When you know your WHY, the HOW is easy!

At College Success Foundation-District of Columbia (CSF-DC), success stories are not just anecdotes but a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and unwavering support. One such story that continues to inspire is that of Darone Okolie, an alum of the CSF-DC Achievers Scholar program from Cohort 5.

Darone’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of knowing one’s “why” and the unwavering dedication to achieving it. From his early days at HD Woodson High School, Darone exhibited a drive and passion that caught the attention of CSF-DC. With their support, he navigated the challenges of high school and graduated with a clear vision of his future.

But Darone’s story doesn’t end there. Armed with a strong foundation laid by CSF-DC, he embarked on his higher education journey at Clark Atlanta University. It was here that he honed his talents and nurtured his passion for acting, laying the groundwork for what would become a remarkable career in the entertainment industry.

In 2017, Darone’s hard work and dedication paid off as he made his debut on the ID channel’s Homicide Hunter. From there, he continued to rise, securing recurring roles on acclaimed shows such as NCIS, Queen Sugar, and Black Lightning. Today, Darone is a household name, starring in four major television shows including All American on The CW, Bob Hearts Abishola on CBS, Winning Time on HBO, and The Crossover on Disney Plus.

As we shine the CSF-DC W.O.W. spotlight on Darone, we celebrate not just his professional achievements but also his unwavering commitment to his dreams. Darone’s success serves as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and the right support system, anything is possible.

To all the current and future scholars of CSF-DC, Darone’s story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Remember, when you know your “why,” the “how” becomes easy. Congratulations, Darone, on your continued success! You make CSF-DC proud, and your journey inspires us all.

Watch Darone’s speech at the 16th Annual CSF-DC/Costco Breakfast Fundraiser:

Discover more of CSF-DC’s latest stories in our spring 2023 newsletter.