By: Cameron Pellegrino '27
Kyla-Journey Womack, a junior UMass journalism student, won a prestigious scholarship award granted by the African American Female Professor Award Association (AAFPAA). She was named one of three outstanding individuals from the school who demonstrate scholarship and leadership, under the theme: “Revealing Power Through Truth: Leading With Vulnerability.”
Womack, who is also a journalism peer advisor, was the only undergraduate to receive the award. The other two UMass recipients were graduate student Imani J. Wallace and Clinical Professor Dr. Gabrielle P. Abelard. The trio will be recognized at the 9th Annual AAFPAA Crown & Gown Gala on Nov. 8th, which will take place at the Hotel Northampton from 6-10 p.m.
She was initially steered toward the opportunity by Dr. Felicia Griffin Fennell, who serves as the director of the SBS Rise program. Applications requested a 500-word essay on how diversity and cultural competence enhance the college experience and why the experience is just as valuable as academics. It also asked for a more personal note on what the applicant does to enhance cultural awareness and ensure inclusion for all students campus-wide.
“I talked about noticing diversity on the UMass campus, and cultural competence is something I always knew about, but never knew the name for,” Womack said. “In terms of enhancing cultural awareness, I’m the co-editor-in-chief of a student-run journalism publication called The Rebirth Project. I am also a RISE Fellow, and they help bridge the gap between students that are in SBS RISE.”
SBS RISE stands for Remedying Inequity through Student Engagement. The program is designed for undergraduate students in SBS who identify as first-generation students, students of color and low-income students. These underrepresented students are then connected with relevant resources and faculty to provide them specialized academic opportunities. Needless to say, Womack’s campus involvement fit the criteria flawlessly.
As a sponsor of AAFPAA, the University’s Office of the Provost plans to highlight Womack and the other scholarship winners in an upcoming issue of Inside UMass — the school’s weekly digital newsletter for faculty and staff. The newsletter intends to build community and foster connections at UMass by sharing the latest news and achievements around campus.
Womack’s scholarship experience is a testament to the value of taking chances. A submission that seemed unattainable and quickly became an afterthought turned into an unexpected honor. In the end, a simple application had an impact she never anticipated.
“Honestly, I submitted it and didn’t think anything of it — I finished it in 45 minutes,” Womack said. “Once I got the email back, I was just like, ‘Oh, I won an award!’ It was just really shocking.”