Spotlight on Scholarship Winner Jena Queen

At Pond Lehocky Giordano, we are proud to recognize another exceptional student through our 25 Days of Scholarships initiative. Today, we celebrate the accomplishments and determination of Jena Queen, a rising senior at Howard University. Jena is pursuing a double major in Criminology and Political Science with a minor in Legal Communications, and she represents exactly the kind of grit, excellence, and purpose this scholarship program was designed to support.

Jena’s journey is one of remarkable perseverance. As a first-generation, low-income college student, she has carved her own path through higher education without the financial backing that many others take for granted. Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, by a single mother of four who is unemployed, disabled, and currently battling cancer, Jena has not let adversity slow her progress. Without loans, she has managed to complete two years of college — and she’s determined to finish what she started.

Her scholarship submission stood out immediately. In her video, Jena spoke candidly about the struggles she’s faced, but even more powerfully about her vision for the future. She is deeply passionate about becoming a Black scholar who uplifts others, challenges generational cycles of disadvantage, and inspires the next wave of Black students to achieve greatness. Her academic and extracurricular achievements speak volumes: she’s presented research on colorism in artificial intelligence at an international conference, earned membership in the Writing Honor Society at Howard, and participates in numerous pre-law and civic engagement organizations both on and off campus.

Jena recently completed an alternative spring break service trip in Nashville, Tennessee, where she mentored elementary and middle school students. She also volunteers with Columbia Community Care and the Jones Foundation for Returning Citizens, further reflecting her commitment to service and community empowerment.

With one year left in her undergraduate journey, Jena’s drive remains unwavering — despite currently being unable to register for classes due to a financial hold. This $1,000 scholarship will help alleviate that burden and bring her one step closer to her academic and professional goals.

Jena’s values – resilience, service, leadership, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of representation – embody the very mission of Pond Lehocky Giordano’s 25 Days of Scholarships. Her story is a testament to what students can accomplish when given the opportunity to pursue their dreams.