DETROIT – Wayne State University student Nina Knauf was selected to receive the $2,000 Inspired by Thee Eagle Award. This award honors graduating high school seniors or college students for their leadership, outstanding community service and ability to rise above adversity after losing a sibling, parent or caregiver.

Nina Knauf lost her mother, Tiane Brown when she was 14 years old. In 2013, Brown went missing and was later found murdered. Brown’s former classmate, Jyarland Daniels nominated Knauf for this scholarship. “What time has shown me is that all of the qualities that were present in Tiane – brilliance, kindness, determination, and strength of character – are present in her eldest daughter, Nina. Those qualities have led to Nina’s success as a college student and will propel her to excel in life. Nina is more than deserving of the 2020 Eagle Award,” said Daniels.

“My mother instilled values in me like work ethic, resilience and perseverance. These values have served me well and have helped me grow personally and professionally,” said Knauf. “I want to be the necessary representation and inspiration for those who are struggling. I want more people to know there can be a full and beautiful life on the other side of adversity.”

At Wayne State University, Knauf is active in the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and currently serves as the president for the James S. Measell PRSSA Chapter. She is pursuing a major in public relations honors and a double minor in new media and communication studies.

Since 2018, Knauf has been helping students and businesses find their voice, share their stories online and put their best foot forward with clients, customers and potential employers. Knauf’s work is published in SALUTE, Wayne State University PRSSA’s annual newsletter, and her writing and professional portfolio can be found at ninaknauf.com. She is currently the Corporate Communications Intern at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and expects to graduate in May 2021.

Inspired by Thee is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that provides merit-based scholarships for extraordinary U.S high school and college students. The organization was founded in memory of Kyle Denham, a scholar-athlete and Class of 1998 Ewald Foundation Scholar, who enjoyed working with people and giving back to the community. They aspire to mirror Kyle’s drive to touch the lives of those who inspire through impactful giving. The organization builds a community of support for those who have experienced loss. In addition to online resources, they provide financial support for extraordinary U.S high school and college students in merit-based scholarships. For more information, visit their website at inspiredbythee.com.

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