FOSTERING VISIONARIES
Assata Dessaline- Our CEO, The Visionary
Assata Dessaline, originally from the Bronx, NY, made a life-changing decision in 2018 when she relocated to the Washington DC area for a career promotion, setting the stage for a new chapter in her journey. With a background in engineering and a passion for problem-solving, Assata's transition to the nation's capital was marked by her commitment to excellence and innovation.
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Raised in a nurturing environment filled with the love of fostering children, Assata's upbringing instilled in her a profound understanding of the importance of support and guidance in the lives of youth. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of these influences ignited her passion for empowering young individuals to reach their fullest potential.
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However, it wasn't until 2022 that she discovered her true passion and the inspiration to start Fostering Visionaries.
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Driven by her deep commitment to nurturing youth, especially homeless individuals aged 16-24 who often lack the support and stability they need, Assata embarked on a mission to foster their success. She believes these pivotal years are crucial because this is when young adults are technically grown but often need guidance the most, particularly as this is the age where children in Foster Care age out and most support ends.
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This passion led to the creation of an independent living facility dedicated to guiding young individuals toward a thriving future. Through Fostering Visionaries, Assata and her team provide a supportive environment where youth can excel academically, emotionally, and professionally. By offering mentorship, educational resources, life skills training, career exploration opportunities, and mental health services, they empower them to overcome obstacles and turn their dreams into reality.
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With a background rooted in community engagement and youth advocacy, Assata has extensive experience working with young people across various settings. This exposure has shaped her understanding of the unique challenges they face and has strengthened her commitment to creating positive change in their lives.
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As Assata embarks on this new endeavor, she remains steadfast in her commitment to guiding youth toward brighter tomorrows. With her unwavering dedication and passion for mentoring, she envisions Fostering Visionaries as a beacon of hope for young individuals seeking to build successful and fulfilling futures.
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Furthermore, at Fostering Visionaries, the aim is to change mindsets for youth coming from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. They believe that with vision, exposure, nurturing, and access to mental health services, the opportunities are limitless. They seek to inspire young individuals to break through barriers and realize their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.