A debutante journey

Laila Sarai Duré

Scholar. Leader. Servant Heart.

Help Laila pursue scholarship and recognition while supporting a program that invests in young women and the Charlotte community.

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Our fundraising goal: $50,000. Give today to help Laila reach it.

The invitation

Help Laila reach her goal

My name is Laila Sarai Duré and I am honored to have been accepted as a participant in the 2026-2027 Debutante Cotillion sponsored by the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in partnership with the Deltas of Charlotte Foundation. Participating in the Debutante Cotillion Scholarship Program will allow me the opportunity to pursue my educational goal, create meaningful relationships with like-minded young ladies, and engage in activities that are designed to foster cultural enrichment, personal development, and academic achievement. The Cotillion provides college scholarships and raises funds to support community service organizations in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. With your support, I can reach my fundraising goal. Thank you in advance for your support. All donations are appreciated and tax deductible. To donate please go to Laila’s Zeffy donation page.

Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The funds are not being raised on behalf of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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Questions or want to get in touch? Email debutantelaila@gmail.com.

The Cotillion

Be part of Laila’s journey

Laila is seeking a scholarship and recognition through the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in partnership with Deltas of Charlotte Foundation’s 2026-2027 Debutante Cotillion, A Night at the Savoy: Black Excellence in Bloom.

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Meet Laila

A passion for people and possibility

Laila Sarai Duré, daughter of Carlo Duré II and Shenae Duré, is a student at Cannon School with a 4.38 GPA. She hopes to attend New York University and study Biology on a pre-med track. She brings curiosity, commitment and care to her classroom and community, from youth leadership to hospital volunteering and service abroad.

Laila chose to become a debutante to serve her community, build meaningful bonds of sisterhood with other young women, and have an opportunity to support her future education through a scholarship.

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Academic excellence

Built on curiosity and commitment

Laila’s academic achievements include membership in five honor societies:

Science National Honor Society
Spanish National Honor Society
English National Honor Society
Rho Kappa
National Honor Society

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Leadership & service

Creating change through action

Laila has put her time and voice to work for others, at home and beyond.

Laila speaking at a youth leadership event

Young Black Leadership Alliance

Laila developed leadership and public speaking skills, represented YBLA at events, and served locally and abroad.

Service trip participants walking in Belize

Belize service trip

Laila helped raise $3,500 for service and joined a team that served 200 students, distributed shoes, helped build a computer lab, repainted a school, and delivered groceries.

Carolinas Medical Center

As a volunteer, Laila supported One-Day Surgery operations, prepared more than 500 pre-op packets and helped care for patient spaces.

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Growing through experience

Exploring. Learning. Leading.

Yale Online

Studying economics, investing and finance independently.

NSLC at Duke University

Exploring medicine through hands-on rotations and lectures.

Toastmasters Youth Leadership

Practicing speechwriting and public speaking.

Camp Cannon

Leading activities for campers across a range of interests.

The Cusp

Writing, editing and supporting fellow student writers.

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Make your gift

Choose a contribution level

Our goal is $50,000. Your gift today brings Laila closer to her goal. Gifts of any amount are appreciated.

Donors at the two highest levels receive a Cotillion souvenir book or other media. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Matching gifts, donor-advised funds, trust donations and similar vehicles do not count toward Laila’s competition total.

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