We were lucky to catch up with Avril Scarlett recently and have shared our conversation below.
Avril, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
I run a foundation that provides tuition support and back-to-school supplies for children in inner-city communities. One of the most compelling stories from our work is that of a young lady whose family I had never met before, but who I chose to assist. I supported her through high school and into college; not just with tuition, but also by mentoring and guiding her every step of the way.
At one point, she was held up at gunpoint and lost her laptop and other belongings. She was ready to quit school, but I encouraged her to stay the course. She persevered and went on to graduate with first-class honors. Today, she is doing exceptionally well—and the most beautiful part is that she has chosen to give back, completely on her own. We never ask those we help to give back, because when we give, we don’t tether people to us.
That is how I serve, and she is just one story among many. Every year, our foundation assists about 40 students, giving them the opportunity to learn, grow, and create brighter futures.
Avril, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My journey has been one of service, leadership, and purpose. Professionally, I serve as a Financial Controller at Florida Crystals, where I bring structure, strategy, and accountability to complex financial operations. In this role, I don’t just work with numbers; I help create clarity, sustainability, and solutions that drive long-term growth for the organization.
Beyond my corporate role, I am the founder and executive director of the Each One Reach One (EORO) Foundation, which is deeply personal to me. Through the foundation, we provide tuition support, scholarships, and back-to-school supplies to children in inner-city communities. Each year, we assist about 40 students. But for me, it goes beyond financial aid; I also mentor and walk alongside many of these young people. One of the most powerful stories is of a young woman I supported through high school and college. Despite setbacks—including being robbed at gunpoint and nearly giving up; she graduated with first-class honors and is now giving back to others. That’s the kind of generational impact I’m most proud of.
I also lead a brand called Purpose Awaits You, which was born out of my own journey of rediscovery and healing. Through this platform, I inspire and equip others to live out their God-given purpose; not defined by circumstances, people’s opinions, or material things, but by God’s design for their lives. This has led me to publish books, host empowerment events, and speak at gatherings where I help others unlock the power of faith, resilience, and intentional living.
What I want people to know about me; whether potential clients, followers, or partners—is that everything I do is rooted in service and impact. I am passionate about stewardship, about using resources wisely, and about creating opportunities for others to thrive. Whether I’m managing millions in a financial system, mentoring a student who feels like giving up, or teaching someone how to walk in their purpose, my goal is the same: to make a lasting difference.
At the core, I believe that purpose awaits all of us—and when we step into it, everything else aligns.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was believing that my worth was tied to people’s approval and to meeting their expectations.
Growing up, I carried the weight of a respected family name, and with that came pressure to always live up to what others thought I should be. That mindset followed me into adulthood—I worked hard, achieved a lot, and showed up for everyone, but inside I often felt drained because I was living more for people’s validation than for my own purpose.
The turning point came through some very personal challenges, including walking through separation and ultimately divorce and rediscovering who I was outside of titles and expectations. I had to unlearn the idea that success is about pleasing people and instead embrace the truth that real fulfillment comes from living authentically and walking in my God-given purpose.
That shift freed me. It’s why I now teach others through Purpose Awaits You that life isn’t about chasing approval or checking boxes—it’s about aligning with God’s design for your life, and everything else falls into place.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes, absolutely. I believe leaders are shaped not just by what they achieve, but also by the voices and wisdom they allow to guide them.
One resource that has had a major impact on my leadership and management philosophy is Simon Sinek’s book Start With Why. His emphasis on purpose-driven leadership resonates deeply with me, both in my corporate role as a Financial Controller and in my work with the EO Arrow Foundation and Purpose Awaits You. The idea that people don’t buy what you do but why you do it has pushed me to lead with clarity, vision, and authenticity.
Another leader whose work has inspired me is Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo. Her book My Life in Full really stands out because it’s not just about corporate success, but about leading with empathy, courage, and balance as a woman. She showed that it’s possible to navigate boardrooms with strength while also embracing humanity and humility; qualities I believe are essential in leadership.
In addition, I’ve been shaped by faith-based resources including the Bible, especially writings and teachings that remind me that leadership is stewardship; it’s not just about titles, but about serving people and creating impact.
Together, these voices remind me that true leadership is purpose-driven, people-centered, and impact-focused. They’ve shaped not only how I manage teams and finances, but also how I build systems that create opportunities for others to thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eorofoundation.org
- Instagram: avrilscarlett
- Facebook: Avril Scarlett
- Linkedin: Avril Scarlett
