ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Entrepreneurs' 2024 Business Opportunity aims to empower Black entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners in Central Florida to build thriving companies that positively impact their communities. I received a scholarship.
Taylor Walker, owner of Olympian Fortress Swim Academy, was awarded a scholarship by the Florida Institute of Technology (FTC) in collaboration with the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACCCF). Ta.
“The Black community has endured enough trauma related to water bodies,” Walker said. “My mission is driven by a competitive spirit and aims to foster a sense of safety and empowerment among Black communities in their interactions with water.”
Walker aims to eliminate racial disparities when it comes to drowning.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the drowning death rate for blacks is 1.5 times higher than the death rate for whites, and the disparity is greater for black children ages 5 to 9 (2.6 times the death rate) and 10 to 14 years old (3.6 times the death rate). Said to be the highest. twice as expensive).
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Walker comes from a family with a tradition where swimming has been cherished and passed down through generations.
Her family's legacy is deeply tied to the Warren Hawkins Aquatic Center in West Palm Beach. The center is named after her late great-grandfather, a respected black swimming coach known for teaching the art of swimming to many children, especially those from minority backgrounds.
According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida has the highest accidental drowning rate in the United States for children ages 1 to 4, and the rate of African American children ages 5 to 19 who drown in pools is 5.5% of the nation's rate. It's double. I'm a white guy in the same age group.
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According to the USA Swimming Foundation, 64% of African American children cannot swim, compared to 40% of white children.
“Taylor embodies incredible tenacity and determination,” said Dr. Burkett, president of Florida Tech. “We commend her dedication and steadfast commitment to bringing about positive change within our community.”
Walker is on a mission to eradicate racial disparities in drowning by ensuring everyone, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, has “free access to swimming education and its diverse benefits.” A swimming academy was established in 2021.
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“Entrepreneurs like Taylor Walker are breaking down barriers and creating a safer environment for all children and adults,” said Tanisha Nunn Gary, president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida. It is heartening to see positive steps being taken to eliminate disparities,” he added. “We are confident we made the right choice as Taylor's great future and success as an entrepreneur is clear. In the long term, we are confident that Taylor will create a ripple of opportunity within our diverse community. I understand this.”
According to a new release, “The 2024 Business Opportunity Scholarship includes the full cost of tuition and fees to earn a bachelor's degree in business administration at Florida Institute of Technology.” In addition to academic support , selected winners will receive a laptop computer, membership in the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, and the annual Empowering Business, a premier local event dedicated to inspiring business leaders to champion. You will be given a special pass to attend the summit. Purpose-driven leadership, sustainable business practices and positive social impact. ”
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