2023 Hamilton Scholar Mariam Kaba from Woonsocket, RI, is highly motivated and ahead of her time. As the oldest daughter and first-generation student, Mariam continues to step-up and take on a leadership role, serving as a role model for younger students while expressing her appreciation for life through community work.

Mariam received the first-ever Transform Rhode Island Scholarship, the only scholarship program of its kind in the United States. for her transformative idea of “Restoring the Village,” focused on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities in Rhode Island. Through TRIS, Mariam received a seat at the table as the Papitto Opportunity Connection invests $1 million to bring her idea to life. “Restoring the Village” includes mobilizing community members and organizations to implement her vision of a thriving Woonsocket. Elements of her vision include job aid and educational support – such as career exploration, financial literacy, and mental health wellness opportunities – for Woonsocket through dedicated community activities. Her work with TRIS subsequently earned her the Leadership RI Emerging Leader Award.

Additionally, Mariam is involved with a wide variety of extracurricular positions, including:

Vice President of Future Business Leaders of America-PBL school chapter; she places in state competitions and attends nationals.
Vice President and Event Coordinator for Silence Is Violence:401, a youth-led advocacy organization.
Peer Mentor at her school, assisting ninth graders in their high school transition. She is a part of the
Class Activities Officer for the 2024 student council and student government
Youth Ambassador for The WATCH Coalition
2020 Intern for Community Alliance: Working as a Youth on Youth Violence Research and Web Developer where her passion for advocacy and helping others began.

Mariam’s combination of experience, internships, and first-hand witnessing of what her community lacked and inner city violence, she’s become an active member of her school and community.