BriElle Bryson founded AROSE in honor of her late mother, Alicia R. Pruitt. Despite growing up in a low-income community, Alicia showed BriElle that with education and perseverance, she could accomplish anything no matter the circumstances. BriElle knows firsthand the impact that various traumas can have on young adults furthering their education and evolving in their professional careers. AROSE is dedicated to helping youth envision a world beyond their neighborhoods and become the next generation of leaders.

Alicia Rose Pruitt was born on March 8, 1967, in Flint, Michigan. She excelled academically and was always enrolled in graduate or doctoral courses as an adult. After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan – Flint, she went on to earn an MBA with a focus in Accounting. Alicia was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Entrepreneur, and Businesswoman. She chose to engage with her home community by starting ASAP Accounting, a firm focused on helping many with tax return preparation and remediation of delinquent taxes.

Alicia R. Pruitt was a mother of three and was the true definition of God’s love. She was a woman of strength, resilience, and love with an outgoing nature. Alicia always encouraged her children to reach for the stars using education and a “never give up” attitude. Despite being in a city of limited resources, she saw education as a means to rise above. As a result, all three of her children were honor students, graduated from top universities, and have seen success in their respective careers.

Alicia was a caring mother, wife, sister, and daughter, and she will forever be in our hearts.