BranchOut

Nathalie Marcelin, an MSW student and Coordinator for Diversity, Inclusion and Collaboration at Stetson College of Law, has been selected to receive the LGBTQ Resource Center’s third annual BranchOut Scholarship to support her education.

“Nathalie’s story as a first-generation Caribbean-American who chose to be true to herself despite family expectations is painful, powerful and, ultimately, uplifting,” said Resource Center Board President Susan Gore. “She encourages others to be equally brave as the Coordinator for Diversity, Inclusion and Collaboration at Stetson Law.”

This year, the Resource Center scholarship is $2500, more than double previous awards. Gore explained, “The cost of tuition and books continues rising at the same time as students face sharply escalating costs for basic living expenses. The Resource Center is fortunate to have an anonymous donor who felt strongly about helping bridge the tuition gap with a larger award. We are committed to maintaining this level of support going forward.”

Marcelin will use the funds to pursue a Master of Social Work at USF this fall, while also working full time at Stetson. She said, “I want to continue extending my passion for healing the queer community and the generational trauma we have faced due to being persecuted and oppressed for being ourselves,” adding, “My mission is to help teens know that they are allowed to be authentically themselves and provide them emotional support. Queer kids are our future, and their unapologetic queerness inspires me!”

The LGBTQ Resource Center is honored to support Nathalie Marcelin’s mission and educational goals with the 2022-2023 BranchOut Scholarship.