About
Julien M. Serrano-O'Neil
"No Matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." - Robin Williams
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Julien M. Serrano-O'Neil was born as the only son to his parents Kirk O'Neil and Angela Serrano on August 26th, 1998. At a very young age, his parents moved to several different places that included, but were not limited to Arizona, Pennsylvania, and finally Florida. To be exact, they stopped in Pine Hill, Florida, which is one of the largest unincorporated communities in Orange County. Julien spent the remainder of his adolescence being raised in Pine Hills; living in this community has shaped him into the man he is today.
From this experience, he developed new ideas and passions. One of which was inspired by his friend, Dweller Georges, when he attended Meadowbrook Middle School and grew stronger as he got involved in theater at Maynard Evans High School under the leadership of Mr. Stephen Martin. |
Because of this and his ability to grasp skills rather quickly, he grew an interest in light and sound operations. He had the opportunity to work with Mr. Ken Miller as they began to take on projects for the school district and local high schools. An interest in engineering was sparked and because of that, Julien was able to become certified in various areas of STEM. He was introduced to Mr. Allie L. Braswell, the Former President and CEO of the Central Florida Urban League, and Mrs. Shellie-Ann Braswell, the Senior Administrator of the company, when they invited students to join a program they were offering; along with some friends, Julien was one of the first in the program. He was exposed to the use of robotics and aviation, digital electronics, and leadership and community development. When the program had come to a sudden end, it was taken over by a different organization, The United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. under the Direction of Ms. Sandra Fatmi and her phenomenal Board of Directors, Mr. Dennis Hall, Mr. Gordon Russell, Mrs. Shirley Edwards, Ms. Myra Johnson, and Ms. Alex Lewis. It was in this revitalized program that Julien became the first President of the after-school enrichment and mentoring program Future Leaders United and because of this, Julien grew an interest in advocacy as it related to community development. With the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. Julien then began, working alongside elected officials, organizations, his Board of County Commissioners and County School Board to increase the support for his community and the many under served communities of Orange County.
Through interaction with different mentors, Julien has decided to expand his knowledge of political science. This decision impacted his choice to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. He is currently majoring in political science with a minor in philosophy. Aside from his desire to attend this school, he was sold on the fact that institution was the last in the world committed to educating and molding Black men. "Developing Men with disciplined minds who will lead lives of leadership and service". "Let there be Light" is what the motto of Morehouse College derives from which can be found in Genesis 1:3. Et Facta est Lux latin for "And there was light".
Regardless of being accepted, it was difficult for Julien to matriculate into Morehouse. He was challenged every step of the way, especially the summer before his first semester. It was required of him to attend a program, but at the time, he could not afford it. Many of his previous mentors and people he had worked with in the past had joined together in an attempt to provide him with necessary funds needed to attend the program. Because of their determination, he was awarded a scholarship along with 18 others who had completed the Future Leaders United program. Another financial issue had arose, but like before, his mentors had stepped in to assist him. He was recommended to participate in the Bonner Scholars program at Morehouse, which awards students for their ongoing commitment to community engagement. Within a years time, things had completely changed for Mr. Serrano-O’Neil. He had been investing in the lives of other students and was able to award his first scholarship to Woomy Michel, a young lady who is a graduate of Evans High school and Future Leaders United that went on to attend Clark Atlanta University. Outside of this scholarship fund Julien has awarded another scholarship of $600 to Raina Wilson who currently attends Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. Julien is committed to investing in the scholarship fund because he believes that it will be effective in uplifting students from his community.
In that years time Julien's investment into Woomy encouraged her to pledge a scholarship to the Scholarship fund as well. Julien believes that the investment into the life of a child for every 1 child 7 more will be affected. Julien will continue contributing to this scholarship fund for the rest of his life as one of the many ways that he can give back to the community that made him who he is.
On June 2nd, 2019, Julien awarded 4 more scholarships to United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program Class of 2019. Totaling Julien’s scholarship contribution over two years to $2,600 and 6 students total have been awarded.
Through the Morehouse College Bonner Office of Community Service Julien has worked with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Morehouse College Community Revitalization Initiative, the City of Atlanta with their Neighborhood Planning Units (NPU-T), and Project Pericles, Inc. - Student Choice - Student Voices (SCSV) Task Force.
Through interaction with different mentors, Julien has decided to expand his knowledge of political science. This decision impacted his choice to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. He is currently majoring in political science with a minor in philosophy. Aside from his desire to attend this school, he was sold on the fact that institution was the last in the world committed to educating and molding Black men. "Developing Men with disciplined minds who will lead lives of leadership and service". "Let there be Light" is what the motto of Morehouse College derives from which can be found in Genesis 1:3. Et Facta est Lux latin for "And there was light".
Regardless of being accepted, it was difficult for Julien to matriculate into Morehouse. He was challenged every step of the way, especially the summer before his first semester. It was required of him to attend a program, but at the time, he could not afford it. Many of his previous mentors and people he had worked with in the past had joined together in an attempt to provide him with necessary funds needed to attend the program. Because of their determination, he was awarded a scholarship along with 18 others who had completed the Future Leaders United program. Another financial issue had arose, but like before, his mentors had stepped in to assist him. He was recommended to participate in the Bonner Scholars program at Morehouse, which awards students for their ongoing commitment to community engagement. Within a years time, things had completely changed for Mr. Serrano-O’Neil. He had been investing in the lives of other students and was able to award his first scholarship to Woomy Michel, a young lady who is a graduate of Evans High school and Future Leaders United that went on to attend Clark Atlanta University. Outside of this scholarship fund Julien has awarded another scholarship of $600 to Raina Wilson who currently attends Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. Julien is committed to investing in the scholarship fund because he believes that it will be effective in uplifting students from his community.
In that years time Julien's investment into Woomy encouraged her to pledge a scholarship to the Scholarship fund as well. Julien believes that the investment into the life of a child for every 1 child 7 more will be affected. Julien will continue contributing to this scholarship fund for the rest of his life as one of the many ways that he can give back to the community that made him who he is.
On June 2nd, 2019, Julien awarded 4 more scholarships to United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. Future Leaders United After-School Enrichment and Mentoring Program Class of 2019. Totaling Julien’s scholarship contribution over two years to $2,600 and 6 students total have been awarded.
Through the Morehouse College Bonner Office of Community Service Julien has worked with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Morehouse College Community Revitalization Initiative, the City of Atlanta with their Neighborhood Planning Units (NPU-T), and Project Pericles, Inc. - Student Choice - Student Voices (SCSV) Task Force.
