OUR WORK
We believe that regardless of a student’s academic standing or economic status that he or she only needs one thing to apply for a James A. Smith Postmaster Scholarship and that is desire to continue their education to rise above their circumstances to be the future game-changers we know them to be. We want to be the difference that helps some student contribute to making the world a better place whether it is through entrepreneurship, leadership, lawmaking, healthcare, medical science, technology, filmmaking, storytelling, performic arts, visual arts or digital media outlets. The path to changing lives is unlimited! And perhaps our helping hands will help our scholarship recipients pay it forward.
FORMER SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES
Scholarship Recipient
Breana D. Weaver
Legislative Deputy
Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson
Breana Weaver serves as a Legislative Deputy for Council member Marqueece Harris-Dawson. She supports the implementation of the Council member’s legislative agenda at City Council meetings and committees, particularly on matters related to job creation, economic development, capital investments and workforce development. Additionally, she works with constituents to develop policy proposals to solve problems in the delivery of City Services. Prior to joining the Legislative team, Breana served as a Field Deputy and handled all matters pertaining to the Department of Transportation and Metro.
In 2016, Breana completed the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs. She created a strategic plan for Metro around first and last mile solutions for rail users. She also co-produced and guest starred on the KCRW and NPR public radio show, “To the Point with Warren Olney”, and created a robust STEM K-12 education plan for Northrop Grumman’s Corporate Social Responsibility department.
Breana graduated from the UCLA with Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Communications. While at UCLA, she worked directly with the Vice Chancellor of UCLA Government and Community Relations, as well as in the UCLA Community Programs Office. Born and raised in South Los Angeles, Breana is passionate about addressing systemic injustices that have historically impacted communities of color. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, exploring different neighborhoods in Los Angeles, and reading autobiographies.
Scholarship Recipient
Paradyse Oakley
Paradyse Oakley, originally from South Los Angeles, graduate of Lawndale High School. Paradyse stays abreast of current events and is eager to learn new things. Her passions are Health, Prison Reform, Education and being a voice for the youth in South LA and she aspires to become a Criminal Justice Lawyer or Public Servant in the Political arena.
Currently attending the University of California, Santa Cruz majoring in Political Science with a concentration in International Relation and Community Studies. Paradyse is currently involved in NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers), BWA (Black Women Alliance), BSU (Black Student Union) and DHE (Destination Higher Education) Coordinator, CUIP Intern for African American Resource Cultural Center Race & Ethnicity Lead.