The St. Thomas Aquinas High School African American Heritage Club recently had the pleasure of welcoming back two distinguished alumnae of the Class of 2018, Jessica Boakye and Mildred Demby, both of whom have carved their paths as successful young entrepreneurs.
Jessica Boakye: Resilience, Creativity, Empowerment
Jessica Boakye, a Temple University graduate with a degree in risk management, has demonstrated unwavering resilience and creativity throughout her entrepreneurial journey. During her time at STA, Jessica initiated a clothing project for the African American Heritage Club, a passion that persisted into her college years. Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdowns, she pivoted her business, exploring new ideas, and continued expanding her product line.
As she navigates the entrepreneurial landscape, Jessica raises funds to support her growing enterprise. Her message to current students echoes themes of resilience, creativity, and empowerment, values she embodies in both her personal and professional pursuits.
Mildred Demby: Faith, Persistence, Success
Mildred Demby, currently a student at Rutgers University, has demonstrated a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. Initially running a small cosmetology business, she found inspiration to launch a fitted hat line based on the Negro League. Her hats not only exude fashion but also serve as conversation starters about a relatively unknown period of sports history.
Mildred faced a significant challenge when a car accident almost derailed her business aspirations. Undeterred, she launched her product line the following month and sold out the first run of hats. Her story is a testament to her unyielding spirit and determination. Mildred's advice to students is to have faith in God and in themselves, as it's the key to gaining the belief of others.
These two alumnae exemplify the creativity, resilience, and empowerment that STA seeks to instill in its students. These entrepreneurs leave an indelible mark on the school's legacy, encouraging students to embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth and success.