Student Organizations | February 12th, 2024
Empowering Futures: The Esther Funds Foundation
By: Grace Daniels | Staff Writer
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Esther Funds Foundation, operating within Florida A&M University (FAMU), Florida State University (FSU) and Tallahassee Community College (TCC), is a guide of hope and opportunity for students seeking to overcome financial barriers in their academic careers. Established in November 2023 with a mission to be the voice for first gen college, minority and low-income students, the foundation plays a pivotal role in supporting students on their phases through their educational journey.
The Christian based foundation stands as a crucial ally for students in the Tallahassee area and ones who are pursuing diverse fields of study. By providing financial assistance, the foundation ensures that deserving individuals have the resources they need to thrive academically. This support extends beyond monetary aid, as the foundation actively engages with these college institutions to create a nurturing environment that promotes success for each and every student.
WHO’S BEHIND IT?
PRESIDENT SHAYNA VINCENT || CREDIT: GRACE DANIELS
Shayna Vincent, the President, founder and a third-year education scholar, faced challenges with ADHD and behavioral issues during middle and high school. Her teachers doubted her ability to attend college, leading her to internalize this belief. Despite being repeatedly discouraged from pursuing higher education, she began to question if a college experience was in her reach or even possible in the world.
“My guidance counselor in high school told me to drop out of school and it’ll be best for me to pick up a trade because she did not think I could do it,” Vincent said.
Vincent remained steadfast and determined despite consistent negative feedback throughout her academic path. She forged ahead and pursued college despite the obstacles she faced. While it was challenging at first, she persevered to ultimately achieve her goal.
Vincent, coming from a low-income and minority background, is well-versed in the difficulties faced by individuals in similar circumstances. She is passionate about supporting and assisting other students who belong to these underrepresented groups.
“…I am a low-income student and a minority student, so I definitely feel for other students, and I have been around other students who have dropped out because they didn’t know of resources that they have to help them be successful in college,” Vincent shared.
The starting process of creating this foundation was not easy for Vincent and there were some trials. Despite facing limited support for her vision initially, she persevered with determination and patience. She has since gathered a dedicated team of individuals who not only comprehend the mission but also stand firmly beside her in support.
VICE PRESIDENT ZARIA SLAUGHTER || CREDIT: GRACE DANIELS
Zaria Slaughter, a third year Public Relations scholar, is the main Vice President of the foundation and has been since November of 2023. After attending predominantly white institutions her whole life, she wanted to be more around her culture and people who look like her.
“I was around a lot of white people, and it was just a feeling that I could not achieve,” Slaughter stated.
Understanding and agreeing with the mission and goals of Esther funds is why she joined the staff. The ability to provide informative assets to minority students is important to Slaughter and she could not pass up on this opportunity to participate in this fundamental organization.
“Being a minority student, I know how hard it is and we, [Esther Funds], want to fight and help students fight the odds,” she said.
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT NAUSICAA IMUZAI || CREDIT: GRACE DANIELS
Nausicaa Imuzai, a graduating senior, is the second Vice President of the foundation and has been since the beginning of the foundation. After watching Shayna Vincent’s Instagram story about the foundation, she was immediately intrigued and wanted to be a part of it. Born to a Jamaican mother and Nigerian father, Imuzai, a first-generation student, understands the challenges that can arise based on her background.
“My parents and my siblings never went to college, so I am the first. And because of that, I never had that guidance in the beginning of me going to college. So, I had to figure out everything,” Imuzai said.
As a student who has experienced the financial barriers of every other college student, Imuzai wishes that she would have joined this organization because she believes that it would have saved her from a bunch of financial mishaps.
“My whole four years of school have been funded by loans, Pell Grants and school. If I would have known about this earlier, I would have joined and stayed in this foundation,” she added.
ACTIVITIES
The Esther Funds Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of both college students and the wider community. They have organized various initiatives such as toy drives, school supply giveaways and grocery distributions to support and uplift those around them.
DON’T COUNT ME OUT SCHOLARSHIP
The “Don’t Count Me Out” Scholarship represents more than just a financial aid; it stands as a beacon of hope, strength and the power of coming together. The Esther funds are committed to working towards a future where all students are able to pursue their aspirations and unlock their capabilities, feeling valued, bolstered and equipped to thrive.
“I believe in the power of the Don’t Count Me Out Scholarship to ignite potential where it’s overlooked,” Slaughter said.
If looking to join, please head over to the Esther Funds website at https://estherfundsfoundation.org/dont-count-me-out and apply! The priority deadline ends February 21, 2024.
FUTURE
The president, Shayna Vincent, has a purposeful plan for the future of the Esther Funds Foundation. In a couple years, Shayna wants to expand the foundation to other cities outside of the Tallahassee area. After all the help and resources Esther funds has given, Shayna definitely can see students having all of the knowledge to become even more successful to be on their academic pathway.
“My ultimate goal is to expand Esther Funds all around the Southeastern and Western Region of Florida.”
With much anticipation, Esther Funds are looking for volunteers for their organization and will announce their volunteer event via their Instagram page.
HOW CAN YOU JOIN?
In the bio of their Instagram page, there is an available link with different applications of different E-board positions and volunteer positions that are currently available and open right now.
