Mariah Cooley Testimonial

Mariah Cooley (B.A., ’23)
Political Science
Peoria, Illinois
Class of 2023

I would like to extend my greatest gratitude to the donors. This scholarship allowed me to graduate magna cum laude and speak at my college’s commencement ceremony. Words cannot describe how grateful my family and I are for this financial assistance; by investing in me you are investing in a Black woman who aims to change this world politically. Thank you.

I decided to major in political science because of my passion for equity, politics and justice. As someone who aspires to run for office in the near future, majoring in political science seemed the best fit for me to learn about the history of politics in the United States, as well as how to best set myself up for success.

Growing up in a racially divided city, I knew that I wanted to be in an environment where people look like me and also have the same work ethic as me. Howard is surrounded by people from all walks of life who strive for their passion, whether it’s in the arts or business. The inspiring alumni of Howard University further grew my passion to become a changemaker and trailblazer.

Upon graduation, I began to work for Community Justice Action Fund, a national gun violence prevention organization that addresses the root causes of gun violence in Black and brown communities. I worked on the Harris-Walz campaign as a coalitions advisor, covering the national gun violence prevention portfolio. As someone who came from very humble beginnings — being raised in a low-income household and as a Habitat for Humanity house recipient — without Howard University and the donor scholarship provided, I would not be where I am today. 

Howard shows you that everything is possible and within reach; it molds you into the person you were destined to become and gives you the resources to make that happen.