N.C. A&T’s Atkinson Receives 2019 Finding Ashley Stewart Scholarship

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Sept. 20, 2019) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University sophomore Lauren Atkinson of Raleigh has been awarded a 2019 Finding Ashley Stewart Scholarship. 

Atkinson, who is pursuing a B.S. in supply chain management from the university’s College of Business and Economics (CoBE), received the $5,000 scholarship Sept. 14 during the third annual Finding Ashley Stewart finale event.

“The weekend was an amazing experience and I am so grateful to Ashley Stewart. Being on the stage, I felt like I was being cheered on, loved and empowered,” Atkinson said.

Atkinson said she is very excited for what this school year holds for her.

“There are so many opportunities in the College of Business and Economics and around campus,” she said. “I am ready to take advantage and be the best me!”

After graduation, Atkinson would like to start her supply chain management career or continue her education to obtain a master’s degree.

“Currently, I am heavily interested in procurement and I am looking for an internship this summer so I can learn more about it and gain new skills and experience,” she said. “Logistics and transportation also spark my interest, so I think I will end up in one of those fields.”

Ashley Stewart, the leading lifestyle, fashion and social commerce brand, celebrated all women who stand for leadership, confidence, resilience, kindness and public service at the sold-out event at The Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The finale, which capped the search for Ashley Stewart’s 2019 brand ambassador, featured Emmy Award-winning comedian Loni Love as emcee with performances by Salt-N-Pepa, Faith Evans, Kid Capri, DJ Olivia Dope and BK United Drumline and Dancers. Producer and media mogul Yandy Smith, drag queen and performer Silky Ganache and journalist and essayist Charisse Jones were among the event’s guests and judges.

As part of Ashley Stewart’s #ASGives initiative, a philanthropic platform for long-term investments in the communities that that have supported the brand for nearly 30 years, the 2019 Finding Ashley Stewart finale event awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships and charitable donations.

Ashley Stewart partnered with N.C. A&T in 2017 to launch the Ashley Stewart Leadership Scholarship, which is designed to help empower women through education. In conjunction with the $10,000 scholarship launch, the university offered a Big Ideas Conference with the brand, including its Executive Chairman and CEO James Rhee.

Lydeah Kearse, a CoBE student and competitive dancer, won the inaugural scholarship while marketing student Alexandria Marrow, who operates her own cupcake business called Sweets by Alexandria, was one of Ashley Stewart’s 2018 scholarship winners.

Atkinson said receiving a scholarship from Ashley Stewart has made a lasting impact on her life.

“I truly hope this finale continues on for many years and only gets bigger,” she said. “The support I received from that night is something I will always remember. I know they will always be rooting for me.”