Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Scholar Kwizi Ndogole is currently pursuing a degree in Marketing at the Community College of Denver (CCD) and is actively engaged in the DSF Seed Program. This program sets her on a path to transfer to Metropolitan State University of Denver to earn a bachelor’s degree, with potential majors in Marketing, Information Systems, or Digital Media Certification. Â
Kwizi is originally from Congo and emigrated to the United States landing in New York for the first time, in a community that didn’t resemble home and where her language was not spoken. She then moved to Colorado where her educational journey began at Denver Public Schools. She attended South High School, where she dedicated herself to applying for scholarships through the DSF Future Center. Even during high school, she showed her commitment to college by enrolling in concurrent classes at CCD.Â
DSF Campus Advisor Cynthia Gallegos and DSF Scholar Kwizi Ndogole
At CCD, Kwizi serves as a DSF Peer Mentor, collaborating with DSF Campus Advisors to support her fellow DSF scholars. Her responsibilities include encouraging DSF Scholars to register for upcoming semesters, aiding DSF Scholars in meeting their DSF requirements, and promoting DSF events on campus. She is also completing an apprenticeship that started during high school through Careerwise Colorado at Colorado Workforce Development Council.Â
Reflecting on her experiences as a DSF Scholar, she acknowledges the difficulties of balancing school full-time work but credits her perseverance to her determination and the support system DSF has provided. With the support of her DSF Campus Advisor, Elynn Price, who provided invaluable guidance and resources, Kwizi has persisted through college being closer to reach her goal in graduating from CCD in the upcoming year. As she prepares to transfer to MSU Denver, she remains grateful for the DSF Scholarship, which has been pivotal in her academic journey both in the financial and advisement component.Â
Her advice to fellow DSF Scholars emphasizes the importance of staying connected with DSF and leveraging the support networks the organization provides. Kwizi values the opportunities to attend networking events, where students can forge connections with industry leaders and fellow DSF Scholars. peers, leveraging networking opportunities, and fostering a supportive community to help build a community. She also encourages DSF Scholars to get out of their comfort zone by challenging themselves to find opportunities to explore. As connections continue to foster and grow, their confidence grows stronger which unlocks unlimited potential. Â
In the future, Kwizi aspires to achieve financial stability while pursuing her dream job, which involves entrepreneurship ventures and continuous personal growth. Whether she will be immersing her skills in information systems, design, arts or digital media, she remains committed to learning new skills while cultivating a creative outlet. She aims to blend her passion for creativity with professional growth, embracing new challenges and opportunities along the way.
