The Elaine Bryan Foundation was established in 2010 by Atlanta Jamaican, Dr. Elaine Grant-Bryan. It was a way to continue a tradition of empowering students she had started as an award winning High School counselor. Its main goal is to improve the academic and career success of students through private and public partnerships. The foundation received a major boost when it became a Microsoft Education Partner.

The foundation offers S.T.E.A.M. Programs, which include programming, coding, college tips and application process, career identification, career coaching and assessment, career experts, internships and scholarships. Each year the Foundation and its partners provide scholarships and awards to students, particularly those involved in their STEAM programs.

Dr. Bryan also has her own real estate company and has appeared regularly on the Home and Garden TV program, “What You Get for the Money.”  She is the recipient of several awards, including the Atlanta Mayor Phoenix Award, the Judge Glenda Hatchett Mentorship Award for outstanding service in the field of education, and the Georgia School Counselor Association (GSCA) Counselor of the Year Award.

The Elaine Bryan Foundation, Inc
4651 Roswell Road, STE B-101
Sandy Springs, GA 30342.
Telephone: +1 404 943 0905
FAX: +1 404 943 0015
E-mail: info@elainebryanfoundation.org

Websites: http://elainebryanfoundation.org/    http://drelainebryan.com/

What motivated you to start the Elaine Bryan Foundation?

After receiving monetary awards, I was advised to establish a foundation. Many years ago, even before I was married, I wanted to be a source of real support for our youth who needed mentors. After I met my husband, Gregory, he supported my dream.

Why this business and what is the objective?

 I have been in the real estate business for many years working with adults but I also wanted to make a significant difference in the lives of our youth. I was able to do that in the school system as a high school counselor and wanted to expand on what I was doing there.  The Foundation has an annual signature event each May to honor and award students who have achieved excellence in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).

 Who are your clients or customers?

  My students are from high schools and colleges throughout Atlanta. We are expanding to a global outreach.

What were some early challenges that you faced?

In the beginning, it was difficult to get others to support and join our educational mission. However, we now have been able to garner support in recent years. Everything improved after Microsoft Corporation became our Education Partner.

Is there a favorite moment in business you can share?

 We enjoyed working with HGTV (Home & Garden Television) on the show “What you get for the Money” This experience also enhanced our real estate business, “Elaine Bryan Realty.”

What are some business challenges you currently face?

It is sometimes difficult to locate and retain competent staff who share the same mission and beliefs for the various businesses.

Other than the money what types of satisfaction do you get out of your work?

I feel a full sense of self-actualization while working with our youth in the EBF-Microsoft STEAM Mentorship Programs and also helping adults to find their “dream home.”

How do you remind yourself of what’s important?

I have frequent meetings and collaboration with my staff and partners. But I also know that life is short and we have to make the best of the time we have and try to do the most good.

Do you have a specific daily routine?

Yes. I exercise daily, go to my office, read inspirational verses and try to help make someone’s dream come true.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Kingston Jamaica. I moved to Chicago after high school to pursue a degree at Northwestern University in Chicago.

 What were some early influences on your life?

My father, Mr. Dudley Carl Grant was the most influential person in my early life. He was an entrepreneur and always had his own business. He was very supportive of my early schooling; however, my mother Mrs. Vera Grant is the one who assisted me during my college years. She was a visionary who encouraged me to invest in real estate early on.

Your favorite Jamaican food is?

I like all Jamaican dishes, especially all the seafood dishes. Ackee and Salt Fish (Codfish) is my number one.

By Dr. Glen Laman, Author of Jamaican Entrepreneurship.  www.glenlaman.com