Past and Present Scholars
Our college graduates represent the lasting impact of Best Friends Foundation programs across the country. These students have successfully completed their academic journeys and continue to make meaningful contributions nationwide.
Alabama A&M University
Alcia Bangura
Alabama State University
Brittnee Mimms
Alice Lloyd College
Kayla Dezarn • Felicia Hubbard • Ashley Dawn Smith
Art Institute of Washington
Charlisa M. Lewis • Shayna Miles
Barnard College
Shenea Gordon
Benedict College
Whitney Braswell
Bennett College
Sheri Burkes • Chintoria Sartin • Tiffany Scurlock
Bethune Community College
Ritchie Earle
Bethune Cookman College
Chinua Mitchell
Bloomfield University
Barbara Compere
Boston University
Julian Mujahid
Bowie State University
Nashelle Wells
Brown University
Tierra Burrell
Bryn Athyn College
Lauren Mauney
California State – Fullerton
Bonnie Doster
Central Piedmont Community College
Felicia Davis
Central State University
Kenneth Tinsley
Cheyney University
Tyler Dons-Fleming • Kelly Hart • Atiya Sharif
Claflin University
Delisia Belk
Clark University
Angel Prioleau • Mia Scott
Columbia College, Chicago
Christa Bennett
Coppin State University
Danna Cannon • Kiana Council
Cornell University
Tiffany Halliburton
Davis Elkins College
Shana Green
Dartmouth College
Christina Duncan-Evans
Delaware State University
Bianca Board • Sherlita Boyd • Keira Collins • Bianca Green • Tiyonna Mathis • Jamie Tate
East Carolina University
Brittney Lee
Eastern Kentucky University
Leslie Gibson • Ashley Napier • Estianna Spurlock • Amber Warren
Elizabeth City University
Bethany Thornley
Elon College
Aicha Davis
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Brandon Jones
Emory University
Amber Drummond
Fayetteville State University
Asriel Janifer
Fisk University
Dana Donell
Florida A & M University
Danielle Brewer • Angela Terry
Florida State University
Jada Wells
Georgia State University
Ja'Ziah Jackson
George Washington University
Hope Ajayi • Christine Lam • Antoinette Nixon • Jamila Shrestha
Hampton University
Iman Ashaka • Courtney E. Dobbins • Bianca Fagin • Nefertari Francis • Sydney Glass • Tiffany McWane • LaRon Watson
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Okiki Adegboro
Hofstra University
Maria Bennett Byrd
Howard University
Lolita Brown • Antoine Griffin • Cameron Harris • Carolyn Howell • Jina Johnson • Danita Poole • Crystal Simpson • John Tally • Danielle Watson • Alicia Williams • Robin Williams • Rhondaline Wright • Saunice Yates
Johns Hopkins University
Marilyn Worthy
Johnson C. Smith University
Maria Horton • India Miles
Katherine Gibbs College
Khayriyyah Kornegay
Kean University
Kinnell Dixon
Kent State University
Kyra Black • Sorochi Ewelike
Lane College
Shanna Brown
Lincoln University
Raven Jenkins • Jawara Johnson • Tamika Outlaw • Dominique West
Livingston College
Judith Forde
Marshall University
Kyrese Jenkins
Montclair State University
India Hughes
Montgomery College (Silver Spring)
Cristóbal Vásquez
Morehouse College
Vernon Gudger • Terrell Webster
Morgan State University
Ivoree Jackson • Cherre Jefferson • Rachael Rice • Sarita Thomas • Sherita Wallace • Dawntay Bynum • Mekayla Ellerbe • Mekhia Ellerbe • Brian Anderson
New Jersey City University
Samanda Grimes
New Mexico State University
Latesha Ashe
New York University
Fatoumata Bah
Norfolk State University
Rhonda Pope • Candace Wyder
North Carolina A&T State University
Kevwe Ajueyitsi • Daury Bell • Jamal Childs • Jareca Giles • Arnett Howerton • Joya Jackson • Shevaun Lassiter • Jamila Moore • Vinetta Singletary • Crystal Snowden • Tehilah Tah • Ronald Willis • Fajr Kelly • Gabrielle Johnson
North Carolina Central University
Shatorie Jones • LaToya King • Jebbeh Massaquoi • Keyaan Jeter • Roshawnda Gongs
North Carolina School of the Arts
Ebony Rodwell
Ohio Wesleyan College
Latasha Lewis
Old Dominion University
Ciera Townsend • Jazmín Smith
Pennsylvania State University
Syreeta Anderson • Corey Ellis • YaaYaa Hunt • Lesley Long
Prince George’s Community College
Devin Johnson • Kayla Adams
Randolph Macon College
Crystal Herrera
Rutgers University
Bianca Gray
St. Augustine’s College
Meredith Dixon • Justina Jackson • Aquila Ledbetter • Kamilah Wheeler
St. Joseph’s University
Mbenga Ojong-Nui
San Diego State University
Anabel Uriostegui
Savannah State University
Ada Carr
Seton Hall University
Danita Hinnant
Shaw University
Chanel Colbert • Teaira Taylor
Somerset Community College
Megan Hibbard • Lesley Petty • Ashley Sizemore
South Carolina State University
Yasmin Rice • Yurley Tinsley
Southeast School of Cosmetology
Bobbie Sizemore
Southwestern College
Daniela Aballero • Esmerelda Zarate
Stanford University
Mafope Aloe • Alexandra Carroll • Christina Carroll
Stony Brook College
Nicole Horton
Temple University
Niki Charles • Amanda Everett • Jamila Lee • Hanae Lyons • Kyle Mimms • Oluwa-tobi Orekunrin • Shannon Parker • Maryan Prince • Crystal Scott
Thomas Nelson Community College
Courtney Price
Towson University
Brittney Jenkins
Trinity Washington University
Gerri Cherry • Lilliam Colter • Lauren Haileab • Mbachur Mbenga • Fairley Mc-Caskill • Denise Patterson • Shakira Thomas • Briana Wilson • Cassandra Torres • Ingrid Tchouamo • Nicole López • Yeira Melara
University of Alabama
Kellie Ransom • Tracy Ransom
University of Arizona
Mayia Watson Davis
University of California
Manisha Vasudeva
University of California, Berkeley
Vu Yen
University of Central Florida
Takara Clark
University of Colorado Denver
Tomás Asefa
University of Kentucky
Camille Hooker
University of Maryland
Terrill Dogno • Nefertena Francis • Lauren Grimes • Shenereah Lassiter • Sue Li • Megan Montgomery • Adrian Robinson • Seth Smith
University of Nebraska
Ivana Jackson
University of New Haven
Tori Dugger
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Charnelle Watson • Kristin Schramel
University of North Carolina, Greensboro
Devin Latrice Reynolds
University of Oklahoma
Maurice Chevalier • Elijah Morris
University of Pennsylvania
Tracy Curry
University of Pittsburgh
DeArmis Andrews • Kia Darby • Thiezue James • Wakerah Minder
University of San Diego
Diana Rodriguez
University of South Carolina
Desiree Cheeks
University of the District of Columbia
Derrenza Hines • Chanel Johnson • Tiara Johnson • Tiffany Pittman • Amy Prigg • Terrance Richardson • Charise Robinson • Consuelo Wade • Raúl Rosales
Virginia Commonwealth University
Brittney Bartlett • Ebone Brown • Rishona Grant • Christopher Holness • Sha-kira Jackson • Dionna Lewis • Shallese Taylor • Fayth Ingram
Virginia State University
Marc Edwards • Terrance Hobson • Kimberly Jackson • McKendria Letsinger • Clarice Manning • James E Johnson
Virginia Tech
Michelle Nowden
Virginia Union University
Nicole Rice
Wake Forest University Law School
Essence Oliver
West Chester University
Sammy Mbazang
Students Speak
Real stories from the students whose lives have been transformed through education, mentorship, and opportunity. Discover how your support helps open doors, build confidence, and create lasting impact for the next generation.
H.A., Graduate of McKinley Technology High School, attended George Washington University
BFF Leadership extends beyond what the eye can see. Like the small crystal gems in a hard diamond rock, the impact of BFF Leadership goes beyond the glitter and shine. It extends beyond the programs and practices and it travels far beyond the trips and sessions. Diamond Girl, to me, is second base. It is where I can go for confirmation and assurance that I am doing the right thing. I love being a Diamond Girl because I love being accepted. I love not being judged and most importantly I love knowing that somebody cares.
K.A., Graduate of Columbia Heights Educational Campus, attended North Carolina A&T
Instead of writing 250 words about what this Foundation means to me, one can just look at my life and see what it has done for me. At the end of the day, without Best Friends I could not have realized that I cannot affect the world if I cannot change myself first.”
E.D.III, Graduate of McKinley Technology High School, attended Delaware State University
The BFF Leadership program has had a major impact on my life. It has nurtured my character so I can become the man, leader and person that I am destined to be. To be a Best Man requires dignity, empowerment, support, communication and accountability. Today’s generation lacks mentors, positive role models, and most important love. I am grateful that I have received the opportunity to receive all that. Best Men has helped me make great friends, serve my community, say no to drugs and alcohol and risky behavior. It has also taught me the values of marriage, proper etiquette and the traits of a leader. All the many things that I have learned are not only valuable to me but also my family, friends and community. Best Men gives us the power and courage to change lives all over the world. I am honored and proud to say I am a Best Man.
C.H., Graduate of McKinley Technology High School, attended Virginia Commonwealth University
Best Men is self explanatory, think about it. Best – which is to do great, or be great. A man – which is to be responsible, take care of yourself and your family. So when you’re called a Best Man then you’re better than an ordinary man. You’re striving to be the best you can be. To be a Best Man you must demonstrate strong qualities. Best Men has taught me that it is possible to be strong but soft hearted and compassionate, and always participate and give back to my family and community. That’s what Best Men means to me!
A.C., Graduate of School Without Walls, attended Savannah State University
Over the course of my life, I have been involved in many things and out of all of them my experience with the Best Friends Foundation has had the biggest impact on me. From the moment I first attended a meeting, I knew this was something I would thoroughly enjoy.
Being a part of the Diamond Girls choir has given me the opportunity to do a lot of things I like to do at once: interact with friends, and brainstorm ideas. Originally, I was never one to really sing any place other than at home, and even then I had to make sure that I was alone. After joining the choir, however, I tend to catch myself singing the Diamond Girls theme song or other songs that I have come across. To me, catching myself singing out loud is a sign of happiness.
The friendships, lessons and morale that I have gained simply from being a part of this program are things that I will cherish throughout my life. I am a confident that as I enter college that I can apply all that I have learned and make the best possible choices. I am confident that I can excel in whatever I do. And I am confident that I am and shall remain a Diamond Girl.
T.D., Graduate of McKinley Technology High School, attended University of New Haven
Best Friends and Diamond Girl means a lot to me. In a way it is my safe haven, my quiet place. When I am at the meetings, I feel like everything is right in the world. In short Best Friends and Diamond Girl is like my life. I have the best time there.
Y.H., Former senior at Anacostia High School, Best Friends Foundation scholarship recipient who attended Pennsylvania State University.
- She passed away after an accident while traveling to Kenya. We miss her bright spirit and will never forget how she gave back her love and commitment to BFF. She was not only a great student but a great teacher. She was a wonderful person.
I never knew I had a choice. I did not know that it was easier to avoid risky behavior than to deal with the consequences. Until I joined the Best Friends Foundation, I did not understand the impact of my decision on the outcome of my future. To me, the Best Friends Foundation has been the reinsurance that I need in the face of peer pressure. Without the Foundation, I would not have gained the confidence to create my own ethical standards and adhere to them. The Best Friends Foundation has been my backbone, my support system, and my hero.
One of the most valuable lessons I will carry with me forever from the Best Friends Foundation is the importance of good health, and nobody reinforced this more than Mrs. Burns. I am so grateful to have had such a strong support system throughout my high school career. When all else failed I knew the Foundation would be there. No matter what was going on I always had someone to turn to. During my junior year when I was facing some tough personal times, Mrs. Hamlette kept an open ear and always provided her words of wisdom, and for that I will be eternally thankful. The Best Friends Foundation has given me so much in such a short amount of time. I have gained something special from Mr. Carter and Mr. Kistler to Mrs. Goldsmith and Ms. Long, and nobody has made me feel more special in the entire world than Mrs. Bennett. Mrs. Bennett is my fairy godmother who can solve every problem I have with just a hug. Every single person who has worked to keep the Best Friends Foundation in operation is truly my hero. If I could summarize what Best Friends means to me in one sentence it would be, dream big, and know that the only way you will reach that dream is by staying on a straight path. Best Friends showed me that path.
H.M., Jr., Graduate of McKinley Technology High School, attended Bowie State University
I play football and hope to continue playing in college. Best Men has helped me get mentally ready for college and has given me the tools to succeed in life. I have been presented with a variety of tough scenarios that I am likely to be faced with in the near future. How will I handle the pressure of a girlfriend asking me to have sex when I’m not ready? Which people I meet are really friends or merely people who act as friends? Best Men has helped me address these issues and given me the tools to make informed and positive decisions.
S.S., Graduate of Wilson Senior High School now known as Jackson-Reed High School.
Best Friends is more than just a program to me, it is a family. Someone or somewhere I can run to with any problem or situation and they would welcome me with open arms. Not only are they a support system, they are people who make me a better person. I have been with Best Friends for six years and never have I had people other than my family to have my back like they do. But then again they are like a family so there is no reason to separate the two. Best Friends has molded me into the person I am today.
I have learned the values of a true “Best Friend” and that I don’t need drugs or alcohol, but love and affection and kind honest people around. I’ve learned values that I will keep for years to come and it’s all thanks to Best Friends. I will always cherish, love and appreciate this program, but most of all… the people in it.
“When you invest in a student, you don’t just change one life,
you impact families, communities, and generations to come.
These graduates are your legacy in action.”
Donate Now!
