young woman. The Armstrong University student has worked hard on the path to becoming a professor, and now, after winning a $200 grant in the #RealSuperheroes Challenge, she is one step closer to making that dream a reality! Kwanesia took some time to share her story and her next steps with us.

What is your professional dream?

I want to become a marketing and public relations professor.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?

I finally have a job in my career field! When I started with 1,000 Dreams Fund, I was still pursuing my undergraduate degree. This grant will help me towards living expenses as I move to a new city and work full-time while I finish my masters degree. With this grant, I’ll get experience to better help my future students grow and learn, not only from classroom learning but from my knowledge of first-hand experience in the workforce. 

That’s great! What advice do you have for other young women looking to go for their dreams?

NEVER let anyone tell you that you can’t. Also, intern as much as possible. During my time in college, I completed 6 internships. They helped me get not only my current career but also my graduate assistantship that I held for a year prior to this big move. 

Great advice. Did you experience any setbacks? How did you get around them?

My biggest setback was time management! I moved fast — I graduated from undergraduate in May 2015 and started my masters program in June 2015. I kept a planner, and that’s how I balanced EVERYTHING. Without my agenda, I wouldn’t have made it!

So what’s next for you? 

My next goal is to complete my PhD, teach at a community college, and work full-time. Once I complete my PhD, I will transition into preferably a tenure track professorship.