Inspiring Conversations with Divine Collins of Being One Smart Sista

Hi Divine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My parents were 16 and 17 years of age when I was born. By age 22, my parents had four additional kids. Inevitably, our circumstances created numerous barriers that could stifle my entire family’s financial and personal advancements. Given these barriers, I managed to strive exceedingly in grade school. However, during my senior year of high school, I had little to no support with how to navigate the transition from high school to college. I would be a first-generation high school graduate and college student. This process was not only foreign to me but also to my parents. During my senior year, I managed to secure the Gates Millennium Scholarship — which allowed me to attend my dream school (Spelman College) debt-free. This scholarship erased the burden of financial concerns from my college experience and allowed me to solely focus on my academic and professional goals. Throughout my time at Spelman, I was able to secure many other scholarships. A number of these scholarships afforded me the best LSAT preparation courses, the cost of the LSAT, and law school applications.

As a result, I performed exceptionally on the LSAT and now attend the #4 law school in the nation, the University of Chicago. Even with these opportunities, I found myself doubting my capabilities in spaces majority white and/or male. Because I lacked professionals within my own family, my mentors were my saving grace in these spaces. However, my belief is that if I had professional mentors at the high school level related to my experience as a Black woman, I would conquer these spaces with more confidence. Thus, I decided to start an organization that focused on the professional development of Black women in their senior years of high school. My program Being One Smart Sista (B.O.S.S.), aims to increase the number of Black women in four-year institutions and in professional careers.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
So far, the road has not been completely smooth. I decided to start my organization in the middle of a pandemic. Though it is easier to reach more students through virtual platforms, maintaining the necessary connection to form a meaningful mentor relationship is more of a challenge. Many of us underestimated the advantages that came with person-to-person contact in forming new relationships on all levels. However, even in this climate, I have made it my goal to connect with any and all students who need my assistance.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Being One Smart Sista (BOSS) is a non-profit organization aimed at the empowerment of young Black women. The organization’s team consists of myself, fellow Spelman Alumnae Arriyanna Patton and Yolanda “Daisy” Chapman, and Howard alumna Auriana Hollister. Our organization is for Black women and is run by Black women. Through BOSS, Black women in their senior year of high school are paired with a Black woman professional or college student — to serve as a mentor — who best aligns with their goals. The mentors work individually and collectively with the students on their college and scholarship applications and professional development skills. The BOSS team is most proud of our Black Girl Power. Institutions like Spelman and Howard are known for instilling confidence in Black women to conquer a world built against us, and we are excited to contribute to this mission. Our aim is to be a staple for securing college acceptances and scholarship funds for Black women everywhere.

What were you like growing up?
Well, my father spent a lot of my childhood incarcerated, which forced my mom to work multiple jobs at a time for our family’s survival. As the oldest, I was more aware of our unfortunate circumstances than my siblings. However, being a child, the most I could give to my mom was to remain focused on my goals — becoming a lawyer. I spent the majority of my free time reading and writing (I often wrote raps in elementary school). My grandmother was an educator, so I would take some of her advanced math books and challenge myself on all the math problems. I wasn’t very good, but I always took on the challenge. I grew an immense passion for education. Outside of my love for academics, I was pretty stern but compassionate. I stood up for people who were overlooked or bullied. I had a natural passion for speaking up for those who were either too afraid or chose not to speak up for themselves. My favorite memories are from my times serving as Class Council and SGA VP all throughout high school. In my personal time, I played the viola and the guitar; and from time to time, joined some athletic teams.

Contact Info:

• Email: Beingonesmartsista@gmail.com
• Website: Beingonesmartsista.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingonesmartsista/

Image Credits
@Adoshots