Aisha Nelson chartered a community-driven organization on FAMU’s campus called Hope Connect.
Nelson, a graduating senior from Jamaica who attended high school in Broward County, is majoring in pre physical therapy. She currently serves as the FAMU chapter president of Hope Connect.
Hope Connect is a non-profit organization founded by Calvin Dennis after he lost his mother to pancreatic cancer and his college teammate to a horrific car accident.
Developed to serve local communities through philanthropy and service initiatives, “We strive to help the homeless, the youth, seniors and medical causes,” Nelson said.
By collaborating with FAMU organizations, sponsors, associations and businesses, Hope Connect is a noble outlet for student volunteers and community service all while creating opportunities to gain internships.
Introduced to Hope Connect through Dennis, the founder. FAMUs chapter is part of the college connect program.
Nelson transferred from the University of Alabama at Birmingham to attend Florida A&M on a track scholarship. Being a transfer student did not deter Nelson from her personal goals. She excelled not only in the classroom but also on the campus of FAMU.
The Transfer Student Association is an organization that tries to help with a seamless transition and positive experience at FAMU for transfer students.
“Being a transfer wasn’t easy,” said Nelson, but TSA made the transition smoother and much more comfortable, she added.
Nelson brought Hope Connect to FAMU’s campus because she believed it was an organization that focused on serving the local community, especially the homeless population in Tallahassee. She believes the organization not only provides service opportunities, but chances to apply for internships as well.
The Fresh Start Homeless campaign provided care packages for the homeless with personal care items and clothing collected from the drive. Cutz 4 Homeless provided free haircuts for the homeless in the community, along with Toy Drives for the children of the refugee center.
Florida A&M student Brianna So serves as the secretary for the organization.
“Hope Connect made my college experience different by allowing me to meet so many people in different majors than my own. It’s allowed me to serve the community in different ways than I have before including volunteering with the elderly and helping out the homeless community here in Tallahassee,” So said.
“Hope Connect has helped me meet people in college and also has allowed me to expand and reach a leadership position,” the treasurer of Hope Connect, Troyneisha Suor, said.
Nelson sees the Tallahassee chapter growing with quality members and making an impact in the local community with different service events and philanthropic projects.