Scholarship Winners Pursue Degrees in Accounting, Architecture, Construction and Leadership to Build Stronger Communities
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.”
Jeanna Barrett:
A Desire to Inspire Others and Be an Ambassador of Change
Inspiring the next generation and helping to bring about positive change are values that motivate Jeanna Barrett, an educator who is pursuing a degree in Organizational Leadership at Franklin University in Ohio.
“This will allow me to make positive changes either in the education or nonprofit sector, both of which I have enjoyed working in for many years of my life,” says Jeanna, noting that she also plans to become a published author. She received a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/MAT from Xavier University and, years later, has returned to college to study online while also working full-time and spending time with her three children. “With the knowledge I am gaining I hope to … share benefits that will allow organizations and their students to grow and thrive.”
Jeanna has a special connection to the 431 Exchange in that her aunt, Connie Payton-Nevels, was one of the graduates of the Adult Education Center in New Orleans. “It provided her with skills to be not only a member of the working society but also to rise in the ranks,” she says. Jeanna plans to continue this legacy. “My desire is to inspire others to be their best, feel their best, and live their best life.”
Sophia Dinh:
Using her Accounting Gifts to Help Others
Sophia Dinh has nurtured her passion for helping others from a young age. The daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, she helped her parents with paperwork and taxes, and she hopes to continue using her accounting gifts to help others after obtaining a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
“Despite the difficulties my parents faced, they worked hard and emphasized the opportunity of higher education. Watching them surpass adversity inspires me to overcome any challenges and help others who are marginalized,” said Sophia, who currently works part-time for a CPA firm and a capital group. “I want to use my accounting knowledge to assist those in need and make a difference in the lives of others.”
Sophia plans to work in public accounting and later pivot to forensic, government or nonprofit accounting.
Sharing the 431 Exchange’s appreciation of the value of an education and how it can help people overcome obstacles is what inspires Sophia. “I admire its mission to uplift Louisiana-based adults who want to transform their lives through education.”
Lyla Boatman:
Building a Stronger Infrastructure for a Brighter Future
A desire to improve Louisiana communities damaged by natural disasters and economic challenges is what prompted Lyla Boatman to pursue a bachelor of arts degree in architecture from Louisiana State University.
“I am dedicating myself to designing architecture that is sustainable and economically friendly,” she says. LSU’s acclaimed architecture program gives students hands-on experience with campus infrastructure designed to withstand extreme conditions from hurricanes and flooding. “I will utilize this knowledge when designing buildings to withstand all natural disasters in hopes of improving the community in the long-term.” She believes a stronger infrastructure will lead to greater prosperity in the communities and improve the lives and well-being of residents.
Lyla previously owned a cookie business and she currently works two jobs on campus.
A focus on improving lives and communities is what she shares with the 431 Exchange. “The core of the 431 Exchange is to improve the lives of young adults through furthering their education,” she says. “It boils down to giving people hope, which is the most inspiring thing a person can do.”
Donald Fields III:
Constructing the Foundation for a Stronger Community
Building on his background in construction, Donald Fields III is working toward a degree in construction management from the University of New Orleans with a goal of strengthening communities.
“Construction provides the foundation for creating homes and shelter, which are fundamental to human needs. This strengthens community bonds,” says Donald, a legacy scholarship winner whose grandmother, Dr. Sandra O’Neal, was a graduate of the Adult Education Center. Donald works for the city of New Orleans while pursuing his bachelor’s degree. In addition to his desire to impact the community through construction management, Donald is guided by his faith in God. “Without Him I wouldn’t have the motivation to fulfill my dreams,” he shares.
Donald received his associate’s degree in construction management from Delgado Community College in 2021 and the UNO program takes his education to the next level with project planning, risk management and budgeting. He plans to use this comprehensive training to manage construction projects.
Its contribution to the community is what attracted Donald to the 431 Exchange. “It makes education more accessible to individuals who might not otherwise have the means to attend college or pursue advanced degrees,” he says.