Growing up in Anguilla, 18N63W (18 degrees North, 63 degrees West) were the coordinates we listened for during weather reports. Today, these same coordinates are set to guide a new direction — empowering young Anguillians through education, career development, and mentoring.
Started in May 2025, 18N63W Inc. is a non-profit organisation that is very much a family affair. Children of Preston and Erlyn Bryan––Lariscia Julion, Founder and CEO, Mark Bryan, Vice Chair, and Margie Hodge Treasurer––have worked together to make the dream of giving back to Anguilla a reality. Together, they are driven by a shared passion for giving back to their home island and creating opportunities for others to thrive.
The Anguillian had the opportunity to speak with Lariscia Julion about her reasons for starting the nonprofit and vision for its future. For Lariscia 18N63W is more than just a nonprofit — it’s a movement rooted in love for Anguilla and belief in its youth. “I was born and raised in Anguilla, attended Valley Primary School and Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. I left Anguilla after completing my A Levels to attend university,” she shares. “I’ve always had a passion for education, mentoring, and philanthropy, so founding 18N63W Inc. was the perfect way for me to combine what I love and give back to the island that has given so much to me.”
She explained the choice of the organisation’s name: “The organisation’s name 18N63W reflects the geographical coordinates of Anguilla, serving as a grounding symbol of home and heritage. This keeps me connected to the essence of our purpose: empowering the next generation to achieve their full potential and contribute to our island’s growth.”
When asked if giving back was always something she always wanted to do, Lariscia said “Yes, I have always envisioned contributing to the development of Anguilla.” As a chemical engineer, Lariscia’s career has taken her abroad due to limited opportunities in her field on the island. Still, her connection to Anguilla remains strong. “Anything that I can do to serve,” she shared, expressing her ongoing support for non-profit organisations and their efforts to uplift their communities. For her, founding this organisation was a way to extend that support homeward—to empower students in Anguilla while continuing her advocacy for service and education abroad.
At its core, 18N63W’s mission is to empower students with financial assistance and career services, enabling them to advance their education, achieve their goals, and uplift the wider community. “This Nonprofit organisation isn’t just about helping students,” the founder emphasizes. “It’s about investing in Anguilla’s future.”
The organisation’s first scholarship was awarded to Kordell Smith, an Anguillian student in the UK. This presentation marked a key accomplishment for the young nonprofit. “Presenting our first scholarship was deeply rewarding, humbling, and motivating,” the founder recalled. “We walked away wanting to do more — to create more opportunities for others and recognize their hard work and determination.” Kordell’s video essay left a lasting impression on the 18N63W team. “We were all inspired by his story,” she says. “We’re proud to play a small part in helping him achieve his goals.”
While the foundation’s primary focus has been on providing financial assistance to students, it is expanding its efforts to include career development and mentoring programmes. Through these combined efforts, the foundation aims to build a stronger bridge between opportunity and aspiration for Anguilla’s students and beyond. “Students need career guidance and mentorship to turn academic achievements into long-term success,” she says. “That’s why we’re actively searching for mentors from various backgrounds to support students through their journeys.”
These initiatives aim to help individuals explore professional pathways, build job-readiness skills, and connect with mentors. Although the programmes are geared mostly toward high school students, the foundation emphasizes that its financial aid, mentoring and career development services are open to all ages—school leavers to adults in a career transition phase.
Funding remains one of the greatest challenges for any nonprofit, but 18N63W is taking creative steps to build sustainability. “We are grateful to those who believe in our mission and support our cause through financial donations,” she shares. In a notable achievement, 18N63W has partnered with Spyglass Hill Villa, a Sunset Homes property, in sponsoring the organisation’s first fundraising raffle. “The raffle will be for a two-night stay at Spyglass Hill Villa in North Hill, Anguilla and the winner will be announced on December 19, 2025. The proceeds will aid in funding our annual scholarship programme,” she notes.
18N63W represents more than financial aid — it’s a promise to Anguilla’s next generation. “18N63W Inc. was created as a way to give back to the island that I love,” says the founder. “I believe that when Anguillian students are given access to higher education and the resources to pursue their goals, they not only transform their own lives but also strengthen Anguilla and the island’s future.”
Students interested in applying, persons or organisations interested in donating, mentoring, or partnering with 18N63W can visit the organization’s website –– www.18N63W.org for additional information.
As 18N63W Inc. continues to grow, its coordinates remain firmly set: rooted in community, guided by purpose, and always pointing toward growth and empowerment.
By Kareen Rogers
