Natural State News

Nicole Serrato credits support from the Children’s Scholarship Fund (CSF) and strong female mentorship with inspiring her to become an advocate for children’s education, according to The Walton Family Foundation.

The CSF was established in 1998 by Ted Forstmann and John Walton to to provide education opportunities to children from low-income backgrounds. Serrato said her father submitted applications for her and her siblings after hearing about CSF on an episode of Oprah.

“As a single parent raising girls, my dad used to come home from work each day and watch Oprah for parenting advice,” Serrato said. "One night, Ted Forstmann was Oprah’s guest, talking about CSF and the opportunities it provided students. Right away, my father submitted applications for all of us.”

Serrato experienced numerous learning obstacles as a child. She was from a low-income Hispanic neighborhood north of Los Angeles coping with the death of her mother. After she received a fund scholarship and started attending a private school, she was diagnosed with dyslexia. The staff was able to work with her and her grades improved.

“My new school helped me deal with the trauma of losing my mother and start focusing on learning,” Serrato said. "I volunteered for school activities. I ran for student council. Inspired by Emily Dickinson, I began writing poetry.”

Serrato earned additional CSF scholarships and when graduated high school she was determined to give back to the foundation that had given her so much. 

“I’ll never forget the day my dad explained to me that two men who I had never met were helping to pay for my education,” Serrato said. “It blew my mind. Why did they care? I wanted to reach out to CSF and thank them. But I didn’t want to reach out until I had something to show for myself.”

Serrato went on to attend journalism school, taking acting classes, and launching an impressive career as a poet. After adapting one of her poems into a screenplay, she knew she wanted to be a filmmaker.

Serrato moved cross-country for film school and began working directly with CSF, using her knowledge to help with social media and communications. She worked directly with Darla Romfo, founding president of the Children’s Scholarship Fund, on video production and expand her portfolio of films.

“I have three strong women who are all on my side, who have given me the space to grow into my role and the opportunity to add my own flair and experience to the work,” Serrato said.

Romfo herself credits the women in leadership of CSF’s partner schools for inspiring her.

“These women are providing excellent education on shoestring budgets, giving their time and sacrifice and compassion,” Romfo said.