World Makers Co-Chair and Trustee Kathryn Chenault has dedicated herself to expanding opportunities for young people.
Since 2020, Kathryn and her husband, Kenneth, the former CEO of the American Express Company, have funded the Chenault Scholarships at Pratt to support high-achieving undergraduate students pursuing careers in architecture. “I come from a long line of architects; my father and his sisters were all architects, and my grandfather designed the footprint of Howard University’s campus, including the library, among other HBCUs. It was challenging for them to be architects of color during their time,” she says. “Today, there’s a shortage of Black architects in the field; I take pride in supporting the next generation.”
“Every year, these students inspire me through their excitement, their determination, and their desire to learn more,” Kathryn continues. “Their optimism gives me hope for the future. Pratt is an inspiring place filled with resilient, extraordinary talents like these scholars, and I’m proud to further the Institute’s mission through the World Makers campaign.”
Generations of artists like me have found their way to Pratt. It’s exciting to know that the World Makers campaign includes investments in the spaces where students will continue to learn, challenge each other, and realize something entirely new.
Derrick Adams, BFA Art and Design Education ’96; Trustee
This place changed my life. My hope now is to make a positive difference for others.
Ted Shaine, BFA ’68; Trustee; Hon. ’26
A Life-Changing Opportunity
Fatoumata Diallo, BArch ’25
When Fatoumata Diallo, BArch ‘25, learned she had received the Chenault Scholarship, she was sitting with her mother at their kitchen table. She recalls both of them absorbing the news over Zoom. “It was the first time my mom had been on Zoom, and I’m sure it was her best time,” Fatoumata says. “Finding out that I was awarded the Chenault Scholarship, and that I wouldn’t have to worry about school financially, was a dream come true. The scholarship not only changed my life—it changed my mom’s perspective on what was possible for me. She now encourages me to take risks and follow my dreams. Mrs. Chenault attended my graduation last year; it was a full circle moment to have the person who made it all possible congratulating me at the finish line.”