Viles & Beckman, LLC, a premier personal injury law firm in Southwest Florida, and the Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc. are proud to announce Ashley Cruz from Naples, Florida, as the recipient of the second annual Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship. The scholarship was established to honor the legacy of the firm’s co-founder, Marcus W. Viles, who was passionate about education, lifelong learning, and community service.
Ashley Cruz, a first-generation college graduate, earned her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and is now pursuing a legal education at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Throughout her journey, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating positive change, particularly within immigrant communities.
The Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship was created to support students who exemplify a dedication to community improvement, a cause close to Marcus’ heart. As a firm believer in the power of education, Marcus advocated for a brighter future through learning and empowering others. His work and vision for a more equitable community continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
In her scholarship essay, Ashley Cruz shares how her experiences as the daughter of undocumented Mexican immigrants shaped her passion for advocacy. Reflecting on her upbringing, she wrote: “Education is the reason my parents risked their lives to cross a border, the reason they continue to break their backs under a scorching sun, the reason for our American Dream…This college education is for all of us.”
Ashley’s story of resilience, leadership, and community service began unexpectedly during her time at Harvard when she started sharing her experiences through TikTok. Her vlogs documenting life as a first-generation student resonated with people all over the world, particularly within the Latinx community. One follower’s message illustrates the profound impact of her platform: “Thank you for representing la raza, but most importantly, thank you for inspiring me to push myself outside my comfort zone.”
Beyond social media, Ashley has made a direct impact in her local community by volunteering with Quest, a nonprofit supporting under-resourced students in their college application journeys. Her efforts include editing essays, leading workshops, and offering mentorship to students from Naples, FL. In her own words, “Education and knowledge can be braided into ropes for others to climb.”
Looking to the future, Ashley aims to use her legal education to continue her advocacy for immigrant families like her own, stating: “I can and will fight …for those who feel powerless. Just like they have told me, I will remind them, Si se puede.”
About the Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship
The Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship was founded to honor Marcus’ love for education, dedication to bettering his community, and belief in the transformative power of knowledge. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates exceptional commitment to community service, academic excellence, and leadership.
For more information about the Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship, visit: Viles & Beckman Community Growth Scholarship.
About Viles & Beckman, LLC
At Viles & Beckman, LLC, we’re not just your attorneys — we’re your 5-Star Law Firm. With over 25 years of experience, our firm is built around an unmatched commitment to delivering a world-class legal experience that defines our name. From relentless advocacy to heartfelt care, we fight for your success as if you were family. Our goal is to ensure justice and excellence at every step, providing each client with exceptional service and treating their battle for compensation as our own.
About Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc.
The Viles & Beckman Foundation, Inc. was established to be the driving force behind our mission to create a lasting positive impact in Southwest Florida. With a focus on advocacy, generosity, and service, the foundation aims to make a difference through partnerships with local charities and active community involvement. Our primary goal is to empower young minds and support future leaders by providing resources and opportunities for growth. Through initiatives like the Marcus W. Viles Community Growth Scholarship, the foundation is committed to inspiring and uplifting those dedicated to improving their communities, ensuring a brighter future for all.
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Company Name: Viles & Beckman, LLC
Contact Person: Jailesha Brown
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City: Fort Myers
State: Florida
Country: United States
Website: https://www.vilesandbeckman.com/