We proudly announce that Marissa Brown, a 2009 Take Stock in Children graduate from Marion County, has been named the Take Stock in Children 2025 Alumni of the Year. Marissa, a proud alum and dedicated mentor, continues to impact students’ lives, advocating for their success and opening doors to academic and career opportunities. Marissa’s years of work and volunteer efforts are shining examples of the impact of the Take Stock in Children program.
Marissa’s journey with Take Stock began over a decade ago at the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, and she credits much of her success to the life-changing support received from the program. “As a Take Stock graduate, the support I had from the staff at Take Stock in Children was truly life-changing,” the alum shared.
“They were always (and still are) available for me to speak to and get advice from. Without the scholarship, my dream of attending college wouldn’t have been achievable. I am so blessed to have been a Take Stock student, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to give back to this program as a mentor.”
Today, as the Assistant Director of Admissions and Student Recruitment at the College of Central Florida (CF), Marissa has the unique opportunity to guide students through the often-challenging college admissions process. “I can alleviate those hurdles and make sure the college admissions process is smooth for them,” Marissa explains. Our Take Stock Alumni of the Year is dedicated to ensuring that students, especially those facing difficulties in their transition to higher education, have the support they need to succeed.
At CF, Marissa advocates for Take Stock students, working tirelessly to smooth the path for those beginning their post-secondary journeys at CF, including facilitating joint meetings and events. Going the extra mile, Marissa receives a list of new Take Stock enrollees at CF each year and makes personal introductions to them before they arrive on campus. This proactive approach helps smooth the college transition and contributes to higher retention rates and student success. Diana Scroggie, Student Services Coordinator for Marion County, reflected on Marissa’s dedication to Take Stock and CF students.
“Marissa is beyond deserving of the Take Stock Alumni of the Year award. She is a tireless advocate for not only Take Stock Marion but the entire statewide program,” Scroggie shares. “Marissa recognized early in her career at the College of Central Florida that she could be an imperative resource for Take Stock students beginning their post-secondary careers at CF.”
Marissa is also an active mentor with Take Stock in Children, having mentored multiple students over the years. “Interacting with my mentee is truly the best! I love watching her learn and grow!” Marissa says. The alum’s passion for mentoring shines through hosting online group meetings and providing valuable resources for students, sharing insights on admissions and financial aid, and navigating the challenges faced by low-income and first-generation students.
Additionally, Marissa is heavily involved in recruiting new mentors for the program, regularly collaborating with other organizations to bring more mentors into the Take Stock family. Marissa’s leadership and proactivity ensure that future generations of students have the support and guidance they need to succeed.
Marissa’s involvement with Take Stock in Children is a true testament to the alum’s dedication to “paying it forward and has told our staff many times that she knows Take Stock changed her life and is hopeful that by utilizing the resources at her disposal, she is helping to make the journey a positive one for other Take Stock students,” says Diana Scroggie.
Thank you, Marissa, for all you do to advocate for Take Stock in Children students and for being a shining example of the program’s mission. Your dedication, hard work, and passion for mentoring impact countless students’ lives, and we are incredibly proud to recognize you as the Take Stock in Children 2025 Alumni of the Year!
In case you missed it, we interviewed Marissa for the Mentors & Milestones Podcast! Marissa’s journey highlights the incredible impact of the Take Stock in Children program on students and their ability to make a difference in the community. Please take a listen below: