The genesis of the Eboni Eyes Foundation began in 1997 by founder Charleese Hasan as a tribute to her daughter Eboni who she had at 15 years old. Despite early obstacles such as poverty, foster care and teenage motherhood, she attributes education and her passion for reading as keys to success. Her daughter, Eboni, marked the beginning of the transition from self focus to that of impact and legacy. Eboni Eyes was officially established as a nonprofit foundation in 2014. The foundation provides college scholarships and promotes education/literacy programs as the pathway to success while encouraging students to pay it forward and think about the legacy that they will leave behind.

Commander, US Navy Founder, Eboni Eyes Foundation Entrepreneur Owner, OH Charlie LLC (Commercial real estate Co) Owner, Pop Culture Gourmet Popcorn

Charleese Hasan, US Navy Officer; Founder, Eboni Eyes Foundation; Entrepreneur; Owner, OH Charlie LLC (commercial real estate Co)

Daughter, Eboni Sampa Marketing Director, Build-A-Bear; Entrepreneur, Ebee Sweet Treats & Grandson, Charlie Phillips

Board Leadership

Founder/CEO: Charleese Hasan, United States Navy Officer

Vice President: Geraldine Malone, Ret. Teacher, St. Louis Public Schools

Accountant: Tamika White, BJC Medical Group, Financial Analyst

Secretary: Vesta King, State of Missouri Department of Mental Health Division of Developmental Disabilities, Support Corrdinator

Marketing Directors: Charmane Mu’min, St. Louis Department of Health and Senior Services, Adult Protective/Community Worker; Eboni Sampa, Marketing Director Build-a-Bear

Want more information on the scholarship program?

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