When Cecile Schreidah co-founded a nonprofit called Notable Narratives in 2020, she had no previous experience in the nonprofit field—just a passion for helping others.

“Creating and running Notable Narratives over the past five years has been both challenging and rewarding,” says Schreidah, a 2024 Brown University graduate. “It’s a journey I look forward to continuing.”

Notables Narratives connects first generation and/or low income high school students with college students with similar experiences and backgrounds. The college students mentor the high schoolers on their college essays, giving them the confidence to share their backgrounds, voices, and identities directly with college admissions officers. Since Schreidah helped found Notable Narratives, the organization has advised more than 2,000 students from all 50 states.

“I have been inspired by the students who I personally mentor as I watch them grow through the application process and achieve their goals, but also by the growth of the organization itself,” says Schreidah. “Watching the ripple effect of mentorship has reinforced my belief in the power of education and community.”

Through her work with the organization, Schreidah learned even more about herself.

“I discovered my passion for leadership, community building, and creating systems that impact students both locally and globally,” says Schreidah. “Education is not only a tool for mobility, but a social determinant for health.”

Schreidah, a 2020 Most Valuable Student scholar sponsored by Toledo-Sylvania, Ohio, Lodge No. 53, hasn’t only served with her own nonprofit. She attended the 2024 Elks Scholar Service Trip in Phoenix to serve in the name of the Order. Meeting Elks members and fellow Elks scholars reinforced Schreidah’s belief in the power of community.

“I entered the trip not knowing anyone, but I left with a deep sense of connection to the Elks scholars I served with and to the Elks community that brought us together,” says Schreidah.

As she enters medical school, Schreidah will lean on her past to guide her future.

“My service experiences directly align with my vision for a career in medicine,” says Schreidah. “One where the systemic barriers to education and healthcare are dismantled through mentorship, community, and advocacy.”

With the Weigel scholarship, Schreidah will attend the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.