We were lucky to catch up with Da’juh Sawyer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Da’juh , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
It was a financial struggle for me to even get from high school to college. I was working full time at Dominos Pizza in high school to save for college expenses and with the help of my family I was able to afford to finish and graduate from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University aka FAMU. I always had the passion for wanting to reach back to help others especially those who wanted to continue their education but may not have the financial resources to do so. I sat on the idea for at least 4 months because I wasn’t sure if I capable enough to serve in that leadership capacity or even envision myself running a nonprofit. I was standing in the FAMU parking lot waiting for one of my classes to start and I took some time to reflect on how far I had came. This was my last year in college. As I was speaking with the CoFounder- Dontreal Fletcher I just said “make it out.” That is how my nonprofit’s name came about. Dontreal Fletcher and I were college students at Florida A&M University, wondering why we didn’t see more African American students from our hometown of St. Petersburg, FL, on the campus along with us. Realizing that economics — as well as exposure and mentoring – were a large influence on high school students’ choice and/or ability to pursue a post-secondary education, we started The Make It Out Foundation, Inc. (MIOF) on November 29, 2017.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a proud St. Pete native and a 2014 graduate of Gibbs High School. While at Gibbs, I served as a tutor and mentor at the Precious Angel Preschool, volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, as well as hosted educational seminars at several recreational sites.
I’m a 2018 graduate of the illustrious Sybil C. Mobley School of Business and Industry located at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. While at FAMU, I served as the president of Big Sister Little Sister mentoring program, member of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., resident assistant, and class senator, which led to the role as vice-president of the Student Government Association. Several leadership positions allowed me to advocate for the ever- present needs of the student body as I represented more than 9,000 students at Faculty Senate meetings. My passion for improving the lives of others continues to endure.
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling throughout the country and sharing the importance of continuing education, voter education, goal setting, mental health awareness, etc. I worked as a Field Organizer for the Florida Democratic Party during the 2018 Election, Legislative Intern to Florida House of Representative Barbara Watson, For Our Future Fund Canvasser, 2020 Plan Emerging Leaders Class 2019 Fellow, Community Canvasser for the COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING CENTER, INC during the 2020 Census, completed work for the Florida House of Representatives Office of the Clerk as an Executive Secretary, served as a District Legislative Assistant II to Florida House of Representative Dianne Hart, served as the Statewide Voter Protection Coordinator for the Florida Coalition for Black and Brown Ballot Access, which focused on increasing voter education and protection efforts that ultimately impacted over 600k Black and Brown voters in 23 counties in Florida, worked as A Guest Experience Captain for the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Team/State Farm Arena and I currently serve as the Regional Organizing Director for the Florida Democratic Coordinated Campaign. I also serve on the R’Club Child Care, Inc. and Louise Graham Board of Directors.
Since 2017 MIOF has:
Provided scholarships to over 50 individuals of all races and ages
Spoken to over 10, 000 students through our educational/mentoring workshops.
Provided staff support of four legislative interns in Tallahassee for the Advancing Florida plan to decrease the effects of poverty speed progress towards inclusive growth in our community.
Developed community partnerships with, Publix,Target,Tampa Bay Rays, Brighthouse Financial, PDQ, Kendra Scot, Community Foundation Tampa Bay, Pinellas Community Foundation, Precious Angels Preschool, Amscot Financial and many others.
Received our first plaque, the Champions of Children Hearts Afire Leadership Award courtesy of the Suncoast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Implemented our first annual Christmas bicycle giveaway and donated over 50 bikes to children in the Atlanta area.
Held 5 back to school and Dress for Success Career events.
Provided internships and job placement for individuals
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
The initial goal was to raise $300.00, but thanks to social media, our family and friends, our mentors and we even supported with our own money we were able to raise $1,200! We used our financial aid money to invest in the nonprofit far as paying the fees, etc. to establish the 501(c)(3).
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Dontreal Fletcher and I both attended Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, FL. We also knew each other through family members. It made it better because a year or two after graduating high school we bumped into each other on FAMU’s campus on our way to class.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.makeitoutfoundati
on.org - Instagram: Makeitoutfoundation
- Facebook: Themakeitoutfoundati
on - Twitter: Make_foundation
- Email: Makeitoutfoundation24@gmail.
com