The Elvoid Lakes III Foundation provides assistance to individuals and organizations in their endeavors to enhance themselves and the community. As a private, faith-based, philanthropic organization, the Foundation seeks to assist eligible individuals and organizations in underrepresented communities. Principally, providing support to those attempting to expand or enhance in the areas of social & economic policies, science & technology practices, and of Christianity.
"You do what you do" - that was the mantra for Dr. Elvoid Lakes III. By this, he meant that whatever you set out to do, embody it fully and consistently. He always made it his mission to do his best -whatever the task-and to ‘do’ for others, whether in the form of sharing, educating, or supporting their wellbeing.
The Elvoid Lakes III (EL3) Foundation was established in 2020 in honor of Dr. Lakes. Recognizing, first-hand, Dr. Lakes’ love, concern and generosity for others; Dr. Sherry Lakes (his wife) and Dr. Seria Lakes (his daughter) went into action to continue his legacy. Words cannot adequately describe Elvoid’s love, his quiet boldness, his commitment, nor his life. Therefore, the excerpt below merely provides a glimpse of Dr. Lakes...
Elvoid loved faithfully and compassionately, and was a consummate learner. His pastimes varied, but typically included boating, doing yardwork, traveling, and fishing. Indeed, his top priorities for retirement were to work as a Park Ranger (teaching people to fish); traveling the nation in an RV; and restoring a ‘57 Chevy Belair.
Dr. Lakes grew up in Mississippi and lived most of his adulthood in Maryland. He excelled in academics and was awarded several college scholarships, but chose to delay college for the U.S. Navy (serving shipboard and at the Naval Academy). The Navy afforded him the opportunity to travel around the globe and provide his expertise in Electronics and Systems Engineering. Not surprising, Elvoid excelled in his contributions to the field of Engineering and Naval Warfare Systems and as a result, he received multiple accolades from the military as well as private industry. In addition to numerous industry-related certifications, Dr. Lakes received his Doctorate of Science (DSc) Degree in Information Assurance. He also obtained degrees in Information Systems, Systems Engineering, and Law & Public Policy.
To all who knew him; it is no surprise that Elvoid completed much of the coursework for these degrees while workiing full time, leading his household as a wonderful husband & father, and supporting the community.
Above all, Dr. Lakes was committed to God and his family, having an overwhelming concern and generosity for everyone. His legacy continues with the EL3 Foundation.
Guided by our values, inspired by our vision, and driven by our mission; the EL3 Foundation is committed to providing support to STEM, Policy, and community-building activities. Individuals and organizations in underrepresented populations are the focus of this support. Our ideology is that positive investments in individuals today will help ensure their future stability, civic engagement, and overall wellbeing. Collectively, these individuals can effect change across a broader population.
EL3 Foundation offers an array of support to those seeking to enhance their STEM related skillsets. Our offerings range from providing scholarships and stipends, to providing consultations for resume development and interview protocol. We also partner with high schools to help ensure awareness of the breadth of STEM careers.
Congressional membership does not currently reflect our population. As such, the concerns of too many of our citizens are inappropriately addressed African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans make up a mere 20% of the House and 7% of the Senate. The Foundation makes available Political Science related scholarships to help expand this underrepresentation within America’s government body.
An old proverb states, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. Leveraging this concept, the Foundation collaborates with other eligible entities. Collaboration includes merging monetary and non-monetary resources. This approach allows for reaching and supporting larger populations.
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