Graduating senior and economics major Anise Puckett has been awarded the Spotlight Award: 25 for 25. Puckett has spent her time at Spelman College shaping a legacy defined by leadership, mentorship and an appreciation for authenticity and sisterhood. Puckett’s impressive and immersive résumé includes serving as a Summer Intensive Program scholar with Girls Who Invest, a fellow with ATLFinance and Management Leadership for Tomorrow, and a research assistant at Spelman. Her work exemplifies her commitment to financial flourishing in marginalized communities, campus engagement and personal growth.
“I wouldn’t be at Spelman if it wasn’t for the engagement and support of others—whether it was through volunteering or mentors who motivated me from high school until now. I’m on the Spelman Investment Fund, a club that I co-founded and have co-led since my sophomore year. I also tutor a First-Generation Investor student, which has been really fun and rewarding,” Puckett says.
Her interests extend far beyond academics and leadership. A lover of the arts, languages and adventure, Puckett immerses herself in creative and intellectual pursuits. “I love art [and] I love French and the French department here,” she shared. Whether she’s exploring genealogy, rock climbing or delving into literature, she approaches life with boundless curiosity.
Puckett’s impact has not gone unnoticed. Her nomination for the Spotlight Award left her feeling both honored and humbled. “It means that I have sisters who I love and care about who see me in such high regard,” she said. “It’s something I didn’t see coming. I feel honored and loved, honestly.”
Puckett’s perception of success and wealth is not merely rooted in monetary value or professional status but is, at its core, anchored in community. Rather than viewing leadership as an individual pursuit, she embraces a collective approach. When entering a room, Puckett takes the time to directly and authentically engage with each individual, making them feel heard and valued. She understands that as Black women, success is not achieved by passing up sisters or leaving them behind, but by climbing the ladder collectively.
“I don’t really like the phrase ‘coming behind me’. I believe we can and should climb the ladder together, ensuring we don’t leave one another behind just to get ahead,” Puckett says.
Puckett had a profound and personal understanding of sisterhood long before she entered the gates of Spelman College. She centers her legacy around her younger sister and credits her resilience, work ethic and interpersonal skills to the relationship they share.
“I prayed for my little sister when I was 6 years old, and God answered my prayers. My legacy has always been to make sure my sister is able to accomplish anything she wants. She’s always been my rock. I give my best because I want to show her how to give her best, too,” Puckett said.
Her time at Spelman has also nurtured her emotional growth. “I’ve learned to be more open-minded and vulnerable,” she reflected. “Even when you don’t see eye to eye, you are still part of something bigger.” This mindset has allowed her to embrace the complexities of sisterhood, making her an empathetic and effective leader.
“My big sister showed me the importance of leadership from the very beginning,” Puckett said “Watching her carry herself with strength, purpose, and compassion taught me what it means to lead by example. She inspired me to grow into the kind of person who uplifts others, especially my little sister. I prayed for my little sister when I was just 6 years old, and God answered that prayer. From the moment she came into my life, I knew I had a responsibility to be someone she could look up to. She’s always been my rock, and I give my best because I want to show her how to give her best. My journey began by learning from my older sister, and now I carry that legacy forward, striving every day to be that same light for my little sister.”
As she looks toward the future, Puckett’s aspirations remain deeply tied to her values.
“Something I cherish and honor is the fact that Spelman alumnae pioneered the business and finance fields. It’s up to our generation to make sure we don’t mess that up,” she said. “I want to make sure that I honor the hard work of those who came before me, and I want to help others.”
With plans to work on the board of the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Guggenheim while continuing to prioritize mindfulness, therapy and faith, Puckett is determined to forge a future that balances ambition with well-being.
“I want to go at my own pace, trusting that God’s timing is always perfect,” she shared.
Anise Puckett’s time at Spelman has been a journey of growth, leadership and unwavering dedication to her community. While pursuing a degree in economics, Puckett has developed a unique and complex understanding of wealth and prosperity. As she continues forward, she remains committed to lifting others alongside her—ensuring that her legacy is one of empowerment, unity and purpose, rich in sisterhood.
