Previous Scholars

  • Emmalise is an aspiring Latina medical professional with a passion for mental health advocacy. As she works toward becoming the first in her family to enter the medical field, Emmalise plans to major in neuroscience or biochemistry with a minor in psychology. With her high school graduation from North Bay Haven Career Academy, she will also earn an associate's degree in psychology, marking the beginning of her exploration into the complexities of the human brain. Her long-term goals include advancing mental health awareness, particularly among teenagers, and breaking down stigmas surrounding mental well-being.

    Her secular identity emerged from a journey of questioning and self-discovery. Raised by Catholic parents, Emmalise was baptized and completed her first communion, but her family did not impose strict religious practices after she turned eight. As she grew older and began to think critically, she found herself questioning the existence of a god, particularly in light of personal and global suffering, like her brother’s epilepsy and the broader injustices in the world. This led her to embrace agnosticism, as she struggled to reconcile her scientific understanding of the world with religious teachings. Living in the conservative Bible Belt has been challenging, with religious peers often debating her beliefs, but Emmalise stands firm in her conviction that being a kind person matters more than adhering to a specific faith.

    Emmalise’s identity as a Puerto Rican girl and her understanding of her own sexuality further complicated her relationship with religion. Feeling out of place in conversations about boys with her friends, she gradually realized that she didn’t fit the expectations of a “perfectly straight girl.” This realization distanced her from her Catholic upbringing, making her feel uncomfortable in religious spaces. 

    Emmalise’s secular activism shines through her mental health advocacy. She founded a school club called “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” which promotes mental health awareness among teenagers and creates a safe, inclusive environment for all, regardless of religion, sexuality, race, gender, or home life. They’ve organized events like the Mental Health Matters March and participated in suicide awareness walks, helping students navigate stress, particularly after the devastation of a Category 5 hurricane and the COVID-19 pandemic. The club's secular nature is rare in her deeply religious southern town, but it has fostered a community of support for students from all backgrounds.

    In addition to her mental health work, Emmalise has been a leader in the Social Justice Initiative (SSI), serving as both parliamentarian and events coordinator. Her work with SSI has included raising over $1,600 for the Dove Uganda Children's Fund to build deep water wells and initiating a campus-wide environmental initiative. Her activism is driven by her passion for equality and environmentalism, and she believes that no one should be limited in their ability to make a positive impact.

  • Liam is a passionate political science student with ambitions to attend law school and earn his Juris Doctorate. Currently pursuing a degree in Political Science with minors in Legal Studies and Nonprofit Management, Liam is also working towards certificates in Individual Liberties and The Politics of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Identity. His long-term career goal is to run for office and work toward systemic change, with a particular focus on strengthening the separation of church and state and advocating for marginalized communities.

    Liam’s secular identity is rooted in his agnosticism and humanist values. Raised in the Catholic Church, he frequently questioned the teachings, particularly the lack of encouragement for independent thinking. His skepticism deepened as he experienced sexual religious trauma, leading him to question the church's influence and ultimately reject the notion that morality is dependent on religion. Now identifying as agnostic, Liam believes that kindness and ethical behavior are guided by humanity rather than divinity.

    Liam’s identity as a pansexual individual, which he embraced at 14, intersects deeply with his secularism and activism. Before that, he identified as asexual, a period influenced by his struggles with religious trauma. His understanding of both his sexual identity and his secular beliefs fuels his commitment to fighting for a society that is inclusive and free from religious-based discrimination.

    From the age of 15, Liam has been actively engaged in political activism, driven by the negative impacts of Christian Nationalist policies in Florida and beyond. His activism began with an internship for Senator Ed Markey and expanded to working for multiple political campaigns advocating for evidence-based policymaking and the separation of church and state. He also co-founded a youth political caucus for the Democratic Party in his home county, where he served as Vice-Chair. In addition, he helped launch Project Caerus, an organization championing LGBTQ+ students' rights, which was responsible for organizing the 2023 Florida College and University protests. Liam has volunteered for groups such as Planned Parenthood and People Power for Florida. This year, he hopes to engage in his third consecutive election cycle and restart the Secular Student Alliance chapter at the University of Central Florida.

  • Anthony is a passionate creative writer, currently pursuing his studies at the University of Central Florida. His literary journey spans from poetry to screenwriting, where he tackles themes of religious fundamentalism and societal progress. He believes that promoting secular education, especially in science, literature, and history, will help foster compassion and understanding, dismantling harmful ideologies that often hinder human welfare. Anthony's secularism is not just an intellectual stance but a deeply personal one, born from years of grappling with religious shame surrounding his sexuality. Coming out as gay two years ago transformed his once black-and-white view of the world into vibrant, nuanced shades of acceptance and self-discovery.

    Growing up, Anthony felt pressured to follow a rigid, heteronormative path, but at sixteen, he "broke up with God," realizing that his prayers and struggles went unanswered. His atheism evolved from an emotional reaction to a thoughtfully reasoned position, one rooted in philosophy, science, and history. As an antitheist, Anthony is outspoken against religious structures that he sees as oppressive, particularly those that foster intolerance and violence against the LGBTQ+ community. He has immersed himself in secular media, learning from thinkers like Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins, and applies this knowledge to challenge outdated beliefs in non-confrontational, intellectually rich debates.

    Anthony's activism extends beyond secularism, intersecting with his identity as a liberal and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. He is determined to combat religious violence, especially in his home state of Florida, where regressive laws target marginalized communities. For Anthony, secularism and intersectional activism go hand in hand—promoting sexual and gender tolerance, supporting immigrant rights, and addressing poverty are all ways to advance secular values in a society still deeply influenced by religion.

    Anthony aims to use his creative writing to champion progressive change. His poetry and songs are vehicles for spreading messages of tolerance and empathy, contributing to social change in a way that aligns with his unique talents. Through his involvement with the Secular Student Alliance, Anthony finds solidarity with others who have experienced religious trauma, and he hopes to be a voice for those silenced by religious fundamentalism. Ultimately, he strives to create a world where secularism fosters progress, innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring that the next generation inherits a more compassionate and just society.

2024 FREEFLO Scholarship Recipients

2023 FREEFLO Scholarship Recipients

  • With a keen interest in politics, Cameron has actively worked as a progressive activist in Florida, gaining experience with various organizations. Notably, they founded a youth-led non-profit and are pursuing a business administration degree at the University of Florida to enhance his leadership skills further.

    His upbringing in a religiously conservative environment, marked by intolerance and hateful rhetoric, fueled Cameron's skepticism and led them on a path toward secularism. He actively challenged religious influences on societal progress, particularly in areas like personal liberties, scientific research, and social unity.

    Cameron's identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community played a significant role in his embrace of secularism. He recognized the harm caused by religious dogma, which led to self-concealment and self-hatred. Embracing secularism allowed him to shed these burdens and find empowerment.

    As an LGBTQ+ activist in Florida, where he observed a rise in homophobia and right-wing evangelical influences, Cameron co-founded Recall FCSB, a political advocacy group, to oppose this trend. He organized protests, addressed book-banning controversies, and mobilized hundreds of students during the "Don't Say Gay Bill" protests, gaining international media attention. Cameron also played a key role in electing progressive school board members to defend LGBTQ+ students' rights.

    Cameron's activism expanded to various intersectional issues, including climate change, civil rights, voting rights, and education. He coordinated voter registration efforts on college campuses, facilitated student-led dialogues on pressing issues, and collaborated with organizations like the Sunrise Movement to train young activists in demanding climate action.

    Through his non-profit, the Youth Action Fund, Cameron aims to nurture and bolster the youth movement in Florida. His organization provides financial support, guidance, and resources to young organizers and campaigns, empowering them to tackle community challenges. Cameron's unwavering commitment to secularism and progressive values is not only evident in his own advocacy but also in his dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders to address systemic issues boldly.

  • As a fourth-year Computer Science major at the University of Florida with aspirations for a PhD in Theoretical Physics, Justin seeks to amplify the voices of non-religious individuals, especially young people in less progressive environments.

    Raised as a non-denominational Christian, Justin's transition to atheism six years ago prompted deep self-reflection. He recognized the prejudice and bigotry that once stemmed from his religious beliefs and made a conscious choice to commit to humanism and secularism. This change allowed him to embrace acceptance for all individuals and to stand against the barriers that prevent people from expressing their true selves.  Despite his privilege as a white, middle-class, heterosexual male, Justin feels a strong sense of responsibility as a secular ally to those fighting for equality. He believes in advocating for others, particularly those facing systemic challenges.

    In his personal relationships, Justin strives to spread secular ideals and challenge religiously influenced viewpoints, especially when they infringe on the lives of others. He engages in conversations with family and friends who hold religious beliefs, emphasizing the importance of personal beliefs not dictating public policies.

    Beyond personal relationships, Justin actively participates in campus activism. He engages in Street Epistemology to encourage critical thinking and discussions about belief systems. He supports the Pro-Choice movement and Women's Rights movements, recognizing the need to separate biological facts from theological ideas and advocating for women's rights in the face of conservative Christian opposition.

    As President of the UF chapter, Justin has plans to organize events that foster inclusivity and collaboration with other campus groups, such as LGBTQIA+ clubs and the Black Student Union. Additionally, he aims to host events specifically centered around secularism. Justin acknowledges the legislative challenges posed by religious influences in Florida and is committed to raising awareness about the importance of the separation of church and state through SSA UF's initiatives.

  • As a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in urban and regional planning at the University of South Florida, Erica is deeply committed to becoming a planner for the city of Tampa with a specific focus on affordable housing, coastal resiliency, public policy, and community development to uplift marginalized residents.

    Her background in a religious family and undergraduate studies in the "Bible Belt" fostered a curiosity about different belief systems, leading her to pursue a bachelor's degree in religious studies. This exploration did not shake her personal beliefs, but it laid the foundation for her gradual transition to secularism, which began around 2015. Volunteering at a drop-in center for homeless youth, which served a predominantly LGBTQIA+ population, opened her eyes to the pain and rejection faced by these individuals due to their identities, sparking her initial questioning of religious teachings. In 2020, witnessing racism within her white Christian community during the Black Lives Matter protests further fueled her journey away from religion. By 2021, she embraced agnosticism, which allowed her to cultivate empathy, self-acceptance, and a commitment to challenging discriminatory beliefs, particularly regarding gender equality.

    Erica's activism extends beyond personal growth. She volunteers at a community garden, caring for plants and supporting their growth. Her internship with Plan Hillsborough involves secular activism, advocating for affordable housing, addressing climate change, promoting sustainable growth, and prioritizing marginalized communities. Her work on the Flip Jr. project demonstrates her dedication to educating minority students about planning and transportation safety, empowering them to become advocates in their communities.

    In the upcoming academic year, Erica aims to deepen her understanding of how policies and community development can enhance the lives of all citizens, regardless of their backgrounds. She plans to attend planning conferences focused on matters of race, diversity, and equity, further exemplifying her commitment to creating a more inclusive and just society through education and activism.

2022 FREEFLO Scholarship Recipients

  • A freshman student pursuing commercial entrepreneurship at Florida State University, Kaysyn intends to go to the Howard University School of Law to pursue nonprofit work in the public sector. Attending evangelical churches in Northeastern Pennsylvania at a young age. Kaysyn says, “I found a distinct sense of dissonance in the actions described by the Christian God from narrative to narrative. I came to find value in a secular point of view because it allowed me to focus on what was truly important: public service and activism.”
     
    As a Black lesbian individual, Kaysyn realized religion was often used as a tool of colonization and control, designed to strip away culture and voices, especially in the lives of Black women. She participated in rallies to remove prayer from schools, change the names of schools names for Confederate generals, and support abortion rights. Kaysyn was an executive director of the Black Art student organization and student contributor and intern at the African American History Summer Writing Institute.
     
    Besides supporting protests and movements centering on the freedom to live secularly, such as those supporting abortion rights and cutting prayer from schools, she also advocated within the Black Art organization at her school to change the pre-performance prayer circle to a mindfulness circle so as to not isolate or ostracize non-Christian students. 

  • Jamie is a psychology major at the University of South Florida. As a psychologist, she hopes to promote access to quality mental health care and fight against pseudoscience. Her family was Catholic, but never really went to church. The hypocrisy of the church led Jamie to be agnostic. As a Black first-generation immigrant, Jamie knows how many Caribbean-Black people were forced into Christianity.

    Jamie is a former Vice President of the American Medical Student Association and advocates for mental health care and awareness of medical racism. Mental health care is often seen as a sign of weakness in nonwhite communities. Jamie plans to start a Secular Student Alliance chapter to create a space where like-minded students can be themselves without feeling shame or judgment.  

2021 FREEFLO Scholarship Recipients

  • A nursing student at Atlantic Technical Center, Gharlah, who aspires to be an immigration lawyer, grew up in a strict, Pentecostal Haitian household, where “if you didn’t love God, you were worshipping the devil.” The hypocrisy of people in the church led Gharlah to start to doubt the church. In a tenth-grade history class about how religion was created, she realized fear was the only thing holding her to religion. 

    Because of her previous experience in the church, Gharlah realized as a woman she would be a second-class citizen, and that as a poor African American, in Islam or Christianity, religion was behind the justification of slavery. She said, “The more I pushed from religion, the happier I became and the more I grew.”

    After earning her nursing degree, Gharlah will start advocating for evidence-based sex education for high school and LGBT+ students in Florida. Her other passion is immigration because of how the current system devalues humanity and life on a hierarchical level.

  • Currently a certified EMT and a volunteer with the local fire department, Landrick is earning his bachelor's degree in homeland security at Keiser University.  His career goal is to become an FBI Surveillance Agent or Swat Medic. He is also a comedian. 

    Growing up in a Christian household, his religious beliefs faded from an inquiring mind and research led to his own reasoning. Being a black male atheist, Landrick can feel isolated because of the small number of people like him who are nonreligious. 

    Landrick has seen how religion has been used to hurt the black community. On stage as a comic, he uses comedy to make good-hearted but informative jokes about growing up religious, hopefully prompting others in the black community to question their own beliefs.

2020 FREEFLO Scholarship Recipients

  • Bhagita is a senior biology major dual-enrolled at the school of medicine. Growing up on two different continents, she has witnessed the multitude of inequalities facing women. Inspired by these experiences, Bhagita has taken up minors in political science and transdisciplinary studies. Seeking to combine her interest in political activism with her love for science, Bhagita aspires to work in women’s health, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Through her career as a doctor, Bhagita will advocate for women’s and minorities’ autonomy and right to exist.

    Growing up Muslim in an Islamic country, Bhagita received formal religious education for over ten years and learned to read Arabic in order to read the Quran and recite prayer. Moving to the U.S. in the sixth grade, her mounting doubts lead to one compelling search, “can you leave Islam?” She grappling to pick and choose the parts of her culture she deemed acceptable and dismissing those intertwined with religious motifs she no longer believed in. Her humanism is a large part of her identity and guides how she chooses to live her life, the morals she stands by, and how she treats others. She hopes to use her position as a means of activism to create and support organizations aimed at atheists and humanists from a formally Muslim background. 

    Bhagita started a Secular Student Alliance on her campus where she prioritizes intersectional activism. She has been involved with March for Our Lives and Black Lives Matters protests. She has published articles on the intersection of women’s rights and religion and on her identity as a humanist. In the coming year, she hopes to expand her SSA, volunteer with Planned Parenthood, and encourage voting during the election year.
    *Bhagita is a pseudonym.

  • After earning his degrees in Computer Science and Cyber Criminology from Florida State University, Joshua plans to create software for the film industry. He has already earned his Associate of Arts degree from Valencia College where he first explored his passion for programming and film production. 

    His journey to secularism and atheism began alongside the process of being baptized in middle school. After each Bible study class, Joshua’s skepticism grew, eventually converting to atheism. In 8th grade, Joshua worked with the FFRF to fight for his right to sit during the pledge of allegiance after being threatened with suspension by the school administration. He was awarded the Cliff Richards Memorial Student Activist Award by FFRF for his commitment to activism. 

    Secularism and atheism continue to be important to Joshua’s identity today. Joshua has been involved with the Secular Student Alliance since middle school, and currently serves as the President for the Florida State University chapter. On campus, he is working to introduce secular legislation into student government, helping the SSA become a member of the interfaith council, and working to create a safe and supportive space for secular students at FSU.

2019 FREEFLO Scholarship Recipients

  • Victoria is working towards her bachelor’s degree in English-creative writing at the University of Central Florida, with the goal of earning a master’s degree in library sciences and becoming a librarian. Victoria was raised in a devout, fundamentalist Christian environment and, since childhood, wanted to become a missionary and travel the world saving souls. Five years ago, in the aftermath of a personal crisis, Victoria began searching for the reasons people believe in God, or anything at all. After being immersed in a wide diversity of beliefs and realizing they couldn’t all be right, she concluded that they were most likely all false and she became an atheist. Today, rather than investing in the church, she puts her time and energy into her SSA chapter at the University of Central Florida.

    “The SSA at UCF chapter became my family,” Victoria said. “They helped me to find a path that brings me so much satisfaction and joy. Any questions I had they encouraged me to keep asking.”

    Through her SSA chapter and as a part of the LGBTQ+ community on campus, she became very involved in LGBTQ+ activism. After the Orlando Pulse shooting she and her fellow SSA members organized a fundraiser on campus, donating almost $1000 to the Pulse victims and their families.

  • Alexa is a double major in food and nutrition science and psychology, with plans to earn a master’s degree in food science. Her long term goal is to pursue a career as a natural products developer and flavor chemist.

    Alexa became interested in this path of study and work out of her lifelong desire to make the world a healthier place for everyone. She has dedicated her education, career, and life reducing the negative effects of meat agriculture on our climate by developing the next generation of plant based meat analogs.

    From a very young age Alexa says that she was a freethinker; not inclined to follow the beliefs of others. She was naturally curious and scientifically-minded. She believes very strongly that people’s personal religious and spiritual beliefs should not cross over into politics and the structure of society. This is the focus of her secular activism as well, shining the light of scientific facts and open inquiry in conversations where superstition abounds.