She Chose the Path Less Traveled—and Won: From STS Student to HBCU Valedictorian
From STS Freshman to HBCU Valedictorian: Danielle Jathan’s Journey of Purpose and Possibility
In 2021, Danielle Jathan stepped into her first STS Elite session as a biology major and eager freshman at LeMoyne-Owen College. Four years later, she’s graduating as the Valedictorian of her class, earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology, and preparing to move to Washington, D.C. to pursue her nursing dreams.
Her story isn’t just remarkable—it’s historic.
Danielle becomes the first STS student to complete all four years of the collegiate STS Elite program and graduate as an HBCU valedictorian, all while serving as Student Government President, earning recognition as a White House Initiative HBCU Scholar (2023), and completing internships every year with institutions like UPenn, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Her leadership, discipline, and heart for service culminated in being honored with the 2024 STS PIM (Professional in the Making) of the Year Award—a recognition that celebrates students who fully embrace STS values of purpose, growth, and excellence.
But behind the accolades is a defining moment that changed everything.
A Career Made Real
While Danielle had long held an interest in becoming a pediatric nurse, one crucial piece was missing—she had never met anyone who looked like her and had successfully walked that path.
STS’s Bridging the Gap Initiative changed that.
STS coordinated a 1:1 career conversation between Danielle and Dr. Jamila Smith Young, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, who also happens to be the First Lady of Memphis as the wife of Memphis Mayor Paul Young.
That conversation didn’t just inspire Danielle—it lit a fire. Hearing Dr. Young’s journey firsthand, from nursing student to doctorate-level practitioner and civic leader, gave Danielle the clarity and conviction she needed to pursue her next step.
This fall, Danielle will be relocating to Washington, D.C. to attend Trinity Washington University, where she will pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN-RN)—the next step in her journey to becoming a pediatric nurse.
“My journey with STS has been nothing short of memorable, and it continues to enrich my professional and personal growth,” Danielle shared. “Receiving this esteemed award fills me with profound gratitude. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire STS family, my dedicated coaches, and especially Jeremy Calhoun for their unwavering support on my path toward achieving my career goals. It is with great pride that I embrace my role as an STS PIM!”
Why This Moment Matters
Danielle’s story is more than a personal achievement—it’s a clear example of what happens when access, exposure, and community come together. Her transformation from a hopeful freshman to a nationally recognized leader shows what’s possible when students are seen, supported, and connected to real-world professionals through intentional design.
STS Enterprise Corporation was created for stories like hers—to help students bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement, and to create pathways where none seemed to exist.
Now, with a diploma in hand and purpose in her heart, Danielle Jathan isn’t just walking into her next chapter—she’s leading it.
