FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Celebrating Excellence in Partnership, Leadership, and Scholar Achievement
Celebration is a powerful way to affirm the values that guide us. The HomeFree-USA Center for Financial Advancement® (CFA) proudly announces the recipients of its 2025 Annual Recognition Awards, honoring the outstanding partners, universities, liaisons, and scholars who have exemplified the mission of financial empowerment, leadership, and academic excellence.
This year’s honorees represent the very best of CFA’s growing national network, inspiring peers and setting a standard for achievement that uplifts entire communities.
Scholar of the Year – Remilekun “Remi” Ore, Fisk University
Remilekun Ore has been named the Scholar of the Year, recognized for her outstanding achievement and leadership. During the 24–25 academic year, she earned the highest cumulative engagement score across the program, distinguishing herself as the top point earner. Her creativity and financial insight also shone through in the Experian #IYKYK Pitch Competition, where she claimed first place with her team—demonstrating knowledge and the ability to inspire and influence her peers.
Remi serves as a role model for fellow students, leading by example in academics, campus engagement, and program activities. She has consistently maintained active attendance in sessions, completed all module quizzes on time, and eagerly engaged with partner opportunities. Her eagerness to learn, lead, and apply financial knowledge reflects CFA’s mission to develop wealth-building leaders.
University of the Year – Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University has been named University of the Year, setting the gold standard across CFA campuses nationwide. The university achieved 100 percent scholar engagement in both the fall and spring semesters, a testament to the strength of its leadership and the commitment of its students. It also achieved 100 percent ambassador participation, making it the only CFA campus to reach this milestone, despite having a smaller team of just three ambassadors.
In addition, Texas Southern consistently maintained clear, timely, and solution-oriented communication between ambassadors and scholars, ensuring that all students remained informed and engaged. The team created a supportive and motivated campus culture. Together, these accomplishments have made Texas Southern a model for what it means to embody the CFA mission.
Liaison of the Year – Barcado Styles, Fort Valley State University
Barcado Styles is honored as Liaison of the Year for his unwavering dedication and leadership at Fort Valley State University. Year after year, Barcado has ensured strong student engagement and performance within the program, while also weaving CFA principles into broader university programming. His efforts have built a strong culture of financial empowerment and leadership development, making CFA a visible and integral part of the student experience.
Barcado’s reliability, consistency, and vision have elevated the CFA brand on campus. His work empowers students to thrive academically, professionally, and personally, exemplifying the best of what it means to serve as a CFA liaison.
Partner of the Year – Mortgage Banker Association
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is honored as Partner of the Year for its commitment to CFA and its unwavering support of the next generation of leaders. In 2024, MBA made an extraordinary investment in students’ futures by establishing the $25,000 David H. Stevens Real Estate Legacy Scholarship to be awarded to a CFA Scholar each year for the next 10 years. In addition, MBA created a membership program exclusively for CFA students and has delivered ongoing professional development sessions and trainings—ensuring scholars are fully prepared to excel in their careers.
MBA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to CFA—making long-term investments in students’ futures and standing as a trusted partner in advancing the mission of financial empowerment.
About the Center for Financial Advancement®
The HomeFree-USA Center for Financial Advancement® (CFA) develops the next generation of talented leaders in the financial services industry. Through partnerships with HBCUs, industry leaders, and dedicated faculty, CFA equips students with financial knowledge, career development, and leadership skills that transform lives and communities.
