#HotNerdFall: Megan Thee Stallion, Yara Shahidi & Other Celebs Who Put Their Education First
In 2016, black women became the most educated demographic in the US, further proving the theory that our mothers didn't raise any fools. Whether you went to a PWI, HBCU, community college or trade school, getting a little extra training in your field of choice is always a good idea.
While college may not be the only route to success, it can certainly illuminate a number of pathways. This was especially true for celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion and Yara Shahidi, who are both currently pursuing four-year degrees while maintaining full-time entertainment careers. This fall, Yara is heading back to Harvard for her sophomore year, and Megan, who is enrolled at Texas Southern studying health administration, says that she's fully prepared to make this a #HotGirlSemester to remember. The rapper told Access Hollywood:
"So, being a hot girl is like a lifestyle and everybody knows I'm still in college. It's gonna be a real hot girl semester, you know what I'm saying? Real hot nerd fall. So, I'm just about to start putting on for all my school girls."
After losing her mother earlier this year to a long-standing brain tumor, Megan has her sights set on using her platform to put other women on the power of education and open assisted living homes in Houston. She continued:
"I want to show other girls how happy I am and how confident I am, how I still want to go to school and I still want to rap. I just want to be like a good example to somebody in the future."
Along with Meg, here are four other celebrities who will inspire you to have one helluva #HotNerdFall:
Yara Shahidi
While Yara may be on track to be a giant in the entertainment industry now, she also says that she will not compromise her education for a chance at Hollywood. After taking a gap year, Yara began her sophomore year in 2018, accompanied by a recommendation letter written by Michelle Obama herself. In an interview with Glamour, the actress said:
"Hollywood isn't moving anywhere. I'll figure it out when I get back."
Issa Rae
College is good for more than just a degree, being in school can allow you to meet some major contacts too, sis. Just ask Issa Rae, who met the co-producer of her first major web series, Tracy Oliver, while pursuing African American studies at Stanford.
Ciara
Generating multiple streams of income ain't easy, so Ciara enrolled in Harvard's four-day intensive business program to equip herself with all the tools she needs to be a mommy mogul. The "Level Up" singer said that taking the classes not only helped her dreams of being a college grad come true but helped further the agenda of her new entertainment label, Beauty Marks.
Lupita Nyong’o
Before her breakout role in 12 Years a Slave, Lupita was getting her college degrees all the way together. After graduating with a bachelor's in theatre studies from Hampshire College, Lupita went on to study acting at the Yale School of Acting.
Featured image by lev radin / Shutterstock.com
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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The West is in the building! From music to entertainment, beauty, and bolder-than-bold content creators. Whether she moved to the West to chase her dreams or came from the soil, these women treat the West as their playground. They’re not just chasing dreams, they’re walking it like they talk it, all while ensuring our beloved West’s commitment to progress and preservation.
Read about five of our ItGirls here, but be sure to check out the full ItGirl 100 List.
Char & Lani Edwards
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Sisters, Char and Lanie Edwards launched Black on the Block as a premier monthly celebration of Black-owned excellence in California. Their goal was to elevate the festival experience and showcase a carefully curated selection of over 100 Black-owned businesses spanning diverse industries and offering attendees an unforgettable experience that focuses on community.
DJ Red Corvette
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Red Corvette is a DJ, Music Director, and co-creator of the women empowerment platform Women Sound Off. With a 10-year journey as a thriving DJ, she is the epitome of a multi-format DJ with real-time troubleshooting skills as she has cultivated an unforgettable musical experience.
Ivy Coco Maurice
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Ivy Coco Maurice is a stylist and community organizer. She serves as the vice president and creative director of WalkGoodLA, a family-driven nonprofit uniting diverse communities to pursue racial equity through wellness.
Kaylin Cotton
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Kaylin Cotton is the Head of Operations and Strategy at HOORAE. Previously, she worked at Shondaland, building out the company’s brand guidelines and events. Her career focuses on creative leadership strategies and advancing organizations with a contemporary and inclusive approach.
Storm Debarge
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Storm has been dancing since she was a baby and has always aspired to be a leader in the dance industry. Storm worked with some of the largest brands in the world including Nike, Pandora, Snapchat, Red Bull, BET, NFL, and Def Jam. Storm has also worked with award-winning artists including Ciara, Blxst, Busta Rhymes, and Megan Thee Stallion.