Meet the first recipient of a civic endowment

Tierra Weston’s dream job is to work with children, just as her grandmother does. 

When she was growing up, Weston watched her grandmother care for many children as a foster parent. She witnessed the positive impact she had – and still has – on many lives and now, Weston said, she wants to do the same. 

“It takes a big heart to do what she does,” said Weston, from Flint. “It is so inspiring.” 

A move to Saginaw brought her to Delta College last fall, where she is pursuing an associate degree in pre-social work. After graduating, she plans to join her twin sister at Saginaw Valley State University to earn a bachelor’s degree.  

As the first recipient of the Kimberly R. Houston Leadership and Service-Learning Endowment, Weston is well on her way to achieving her dream. The new endowment provides opportunities for students to explore career paths, volunteer in their communities and travel, all while imparting the importance of civic engagement. 

Houston, a retired Midland-area community leader, said she hopes students who receive support from her endowment come away with the confidence and drive
to be change makers. 

“I want them to be challenged and to know that they are capable of leading and influencing,” said Houston, a former Delta board chair and Dow Corning Corporation professional.

As part of the endowment, Weston is doing just that. She has worked on several campus projects to encourage her classmates to get involved and participate in leadership activities. The projects include developing and implementing a new Student Ambassador Program, participating in the Student Leadership Academy and helping to plan Self, Love, Beauty – a workshop series for students to learn about the importance of confidence
and wellbeing. 

Weston said the experiences so far have made her feel empowered. She has honed leadership skills like critical thinking, communication, creativity and motivation.  

“Being the first person awarded this scholarship has been a blessing,” said Weston. “It’s been an amazing experience so far and I’m more engaged now than I’ve ever been.”