Pratima Persaud Joins Earn to Learn FL as Chief Advancement Officer

FORT MYERS, Fla. - May 3, 2022 - PRLog -- Earn to Learn Florida (ETLF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to empower income-challenged students to complete college, announced that Pratima Persaud has been named Chief Advancement Officer (CAO).  The CAO is responsible for all development, marketing, community, and public relations for the organization.

Earn to Learn FL is a revolutionary "savings to financial assistance" program utilizing matched savings, personal finance training, and success coaching.  Earn to Learn FL's goal is for students to graduate on time, student debt-free, and career-ready.  Seed funds from a federal grant launched Earn to Learn FL.  The initiative has grown from an initial $100,000 grant to more than $1 million invested in educational attainment for hard-working but income-challenged students.  ETLFL began its work in Southwest Florida but has already expanded to the Central West part of the state.  The organization is prepared to grow to a $2.3M budget in the next three years as it expands throughout Florida.

"Pratima's record of creating and executing successful multi-million dollar fundraising campaigns proves that she has the experience and skills needed to hit the ground running," said Brenda Tate, founder, and CEO of Earn to Learn FL.  "Pratima's leadership will help us grow our team and reach our goal of assisting students statewide."

"Earn to Learn FL's mission is inspirational and resonates with me," said Persaud.  "One of my favorite quotes is by Benjamin Perks: 'What if the cure for cancer is trapped inside the mind of someone who can't afford an education?' These income-challenged students have so much promise, and our work will ensure that they are able to reach their potential."

Persaud is a seasoned fundraising professional with more than 15 years of experience.   She most recently worked with the American Diabetes Association as the Florida Market Director.  She provided strategic leadership, creating and executing fundraising strategies to raise revenue from corporations and major gifts donors.   Her experience also includes working in fundraising capacities at the American Heart Association and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Persaud earned her Master of Science in Healthcare Administration with a minor in Strategic Leadership from Valparaiso University in Indiana.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from The University of South Florida in Tampa.  She also received her certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from The University of South Florida.

Earn to Learn FL empowers low-to-moderate income students in Florida to earn college degrees and professional certifications with little or no debt.  Eligible students who establish a habit of saving for higher education can receive matching funds for financial assistance.  For more information, please visit EarntoLearnFL.org or email Brenda Tate at Brenda@EarntoLearnFL.org.