The “Waves of Change” campaign educate the public about the importance of protecting Florida’s coastal ecosystems, responding to this year’s theme of “Protecting Paradise: Promoting Responsible Tourism and Environmental Stewardship.”
(FLORIDA, 10th December, 2024) — FINN Partners and the Future Communicators Foundation are pleased to award Jada Stephens with the FINN Partners Future Communicators Foundation Scholarship in Public Relations and Journalism at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU). Thanks to the financial support of FINN Partners, the USD $2500 FCF Scholarship is awarded annually to a senior undergraduate in Public Relations and Journalism at FAMU.
The theme of this year’s FINN Partners FCF Scholarship was “Protecting Paradise: Promoting Responsible Tourism and Environmental Stewardship.” Students were required to create a campaign brief, slide deck, and video addressing the theme, with the best campaign winning the scholarship. Scholarship winners receive a mentor meeting with Peter Finn, CEO and Founding Managing Partner of FINN Partners, and Helen Shelton, Global Chief Diversity Officer at FINN, along with competitive opportunities for future internships at FINN.
Jada Stephens: Waves of Change
Jada Stephens won for her Waves of Change campaign, which educate the public about the importance of protecting Florida’s coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, wetlands, and beaches, habitats that are vital for biodiversity and that support the economy through tourism and recreation. The campaign seeks to involve local business in supporting beach clean-ups and waste reduction efforts, while encouraging tourists and locals alike to “Leave Only Footprints.”
| Jada Stephens, 2024 FINN Partners FCF Winner |
“I’m truly grateful to receive the 2024 FINN Partners FCF Scholarship,” says Jada Stephens, FINN Partners FCF Scholarship Winner.
“Working on the ‘Waves of Change’ campaign has given me a deeper understanding of the urgent need to protect Florida’s coastal ecosystems, as well as the critical role communication plays in driving action,” says Jada Stephens. “It’s also shown me how impactful collective efforts can be in preserving our environment for future generations. The FINN Partners FCF scholarship not only fuels my passion for environmental advocacy, but it also provides the financial support I need to focus more on my studies and continue developing my skills in sustainable communication.”
“FINN Partners extends a warm welcome to Jada Stephens, as part of our 2025 FINN Scholars cohort of brilliant and promising college students from across the nation,” says Helen C. Shelton, Global Chief Diversity Officer, FINN Partners. “It is an honor to further expand our partnership with Florida A&M University, and we thank our long-term collaborative partners the Future Communicators Foundation for their commitment to elevating and empowering young leaders through education.”
“We are super proud of PR student Jada Stephens for her winning ‘Leave Only Footprints’ campaign that encourages responsible human behavior to preserve our environment. Her work is a testament to her ingenuity and talent,” said Mira Lowe, Dean of the FAMU School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. “We also are very grateful to FINN Partners and the Future Communicators Foundation for their continued partnership in supporting our students as emerging communicators and leaders.”
“I am proud of the Public Relation Student Society of America (PRSSA) hosting this year’s FINN Partners FCF Scholarship competition to inspire PR students’ engagement in vital climate and environmental justice,” said Associate Professor Dr. Hsuan Huang, Faculty Advisor to the PRSSA. “The co-hosts-presidents, Alise Sloan (FINN Partners FCF Scholarship Winner 2023) and Jarvis Coleman, shared tips for success, showcased campaign brief examples, and answered questions from participants during a virtual workshop. For two years in a row, this collaboration has inspired FAMU PR students to address climate change and sustainability issues in the vulnerable communities in Florida.”
