Spelman College’s 25 for 25 Spotlight Award was designed to honor students making a meaningful impact, and few exemplify this mission as clearly as Naime Eggleston. From Baltimore, Maryland, Naima Eggleston—known as Naima Starr—has built a dynamic career as a leader, advocate, and artist, blending activism and creativity to inspire change.
On campus, Naima is a trailblazing leader, holding multiple leadership roles that reflect her deep commitment to community engagement. As the Vice President of Spelman Afrekete, Spelman’s only queer advocacy organization, she works to foster visibility and support for LGBTQ+ students. In addition, she serves as a Co-Fashion Lead for In The Wings Resource, a volunteer-based organization that partners with the Boys & Girls Club of Atlanta. As the Co-Fashion Lead, Naima instructs her students on fashion design and sewing techniques, fostering knowledge and skill through the arts. Beyond her community outreach, she interns for the Spelman Communication Department, where she drafts social media content and strategizes ways to enhance Spelman College’s social media presence. She is also the upcoming vice president of SMIT, the Spelman Social Media Influencer, and she uses digital storytelling to promote Spelman College to prospective students.
Her passion for the arts extends beyond campus organizations. A dancer, writer, and creative entrepreneur, Naima founded an online blog and editorial platform highlighting Black fashion as a form of resistance and empowerment. She believes that storytelling through fashion allows Black communities to reclaim narratives and celebrate their identities. Naima has found her sweet spot at Spelman; She utilizes her creative spirit to uplift and empower the Spelman community.
When asked what it means to be recognized with a Spotlight Award, Naima described the honor as validating and humbling. “Spelmanites are multifaceted, so being spotlighted feels good,” she shared. “Black women are often overlooked, so receiving recognition from my peers is confirmation to keep doing what I’m doing.” For Naima, this acknowledgment reinforces the importance of her work and motivates her to continue advocating for inclusivity and representation in creative spaces.
Naima’s approach to public service is rooted in her passion for “doing, and doing authentically.” She says, “You can do what you love,” emphasizing that community engagement should not feel like an obligation but rather an extension of one’s purpose. “Doing what you love should be the norm. It’s about waking up every day and pursuing something that makes you excited to keep going. That’s self-care.” For Naima, blending service with creativity is not just a personal mission; it’s a philosophy that has shaped her leadership style and approach to advocacy.
As a queer Black woman, Naima greatly understands the challenges of navigating an intersectional identity in leadership spaces. She recalls taking an Audre Lorde seminar that helped shape her perspective on identity and advocacy. “Queer identity is a field that is just beginning to be explored, and there is still a lot of work to be done,” She said. Throughout her life, Naima has gravitated towards leadership roles that align with her identities and interests, allowing her to create spaces where those like her feel recognized and uplifted. “9.5/10, the things I immerse myself in are related to how I identify with myself and my interest, so that intersection feels natural to me.” While she has encountered challenges in certain leadership spaces, she remains committed to making her voice heard. “There are times when I feel alienated, but I remind myself that being present in these spaces is already an act of resistance,” she said. “The more we show up, the more we push for inclusivity and change.
What drives Naima to keep pushing forward? Legacy. “I want little Black girls who share my identities to see someone like them thriving in this world,” she said. “It’s about showing there is importance to surviving and living in one’s identity truthfully.” For Naima, her journey is not just about her success but about paving the way for others to follow. Her commitment to mentorship plays a significant role in the legacy she wishes to leave. Through her work in the arts, social media, and advocacy, she ensures that younger students have access to guidance and support. Coming to Spelman, she was unsure she would find her community as a queer Black woman, and she echoes that many queer income students may share the same sentiment. She is driven to create a lasting impact at Spelman in the hopes that she can be a beacon of light for queer students, exemplifying that each student can make an impact at Spelman despite the challenges of underrepresentation.
Reflecting on her Spelman journey, Naima takes pride in the fact that she is living out her dreams. “I didn’t think I would go to Spelman, and now I’m here, thriving.” she shared. “To live, breathe, love, learn, and educate myself and others—that makes me proud.” Looking ahead, Naima envisions a future where she continues to blend artistry and advocacy. With a two-year and five-year plan in motion, she intends to pursue a law degree while remaining immersed in the arts and marketing. She hopes to contribute to the intersection between the professional and creative worlds by founding her own marketing agency. Naima believes Black artists should receive guidance on monetization, negotiations, contracts, and brand generating, empowering creatives to showcase their talent and navigate the complexities of the business world with confidence and autonomy. By bridging these two spaces, Naima aims to create a support system that allows Black artists to thrive financially while remaining true to their creative visions.
Naima Starr is a dynamic force at Spelman College. She has learned to seamlessly blend creativity, advocacy, and leadership to enact a lasting impact in her community. Her work in various roles, whether advocating for queer students, mentoring the next generation of artists, or reshaping the way Black creatives navigate the professional world, demonstrate her unwavering commitment to empowering her community. As Naima continues to break barriers and create opportunities, she remains a beacon of inspiration for students.
