Empowering Youth Tacoma: Uplifting Students, Honoring Community and Inspiring Action
College Success Foundation’s Empowering Youth Tacoma luncheon was held on May 22, 2025. It was truly heartening to see so many members of our CSF Tacoma family gathered together. The event was a celebration of our collective commitment to Tacoma’s young people and a call to action to stand by students now, when they need us most.
A special thank you to our emcee, Jiquanda Nelson; spoken-word artist, Mariama Suwaneh; CSF alum and Tacoma School Board President, Korey Strozier; and CSF-Tacoma Board Chair, Mark Starnes. Their powerful words reminded us of CSF’s lasting impact.
CSF Scholars joined us for the afternoon from high schools and colleges across Tacoma to celebrate their upcoming graduations and next steps in life. Students shared their college destinations and areas of study on stage. Then, guests and staff created a jubilant cheer tunnel to celebrate students’ achievements as students danced through the tunnel, giving high-fives and fist bumps. The moment brought to life the hope and potential we see in the next generation.
Next, guests took in a powerful video featuring CSF alum Korey Strozier. Once unsure if college was possible, Korey found encouragement through his CSF advisor, Robert, and discovered his path to higher education. His journey has led him to serve as the President of the Tacoma School Board, giving back to the community that helped shape him.
Here’s Korey’s story:
We extend our gratitude to our event sponsors, whose generous contributions made this celebration possible, and to our partners in education. Your continued support plays a vital role in the successful futures of our Scholars. Thank you!
Thank you to our sponsors:
President’s Circle: Anonymous
Magna Cum Laude: BECU, Dimmer Family Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Obee Credit Union, PoulTree, University of Puget Sound
High Honors: Commencement Bank, Eastern Washington University, Foundation for Tacoma Students, Gesa Credit Union, MultiCare, Sound Credit Union, Mark & Linda Starnes, Willie Stewart, Wendy & Jay Stricherz, University of Washington-Tacoma
