Congratulations to our 2025 Scholarship Winners
Leilah Spalding
A senior at Renton High School and a Running Start student at Bellevue College, Leilah has demonstrated remarkable dedication to her academic and personal growth. Balancing college-level coursework with extracurricular activities, employment, and community service, she has cultivated a diverse skill set. Leilah plans to attend Howard University, majoring in Sociology, with aspirations to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her goal is to become a clinical psychologist specializing in brain trauma and mental health advocacy, particularly for athletes affected by Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)."Education is not just about personal success—it’s about uplifting others. I want to use my future in psychology to advocate for those whose struggles are often overlooked and create a lasting impact in mental health care." – Leilah Spalding
Kennedy Roberts, A graduating senior from Nikola Tesla STEM High School, Kennedy will attend Norfolk State University to study Marketing with a concentration in digital marketing. Her academic path reflects a strong foundation in STEM and business, including advanced coursework and hands-on experience. Beyond the classroom, Kennedy is a three-time varsity cheerleader, a member of her school's Equity Board, and the co-founder of her family’s business, LBK Customs LLC. She also served as the first Miss Washington HBCU Junior Teen, using her platform to promote representation and community empowerment. Kennedy aspires to become a marketing manager, combining her passion for creative strategy, digital innovation, and social impact.
"I’m committed to giving back through education, mentorship, and representation. When young Black students see themselves reflected in leadership and success, it builds confidence and creates new possibilities. I want to be a part of that change." – Kennedy Roberts
Misgana Kiflom
A standout senior at Shorewood High School, Misgana will attend Howard University, majoring in Political Science. With a 3.798 GPA, she has led her school’s Black Student Union, lobbied in the U.S. Senate, and spearheaded youth development programs. Inspired by her Eritrean heritage, Misgana is committed to using her future legal career to challenge systemic inequities and uplift marginalized communities through policy reform and justice-centered advocacy."I plan to become a lawyer in civil rights or immigration law. These areas are increasingly under attack, and I’m determined to be a voice for marginalized communities by challenging injustice through advocacy and policy." – Misgana Kiflom
Shareece S. Hayes
Finer Womanhood Scholarship
Seattle native Shareece S. Hayes is a graduate of Garfield High School and the University of Washington. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology & Society and Justice as well as a Masters in Social Work.
In the Winter of 1994, Shareece became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. by way of the citywide undergraduate Kappa Nu chapter, chartered at the University of Washington. As an undergraduate member, she held many positions including President. Shareece also helped charter the Rho Lambda Zeta chapter of SeaTac, WA in September 1999. Soror Hayes is behind the continued success of the Rho Lambda Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and the revitalization of the Kappa Nu chapter. It is because of her tireless efforts that the work of Zeta in Washington state prevails.
While pursuing her Master’s in Social Work, Soror Hayes was diagnosed with breast cancer. She suffered through six surgeries and memory loss and still graduated from her Master’s program with a 3.88 GPA.
Soror Shareece S. Hayes epitomizes the core values of Zeta Phi Beta. Her resilience, tenacity, and positivity in the face of adversity are admirable qualities that capture the spirit and essence of what it means to exemplify Finer Womanhood.
One of our founding principles is Scholarship. We strive to grow with each other while sharing knowledge, achieving scholastically, and supporting young women on the same path.
This scholarship is for one, graduating high school senior in King County Washington with a 2.5 GPA or better who is in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree. The ideal candidate exemplifies scholarly excellence while exhibiting leadership skills in their school and community. This scholarship is open to young women of all ethnicities but special consideration will be given to individuals who identify as Black or of the African Diaspora.
If you are interested in applying for the Shareece S. Hayes Finer Womanhood Scholarship, you can find the link below. For any additional questions, please email Rachael Steward at rlz2ndvp@gmail.com.