About

AOK Scholars provides
coaching and
financial support for those pursuing post-secondary education

“We are keen on success and believe that education is an important part of becoming successful. AOK was established to help those youth attending college who are most likely to succeed, if helped. We are proud of these Scholars and the success they are achieving as part of our program.”

Dr. Lawrence E. White,
Namesake & Founder
The Lawrence E. White Family Foundation

About
AOK SCHOLARS

Who are most likely to succeed if helped? This is the question that the nonprofit organization Lawrence E. White Family Foundation hoped to answer when it was founded in 2002. At the core of our work is a belief that individuals who have persevered through extraordinary life challenges can become the leaders of tomorrow with the right support and guidance.

Partnering with many community-minded organizations to fulfill our mission, LEWFF’s ultimate goal is to empower individuals, foster success, and change lives. The Foundation aims to support college students, amateur wrestlers, and veterans through a variety of outreach programs.

In 2013 LEWFF created the AOK Scholars Program to specifically support students who have aged out of foster care, and later expanded to include those students experiencing homelessness.

Program Overview

Our AOK Specialists

AOK Scholars has a team of dedicated staff who provide coaching and financial support to help remove barriers to graduation.

Sophia Weng

     Sophia was raised in Brooklyn and now calls Orlando home. She earned her bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Seminole State College with a minor in English Language Arts and specializations in ESOL and Special Education.
     With a career spanning over a decade, Sophia has enriched the lives of students in both public and private educational settings. Her passion for education and holistic teaching approach extend beyond the classroom. At AOK, Sophia is committed to equipping Scholars with practical tools and life skills for their journey through higher education.
     When she's not making a transformative impact in academics, Sophia cherishes time with her husband and three children. She also runs her own business. Whether working with students at AOK or clients in her business, Sophia thrives on elevating those around her to new heights of success and fulfillment.

Juliet Gerstenfeld

Juliet Gerstenfeld is on a mission to help folks practice proactive habits and persevere through the pain to prioritize their goals. She has a 20-year background in helping businesses and people excel through Systems Improvement, Transformational Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Business Development. Juliet is dedicated to helping scholars understand that financial literacy and “Failing Forward” are key to achieving their dream.
Outside of work, Juliet cherishes quality time with her husband and their two wonderful children. As a woman of many talents, she also runs her own business and volunteers with multiple organizations, including her son’s HS soccer team (Go Big Red!), Scout Troop, and the local prisons. Juliet holds a BA in Psychology from West Chester University (Go Rams!) and an MS in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati (Go Bearcats!).

Tresa Woodward

     Tresa is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in public service and education. She currently serves as the Supervisor of the AOK Scholars Program, leading initiatives to support former foster youth and individuals experiencing homelessness in accessing higher education.
     After graduating from Penn State, Tresa worked for the Pennsylvania Senate, honing her skills in crafting impactful legislation and serving constituents. Upon relocating to Florida, Tresa worked at a boarding school, gaining valuable experience fostering inclusivity within diverse communities. Her dedication to empowering others shines through at AOK, where she breaks down barriers and enhances educational opportunities for those in need.
     Outside of work, Tresa enjoys quality time with family and friends and can often be found relaxing by the lake with a good book or jet skiing.