The 2014 MLK Legacy Award goes to….
Babson Senior Nitaya Walker! See below for Nitaya’s reflection on the recognition, the statement that was read, and one of Nitaya’s “Walker’s Take on Business” segments from Babson TV!
If you’ve paid attention to the launch of Babson TV, you may have seen the first couple of episodes of “Walker’s Take on Business” where our student this year – Nitiya Walker – highlights the challenges and triumphs of minority businesses in Boston and at Babson.
Nitiya is a Senior and you may have also seen her leaving her legacy through Student Government Association as VP of campus activities. In this role, she works closely with various organizations on campus and also manages to dedicate time to managing community building projects through Origins of Necessary Equality (ONE Tower) that intentionally pulls together Diversity of All Kinds to learn, share and exchange knowledge and experiences.
Just as MLK did, Nitiya found a way for her voice to be heard by creating a documentary entitled “The 4%” that highlights vignettes the African/American experience and shines light on race relations on campus allowing for more dialogue, thinking and acting about inclusion. As if this weren’t enough- Nitiya acts on King’s principles through the creation of a non- profit called Seeds of Fortune that helps Black female high school students receive financial literacy education and assistance in finding financial aid for higher education.
One of her professors says ‘She’s a leader inside and outside of the classroom, a voice for justice and equality, and someone who turns that voice into concrete action that makes Babson and the world a more just place to live. For these reasons, please join me in congratulating Nitiya Walker with the MLK Legacy Leadership Award.
“Receiving the MLK Diversity Leadership Award was one of the highlights of my Senior year. I am devoted to progressing greater diversity on and off campus. This includes creating platforms that allow a variety of student ethnic groups on campus to voice and showcase their cultures. My documentary the 4% allowed me to be able to provide insight into the African American experience on campus, but it also reminded me of all the wonderful opportunities Babson provides for students to become the people they aspire to be.”
Regards,
Nitiya