FOSSI scholar Aubria King, a student at Spelman College, is turning innovative ideas into national recognition. After winning first place in the Ally Moguls in the Making pitch competition, Aubria and her team were featured on The Jennifer Hudson Show and 11Alive News, highlighting their work supporting small businesses and advancing economic mobility in underserved communities.
In this interview, Aubria reflects on how her experiences at Spelman shaped her approach to the competition, the lessons she learned navigating challenges in college, and how being a FOSSI Scholar prepared her for what comes next.
Congratulations on winning first place at the Ally Moguls in the Making pitch competition. What inspired your idea, and how did your experience at Spelman help shape your approach?
Winning first place was deeply meaningful because our idea was rooted in economic empowerment. My team and I recognized that uplifting small businesses through knowledge and access to capital is essential to advancing economic mobility, particularly in underserved communities.
Our concept was shaped by field exploration in Detroit, where we engaged directly with local entrepreneurs. One business that stood out was Good Cakes and Bakes, founded by April Anderson. Despite challenges like COVID-19 and reduced foot traffic, her bakery continued to thrive. From her experience, we gained insight into the resilience strategies and community connections that support long-term success.
We also explored why some businesses struggle. April Anderson connected us with Dana White, founder of Paralee Boyd, a Detroit-based walk-in hair salon franchise for women with thick and curly hair. Although Dana White made history as the first Black woman to launch a national hair salon franchise, the business ultimately closed due to high overhead costs and lack of tailored support.
Comparing these experiences helped us identify structural gaps facing small businesses and informed the solutions we proposed.
My experience at Spelman profoundly shaped my approach. It taught me to be community-centered and socially aware, pushing me to listen intentionally and remain solution-oriented. Spelman also instilled the true meaning of sisterhood. I had the privilege of collaborating with four brilliant Spelman women, and together we combined our strengths to create impact beyond the competition.
As you continue your studies at Spelman, what have been some of the biggest challenges or breakthroughs in your coursework so far? How have those experiences helped you grow academically and personally?
One of the biggest challenges, and ultimately one of my greatest blessings, has been learning how to navigate rejection.
At Spelman, you’re surrounded by exceptionally brilliant women competing for the same opportunities. Prior to Spelman, I was used to receiving most opportunities I pursued, so facing rejection was initially difficult. Over time, it became a turning point for my growth.
Rejection taught me resilience and pushed me to approach setbacks as redirection rather than failure. I became more intentional about strengthening my applications, refining my professional presence, and seeking feedback.
Over the past three years, this shift has helped me sharpen my interview skills, enhance my resume, and grow in confidence and clarity. These experiences have made me more disciplined, self-aware, and persistent. I now approach challenges with a growth mindset and feel prepared for what comes next.
Being featured on The Jennifer Hudson Show and 11Alive News is an incredible milestone. What did it mean to represent Spelman, HBCUs, and FOSSI on such a visible platform?
This moment was both humbling and affirming. It was never just about personal recognition. It was an opportunity to advocate for greater investment in HBCU students and highlight the brilliance and innovation across our campuses.
Through the partnership between the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Ally Financial, we were given the tools and visibility to fully showcase our talents. It demonstrated what’s possible when HBCU students are intentionally resourced and empowered.
Representing Spelman, HBCUs, and FOSSI meant continuing the legacy of using our intellect to create meaningful change. I hope this moment encourages more companies to invest in HBCU students by expanding access, mentorship, and opportunities.
As you look ahead toward graduation, how has being a FOSSI Scholar shaped your readiness for what comes next? What advice would you share with current and future FOSSI scholars who hope to be in your position one day?
Being a FOSSI Scholar has been transformative. Beyond financial support, the career readiness programming, professional development, and network access have positioned me to move forward with confidence and clarity.
Graduating without loan burden gives me the freedom to pursue opportunities aligned with my goals, rather than financial pressure.
FOSSI has also strengthened my professional identity. Through mentorship and exposure to industry leaders, I’ve developed stronger communication skills, greater career awareness, and the ability to navigate competitive spaces with confidence.
My advice to current and future scholars is to pursue opportunities that stretch you. Step into rooms that challenge you and remain committed to growing.
Even when you face setbacks, keep going. Each experience is preparing you for what’s ahead.
Most importantly, remember this journey isn’t just about personal success. It’s about expanding access, creating pathways for others, and using every opportunity to uplift the communities and future scholars who will follow.
Thank you to our sponsor
FOSSI extends its sincere thanks to AbbVie for supporting our FOSSI scholars and investing in their futures. By opening doors to STEM education at HBCUs, AbbVie is helping talented students pursue their ambitions and develop the skills needed to shape the future of STEM.
Join us in shaping the future of STEM. Discover how your company can create a lasting impact on tomorrow's leaders as a FOSSI sponsor.