Author Archives: EEF News

Curtis Peterson assumed his current position as Principal at the Caring and Sharing School in Gainesville, Florida in 2008. While serving in the DeKalb County School System in Georgia as a successful school administrator, he was recruited by the Caring and Sharing School board to return to his hometown of Gainesville, Florida. In doing so, he was hired by the board and tasked to take the school to higher levels by expanding buildings, decreasing classroom sizes, and improving academic skills and student performance.

Jessica L. Brown is a nationally recognized financial aid expert. As Founder of College Gurl, President of The College Gurl Foundation, Author of How to Pay for College When You’re Broke and the children’s book College Girl’s First College Tour. Jessica educates students and families on how to make the best-informed decisions around financing a college education. Named the Financial Aid Fairy Godmother, her mission is to ensure students have access to an affordable and quality education. Additionally, she mentors and exposes Washington Metropolitan area high school students to college through her nonprofit, The College Gurl Foundation.

Jason Hurst, entrepreneur and realtor is a featured guest. Jason owned two Maple Street Biscuit restaurants in Gainesville, FL. He recently sold to Cracker Barrel, earning a six-figure profit. He has nearly a decade of experience working with a variety of Fortune 100 companies, such as Pfizer, Inc. J.P. Morgan and State farm Insurance. His career began as a Wall Street analyst in Manhattan and has endeavored in both finance and sales during his corporate career. “I want to share with young people how invaluable it is to have a caring and supportive network; this is what truly identifies your network,” said Jason Hurst.