The Qazi Family Foundation

The Qazi Family Foundation This is a non-profit foundation dedicated to community service and charity projects in the U.S. and worldwide.

Additionally, the Foundation administers and organizes the Nadia Qazi Scholarship Fund, which awards college scholarships to deserving women. The Qazi Family Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through education, youth development, and enrichment. Born out of the heartfelt desire of its founders to help young women pursue their dreams, the Foundation serves as a beacon of hope and opp

ortunity, especially for those facing socioeconomic barriers. At the heart of our work is the Nadia Qazi Scholarship, established in honor of our beloved sister and daughter, Nadia Qazi. A passionate educator and philanthropist, Nadia believed in the transformative power of learning for all, regardless of background or financial status. Her legacy lives on through this scholarship, inspiring students to lead with compassion, purpose, and a love for education. With the support of our board, volunteers, and community partners, we remain constant and committed to driving change by using education, kindness, and human rights, empowering the next generation to rise.

📖 Support our mission with a meaningful read! Attorney Farrah Qazi’s book, In Her Shoes, is now available; a powerful children’s story about empathy, kindness, and connection across borders. A portion of the proceeds supports the Nadia Qazi Scholarship Fund.
👉 https://mascotbooks.com/product/in-her-shoes/

🍉 **What if a roadside watermelon stand could help build a path to a college dream?**At 17, Kennedy Miller, a high schoo...
08/14/2026

🍉 **What if a roadside watermelon stand could help build a path to a college dream?**

At 17, Kennedy Miller, a high school senior from Rusk County, Texas, turned hard work and entrepreneurship into an investment in his education. Inspired by stories of his father selling watermelons when he was young, Kennedy began selling Grapeland watermelons to help save for college tuition.

Entrepreneurship was familiar. Kennedy had started earning money in middle school by selling candy and soda, learning that goals often require initiative, discipline, and persistence. His watermelon business meant early mornings, long hours, and working through the Texas heat alongside his family.

At the time his story gained attention, Kennedy hoped to attend Texas A&M University, following in the footsteps of his father and sister, while pursuing his interest in film production. His dream is to become a Hollywood executive producer and lead a business of his own.

Kennedy’s journey reminds us that education is worth working for, and small beginnings can grow into extraordinary possibilities with bold ambition.

Kennedy Miller, a 17-year-old entrepreneur from Texas, sold fresh watermelons from a roadside stand to help fund his college education. He plans to study film production at Texas A&M University and dreams of becoming a Hollywood executive producer. 🍉🎓

David Bishop, a school custodian in Hampden, Maine, turned a lifelong love of chess into an opportunity to mentor young ...
08/14/2026

David Bishop, a school custodian in Hampden, Maine, turned a lifelong love of chess into an opportunity to mentor young learners. After retiring from a telecommunications career, he began working in local schools and eventually stepped in to lead chess programs at George B. Weatherbee Elementary School and Reeds Brook Middle School.

Under his guidance, students learned far more than openings and checkmates. Chess became a way to strengthen concentration, critical thinking, patience, confidence, and perseverance. In 2023, Bishop led both the elementary and middle school teams to Maine state championship titles, while the middle school team later placed eighth among 52 teams at a national competition.

Bishop’s dedication shows how education can happen in unexpected places and how one caring adult can help students discover abilities they may not have recognized in themselves.

His journey is a beautiful reminder that meaningful mentorship can begin with simply noticing potential and choosing to invest in it.

David Bishop, a school custodian in Maine, turned his love of chess into an unexpected coaching role and guided elementary and middle school students to state championship titles. What started while he was cleaning outside the chess club became a powerful example of how one caring mentor can inspire students to achieve greatness. ♟️🏆

🎓 Seven students. Seven degrees. One historic moment that proved education can open doors even behind prison walls.In Ju...
08/14/2026

🎓 Seven students. Seven degrees. One historic moment that proved education can open doors even behind prison walls.

In June 2023, Maurice Blackwell, Kyle Gonzalez, David Grant, Marcus Harvin, Evan Holmes, Alpha Jalloh, and Michael Stokes Jr. earned associate degrees in General Studies through the Yale Prison Education Initiative and the University of New Haven.

Their commencement at Connecticut’s MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution marked the program’s first graduating class and the facility’s first college graduation ceremony. Their coursework carried the same rigor and expectations as university classes, and every graduate finished with high honors, earning at least a 3.5 GPA. Jalloh, the class valedictorian, achieved the highest GPA.

For these men, pursuing education became an opportunity to discover their abilities, challenge expectations, and imagine a different future. Their achievement also helped pave the way for other incarcerated students to pursue college degrees through the growing program.

Their story reminds us that access to education can create possibility, restore purpose, and empower people to write a new chapter with courage, discipline, and hope.

Seven incarcerated men at Connecticut’s MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution made history in June 2023 by earning college degrees through the Yale Prison Education Initiative and University of New Haven. Their achievement marked the first college degree ceremony for incarcerated students at a Connecticut prison. 🎓❤️

What tried to stop Ronnie “Tre” Lawson became part of the story that now helps him lift others.At 17, Tre’s life changed...
08/13/2026

What tried to stop Ronnie “Tre” Lawson became part of the story that now helps him lift others.

At 17, Tre’s life changed after a 2017 car crash left him with a spinal cord injury and paralysis. Despite being told he might never walk again, he committed to rehabilitation and gradually regained mobility.

Tre carried that determination into education. He studied Elementary Special Education at Fort Valley State University, completed student teaching while navigating mobility challenges, and graduated with honors. He later began pursuing a master’s degree at Louisiana State University.

Today, Tre teaches special education at Southfield Elementary School in Georgia, where his experiences help shape the patience, empathy, and encouragement he brings to students with learning and physical needs. He is also an author, sharing his journey in his 2026 book, The Hurdle That Broke Me.

Tre’s journey reminds us that education can become more than personal achievement. It can equip us to turn difficult chapters into purpose and help others believe in what is still possible.

Ronnie "Tre" Lawson was paralyzed after a 2017 car crash at 17, but after doctors said he would never walk again, he fought through intense rehabilitation and regained mobility. He graduated with honors, became an author, and now works as a special education teacher in Georgia, inspiring students through his resilience. ❤️

At just six years old, Declan Lopez showed the world how powerful a curious mind can be.The New Jersey kindergartener ea...
08/13/2026

At just six years old, Declan Lopez showed the world how powerful a curious mind can be.

The New Jersey kindergartener earned membership in Mensa after scoring 138 on an IQ test, placing her among a highly gifted group of learners. Even at such a young age, Declan was already reading at a third or fourth grade level and eagerly exploring subjects like math, science, art, geography, and physics.

Her love of learning appeared early. Her mother recalled that at only 18 months old, Declan unexpectedly began counting in Mandarin. At school, supportive teachers helped nurture her abilities, including giving her access to coding activities for added academic stimulation.

What makes Declan’s story especially meaningful is the balance her family encourages. Alongside challenging her growing mind, they want her to laugh, play, make mistakes, and simply enjoy being a child.

Her story also shows the value of meeting young learners where they are.

Declan’s journey reminds us that education flourishes when curiosity is recognized, supported, and given room to grow.

Declan Lopez was just 6 years old when she earned a spot in Mensa after scoring an impressive 138 on an IQ test. She reads at a fourth grade level and loves math, science, art, and geography while continuing to enjoy being a kid. 🧠

What happens when a child’s extraordinary potential is recognized and given room to grow?Joshua Beckford’s learning jour...
08/13/2026

What happens when a child’s extraordinary potential is recognized and given room to grow?

Joshua Beckford’s learning journey began remarkably early. By 10 months, he could identify letters and numbers, and by around age three, he was reading fluently through phonics and learning Japanese. At just six, Joshua was accepted into an Oxford University program for gifted children, where he studied Philosophy and History and earned distinctions in both.

Today, Joshua continues to be known for his interest in medicine and his ambition to become a neurosurgeon. But his story reaches far beyond academic achievement. As an autistic young person, he has also used his voice to promote greater understanding and support for neurodivergent individuals.

Joshua has supported autism-related causes and served with the Boys Mentoring Advocacy Network as a Low-Income Families Education Support Ambassador, helping champion educational opportunities for children from underserved communities.

His journey reminds us that when young minds are understood, encouraged, and supported, their potential can reach far beyond the classroom; and truly inspire others along the way.

Joshua Beckford began reading at 10 months old, was speaking fluent Japanese by around 3 years old, and was accepted into an Oxford University philosophy and history program at just 6 years old. His journey highlights the importance of recognizing gifted and neurodivergent children and nurturing their unique abilities. 🧠📚

She was more than a star. She was a student, an artist, and a dream still inspiring generations.Aaliyah Dana Haughton, b...
08/13/2026

She was more than a star. She was a student, an artist, and a dream still inspiring generations.

Aaliyah Dana Haughton, born in Brooklyn and raised in Detroit, showed early that excellence could live in more than one place. She sang, danced, acted, and built a rising music career, yet she also remained committed to her education.

As a student at Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts, Aaliyah studied dance and drama while balancing the growing demands of entertainment. Even with rehearsals, performances, recording, and travel, she graduated in 1997 with a 4.0 GPA.

Her story reminds us that talent is powerful, but discipline gives it direction. Aaliyah pursued her craft with grace, preparation, and humility, showing young people that education and creativity can grow together.

Her legacy also continues through the Aaliyah Memorial Fund, which supports causes connected to health, education, and community care.

This year, Aaliyah would have been 47, but her light still teaches us that purpose can leave an impact far beyond time.

She’d be 47 this year!🙏🏾 Aaliyah Dana Haughton, a 4.0 GPA student, excelled in dance, drama, and rising singing career.

Born in Brooklyn on January 16, 1979, she moved to Detroit, opening for aunt Gladys Knight at only eleven.

Despite early setbacks, she released her debut album at fourteen, selling over one million copies.

Twenty years later, Lakina Mabins turned a postponed dream into a valedictorian moment.Lakina Mabins, a mother of five f...
08/12/2026

Twenty years later, Lakina Mabins turned a postponed dream into a valedictorian moment.

Lakina Mabins, a mother of five from Bronzeville, Chicago, returned to school after putting her education on hold, earned a perfect 4.0 GPA, and graduated as the 2025 valedictorian of Kennedy-King College with a degree in criminal justice.

Her journey was not easy. She worked two jobs; one overnight at a hospital and another at her daughter’s after-school program, while caring for her children and carrying a dream that refused to disappear.

Lakina’s journey was also strengthened by scholarship support. As a recipient of the Chicago Housing Authority’s Partners in Education Scholarship, she received encouragement and financial assistance that helped make her return to college possible. She plans to continue at National Louis University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree toward becoming a forensic psychologist.

Stories like Lakina’s reflect why scholarships matter. The Nadia Qazi Scholarship is proud to support students who are committed to pursuing education, overcoming obstacles, and creating futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.

May her story remind every student: your timeline does not define your potential.

Lakina Mabins returned to college after 20 years away and graduated as valedictorian with a perfect 4.0 GPA while raising five children. Her achievement is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue your goals and finish what you started. 🎓❤️

Jean, Jeanet, and Jeanice Stephenson, triplets from Montgomery, Alabama, celebrated a beautiful milestone when they grad...
08/12/2026

Jean, Jeanet, and Jeanice Stephenson, triplets from Montgomery, Alabama, celebrated a beautiful milestone when they graduated from South University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, finishing in the top 10% of their class.

Their journey was inspired by their mother and other family members who worked in nursing, showing them early that healthcare could be both a profession and a purpose. As students, they studied under the same roof, encouraged one another through difficult lessons, and helped each other stay focused when nursing school became challenging.

Their education journey reflects discipline, sacrifice, and the strength of family support. They also gained hands-on experience as advanced nurse externs at Baptist South Medical Center, preparing their hearts and skills for the patients they hope to serve.

Though their interests point to different areas—NICU and pediatrics, ICU, and ER—the sisters share a dream of one day working in the same hospital.

Their story reminds us that when family, education, excellence, and service move together, purpose becomes even more powerful.

Triple the Black brilliance!✨ Montgomery’s 23-year-old triplets Jean, Jeanet, and Jeanice Stephenson graduated nursing school in the top 10%.

Inspired by their mother, an experienced nurse, they pursued nursing careers with remarkable dedication together.

Though interested in different specialties, they dream of working in the same hospital someday soon.

A stolen chapter did not stop Ryan Matthews from writing a new one.At 17, Ryan Matthews was wrongly convicted in Louisia...
08/12/2026

A stolen chapter did not stop Ryan Matthews from writing a new one.

At 17, Ryan Matthews was wrongly convicted in Louisiana and spent years on death row before DNA evidence helped prove his innocence. After his exoneration in 2004, he chose not to let injustice define the rest of his life.

Ryan began again with education. He earned his GED soon after coming home, continued through college, and later graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a bachelor’s degree in applied arts and sciences. He did not stop there. Ryan returned to TWU and pursued graduate business studies, proving that rebuilding can happen one class, one semester, and one brave step at a time.

His pursuit of education also inspired his mother, sister, and niece to continue their own studies, turning perseverance into generational encouragement.

Ryan has also shared his desire to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, especially others still fighting for justice.

His journey reminds us that purpose can still rise from places meant to break us.

At 17, Ryan Matthews was wrongly accused and spent 5 years on death row. At 39, he’s become a college graduate.

In 1997, Matthews was accused of fatally shooting a white businessman. Despite maintaining innocence, he was sentenced to death.

Activists and his family fought for his freedom. After DNA evidence proved his innocence and the real killer confessed, Matthews was exonerated and released in 2004.

After his exoneration, Matthews enrolled at TWU in Denton, Texas, recently earning a bachelor’s degree in applied arts and science.

Inspired by his story, his sister and 71-year old mother followed suit and also continued studying.

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