Fort Worth – When Ricquel Archer founded Create + Collaborate in 2020, she set out to lift first‑generation college students through mentorship, supplies and community support. Six years later, her nonprofit’s impact was captured on film by Texas Christian University students, debuting at the Lone Star Film Festival.
From a dorm wish list to a documentary
The story began when TCU sophomore Darius Ford needed furniture for his first dorm room. Archer, who had mentored him since high school through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County, assembled an Amazon wish list to get him settled. She continued to anticipate his needs long after move‑in day, illustrating the hands‑on approach that defines Create + Collaborate.
Inspired by that experience, Archer sought a program to support students like Ford. Instead, she built one. Today the nonprofit serves more than 200 students across 52 college campuses, providing dorm supplies, mentorship, workshops and career‑readiness training. Archer runs the organization full‑time, describing it as her career and calling her life “a movie she wants to watch over and over.”
TCU students step behind the camera
When TCU instructor Charity Robinson asked her documentary production class if they could film the nonprofit, Archer agreed without hesitation. Between late 2024 and spring 2025, the students attended events, collected hundreds of photos and videos, and filmed graduation ceremonies at partner universities. Many of the filmmakers were first‑generation students themselves, reinforcing the nonprofit’s mission.
Co‑editor Michael Fazen noted the sheer volume of material: “We had literally hundreds or thousands of photos and videos and B‑roll interviews and everything.” Director Jonathan Stokx and writer Evan Vaslow faced the challenge of condensing dozens of personal stories into a 19‑minute short. “We wanted to tell the story of the group, not just the individual,” Stokx explained.
“Trailblazers” celebrates collective success
The resulting film, titled Trailblazers: The Create + Collaborate Story, premiered on a Monday night at the Lone Star Film Festival. Audiences heard from students who once relied on the nonprofit and now serve as volunteers and donors. When asked for a single word to describe the organization, a former participant answered “family.” Archer herself summed it up with the same word.
Archer’s optimism shone during the Q&A. “I genuinely feel like I’m living a life that I love, and it is a movie that I want to watch over and over and over again,” she said, underscoring the deep personal fulfillment she finds in serving her community.
Local impact and future growth
Beyond the film, Create + Collaborate continues to expand its reach. The nonprofit’s wish list still includes dorm supplies, and its mentorship network grows as alumni return to guide new students. Archer’s model exemplifies how faith‑based values, family‑centered support and individual liberty can combine to empower the next generation of college graduates.
For more information about Create + Collaborate or to support its mission, visit the organization’s website or attend upcoming community events in Fort Worth.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
