FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello! My name is Liyah Wilson and I’m a very outgoing and dedicated student. I am extremely welcoming towards all forms of life and I have worked to advocate for Black, Asian American, and LGBTQ+ lives. I am a people person and I love to meet new friends. That's why the pandemic was so hard on me, with losing so many connections and being "distant" from others.
We grew so much as the class of 2021, and I'm so excited to be a part of this inaugural class of FOSSI scholars! I am devoted to creating more minority representation in the STEM field. As vice president of media in the program Kids Are Scientists Too (KAST), I taught science lessons to elementary students, guiding them on the path to become STEM stars. I also successfully ran the KAST Instagram account gaining 100 new followers this year and a dozen new virtual volunteers.
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
STEM is so important to me because creating more diversity and minority representation in such a male-dominated field is crucial for society to progress.
As an African American woman, being involved in STEM means I am part of a highly underrepresented group. This has caused me to feel discouraged from pursuing a career in science. However, I will not let that stand in the way of my ambitions and goals.
FOSSI: Fast forward – where do you see yourself in ten years?
After studying chemical engineering at North Carolina A&T State University and starting a career as a cosmetic chemist, I plan to create products to help manage the beauty in Black hair as an entrepreneur. I want to combine my passion for chemistry with my adoration for hair care. The natural hair movement of the 2010's focused on embracing Black hair in its natural state and emphasizing that Black is beautiful.
I want to research, experiment, and develop products that help Black women feel confident with their afros, braids, and buns. As far as long-range career plans, I want to speak at conferences and encourage a new generation of minority professionals in STEM. In ten years, I also see myself teaching chemistry courses at an HBCU like A&T!!
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
The fun fact about me is that I am a Black-Hebrew American. I honor the sabbath, celebrate Jewish holidays, and have even been Bat Mitzvahed! I dream to study abroad in Isreal in my upcoming college career. Along with my school-related extracurriculars, I also hold three jobs. At the age of twelve, I started my own dog walking company. Since then, I hired employees and have grown the business to several neighborhoods. Starting my own company has taught me the ins and outs of being an entrepreneur. I also work on an app called Koolooks, a social media platform made just for young women. I'd never seen diversity celebrated so prominently and beauty of all forms embraced.