BK Foundation Alumni Profile - Ryanne Harris

Since 2005, the Burger King Foundation (BKF) has empowered individuals seeking educational opportunities and emergency relief to make their lives, and the world, a better place. This includes offering deserving students and employees scholarships through the BK Scholars program and we are proud to be highlighting BKF scholarship winner and Alumni Committee member, Ryanne Harris. Ryanne grew up in Cleveland, OH, and is currently a senior at Notre Dame College studying business administration. On campus, she is actively involved in many activities including the Black Student Union (where she was recently elected as a board member), Women’s ID, and Campus Ministry.

Growing up in a single parent household, Ryanne knew she would need financial support in order to achieve her goals post-high school. During her senior year, she started looking into different scholarships and when she came across the BK Scholars program, she knew it was a perfect fit. Ryanne remembers sitting in her teacher’s classroom after school when she received the email that she was selected to be a recipient and was thrilled – it was her first scholarship and a national scholarship.

“Winning this scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies and to be really involved on campus. I don’t have to worry about working a job on top of my studies and finding a way to fund my education.” After graduation, Ryanne is hoping to get her MBA so she can work as a hospital administrator after overcoming health challenges as a child.

Ryanne is also a member of the newly formed BK Scholars Alumni Committee, which was created to strategically advise the BK Foundation on alumni engagement, outreach, and marketing. She was interested in joining the committee to be an ambassador for the scholarship, as well as to generate ideas and provide inspiration for future applicants.

When asked if she had any advice for someone considering applying to the BK Scholars scholarship, Ryanne suggested: “Be a well-rounded student, have a good GPA, and have leadership and volunteering experiences. Apply early and don’t wait until the last minute! For the essay portion, write something that sets you apart.”