Outside of Kayla's passion for storytelling and creating, she is a wise leader. Purnell served as Co-President and Treasurer of The National Association of Black Journalists for two consecutive years. Purnell also served as a member and Vice President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, where she was in charge of leading other undergraduate women into a society devoted to scholarship service, sisterly love, and Finer Womanhood. 

  During Purnell's four years of college, she faced many financial and mental obstacles. These internal battles often weighed a ton on her. Not knowing what was going on inside, her outer was always smiley and optimistic while still fighting a battle on the inside that no one knew of. Her second and third year of college was the hardest as she no longer lived on campus. She commuted daily from the city bus from Gilbert to Mesa to get the light rail that dropped her off in Tempe. She would then walk to campus to attend her classes. Purnell's determination to finish school fueled her even on her low days.

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 Purnell not only maintained her work studies but as well work responsibilities.  Purnell worked two part-time jobs to accommodate a fifty-hour pay week. Through these obstacles of hardship, sacrificed and maintained two jobs and school as a full-time student sleeping on her grandmother's couch. Purnell isn't shy about the life lessons it takes to obtain the" American Dream"

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In the last semester of her sophomore year, an unexpected year of COVID hit the world. The following month Purnell was laid off from one of her jobs.  When this happened Purnell continued working the whole Pandemic at Sam’s club a grocery store that was her main source of income and still proceeding to finish her academics at “Zoom University".

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With  Purnell’s many obstacles to mental health and financial struggles, she continued to be resilient. She broke barriers in her family being the first college graduate in her immediate family. Purnell continues empowering others around and cheering her peers on. After graduating Purnell continues to resign in Phoenix until landing a job she enjoys and aligns with some of her passions. She is currently searching for a job such as Music A&R, Public relations, Content Creator, Human resources, Hiring Recruiter, Project Manager Associate, or Business Associate