Reimagining Education and Identity
For Azali Fortier, C'2027, choosing Spelman College was about more than academics — it was a call to become. Inspired by generations of strong, driven women in her life who graduated from Spelman, she saw herself not just following in their footsteps but carving out her own path of purpose, growth and transformation I have known many women in my life to come from Spelman College,” Fortier reflects.
“They exhibited great consciousness, consideration and drive — all of which inspired me to begin my personal mission of self-discovery.” But for Fortier, this mission was never about simply finding herself. “I was not sent on this mission to find myself; I was sent to create and mold myself.”
That mindset shaped her decision to choose Spelman as her first choice. She envisioned an environment where her identity could be nurtured — where she could grow in mind, body and spirit, just as her foremothers had.
“I wanted to be equipped for all the change my dreams will bring to the world and prepared with the tools to sustain the dreams of my sistern and myself.”
Since enrolling, Spelman has proven to be everything Fortier hoped for — and more. “I have struggled, been broken, picked myself up, and fallen again,” she admits. “But in the words of Maya Angelou, ‘Still I rise'.” Her Spelman journey has been one of resilience and revelation, teaching her that failure is not a reflection of inadequacy, but a sign of growth. “Spelman has taught me that I will fail not because I am incapable, but because I am learning. It’s taught me how to keep moving forward.”
A Transformative Classroom Experience
One of the most formative experiences in Fortier’s academic journey came during her first year in the course "Women in Religion," taught by Dr. Nami Kim. Raised in the Deep South within a single religious framework, Fortier was challenged to reexamine what she had always accepted as truth. "The class gave me the courage to question everything I had been taught all my life,” she said. “It left me with a curious hunger for answers — a hunger I’ve yet to satisfy.” She credits the class for giving her the space and language to respectfully explore different spiritual traditions without judgment, broadening her worldview in lasting ways.
SpelReads: Healing the Inner Child
Fortier, an
English major on the pre-law track, also found deep meaning in her work with
SpelReads, a campus organization led by Ariana Brazier, Ph.D., C'2016 and Jilo Tisdale, director of the
Bonner Office of Civic Engagement, that offers tutoring to Atlanta Public Schools students in grades K–8. Through this work, she confronted cultural norms around childhood obedience and curiosity, especially in Black communities.
Many of us were taught that a child has a ‘place,’ and that curiosity is disrespect,” she explained. “But SpelReads gave me a new framework to understand children — one that respects their questions and meets them with compassion and imagination.” As a guide, she learned to respond to children's interests with empathy and creativity, turning curiosity into a foundation for learning.
“In many ways, SpelReads healed the curious child inside me who had always been shut down and turned away.”
A Love for Tradition
Fortier embraces the spirit of Spelman’s traditions, especially those that bring students together.
“I look forward to Homecoming every year — it’s a time to celebrate our institutions, our experiences, and the generations that come from them,” she shared. She also enjoys Market Fridays for their vibrant energy, and values most of all the career fairs hosted by the
Office of Career Planning and Developmentthe: “They open the door to networking and show you the endless possibilities within and beyond your field.”
Fortier’s Spelman experience is one of deep introspection, challenge and liberation. Through powerful courses, meaningful mentorship, and student-led community service, she is not just preparing for a career — she’s building a legacy. From rising through adversity to reimagining education and identity, Fortier is creating herself with clarity, courage and purpose.
