Photo by Brittany Morgan Clark
Take Stock in Children of Florida, in partnership with the Asofsky Family Foundation, named their Class of 2025 Leaders 4 Life Fellows:
- Sophie Beltran, Take Stock in Children of Sarasota County
- Mercinda Cabrera, Take Stock in Children of Marion County operated by the Public Education Foundation of Marion County
- EllaGrace Clinger, Take Stock in Children of Okaloosa County, operated by the Okaloosa County Education Foundation
- Keiya Johnson, Take Stock in Children of Broward County
- Juliana Noreus, Take Stock in Children of Collier County operated by Champions for Learning-Education Foundation of Collier County
- Caroline Papa, Take Stock in Children of Lee County operated by the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc.
- Mithila Paul, Take Stock in Children of Putman County operated by Goodwill Industries of North Florida
Each year, Take Stock in Children of Florida collects nominations from their network of 45 affiliates who each recommend two high-achieving graduating seniors for consideration as a Leaders 4 Life Fellow. Twelve finalists are selected from the statewide submissions to receive a Mac laptop; this year, seven were selected from the list of finalists and chosen as the Class of 2025 Leaders 4 Life Fellows.
Students selected as Leaders 4 Life Fellows join an esteemed group of 82 past Leaders 4 Life Fellows and high achievers who – in addition to their Take Stock in Children scholarship – receive financial support to cover postsecondary expenses, including housing, meal plans, computers, books, mentorship support, leadership training, and internship opportunities. Through the generosity of the Asofsky Family Foundation, Leaders 4 Life Fellows attend a weeklong Summer Leadership Institute and participate in other activities throughout the year designed to develop students’ leadership and career skills.
“The Take Stock-Asofsky Leaders 4 Life Fellowship is Take Stock’s highest honor,” said Jillian Hasner, President and CEO of Take Stock in Children. “We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of all our Take Stock students and graduates, especially these outstanding students honored as Leaders 4 Life Fellows who represent the accomplishments of the 8,000+ Take Stock in Children students we serve each year across Florida.”
Leaders 4 Life Fellows are active and thriving in college, career, and life! We’ve had the opportunity to reconnect with several fellows on the Mentors & Milestones Podcast, including:
Angela Alford (2011) is a foster care youth and program grad who received life-changing support and care, encouraging the Take Stock Leaders 4 Life fellow to go forth and earn an education and thrive in a fulfilling career helping others. Listen Here
Tien Nguyen (2017) is a true definition of determination to succeed in college, career, and life. The alum’s story of overcoming obstacles and cultural expectations is an inspiration to anyone tuning in. Listen Here
Mary Green (2016) is passionate about giving back to others—from kids to animals! Mary’s journey through Take Stock up to now echoes the power of support, self-advocacy, and determination to achieve life goals and a bigger purpose. Listen Here
Alfonso Mejia (2012) shares what Take Stock’s impact on the student’s life to reach higher, break cycles, and serve one’s community as a Take Stock Leaders 4 Life fellow. Listen Here
Paisley Greer (2016) reminds us that you’re never without a few signs to stay on track. Through the alum’s college experience and motivating career journey, Paisley shares a unique connection to Take Stock in Children. Listen Here