FABF Awards Fintech Innovation Scholarship to Mariah Hicks for 2024

Mariah Hicks: A Beacon of Hope in Fintech Education

In an inspiring announcement made on January 15, 2025, the Foundation For A Bright Future (FABF), led by Louis Hernandez Jr., has selected Mariah Hicks, a 19-year-old from Illinois, as the recipient of its prestigious 2024 Fintech Innovation Scholarship. This initiative aims to empower young, underrepresented scholars in their educational pursuits, particularly in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.

A Journey Marked by Resilience

Mariah currently studies Computer Science with a minor in Economics at Spelman College, where she began her academic journey in the fall of 2024. Her path has not been easy; during her junior year of high school, Mariah faced significant family challenges as her stepfather fell severely ill, resulting in life-altering amputations. This heart-wrenching turn of events halved her family's income and burdened them with over $150,000 in medical debt. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Mariah took on caregiving duties for her stepfather while also managing daily responsibilities for her younger sister, all the while maintaining exemplary academic performance.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Mariah launched the Wisdom Workshop, a tutoring nonprofit, to help others find success in their own educational journeys. Her profound commitment to community and education shone through as she successfully inspired struggling students in C++ programming. In addition to her leadership in the Wisdom Workshop, Mariah has taken on roles as treasurer of the Key Club, a student leader in Peer Power, and a mentor for the organization FinPro World. Her experiences have fostered a robust passion for addressing societal issues, particularly those revolving around poverty and economic policy.

The Impact of the Scholarship

Mariah expressed her gratitude for the scholarship, stating, "By alleviating my financial stress and any external misdirection from my studies, this scholarship will create a positive impact leading to my future successes; for that I am forever grateful." The Fintech Innovation Scholarship is not just a financial support system, but an emblem of hope and recognition of Mariah's hard work and potential. The scholarship provides a platform for talented students like Mariah to navigate the complex world of advanced technologies and fintech solutions, thereby driving impactful changes within their communities.

A Commitment to Educational Empowerment

The Foundation For A Bright Future was founded by Louis Hernandez Jr., who stands at the helm of Black Dragon Capital℠, an investment firm focused on integrating advanced technologies to foster community resilience and economic viability. The foundation’s work emphasizes the need for equal educational opportunities, and in 2024 alone, it reviewed nearly 6,000 applications, highlighting the critical demand for educational support among underserved demographics.

With a clear dedication to uplifting students from difficult backgrounds, including those from single-parent homes or families of military veterans, FABF has carved a niche in providing scholarships that focus on STEM fields, healthcare, and educational opportunities. The Foundation is praised for its rigorous selection process, which identifies not only academically exceptional candidates but also those with a deep commitment to community service.

The scholarship committee's dedication has been pivotal, with chairwoman Susie Hernandez and vice-chairwoman Jennifer Oddo playing essential roles in this initiative’s success. Special thanks were echoed for Christina Stubbs from Amerant Bank for her vital input during the selection of the Fintech Innovation Scholarship.

Conclusion

Mariah Hicks' achievements illuminate the vital work that organizations like For A Bright Future are doing to pave the way for the next generation of leaders. The Foundation not only recognizes remarkable talent but actively contributes to cultivating an environment where such talent can flourish despite challenges. As Mariah continues her education, she stands as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of opportunity.

To learn more about the Foundation's initiatives or to contribute to its mission, please visit For A Bright Future Foundation's website.