February 12, 2024 Orlando, FL — Taylor Walker, owner of The Olympian Fortress Swim Academy, LLC, will receive a full tuition scholarship toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Florida Technical College. The Business Opportunity Scholarship recognizes black and African American founders and co-founders of local and online businesses, and is designed to take entrepreneurial pursuits to the next level and help entrepreneurs have a greater impact on Central Florida’s economy.
In addition to the award of financial assistance, Walker will receive a new laptop, along with an exclusive pass to attend the AACCCF’s annual Empowerment Business Summit. The summit offers the opportunity to gain insights and make connections that can further empower entrepreneurs as they continue to grow their business footprint.
Walker, who has swim coaching in her blood – her grandfather was Warren Hawkins, namesake of Warren Hawkins Aquatic Center in West Palm Beach – shares her natural love of water with students at her swim academy, embracing the diverse needs of her students.
For those who face obstacles to water confidence, Walker enjoys the challenge of developing new techniques to foster this confidence—in areas such as PTSD related to water trauma and mental and physical disabilities. For those overcoming obstacles outside the water, Walker uses water as a source of therapy for those with autism, dementia and more.
Walker also addresses the historic obstacles to water activity faced within black communities. “The black community has suffered enough trauma related to bodies of water. My mission is driven by my competitive spirit and that is to establish a refuge for the black community to learn to embrace water and all of the benefits it has to offer. Following in my great-grandfather’s footsteps I plan to honor him by continuing his unknown legacy,” Walker said.
Walker will receive the scholarship award at a ceremony on February 22nd.
To find out more about FTC’s fully online BBA program or our other degree or diploma programs, visit us here.
