Since moving to Houston and immersing myself in the vibrant Third Ward community, I’ve become increasingly aware of the structural inequalities that permeate this area. The Third Ward, while rich in culture and history, faces significant disparities in access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Many residents struggle with inadequate public services and infrastructure, which starkly contrasts with the more affluent neighborhoods nearby. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these issues, highlighting the digital divide as many students and workers in this community lack reliable internet access, hindering their ability to participate fully in remote learning and work opportunities.
For my Capstone Project, I am deeply inspired to explore the financial and entrepreneurial challenges faced by residents in the Third Ward. I aim to understand how systemic barriers impact their economic mobility and what innovative solutions can be implemented to support local entrepreneurs. My research will focus on identifying successful models of community-based financial initiatives and examining how they can be tailored to empower individuals in historically marginalized neighborhoods. By highlighting these stories and solutions, I hope to contribute to a broader conversation on economic equity and foster sustainable development within the community.
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