ETS Global Philanthropy’s Lenora M. Green Scholarship honors a legacy rooted in public service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity for others. It recognizes students who embody those values, driven not just by personal ambition, but by a deep sense of responsibility to uplift underrepresented communities and create meaningful change. Nyic’Quavayion Willis, 2025 scholarship recipient, reflects that spirit through a growing commitment to service, policy, and civic leadership. In this Q&A, he shares how Lenora M. Green’s legacy has shaped his vision for a future in public service, from mentoring young men across HBCUs to interning on Capitol Hill and pursuing a career in criminal justice reform. He reflects on the power of being invested in, the everyday acts of service that build stronger communities, and the responsibility young leaders carry to turn opportunity into impact. Together, his answers paint a picture of leadership grounded in humility, service, and the belief that lasting change is built by empowering others along the way.
Lenora M. Green was deeply committed to expanding opportunity. How do you see her legacy showing up in your own goals or values?
WILLIS: Lenora M. Green’s commitment to public service was truly inspiring. Her dedication to expanding opportunity for others reflects the kind of impact I hope to make through my own goals and values as I pursue a career in politics. I see her legacy showing up in my desire to advocate for communities that are often underrepresented and overlooked, ensuring that their concerns are not only heard but addressed through meaningful policy and action.
As someone aspiring to work in public service, I am especially motivated to use my platform to uplift the voiceless and create pathways for equitable access to education, economic opportunity, and civic engagement. Like Lenora M. Green, I believe leadership should be rooted in service and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others. Her example continues to inspire me to pursue politics not just as a career, but as a way to create lasting change for those who need it most.
How has this scholarship influenced how you think about giving back?
WILLIS: This scholarship has deepened my understanding of what it truly means to give back. Being invested in through this opportunity has shown me how powerful it is when someone believes in your potential, and that support has pushed me to strive for even more in my academic and professional journey. It has also made me more intentional about how I want to pour into others, because I know firsthand how impactful an investment in education and growth can be. As I continue pursuing my goals, I hope to give back through service, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others, especially those who may just need someone to believe in them the way this scholarship has done for me.
Service is a core part of your story. What’s a moment of service that changed you more than the people you were serving?
WILLIS: One moment of service that changed me more than the people I was serving was being selected to serve as Chief within HBCU Promise Inc., where I lead over 40 young men from different HBCUs across the nation. Stepping into this role pushed me to grow not only as a leader, but as a mentor and example, as I worked to guide young men, provide support, and expose them to opportunities that could shape their futures. Through this experience, I saw firsthand the true scope of leadership and how impactful it can be when you are fully committed to serving others with intention. It challenged me to be more disciplined, patient, and accountable, and ultimately reinforced my belief that meaningful service transforms the leader just as much as those being served.
What’s a small, everyday act of public service you think is underrated but transformative?
WILLIS: There are many subtle yet powerful acts of service, but I believe one of the most underrated is simply holding the door for someone. It may seem small, yet it reflects awareness, respect, and consideration for others in shared spaces. In a world where people often move quickly and focus on themselves, that brief moment of kindness can shift someone’s mood and remind them that community still exists in everyday interactions.
How has your time been interning in the U.S. Capitol reshaped your sense of responsibility as a young leader?
WILLIS: My time interning in the U.S. Capitol working under Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) has been monumental in reshaping my sense of responsibility as a young leader. Being in that environment showed me that policy is not just theoretical, but something that directly impacts real communities and everyday lives, which truly sparked my interest in pursuing a career in policy. It made me more aware of the level of preparation, accountability, and intention required to lead effectively, and it reinforced my desire to use my future in public service to advocate for underrepresented voices and create meaningful change through thoughtful policymaking.
As you look toward a career in criminal justice, what personal experience drives your passion the most?
WILLIS: As I look toward a career in criminal justice, one experience that has driven my passion the most was serving on a research committee focused on criminal justice policy reform. Through this opportunity, I was able to closely examine the flaws and gaps within the system and see how policy decisions directly impact individuals and communities. Witnessing these issues firsthand strengthened my belief in the need for more rehabilitative and restorative approaches rather than solely punitive ones. That experience solidified my commitment to pursuing a career where I can help shape a more equitable and effective justice system that prioritizes both accountability and meaningful opportunities for rehabilitation.
Ten years from now, if someone describes your contributions to society in a single sentence, what would you hope they say?
WILLIS: Ten years from now, I hope someone would say that Nyic’Quavayion knew he couldn’t change the world alone, but built and empowered a generation of leaders who together transformed their communities and expanded opportunities for those who once went unheard.