From UVA Graduate to Forbes 30 Under 30: The Journey of a Nonprofit Trailblazer
Graduating from the University of Virginia (UVA) in 2018 with degrees in women, gender and sexuality studies and sociology, Wilson has carved a path of impactful change. Her efforts have earned her a coveted spot on Forbes magazine’s 2026 “30 Under 30” list.
Wilson’s transformative journey began during her study abroad experiences at UVA. “Whether it was in Brazil, Saint Kitts and Nevis, South Africa or Morocco, I was seeing the same narrative of marginalized communities living in poverty,” she explained. “That is where I started to connect the dots and gain language for my own experience, and that language made me realize that this is a macro issue that could also have a macro solution.”
A pivotal moment came when she traveled to Ghana through UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce. Visiting her familial homeland for the first time since childhood, she envisioned her potential to influence systemic change.
Engaging with major companies and tech startups in Accra, Ghana’s capital, brought a familiar proverb to mind: “What is lost to the sea, the waves will return.” This reinforced her belief in restoring dignity and opportunity to marginalized communities.
On returning to UVA, Wilson focused her research on the socioeconomic challenges facing Black women. This commitment led to the creation of a nonprofit aimed at enhancing Black women’s participation and success in STEM fields. The organization provides mentorship, skills training, and professional development support.
After graduating, Wilson had a job offer from Google but negotiated a six-month delay to launch her nonprofit. This initiative quickly expanded to a network spanning 33 countries, such as Ghana, Nigeria, the U.K., France, China, and South Korea.
“Attending UVA fundamentally changed the trajectory of my life and my family’s socioeconomic status,” Wilson stated. Her first role at Google marked a significant financial milestone, surpassing her mother’s earnings from a near 40-year nursing career.
After four successful years at Google, Wilson redirected her focus entirely to her nonprofit in 2023. The organization now supports women across more than 200 schools, boasting a 100% STEM degree completion rate. To date, members have secured $4.3 million in scholarships and obtained over 3,500 certifications.
Wilson’s achievements in fundraising are notable. “Being able to raise over a million dollars also puts me in the less than 1% of Black women who’ve been able to do so,” she acknowledged.
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