Scholarship Winners Seek to Create a Positive Impact in Software Development, Computer Science and Healthcare Management
The 431 Exchange was inspired by this year’s Scholarship Winners, who demonstrated compassion, empathy, personal responsibility and professionalism. “It feeds the soul,” said Jeff Geoffray, board director and co-founder with Jeanne Geoffray. “These scholars humble us and give us hope for the future if the future is in their hands.”
Allyn McKinney:
Making Her Way in Tech With a Goal of Creating an Impact
“Find a way or make one,” is a guiding principle that Allyn McKinney learned from her mother, who has inspired her to continue her education even in the face of adversity.
Allyn is studying software development and working to earn a JavaScript Certification at Operation Spark in New Orleans. She says the vastness of the tech industry captures her imagination. She is making her way by learning the inner workings of web applications and hopes to “create something impactful and useful for the world.”
Having previously faced uncertainty about the future, Allyn says she is “driven to move with passion because I refuse to feel lost again. The tech industry … fulfills me when I see what my brain can do in my programs.” In her program she has worked on replicating apps and creating the framework for a social media site.
Allyn, who knows several past winners of 431 Exchange scholarships, has been impressed by “the impact it can have on winners and their educational journey. I see them move in their greatness and with passion in their fields of education.”
Adonijah Johnson Jr.:
Finding a Path to the Future in Computer Programming
Having found his calling in computer programming, Adonijah Johnson Jr. is motivated to blaze a trail in computer gaming.
Adonijah is studying computer science at Operation Spark and hopes to create “a generational game that leaves people with a life lesson that makes them think deeply about themselves and their output into the world.”
He explains that he has “high hopes” for the future now that he has found his career path. “I finally found the path I wanted to take, and I’m taking every step I can to walk it. I have been the most motivated I have ever been in my life to become a programmer, he says, noting that he hopes to create his own gaming company.
He is working toward a certification that can be applied toward college credits.
Adonijah is inspired by the history of The 431 Exchange and the fact that it is the legacy of Alice Geoffray and the Adult Education Center. “It is a standing testament that even after the school closed it never fully died, it was reborn.”
Andrea Portillo:
A Desire to Inspire, Help and Protect Others
For Andrea Portillo, the motivation to find happiness and take pride in her work is linked to protecting, helping and inspiring others. “Embracing this principle fuels my determination to make a positive impact on the world,’ says Andrea, whose chosen path is healthcare management.
Andrea moved to New Orleans from Honduras. She worked hard to learn English, and she was valedictorian of L.B. Landry High School. While in high school she also attended the New Orleans Career Center, which she describes as one of the most amazing experiences of her life. There she received certification to be a medical assistant. Andrea is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts in general studies and certification in Business Operation. She plans to then go to college to eventually become a physician’s assistant.
“The driving force behind seeking change in my life and looking for learning is pursuing happiness and taking pride in my work,” she says. “I know that my happiness motivates me to protect, help and inspire others.” She also values the opportunity to learn from others and be exposed to different points of view.
Andrea is inspired by The 431 Exchange’s commitment to helping people achieve their dreams. “By assisting and showing you care, tons of people will be motivated to keep looking for opportunities and fighting for a better future.”