Say Yes Alumni Spotlight | Azian Goodrich

“Say Yes means opportunity,” said Azian Goodrich, a Say Yes Syracuse alum. “Say Yes means impact. Say Yes means change. It is a recognition that every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves a chance to achieve their full potential.”

Goodrich is one of the thousands of Say Yes Syracuse scholars who have received full-tuition scholarships from a range of over 100 public and private college and university partners. He used his scholarship to attend Morehouse College, graduating this past May with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management.

Also an alum of the P-TECH program at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central, Goodrich first learned about Say Yes Syracuse while attending an after-school program at Meachem Elementary School.

“Participating in the Say Yes after-school program allowed me to interact with classmates and friends while indulging in activities that inspired me to become a better communicator, scholar and learner,” he explained.

When junior year of high school rolled around and it was time to apply to college, Goodrich thoroughly researched potential options, utilizing guidance from Say Yes Syracuse. While he initially envisioned himself going somewhere close to Syracuse, he ultimately decided to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Although it was far away from home, he knew that taking a leap of faith and pushing himself outside of his comfort zone would be beneficial for him and his career goals in the long run.

While at Morehouse, Goodrich was involved in numerous extracurricular activities both for his professional growth and personal enjoyment.

“I was a part of the Morehouse Business Association, Morehouse Launchpad, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) leadership team,” he said. “All of these organizations and groups allowed me to grow not only as a student but also as a man of God.”

In addition to his on campus activities, Goodrich launched his own company called The FAM Global. The youth leadership development firm focuses on community engagement, leadership and mental health advocacy. Through The Fam Global, Goodrich hopes to help underdeveloped communities by providing them with the necessary support and resources needed to thrive. He also plans to expand his reach far beyond the U.S., establishing connections with other countries to offer leadership training, development and resources.

Goodrich lit up while reflecting on a recent event his firm hosted in partnership with Jimmy Oliver, the director of community engagement for the Syracuse Police Department.

“I spoke with youth between the ages of 12-14 about what it means to make an impact on your community, become a leader and manage your mental health,” he said. “Each day I am working on growing my business and finding ways to connect with more people that want to change the perspectives and lives of the future of our communities.”

With plans to pursue his Master of Business Administration (MBA) and grow his business, Goodrich is committed to giving back to his community and creating opportunities for everyone to achieve their dreams. He credits Say Yes Syracuse with being a pivotal part of his journey since elementary school.

“To me, Say Yes Syracuse means more than just access to education; it’s about the invaluable relationships and guidance that have shaped my path,” he said. “The mentors and connections I made have provided me with support, direction and a sense of community, all of which have been crucial to helping me reach my goals. Say Yes Syracuse embodies the power of collective effort in nurturing young minds and fostering future leaders.”

About Say Yes Syracuse:

Say Yes Syracuse provides full-tuition scholarships from a range of over 100 public and private college and university partners for eligible graduates to attend. The scholarships provide broad access for students who may otherwise have not been able to afford college due to significant economic and racial disparities.

Beyond the financial support, Say Yes Syracuse can help guide families to additional resources like academic support specialists, mental health clinics and legal services designed to help mitigate the systemic barriers to higher education.