She’s Earning Her Degrees—Let’s Get Her in the Room sent

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One thing I always tell the girls is this: A college degree will open the door. Who you know will let you into the room. What you know will help you stay there. From Trivia Queen to Co-President: Lidiya’s TCI Journey In our last newsletter, I shared Maia's story, a testament to what happens when a Black girl is seen, supported, and surrounded by the community. Today, I'd like to introduce you to someone just as special: Lidiya, also known as Hustle. Every parent I know eventually learns to read their kids like a book. I'm not a parent myself, but when it comes to these girls, I get it. Especially Hustle and Slick. They're emotional twins. Ride-or-die competitors. Partners in strategy and ambition. I call Lidiya Hustle because that's exactly who she is. Put her in a room full of strangers, and she'll walk out with a list of contacts, three follow-up meetings, and probably a new opportunity or two. Networking is second nature to her. Turning plans into action? Even more so. We have student e-board co-presidents because of Lidiya. It was her idea. She and Maia both wanted the position, so Lidiya did what ambitious leaders do. She came up with a plan. Together, they pitched the concept of co-presidency. It was bold. It was brilliant. And it worked. Lidiya's Hustle isn't just about titles. It's about heart, it's about strategy, it's about sisterhood. One of my favorite memories takes me back to our early days when we were just six girls deep. We would play a game I call, Trivia for Some Change. It was our way of slipping in Black history lessons while giving them a little extra spending money. The rules were simple: no Google or social media. They could use their own knowledge, a mentor, or a family member as a lifeline. The first to answer correctly won $10–$20. If there was a tie, they could go double or nothing.  One day, Hustle cleaned me out. She kept winning. And winning. And winning. After she hit $100 in a single game, I told her she had to tap out and give someone else a chance. So she turned around and started helping Maia win. When I asked her why she helped Maia? She simply said, “Even though we were competitors it still felt like we were on the same team.” That’s Lidiya in a nutshell. She is a fierce competitor, a generous teammate, and a connector who builds community wherever she goes. Her Hustle isn’t just about how she works a room. It’s about how her heart shows up, too. She’s always the first to check on her cohort mates, making sure everyone feels included, heard, and seen. Her spirit echoes the heart of a million Black women before her: resilient, nurturing, and powerful. Lidiya understands the assignment every single time. When I first created TCI, it was structured as a two-year program. But Lidiya changed that. During her freshman year, she looked me in the eye over dinner and said she couldn’t imagine not having TCI in her junior and senior years and that “TCI has to be a four year program”. And just like that, we became a four-year program. That’s who she is: fearless in her truth, always respectful, always thoughtful. Even when the TCI Mama Bear (me) has to check her, she takes it in stride but still stands on business. She doesn’t shrink. She speaks up. Respectfully but powerfully and with clarity. And that’s exactly what our girls need in this world—not just confidence, but conviction. The Power of Mentorship: How Lidiya Is Building Her Network, Her Career—And Her Confidence Her mentor Kourtney, USC alum, is an assistant grant manager by day, real estate agent and fitness guru by night, and social media brand-builder always. She’s hustle personified, which makes her the perfect match for Lidiya. Kourtney does more than guide Lidiya. She walks beside her. She takes her to events, helps shape her resume, builds her confidence, and models how to move with purpose. Whether it’s R&B yoga, a downtown hotspot, or sports networking event, Kourtney keeps Lidiya polished and prepared. Recently, Kourtney invited her to an NFL networking event—and it was a game-changer. Lidiya connected with Black professionals from the NFL, Clippers, Dodgers, Amazon Studios, and other notable organizations. And Kourtney didn’t just tell her about the event—she helped her prepare. From practicing her 30-second pitch to coaching her on building meaningful relationships, she made sure Lidiya was ready to walk in with purpose. At that event, Lidiya met someone from the TV production team at Fox Sports. For Lidiya, it was a full-circle moment. Back in 2023, during a rock climbing excursion, we stood across the street from the Fox Sports building. I turned to her and said, “One day, you’re going to work there.” She smiled and said, “That would be everything—I hope so!” Now, two years later, she’s taking meetings in that very building. Legacy & Future: Lidiya’s Next Chapter Lidiya was accepted into USC’s Annenberg’s Communication Management progressive degree program, a customizable track designed to deepen her expertise in communication strategy, content, and community, as well as tech innovation and the ever-evolving world of AI. Through this program, she will continue to expand her global network and refine her skills to lead across various industries. Lidiya will graduate with not just her Bachelor’s but also her Master’s from USC. Last week, Lidiya and I were chatting on FaceTime, and she shared that she’s still debating between the business side and the on-camera side of sports journalism. I asked her, “Why not both?” and I instantly could see her gears turning. It made perfect sense to me. Lidiya isn’t either-or. She’s both-and. She’s legacy and future. Hustle and heart. She’s everything we hope for in the next generation of Black women leaders. Both Kourtney and I are pushing Lidiya to launch her professional social media presence, but of course perfectionism has got girlfriend in a chokehold. But that’s why mentorship matters because it’s not just about advice and preparations; it’s about vision, strategy, and having someone in your corner saying, “Just do it!” Their Hustle. Our Help. Real Impact. Our girls are doing their part: they’re earning their degrees and showing up ready. Now, it’s on us to get them in the room. And that takes resources. Let’s continue setting them up for success—by building bridges and ensuring no girl misses an opportunity because of she doesn’t have the rideshare fare or the registration fee. Your donation directly supports the full cost of networking opportunities— whether that means contributing to us hosting our own events or helping a young woman attend one. This includes, but is not limited to: Transportation for mentees to and from the event. Catering to create a welcoming, professional environment. Honorariums for guest speakers and facilitators. Venue rental and event setup. Full sponsorship for a mentee to attend a professional networking event. Help us sponsor a TCI-hosted networking event. Your gift opens doors, builds bridges, and creates full-circle moments. Support the future of Black women leaders like Lidiya—donate today. Donate Here View email in browser · Los Angeles, Ca 90006 · USA update your preferences or unsubscribe