Meet the ASJ Foundation Scholarship Recipients

KATIA MEIJA LAGOS

School: Palm Beach Atlantic University, Nursing

Quote: “It’s okay to quit on someone who isn’t even trying. You deserve the effort.”

GRADUATED May 2022

BEATRICE MATTISON

School: Florida Atlantic University, Neuroscience and Behavior

Quote: “I guess, as long as I have life, all I can do is fight with all my might”- Natsuki Subaru

Pending graduation December 2024

SKYLAR JAMILAH ROWLEY

School: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Broadcast Journalism

Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Pending graduation May 2025

I’YUNNI PHILLIPS

School: Tallahassee State College, Public Relations

Quote: “When life knocks you down, try to land on your back. Because if you can look up, you can get up. Let your reason get you back up.” Les Brown

Achieved AA on May 2024

CALEIYAH LAWS

School: Florida A&M, Pre-Occupational Therapy

Quote: “It’s okay to quit on someone who isn’t even trying. You deserve the effort.”

Inspiration: My mother

HUMBERTO SIGLER FINALES

School: Florida Atlantic University, Psychology ; NEW- Masters Digital Services

Quote: “I guess, as long as I have life, all I can do is fight with all my might”- Natsuki Subaru

Inspiration: My parents & relatives in Cuba

GRADUATED BA in Psychology on May 2024

BEN-GINA FANTAISIE

School: Florida State University, Biological Sciences

Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Inspiration: My mother

PAXTON BRUTUS

School: Florida Atlantic University, Psychology (updated 2024)

Quote: “When life knocks you down, try to land on your back. Because if you can look up, you can get up. Let your reason get you back up.” Les Brown

Inspiration: My parents, especially my mom

MCKENZIE COOPER

School: University of Florida, Sports Management

Quote: Don’t settle for average. Bring your best to the moment. Then, whether it fails or succeeds, at least you know you gave all you had. We need to live the best that’s in us” -Angela Bassett

Inspiration: Black women in the sports industry

JOSEPH RUDNICK

School: University of Florida, Engineering

Quote: The best application of optimism is to hope for the best, but be prepared for anything

JASMINE AKINS

School: Palm Beach State College, Psychology

Quote: When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go