Honor Society® member
Leala Smith
- finance
- Class of 2026
- Carmel, Indiana
Member since July 2025
About
At 17, I’m a proud African American high school senior in Indiana, known for my intelligence, kindness, and unwavering dedication. As a cheerleader, I bring energy and spirit to every game, while also serving as a leader in various school organizations. Balancing academics and extracurriculars, I strive to inspire others through my actions and commitment. Family means the world to me, especially my three sisters who motivate me daily. With a heart for service and a passion for leadership, I aim to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.
Education
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Brebeuf Jesuit
2022 – 2026
Honors and awards
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National Juniors Honors Society
Throughout middle school I have maintained a certain GPA to be named in the National Juniors Honors Society. This has helped me get scholarships into my high school - Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
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National Honors Society
In high school, I was asked to join the NHS. Eligibility is determined by my cumulative grade point average (GPA) which must meet or exceed our chapter’s standard for eligibility currently set at 3.5.
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Lilly Endowment Nominee
The program provides full-tuition, required-fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for required books for four years of undergraduate study on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any accredited Indiana public or private n
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2025 HBCU Tour and Black Heritage Experience
For the September 2025 Brebeuf Jesuit HBCU Tour and Black Heritage Experience I received a ¾ coverage scholarship that allows me to embark on my journey of finding colleges and universities I am interested in.
Goals and interests
- Career goal
I intend to own my own hair business that enhances black culture and gives confidence to my community.
- Graduate school interests
My graduate school interest is to pursue an MBA in Finance. As a young Black woman preparing to attend an HBCU, I know how powerful it is to be in spaces that celebrate both academic excellence and cultural identity. I want to use graduate school as a way to deepen my knowledge of financial management, investments, and entrepreneurship so that I can help create opportunities in my community and break down barriers that often keep people of color from building generational wealth. Attending graduate school will not only strengthen my professional skills but also position me to mentor other young Black students who want to follow a similar path in business and finance.
- Outside the classroom
Varsity Cheerleading Senior Captain
Volunteer at MLK Center Summer Camp
VP of Young Women of Color Club
Executive Board of Black Student Union Club
Manager of Boys and Girls Track & Field Team
Youth Leader at New Life Community Church
Member of Leadership Connection (Carmel Rotary Club)
Experience
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small business owner
I own my own hair business and have since June 2022. I work at home or at the client's home.
Jun 2022 – Aug 2025
Volunteering
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Volunteer at MLK Summer Camp
MLK Center
Jun 2025 – Jul 2025
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Volunteer
Grace Church
Apr 2025 – May 2025
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
