Khara Brown’s Inspiring Journey: Resilience and Courage at Montclair State University

As a high school senior, Khara Brown advocated for a leadership conference for young women during a recruitment event with Montclair State University. Inspired by a similar program for boys, she urged University leaders to create the same opportunity for girls. After enrolling at Montclair, she helped plan and successfully launch the initiative. What she couldn’t have imagined at the time was how her own journey would come to exemplify the conference’s theme of resilience and courage.

On November 21, Montclair hosted its 10th annual Women’s Leadership Conference, organized by the University’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF). Centered on the theme “Triumph Over Trauma: Transforming Pain into Power,” the event empowered young women by addressing critical challenges like mental health struggles and trauma – issues disproportionately affecting underrepresented and low-income populations.

For Brown, the theme of healing is more than just a concept – it’s a reality she has lived. After overcoming life-threatening challenges that began during her sophomore year, she has since returned to school and is on track to graduate in May 2025. At this year’s conference, she was honored with a Triumph Over Trauma Award, recognized in front of more than 350 high school students, educators, community leaders and artists.

“It’s definitely not where I thought I’d be,” Brown said. “I didn’t expect to come this far, but I’m glad I did. I’m here in my grandmother’s name, and that means a lot to me. On days when I don’t feel like I can keep going, I remind myself that I’m doing this – for her and for myself.”

The Women’s Leadership Conference – and its companion event, the Boys to Men Conference – serves not only as a source of inspiration and education but also as a pathway to enrollment. High school students are introduced to the admissions process, scholarships and support, showcasing strategies that emphasize Montclair’s commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for Black, Latine, and first-generation women to thrive in higher education.

“We want the scholars to know they’re not alone and that there are a wealth of resources to help them heal and grow,” said Dr. Daniel Jean, Associate Provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs.

Khara’s Story 

In 2015, Brown faced a 97% fatality diagnosis after being hospitalized with catastrophic intestinal failure, paralyzed and barely able to speak. Despite the odds, she remained determined. In introducing her during the awards ceremony, Jean recalled:

When the doctor said she had a 3% chance to live, she whispered to her mother, ‘If God created the world from nothing, imagine what He could do with 3%.’”

Her resilience drove her through multiple surgeries and intense rehabilitation. Today, she is presenting original research, receiving prestigious scholarships, and exploring the complex history of free and formerly enslaved African American communities. She will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, with minors in Archaeology and Native American and Indigenous Studies.

“I love learning about cultures, traditions and customs,” Brown said. “The more you learn, the more gaps you can bridge.”

Throughout her journey, Brown was supported by her family and mentors, including Delores McMorrin, her EOF counselor, who shared a video message:

“This conference exists because of you – because of Khara’s audacity to ask, ‘Why not?’ Her journey reminds us that our greatest strength lies not in avoiding challenges, but in how we rise through them.”

Performances, Stories and Inspiration

“Themes like ‘Triumph Over Trauma’ emphasize resilience, self-advocacy and the importance of embracing one’s story – no matter how challenging,” said EOF Counselor and Academic Advisor Jazmene Mosley, a co-organizer. Co-sponsored by the Office of Residence Life, the event provided young women with a transformative experience designed to shape their high school journey as they prepare for college. Highlights: 

• Healing Drum Ritual: The NJ Bomba Collective showcased music’s role as a cultural tool for healing, strength and resilience.
• Empowerment Poetry: Alyea Pierce, a Fulbright recipient and National Geographic Explorer, shared her poetry, inspiring young women with the transformative power of words and storytelling.
• 7 Days That Changed a Life: Karima Mary McKenzie, a Jersey City vice principal, recounted her battle with mental illness and the seven-day hospital stay that changed her life. Her experience inspired her to write a guidebook for young women emphasizing exercise, nutrition and meditation for wellness.

Photos: See Highlights of the Event

Special Recognitions 

“Today, we celebrate not just survival, but the extraordinary ability to transform our struggles into sources of growth and empowerment,” said Katrina Liera, Associate Director of Montclair’s EOF program. Awards were presented to women whose lasting contributions have driven meaningful change in their communities:

• Impact Award
  • Carmen Reyes Cuevas was honored for over 30 years of service in the EOF program, helping countless students achieve their educational goals. Recently, she secured a $135,000 EOF Graduate Grant to support graduate studies for New Jersey residents from underserved backgrounds.
• Triumph Over Trauma Awards
  • Elaine Lane: Founder of David’s Shoes, a nonprofit focused on reducing teen violence, inspired by the loss of her son.
  • Lakeesha Eure: First Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Director of Newark’s Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery. She leads efforts to reduce crime and promote healing in Newark.

“We are all capable of making a change,” said Montclair senior Jezebel Dejesus during a student panel discussion. “It definitely starts within you, and if you ever feel small, know there’s a space for you – you just have to demand it.” 

Are You A …

Prospective Student or Parent? Learn more about the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and College Access and Enrollment Programs; plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Journalist? Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview.