Our Story
The Direct Heir Foundation was created to bridge the gap between potential and preparedness for students who know they want more—but don’t always have access to the tools, guidance, or exposure to get there.
Founded by veteran educator and entrepreneur Lorri English, the Direct Heir Foundation exists to equip high school and college students with real-world entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and exposure to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—so they can confidently step into their next chapter.
We believe students shouldn’t have to wait until adulthood to learn how to build something of their own.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower student entrepreneurs and future leaders by providing hands-on business education, access to mentorship, and transformative experiences that expand their vision of what’s possible.
Through workshops, pitch competitions, HBCU tours, and community partnerships, we help students move from ideas to action—and from interest to impact.
What We Do
The Direct Heir Foundation supports students in several meaningful ways:
Student Entrepreneur Training & Pitch Competitions
We guide students through business development fundamentals including branding, marketing, financial literacy, and business structure—culminating in a pitch experience where students can earn seed funding.Seed Money & Startup Support
Eligible participants who complete program requirements qualify for startup funding beginning at $500, helping turn passion projects into legitimate businesses.HBCU Exposure & College Readiness
Through curated HBCU tours and college-access programming, we expose students to institutions, cultures, and opportunities that affirm their excellence and expand their options beyond their immediate environment.Mentorship & Community Partnerships
Students learn directly from experienced entrepreneurs, professionals, and educators who are invested in their growth—not just academically, but personally and professionally.
The Annual Direct Heir Foundation Fashion Show Brunch, held each May, offers sponsors a meaningful opportunity to invest in the next generation of student entrepreneurs and future leaders while gaining visibility among a highly engaged, community-minded audience.
This signature fundraiser brings together educators, business owners, professionals, creatives, and families who are committed to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and educational access. Sponsorship support directly funds student programming, including entrepreneur training workshops, pitch competitions with seed money, and HBCU exposure experiences that expand students’ post-secondary pathways.
By partnering with the Direct Heir Foundation, sponsors are not only supporting a stylish and well-curated community event—they are making a tangible impact by helping students transform ideas into viable businesses and envision futures built on ownership, leadership, and purpose.
Who We Serve
The Direct Heir Foundation primarily serves students from suburban public school communities —students who are motivated, curious, and ready to take ownership of their future.
Our programs are ideal for students who:
Have a business idea or early-stage venture
Are interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, or creative industries
Want exposure to HBCUs and post-secondary pathways
Are ready to be challenged, coached, and supported
Why It Matters
Too often, students are told to “wait”—wait until college, wait until they graduate, wait until they’re older—to learn how to build wealth, businesses, or ownership.
We believe now is the right time.
The Direct Heir Foundation exists to remind students that they are not just heirs to someone else’s legacy—they are capable of building their own.
3rd Annual Fashion Show Brunch Fundraiser
Proceeds from our 3rd Annual Fashion Show Brunch help local students turn their business ideas into reality through mentorship, education, and startup funding.
How it began…
It all began with a vision sparked by watching a determined 10th-grade student. Through many conversations and seeing her juggle academics with her "side hustle," I realized I could offer guidance to help her on her journey. This led me to revisit my high school senior memory book, where I wrote that becoming an entrepreneur was my ultimate goal. I couldn’t help but think if I had held onto that dream, I might be further along. But then it hit me: I could still make a difference by helping others achieve their dreams. That’s when the vision became clear. The name came from a simple Instagram poll, where a former client made it plain—the *Direct HEIRs* from *The DirectHer* was born.
Who We Are
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Lorri Lewis
FOUNDER
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Juanae Stephen
PRESIDENT
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Crystal Lucas
VICE PRESIDENT
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Erica Jordan
TREASURER
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Val McClellon
ADM ASSISTANT
Support our Students
Contact us.
hello@thedirectheirfoundation.org
(734)770-5584
If you’d like more information, please fill out the form to the right, and a team member will contact you within 24-48 hours.