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2025 IMPACT HERO FINALIST
Willuance Mesalien
Community Manager | Pointe Grand
Winter Park, Florida
Where There’s a “Will,” There’s a Way
It’s a common, pithy saying — “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” — but it’s one that resonates, invoking determination, desire, and grit. And for Willuance Mesalien, it’s an apt descriptor of his journey out of poverty because the struggles and barriers he faced were no match for his unrelenting will to succeed. Willuance had the “will,” but more importantly, he believed there was a way.
Growing up in subsidized housing and a low-income household, Willuance experienced firsthand the struggles that come with limited access to educational resources and support. He knows what it’s like to dream big while facing real-world challenges. However, it was those early experiences that shaped him and, ultimately, fueled his passion for helping others.
Determined to break barriers and lead by example, Willuance pursued higher education with a clear sense of purpose. He earned his Associate of Arts in Business Administration and Management from Palm Beach State College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University. From there, he continued his education at Nova Southeastern University, where he completed both a master’s degree in criminology and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration. What’s more: He did it all while working full-time in the multifamily industry.
Paving a Path for Student Success
Where others might have given up, Willuance persevered. He held firm to a goal-oriented mindset, and so with every step forward, he refused to see walls — only hurdles that could be cleared. Through hard work and determination, Willuance created a beautiful life for himself, pursuing education and opportunities to achieve his dreams.
But it wasn’t easy, and he wanted to pave a path for students who had stories similar to his own to follow. So while working full-time and still in the midst of completing a bachelor’s degree, he founded The Will Make It Enrichment Scholarship Program on June 29, 2011.
Willuance serves as Program Director of The Will Make It Enrichment Scholarship Program, reflecting his unwavering commitment to support high school juniors and seniors as they transition from high school to college.
For students who enroll in the program, the following services are offered:
- Tutoring Support: One-on-one and small group tutoring in core academic subjects to help students strengthen their skills, boost confidence, and excel in the classroom.
- SAT & ACT Test Prep: Expert instruction, practice tests, and strategy sessions designed to help students improve their scores and increase their chances for college admission and scholarships.
- College Admissions Planning: Guides students through the entire college application process — from building a college list to completing applications, writing strong personal statements, and preparing for interviews.
- Scholarship Prep & Application Support: Helps students identify scholarship opportunities and provides hands-on support with essays, recommendation letters, and application submissions to maximize their chances of earning financial aid.
- FAFSA & Financial Aid Assistance: Guides students and families step-by-step through the FAFSA application and helps them explore various financial aid options, including grants and loans.
- Mentorship & Life Skills Coaching: Connects students with caring role models who provide guidance, encouragement, and real-life advice, including workshops on life skills such as time management, goal-setting, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
- Soft Skills & Etiquette Training: Teach essential soft skills — like communication, professionalism, teamwork, and emotional intelligence — as well as etiquette training for interviews, networking events, and formal settings. These tools help students carry themselves with confidence in both academic and professional environments.
- Career Exposure & Readiness: Help students begin thinking about their future beyond college and prepare for success in the workforce through career exploration workshops, résumé building, and guest speaker sessions.
Willuance’s mission for student success mirrors the purpose he’s found in his multifamily career. Willuance shares that “Over the years, I’ve found great purpose in building thriving communities, supporting residents, and mentoring teams to achieve excellence in service.”
Making Dreams Come True
Through mentorship, scholarships, and hands-on guidance, Willuance has created a space where students from underserved communities can feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
One of the most meaningful moments was when a student who had received their scholarship returned to share that they had become the first in their family to graduate from college.
“Seeing their pride, growth, and confidence reminded me exactly why I started this program — to show students from underserved communities that their dreams are possible,” said Willuance.
Since the program’s inception, over 428 students have attended college on scholarships. Among those, 85 received full rides, and two were Bill Gates Scholarship winners, each receiving over $265,000 in scholarship funds.
Unwavering Commitment
American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead once famously said, “Don't doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
True to that spirit, Willuance recognized a need, and then he got to work filling it, hoping to make a meaningful impact for students striving to dream big and overcome obstacles. Certainly, starting a nonprofit was no easy task, but he was committed to providing students with a hand up.
While launching and sustaining The Will Make It Enrichment, Inc. has come with challenges, such as securing funding, building community trust, and balancing the demands of running an organization alongside a full-time career, it has been a unique opportunity for Willuance to grow both personally and professionally.
“It has required strategic planning, resilience, and unwavering passion,” said Willuance, “but each challenge has strengthened my commitment to the mission.”
Words of Wisdom
Willuance shares these words of wisdom for those considering starting a non-profit: “Lead with passion and stay anchored to your ‘why’.” Starting a nonprofit takes patience, dedication, and a strong support system. Surround yourself with people who believe in your mission, seek mentorship, and stay organized. When the work becomes difficult, remembering the impact you want to create will help you keep going.”
Willuance’s story is a testament to resilience, education, and service. His life’s work is rooted in the belief that with encouragement and opportunity, every student — regardless of their background — has the power to achieve greatness.
About Willuance
Willuance Mesalien has proudly worked in the multifamily industry as a property manager for 18 years. He joined the Hillpointe team two years ago and values the company’s commitment to innovation, growth, and developing people, which he says aligns closely with his personal mission and leadership style.
He is a Florida native, having grown up in Pompano Beach, Florida, just north of Fort Lauderdale. Outside of his career and nonprofit commitments, he loves to sing, decorate, and cook. And he even wrote a book, “Urban Rich and Solid,” which chronicles his journey to who he is today.
Two things bring Willuance great joy: his 2-year-old niece, Wynter, and his 1-year-old black Standard Poodle named Chico. Following his mother’s passing in 2017, Wynter, who looks just like his mother, has been a light in his life and an encouragement for him to keep moving forward.
Grace Hill’s Impact Hero Awards Program recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to help others and make a difference in their local community. Learn more.
Written by Trisha Sheffield, Grace Hill Content Marketer
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