Award-winning journalist's foundation helps women realize college dream

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An Emmy Award-winning journalist and author was in Jacksonville Saturday to promote her PowHERful Foundation, which helps women get into college by providing financial assistance and mentorship.

Soledad O'Brien’s foundation holds PowHERful Enrichment Conferences across the country for young women between the ages of 14 to 23. Her foundation’s goal is to create an opportunity for girls who have limited means to go to college.

Saturday’s event was held at the WJCT studios with a panel of six successful business women on hand to talk about their lives and careers. It was one of seven scheduled this year.

“Our panelists are always very open,” O’Brien said. “I always tell them, ‘I want you to be really open about your experiences, because you are sitting up here in a fabulous suit and high heels, but I need you to tell everybody how your mom was a single mom and how the fact that she didn't have a career, and had a gig, really put your family in financial insecurity so this is what motivated you to go to college.’"

Multiple sessions were held that focused on career opportunities.

O’Brien said, as of now, the foundation helps 25 students.

Click here to donate or to get more information about the PowHERful Foundation scholarships.