JOHN T. CRAWFORD
Founder
Greater Steps Scholars

"Give a Youth a Chance!"

CECIL BURROWES
Chair
Wells Fargo

“Greater Steps Scholars’ mission is centered on providing each child living in public & subsidized housing the resources and access to the tools needed to level the playing field has been a passion of mine throughout my career. Having had financial challenges in pursuing my own post-secondary education, I can relate with the scholars we serve and appreciate the opportunity I have to impact their futures.”

MARCUS KORNEGAY
Immediate Past Chair
Novant Health

"I support Greater Steps Scholars because I am a firm believer that higher education and mentorship are equalizers for our underserved youth. As economic mobility gaps continue to widen in our community investing in the youth that need us the most is a sure fire way to narrow the divide. Greater Steps’ mission is to attack the systemic divide through social and financial capital and I am proud to serve such a wonderful organization."

TROY BARNES
Neiman Marcus

"I immediately felt connected after learning about the great work GSS has done. I was inspired most by the vast level of opportunity we have to help young minds for generations to come.”

LORI BEQUETTE
Wake Forest University

“As a dedicated educator, I have had the fortune of witnessing first-hand the transformative impact of a college education. Supporting those who may not know that pursuing higher education is an option is important to me as it has the possibility of not only changing an individual's life, but also elevating his/her family and community.”

TAI P. BURNS
Apex Leadership Co.

“I joined the Greater Steps Scholars board because its mission of empowering economically disadvantaged students aligns with my passion for education and community impact."

CHANTELLE BYNUM
Wells Fargo

"In supporting Greater Steps Scholars, I am supporting core beliefs that I hold true as a parent and a community partner. Investing our time, energy, knowledge, and money into our youth’s education is the most powerful and positive investment we can make in our society’s progress towards the future.”

WILL CARROUTHERS
Wells Fargo

"As someone that grew up in public housing, Greater Steps Scholars’ work providing mentorship and support is deeply personal. I cherish this opportunity to help provide something I yearned for heading off to college."

DR. JOEVANNE ESTRADA
Central Piedmont Community College

"As a dedicated leader in higher education, I am passionate about ensuring that every student has the opportunity to access and experience college, whether at the two-year or four-year level. This access is crucial not only for their academic growth but also for unlocking a world of opportunities that can transform their lives and change the entire trajectory of their future!"

EVENS GRAMMONT
Greater Steps Board Member

"I am deeply passionate about education and its transformative power in the lives of young people. Many underprivileged students face challenges in accessing higher education. Thus, I am elated in joining Greater Steps Scholars (GSS) to bridge the gap that prevents many students from realizing their full potential, leveraging my skills and experience to ensure they have the support and opportunities needed to succeed in college and beyond."

SCOTTIE R. HARRIS
LPL Financial

“I was an educator and HBCU graduate. My father lost his job my senior year of high school at Christmas. Were it not for various programs like GSS, I would not have been able to attend college.”

JACOB JOHNS
Novo Nordisk

PAMELA MURPHY LEWIS
Wells Fargo

ASHLEY N. RUSS
EY

“Witnessing the profound impact that Greater Steps has had on the lives of youth ignited my passion to contribute to this noble cause. I was inspired to join GSS because I believe in the transformative power of education and the potential of every young person to achieve their dreams, regardless of their financial circumstances.”

DOROTHY STOWE
INLIVIAN Resident Advisory Council Representative

"I support Greater Steps Scholars because, as an Inlivian resident, mother of 3 and Resident Organization President, I see the true benefit of the mentoring program, alumni support and financial guidance the foundation provide to prepare our children for the future."

SHEILA WEAVER
Greater Steps Alumni & Selection Committee Chair

"I sincerely appreciate the support of those who value higher education and want the students of lower economic backgrounds to continue in their studies. Pursuing degrees in competitive fields can be challenging and it’s encouraging to know that people are willing to support them. This scholarship gives them the opportunity to take part in those challenges. I’m excited and grateful to be part of this."

WINSTON WELLS
Wells Fargo