SEEDS OF FORTUNE INC. was a 2022 recipient of THE BLACK GIRL FREEDOM FUND, an initiative of GRANTMAKERS FOR GIRLS OF COLOR (G4GC) announced in February 2022 and received in March of 2022. The grant allowed us to be able to extend our operating support for our College and Financial post secondary counseling team to add on three new additional team members, which resulted in student intervention in the college, financial aid, and career process, as well as support for students during the academic school year of high school and college for June 2022- June 2023.
We initiated the June 2022 school year with the WOMEN OF COLOR CREATING WEALTH SUMMIT, a financial empowerment event dedicated to helping our members Gen Z young women of color: Ages 15-22 learn how to manage their personal finances and prepare for their financial futures through career and education opportunities for Black Girls and other underrepresented female student groups. 100 Students were sponsored for the hybrid summit under the grant. The Summit will be returning in June 2023 at the Federal Reserve Museum of New York City, learn more here.
MEET OUR NEW COUNSELING SUPPORT TEAM supported by BLACK GIRL FREEDOM FUND GRANT:
Nicola Fennel, Seeds of Fortune Inc. College Advisor - graduated from CUNY Medgar Evers College, then attended Teachers' College, Columbia University. While completing her masters degree, Nicola worked as a college counselor at a TRiO program at Brooklyn College. Since then, she has been an active member of various professional associations dedicated to increasing access and success in higher education for under-served and under-represented young people.
Nicola has been immersed in the field of college access and success for the past 12 years. She is an active member of various professional associations dedicated to increasing access and success in higher education. Her favorite hobbies include trying new things (especially foods), traveling to visit family and exploring new places. She loves to laugh and enjoys working towards personal growth and happiness.
Manuel Jourdain, Seeds of Fortune Inc. College Advisor - was born and raised in Providence, RI, He is a first-generation college graduate from a Dominican American family that values education. Manuel has eight years of post-secondary consulting experience and has supported many students and families in reaching their academic goals. His proudest achievement as an educator is supporting students in balancing their emotional and financial needs throughout the college application process. He desires to help students show up as their most confident selves on campus! Manuel has taught classes in high schools, worked 1:1 with students, led tutoring courses, counseled families, and managed a post-secondary curriculum for seven high schools. He has also provided virtual educational services for over three years. He works to the pace of each student’s academic potential, maintaining a timeline of important milestones of the college application process. Manuel enjoys inspiring students by connecting to them on their interests and encouraging the endless possibilities that can come about with falling in love with learning. He is proud of himself as an advocate for low-income students and their families. As he continues on his path, he encourages students to find the right programs, be initiators and explore learning through an international perspective. His passion is rooted in creating environments where students can feel best supported.
Courtney White, Seeds of Fortune Inc. College and Career Coach - is a graduate of North Carolina Central University and a proud leader of students. She is passionate about helping students discover their strengths, explore opportunities, and propel them in the careers of their dreams. Most recently employed at Stride Inc. as the Career Services Consultant to steward students in the career and college application process. Her specialties include 15 years of career coaching experience, certified professional resume writer, internships and targeted job search advising, personal branding and networking strategies, interview preparation, college selection and admissions and FAFSA, scholarships, and student aid. She was recently selected to represent Seeds of Fortune Inc. in the Partnership for Afterschool Education (PASE) via their Peer Learning Community focused on Charting the Path to College Transfer process. Lastly, Country has helped place Seeds of Fortune Inc. college students into key leadership opportunities with Up to Us and BMO Capital Markets.