The impact of a scholarship award

Port St. Lucie Business Women member Pam Houghton, guest speaker Jessica Hooper, Esq., President Jessica Parrish, Scholarship Committee Chair Carol Wyatt

One of the Port St. Lucie Business Women’s champion causes has been to support women seeking to advance their education and ultimately, their careers at Indian River State College. Throughout the years, more than 70 women have benefitted from scholarship awards presented by the Port St. Lucie Business Women. One recipient, local lawyer Jessica Hooper of Michelle Goff Law Group (michellegofflaw.com), was one such winner who talked about what the scholarship meant to her at the Business Women’s August 18 meeting held at Tutto Fresco in St. Lucie West.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women’s scholarship, which Hooper received in 2009, along with other scholarships she was awarded, allowed her to graduate from college debt-free. This was a major feat, for attending law school often leaves one in debt of more than $100,000.

After graduating from Indian River State College with an Associate of Arts degree, where for the past four years she has been an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Department, Hooper received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Florida State University. In 2018, she graduated from Florida A&M University College of Law and was admitted to the bar in September 2019.

Hooper shared that she originally thought she would be a prosecutor. However, the loss of her father revealed the need for estate planning. “Not having your affairs in order can cause all sorts of problems,” said Hooper, “destroying families over squabbles about property distribution, or making tough medical decisions for a loved one.” Having an estate plan is necessary to avoid these pitfalls, and that is where she focuses her energy. “I know I can help people,” she says, guiding clients to have tough conversations. “It’s difficult to think about death, but having all your affairs in order is part of the legacy you leave.” She calls upon her skill as a college instructor when explaining issues to clients and answering their questions in a clear, detailed and compassionate manner.

Hooper’s legal practice areas include estate planning, probate and business law matters. She also is a licensed realtor within the State of Florida. She worked as an Attorney Advisor for the United States Business Administration and was a Supreme Court of Florida county court mediator. Contact her at [email protected] or by phone at 772-410-8683.

Every year the Port St. Lucie Business Women awards scholarships from money raised in the organization's spring Fashion Show. Plans are underway for the Business Women's next Fashion Show to be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club in Palm City. For 31 years, this event has been the organization's major fundraiser supporting its Community Action Grants & Awards to local non-profit agencies that work with women and children in our community and providing scholarships for women attending Indian River State College.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women is a 42-year-old, 501 (c) (6) non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting the interests of businesswomen and serving our community effectively. For more information, visit PSLBW.com. Follow their Facebook page for updates about events, programs and community involvement.