Founded by Ayanna Fultz as a beacon of enrichment for young women across the Greater New Orleans community, The Paragon Foundation for Girls hosts Paragon Academy, its signature leadership and mentorship program. The Academy’s purpose is not simply to prepare girls for college or careers, but to help them develop the confidence, self-awareness, and sense of purpose they need to thrive throughout every season of life.
What began as a one-week summer experience in 2023 quickly expanded into a year-round leadership and enrichment program. Today, newly enrolled students participate in a two-week Summer Orientation followed by monthly sessions that include social etiquette training, personal and professional development, leadership experiences, and an annual HBCU tour. During the summer following their senior year, participants are CROWNED in recognition of their achievements and welcomed into a lifelong sisterhood of support and mentorship.
“Adolescence is a delicate and transformative period, yet it is often overlooked because teenagers appear independent,” says Ayanna. “The reality is that they still need guidance, encouragement, and support.”
This year, The Paragon Foundation for Girls is proud to award its first Tonya Joseph Fultz Legacy Scholarship, established in honor of Ayanna’s mother, a dedicated educator, mentor, and early champion of the Foundation. The scholarship will begin as a book scholarship and reflects the Foundation’s long-term commitment to supporting young women beyond high school as they pursue higher education and personal fulfillment.
504-883-1836 | paragonfoundationnola.org
