Featured Member: Maria Kennedy Lightfoot on HBCU CONNECT!

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Q&A With Maria Kennedy Lightfoot

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Maria Kennedy Lightfoot
Servant Leader Intern, Freedom School Partners
Location: Waxhaw, NC, NC United States
Joined: Aug 26th, 2025

About (request update)

Results-driven leader with experience in business administration, financial analytics, and the arts. At North Carolina Central University, I serve as captain of the Eagle Flight Dance Team, treasurer of the Repertory Dance Company, and a member of the Honors College, gaining skills in leadership, budgeting, and coordination. Professionally, I’ve worked as a Servant Leader Intern with Freedom School Partners mentoring K–12 students, a Pharmacy Technician managing accuracy in fast-paced operations, and an intern with OJG supporting financial analysis and client service. I also partnered with Duke University on research to improve Durham’s community school model. Passionate about integrating business, education, and the arts to empower minority communities.

Education (request update)

North Carolina Central University class of 2026

Undergrad Major: Finance

Campus Organization:

Alpha Kappa Alpha

Most Memorable Moment:

One of the most memorable moments of my college journey was becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. This milestone was not only the fulfillment of a personal dream but also a powerful reminder of the importance of service, sisterhood, and leadership in my life. Joining AKA allowed me to connect with a legacy of women who have made a profound impact in their communities and professions, and it motivated me to continue striving for excellence in everything I do. Through this experience, I have gained mentors and sisters who inspire me to push beyond my limits, while also being held accountable to uplift others. The values of Alpha Kappa Alpha align closely with my own, especially the commitment to education, service, and empowerment of minority communities. Becoming a member has strengthened my confidence and reaffirmed my purpose of using my talents in business, dance, and community engagement to positively influence those around me. Becoming captain of the Eagle Flight Dance Team was one of the most memorable moments of my college experience. Leading a team of talented dancers taught me the value of responsibility, collaboration, and perseverance. I had to balance choreography, practice schedules, and team dynamics, all while maintaining my academic and extracurricular commitments. This experience pushed me to grow as a leader and as a communicator, and it showed me how to inspire and support others while striving for excellence myself. One of the most memorable moments of my college career was participating in a research partnership with Duke University to improve the community school model in Durham. Being part of this project allowed me to apply my academic skills in real-world settings, analyzing data, developing strategies, and collaborating with educators to make a meaningful impact. It was exciting to see how research could directly influence educational programs and benefit students in the community. This experience also strengthened my critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership abilities. I learned how to navigate complex challenges, communicate findings effectively, and work alongside a diverse team of peers and mentors. Beyond the academic growth, this research reaffirmed my commitment to using my skills in business, education, and community engagement to create positive change, especially for minority communities.