For Norfolk State University junior Ayomide Olafusi, earning a college degree without placing a financial burden on his family was not just a goal but a promise.
A cybersecurity major and the son of Nigerian immigrant parents, Olafusi said he was determined to find opportunities that would allow him to pursue higher education while easing the financial responsibility for his family. That determination led him to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), an organization he credits with helping make that vision a reality.
Through TMCF scholarships, Olafusi said he was able to focus fully on his education while also expanding his sense of what was possible for his future.
“TMCF supports so many students, and that allowed me to dream bigger,” Olafusi said. “They helped me see where I want to go, not just in the corporate world, but in life.”
Beyond financial support, Olafusi described his involvement with TMCF programs as transformational. He participated in DevCon, Moguls in the Making and Leadership Institute, experiences he said placed him directly in the career spaces he hopes to enter one day.
“The programs have been nothing short of great,” he said. “They opened my network in ways I never thought possible.”
At Leadership Institute, Olafusi said he gained access to professionals who took a genuine interest in his growth. Through conversations with employers and mentors, he developed real-world skills, including how to navigate professional spaces, communicate confidently and present himself authentically during interviews.
“People took me under their wing from the very beginning,” Olafusi said. “I heard a lot of ‘I’ve got you,’ and that meant everything.”
He also said the collaborative environment among TMCF scholars allowed him to exchange ideas with peers, build on his strengths and better understand what makes him unique. Those experiences ultimately led to internship offers and increased confidence as he prepares for life after college.
Reflecting on his journey, Olafusi said TMCF has played a pivotal role in shaping who he is today.
“TMCF changed me for the better,” Olafusi said.
