Hi everyone,

My name is Erica, and I’m reaching out to ask for your support for this incredible young lady, Khiya—affectionately known as Aki. She’s a bright, artistic, kind-hearted young woman from East St. Louis, IL, a place where challenges like violence, drugs, and teen pregnancy are all too common. But Aki has taken a different path—one of discipline, service, and dreams for a better future.

This fall, Aki is set to become the first in her immediate family to attend and, hopefully, finish college—a huge milestone not just for her, but for our entire family and community. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA, ranked #5 in her class, and plans to major in Business and minor in Art, which is where her heart truly lies.

She’s a gifted tattoo artist and volunteers at the local library, where she teaches watercolor painting classes to both teens and adults. Her compassion and drive are truly beyond her years. She’s not just dreaming big—she’s already giving back.

While Aki has applied for multiple scholarships, she hasn’t heard back yet, and is preparing to take out student loans. But I want to do everything I can to help her avoid starting her life burdened by over $100,000 in debt.

Aki’s parents have done all they can to give their children a good life. They want to help her go to college—even if it means taking out loans themselves.

Aki’s journey to college is also deeply meaningful for her family. Her father started college but had to put his education on hold when Aki’s mother became pregnant with her. He stepped up to support his growing family—and while he never got the chance to finish school, this is Aki’s opportunity to fulfill that dream for both of them. Supporting her education is not just an investment in her future, but a tribute to the sacrifices her father made.

And none of this would be possible without Aki’s mother—a woman whose entire life is rooted in service and giving back. She’s the kind of person who will give you the shirt off her back without hesitation. Every year, she hosts Smooth’s Toy Drive, an annual Christmas event where she donates thousands of toys to children in East St. Louis. The toy drive was started in honor of her brother, Aki’s uncle, who was tragically murdered in 2012 due to gun violence.

Instead of allowing grief to harden her, she turned heartbreak into purpose—choosing to uplift others and bring joy to families in need during the holidays. Whether she’s mentoring young mothers, helping neighbors, or organizing community events, everything she does is grounded in love and giving back. That same spirit lives in Aki.

In 2016, my best friend and I started a nonprofit, The Pratcher-Davis Foundation, for this very reason—to help students from communities like ours get to college. I was fortunate to receive a full athletic scholarship for volleyball. My best friend, now a successful attorney, had to take out loans she’s still paying off. We understand firsthand how hard it can be.

I know people can be hesitant to donate to causes like this, unsure if the funds will be used responsibly. Please know that as the co-founder of a nonprofit foundation, I promise to personally ensure that every dollar raised will go directly toward Aki’s tuition and education-related expenses—nothing else. It will be managed through the Pratcher-Davis Foundation’s account (our website is down right now reason why we’re going through GoFundMe).

Even more inspiring, Aki has vowed that if she receives more than she needs, she’ll help her cousin, a second-year college student facing the same financial struggle. That’s just who she is.

If you’re able to donate, thank you. If you can’t, please consider sharing this post. No act of support is too small. Let’s help Aki walk into this next chapter knowing that her village has her back.

With deep gratitude,

Erica

Co-Founder, The Pratcher-Davis Foundation