The Winchester SLI Meet & Greet on April 4 celebrated college access by bringing together SLI scholars and alumni, program directors, families, board members, and community supporters for delicious food and drinks.
Sponsored by Laurel Ridge Community College and hosted by Lolita’s Mexican Restaurant, the evening featured speeches including by board member Bryan Pearce-Gonzales, Ph.D. (pictured) and SLI alumni.
SLI “was one of the best things, and still is one of the best things that has ever happened to me,” said alum Daniel ’21, who will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. “Through SLI’s help and guidance, and financial support, I have been able to achieve all of my dreams. SLI laid the foundation for me.”
During the event, Gerald F. “J.J.” Smith, Jr. was recognized for continuing to fund many SLI college scholarships, and for his 2022 lead gift that led to the establishment of a SLI endowment at the Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
J.J. Smith (center, wearing a class of 2025 stole) was recognized during the Winchester SLI Meet & Greet for his generous support for SLI. Also pictured are board members Bryan Pearce-Gonzales, Fawn-Amber Montoya, Andrea Meador Smith, Diana Patterson, alumni Daniel and Albert, board member Carlos Alemán, and director of development Christopher Clymer Kurtz.
SLI leaders were also introduced, including Winchester program directors Lara Maquera and Lenny Vasquez, SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., vice-chair Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., secretary Andrea Meador Smith, Ph.D., and members Diana Patterson, owner of DSP Services, and Pearce-Gonzales.
The mission of Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) is to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships.
Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school. In addition, its scholars can become eligible for financial support for college success. Since 2012 SLI has served 201 scholars (71 current and 130 alumni) and awarded more than $700,000 in financial support for students. SLI scholars have attended 25 colleges and universities.
HARRISONBURG, VA – The college access nonprofit Scholars Latino Initiative event SLI Celebración ’24 highlighted not just delicious foods and drinks, great music and dancing (and more!), but also the successes of its scholars.
Sponsored by many community-minded organizations, businesses, and individuals, and held at Harrisonburg’s stunning downtown venue The Loft at Liberty St., the event included sharing by SLI alumni plus featured a wide variety of foods, wine and donated Three Notch’d beers, dancing to the music of Lua Project, a 50/50 raffle and silent auction.
SLI’s mission is to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school. In addition, its scholars can become eligible for financial support for college success. Since 2012 SLI has served 201 scholars (71 current and 130 alumni) and awarded nearly $700,000 in financial support for students. SLI alumni have attended 25 colleges and universities, primarily in Virginia.
For 2025 SLI has budgeted a record $264,500 for college scholarships, technology grants, and college dual enrollment and Advanced Placement course tuition assistance. DONATE HERE
“SLI provided me with opportunities that shaped my future,” said SLI alum Linda, who plans to begin medical school in 2025. “Being part of SLI opened doors I never knew existed.”
Two other alumni also spoke about their SLI experiences.
“I remember when I first joined SLI in Richmond,” Maria said. “I was a fifteen-year-old newcomer, born and raised in Mexico, who emigrated to the U.S. I knew very little English and for a long time, I thought that college was not an option for me.”READ MARIA’S SPEECH
Now a political science and Hispanic Studies double major, the alum has been active in campus organizations.
“I can proudly say that SLI inspired me not only to attend college but to make a difference and make the most of it,” she said. “I am truly grateful for all the donors who are making this possible for me and for so many other students; you are truly changing our lives and you are making our dreams come true.”
Daniel, a senior nursing student, plans to become a nurse anesthetist.READ DANIEL’S SPEECH
“SLI provided me with the guidance and orientation I needed to tackle the transition from high school to college,” he said. “SLI helped me believe in myself, letting me come across people who truly cared about me and my goals…. The financial contribution that SLI offered me was like a beacon of light for a kid who had sleepless nights over how he would alleviate any of the financial burdens that came with college.”
Also speaking were SLI board members and program directors Carlos Alemán, a professor of communications at James Madison University, Hannah Bowman Hrasky, a teacher at Rocktown High School, and SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, a professor of history at James Madison University.
Following the speeches were a Bolivian traditional dance and then dancing to the music of Charlottesville-based Lua Project.
Returning to the SLI event for the third time, Lua performs Mexilachian music, a new style of traditional music inspired by the sounds of Mexico, Appalachia, and the Atlantic Basin. A cultural pollinator, Lua bridges together musical styles from different continents and different centuries. They write about contemporary themes, about families, and communities, of work and loss, but draw on the musical traditions of their own cultural past.
Celebración foods and beverages, coordinated by Jan Henley, were made by A Bowl of Good, Casa Gallardo, El Sol, La Bendición Bakery, La Morena, Merge Coffee Company, Mi Placita, Mi Pueblito 2, and Three Notch’d Brewery, which donated the beer.
Silent auction items included gift cards to the food and drink vendors as well as gift baskets such as the hottest item, a “margarita basket” donated by Montoya. The winner of the 50/50 raffle, former SLI board member Laura Feichtinger McGrath, donated her winnings so that 100 percent of the proceeds would benefit students.
The event was generously sponsored by Bank of the James, Blue Ridge Community College, Bridgewater College, Cargill, Eastern Mennonite University, Everence Financial, F&M Bank, Glass & Metals, Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Herr & Co. Building Contractors, InterChange Group, JMU Honors College, LD&B Insurance and Financial Services, Park View Federal Credit Union, Sentara Health, Shining Accounting Services, Steven Toyota, two six seventy7 creative, and SLI founder Peter Iver Kaufman, Christopher & Maria Clymer Kurtz, Dick & Pat Gardner, Phil & Loretta Helmuth, Brent Holsinger & Laura Toni-Holsinger, and Larry Miller & Liz Yoder.
Maria’s Celebración speech:
“To talk about SLI is to talk about resilience, patience, support, love, and individuals willing to help others achieve their dreams.
I remember when I first joined SLI. I was a fifteen-year-old newcomer, born and raised in Mexico, who emigrated to the U.S. I knew very little English and for a long time, I thought that college was not an option for me….
From there, I met people with the same interests, dreams, hopes, and aspirations as me. Thanks to SLI, I improved my writing skills through their early college classes [that] challenged us to step out of our comfort zones by having us write ten-page essays on different topics. Thanks to the SLI program, I learned how to properly write an essay, be critical, analyze, ask questions, and remain unbiased when writing. We also had mentors who were … willing to give us their time, energy, and help, mentors that were more than mentors. To me my mentors were my friends, and my role models. My mentors, Sofia and Alejandra, helped me in every way possible, guiding me through writing long papers and the process of applying for different colleges and scholarships. They were always there for me.
The memories I cherish the most are those SLI meetings we had every month, where we could bring our parents to hear from other parents about the importance of their support and patience. In those meetings, we would first meet and eat together—families, mentors, mentees. It was always such a pleasure because afterward, we would have an Early College session which helped me to prepare for college academically.
I am currently a double major in political science and Hispanic Studies. I have been part of [campus organizations] as well. I initiated a project to provide free menstrual hygiene products at my college, and today, my project has become a reality. I can proudly say that SLI inspired me not only to attend college but to make a difference and make the most of it. I am truly grateful for all the donors who are making this possible for me and for so many other students; you are truly changing our lives and you are making our dreams come true. I am very grateful to SLI and [those] who believed in me from the beginning, as well as to all the donors who are believing in others. Thank you.”
Daniel’s Celebración speech:
“As a SLI scholar, you are given a mentor who is meant to guide you and be someone you can rely on in the terrifying transition from high school to college. As someone who was a bit disorganized, and whose disorganization sometimes proved to cause me issues, I remember the day we had a workshop on things we should get done before applying for college. I remember that I had no clue where to begin, but then my mentor proposed an idea that I still implement even to this day. My mentor told me that whenever I have to get something done, to make a checklist, and cross things off as I get them done. This served 2 purposes, the first being to physically see what I had to get done, and the second being that every time I crossed something off, I would feel a sense of accomplishment. That was in 10th grade, and I am currently a senior at my university who still uses that method. So if I could wrap in my experience as a SLI scholar in one word – it would be guidance
If asked how SLI has helped me with my college goals, the bigger question is what hasn’t SLI done for me? SLI provided me with the guidance and orientation I needed to tackle the transition from high school to college. SLI helped me believe in myself letting me come across people who truly cared about me and my goals. My sister is a SLI alum who recently graduated with her MBA last December. Seeing the impact that SLI had in her life further motivated me to use all the resources that SLI had to offer because I wanted to be just like her. The financial contribution that SLI offered me was like a beacon of light for a kid who had sleepless nights over how he would alleviate any of the financial burdens that came with college. And it is a blessing that continues to this day.
As of right now, I am currently in my last year of nursing school. I have been lucky enough to pursue my passion and am close to achieving this lifelong goal. But my dreams and goals don’t stop there. My short-term goal is to finish nursing school and work in [an] ICU. If I can, I would also like to try out travel nursing for a while and see where the road takes me there. Ultimately, my biggest dream is to become a CRNA (nurse anesthetist). After finding my passion for the world of nursing, anesthesia has been the beacon that I have been getting drawn closer and closer to every day. God willing, I’ll be able to achieve this goal and that way not only fulfill my dreams but the dreams that my parents had when they left their home country more than 23 years ago, which was to see their kids be successful.
If at one point in your life, you ever questioned whether or not your contribution has made a difference, I want you to know that I am living proof that the generosity of all of you has allowed a man with dreams to realize that his dreams could become a reality – that his dreams didn’t just have to be dreams. It’s now a reality that I am blessed enough to be able to live in. You are an inspiration because you all have shown me that we can change the course of someone’s life for the better. I wish to someday be able to repay the kindness and pay it forward to someone else. There is never a day that goes by where I am not thankful for the position that I am in. No matter how hard my classes are, no matter how stressed out exam week makes me, and no matter how many sleepless nights I have spent studying, I am forever grateful to have been given the opportunity in the first place, because I know that all my hard work will pay off. And that opportunity was all thanks to you.”
The Richmond SLI Meet & Greetat the University of Richmond on September 21 brought together SLI scholars and their families as well as SLI mentors, board members, and advocates.
The event, which was planned by SLI mentors at the university, took place during a SLI Saturday program and featured highlights such as sharing by SLI alumni, a current SLI scholar, and a SLI summer instructor.
The student-led mentors group provides a variety of on-campus college access and social activities for SLI scholars in high school, such as Saturday’s leaf-drawing project.
The Winchester SLI Meet & Greet on April 19 celebrated college access by bringing together SLI scholars and alumni, family, board members, and community supporters for delicious food and drinks.
Sponsored by Laurel Ridge Community College, Valley Health, and First Bank and hosted by Lolita’s Mexican Restaurant and Bakery, the evening featured speeches by SLI alumni.
SLI “helped me so much,” said Sofía, who will graduate soon from an accelerated nursing program. “I honestly couldn’t have done it without SLI. They really supported my goals, and I am very grateful for that.”
During the event, Gerald F. “J.J.” Smith, Jr. was recognized for funding many SLI college scholarships, and for his 2022 lead gift that led to the establishment of a SLI endowment at the Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
SLI leaders were also introduced, including SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., associate dean of the James Madison University Honors College, and local board members:
Diana Patterson, owner of DSP Services
Bryan Pearce-Gonzales, Ph.D., department chair and professor of hispanic studies at Shenandoah University
Andrea Meador Smith, Ph.D., associate dean of College of Arts and Sciences at Shenandoah University, and
Veronique N. Walker, Ed.D., L.P.C., N.C.C., the equity and family empowerment coordinator for Winchester Public Schools.
The mission of Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) is to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships.
Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school. In addition, its scholars can become eligible for financial support for college success. Since 2012 SLI has served 180 scholars (67 current and 113 alumni) and awarded more than $542,000 in financial support for students. SLI scholars have attended 24 colleges and universities.
SLI programming this spring included unique opportunities at each of its sites, with students experiencing a variety of events including college visits, guest speakers, and more.
“Accessing college is no small task,” said Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., SLI board chair and associate dean of James Madison University Honors College. “SLI is proud to support its remarkable scholars as they pursue the higher education they so keenly desire and merit.”
SLI’s mission is to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. SLI is a community-based, not-for-profit organization built on partnerships with high schools, universities, communities, students, and parents. Dedicated to advancing Latinx students’ post-high school educational opportunities, SLI advocates for Latinx opportunities and strives for social justice and equity. Scholars – currently there are 67 – are mentored to be leaders that positively contribute to their communities.
Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school. In addition, its scholars can become eligible for financial support for college success, which since 2012 has included more than $542,000 in college scholarships, technology awards, and dual enrollment and AP course tuition assistance.
SLI program directors Hannah Bowman Hrasky, a teacher, and Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., a professor at James Madison University, develop and coordinate academic, leadership, and mentorship activities for their local SLI scholars. SLI Early College is one program where students meet twice monthly after school for college planning updates, reflective writing exercises, and college-level discussions. This spring, student teams researched Latina girlhood as represented in mass media targeting audiences ages 10-14 years.
SLI on Saturday is another program, with monthly gatherings held on a university campus and built around themes of community and civic engagement, cultural identity and empowerment, and healthy relationships and well-being. The April meeting (pictured below) invited university student mentors, to present a Women’s History Month-centered program. Activities promoted empowerment and solidarity for Latinx women, a crash course on intersectionality, and writing letters of appreciation to inspiring women in the students’ lives.
Several ad hoc events in April were also developed to meet student needs and interests. SLI partnered with the NewBridges Immigrant Resource Center to host an exclusive workshop featuring immigration attorney Steven Smith and social work intern Catalina Marquez, who provided information and answered questions about family petitions to scholars and their parents. Many scholars also participated in a “shadow day” organized and hosted by university mentors that included attending classes with college mentors, major-specific guided campus tours, visiting student support spaces, meeting with professors, and experiencing a typical college day. Finally, scholars served their community by volunteering at La Fiesta, an annual food and game fair for children and families at an elementary school.
Another SLI program is led by SLI founder Peter Iver Kaufman, Ph.D., a professor at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond, and teacher Ester Orellana. University students act as mentors of the SLI high school students, routinely offering mentor-mentee bonding activities.
In March nine high school freshmen were welcomed as the newest local cohort at an induction gathering of approximately 80 that included all current SLI scholars, family members, and guest speakers Ricardo Jofre and Kathryn Perez, an alumna of SLI in North Carolina. In April, scholars and their families gathered for a graduation celebration, which included a speech by SLI alumnus Mateo ’21. The event will be further featured in an upcoming news release.
Early College programming featured readings, with essays to come this summer. SLI alumni have described the required academic writing for Early College as a “crazy” amount of work but “worth it, definitely” – and helpful for both high school and college success.
“‘Wow!’” SLI alumnus Onesimo ’20 said he realized in his first writing class in college. “I could tell, seeing my other peers, that I was pretty much ahead of them because of SLI.”
In addition, school counselors Lara Maquera and Elizabeth Cranford are the SLI program directors at SLI’s third site, where this spring SLI scholars worked on College 101 Workbooks and shared research about colleges they are considering attending.
Guest speakers included a university admissions director, who shared practical information about the college application process, and Valley Health hiring manager Lisa Spencer, who discussed academic and training paths that can lead to careers in the medical field.
SLI has “allowed me to get a feel for what to expect in college,” SLI scholar Pablo ’25 said in a feature about SLI in a March publication. “Honestly, I would be lost [without it] because SLI has helped me visit different types of colleges and meetings related to programs offered.”
The program was highlighted during a Meet & Greet at Lolita’s Mexican Restaurant and Bakery on April 19. Sponsored by Laurel Ridge Community College, Valley Health, and First Bank, the event provided opportunities to meet SLI scholars and alumni, board members, donors, and other community members.
Approximately 60 high school and college students attended an annual College and Career Access Day, which for the first time featured local health professionals sharing their expertise in promoting salud y comunidad, or health and community.
“Young people are more motivated than ever to make our world a better place as leaders, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and scientists,” said Carlos Alemán, Ph.D, a professor in residence and a SLI program director. “Connecting first-generation high school students with the resources to pursue these ambitions and careers through higher education is an invigorating experience.”
Additional support for the event came from Sentara Health through a grant that earlier this year also helped fund SLI scholarships for 18 SLI scholars currently pursuing college degrees in health-related fields. For College and Career Access Day, Sentara provided access to employees who shared with students about healthcare professions and opportunities. They included:
Onesimo Baltazar Corona, Director of Operations (Harrisonburg), Sentara Community Care
Gladys Zito, Language Services Coordinator
Mayra Gavia Molina, Registered Nurse
Zulma Argueta, Community Health Worker
In addition, Sentara physician assistant Leodegario Alonso provided the keynote address, sharing about persistence on his career journey, and encouraging students to forge their own pathways. Alonso holds degrees from Eastern Mennonite University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Before becoming a physician assistant, he worked as a radiologic technologist, Futuro Latino Coalition specialist, medical interpreter, and United States Army Reserve drill sergeant.
“It is very powerful to have someone like Leo, who looks like the scholars, share a story that resonates with them and inspires them to continue on their career path,” said Garcia-Romero. “These experiences are so impactful and make a difference in Latino career advancement, and this is why we are proud to be a partner and support SLI’s work.”
Participating SLI scholars were also invited to explore how to use medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, CPR masks, and digital thermometers. They then toured the university campus and were treated to lunch.
Academic exploration sessions connected students with professors who shared about their curricula and areas of expertise. Topics and presenters included:
Foreign Languages and Cultures, Verónica Davila Ellis, Ph.D.
Communication and Relations, Reslie Cortés, Ph.D.
Space and Physics, Prayash Sharma Pyakurel, Ph.D.
Immigration and Justice, Graciela Perez, Ph.D.
Politics and Political Science, Kristin Wylie, Ph.D.
ABOUT SLI
Scholars Latino Initiative supports Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school, plus financial support for college success. Since 2012 SLI has served 180 scholars (67 current and 113 alumni) and awarded more than $542,000 in financial support for students.
It may have been a rainy late summer day, but the Merienda ’23 celebration of SLI’s mission – to support Latinx high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships – was an evening not to be missed.
The 2023 version of SLI’s annual event, Merienda recognized the successes of SLI scholars, as well as the generous support from community businesses, organizations, foundations, and individuals that makes possible SLI’s ever-increasing impact. A full list of event sponsors is below.
“Not only did [SLI] equip me with a wealth of knowledge about higher education, but it also instilled a sense of belonging within me,” recalls Naomi ’21, a SLI scholar now studying public health and data science. “Often, students from underrepresented backgrounds experience feelings of displacement or inadequacy. I would say SLI encouraged me to apply for other Hispanic college programs, volunteer opportunities, and colleges because it made me feel worthy of these opportunities.”
Since its incorporation in 2012 SLI has awarded students more than $545,000 in college scholarships, computer awards, and dual enrollment and Advanced Placement tuition assistance, including $143,000 in awards this summer alone. Its alumni have attended 24 colleges and universities.
“At Merienda ’23 we not only marked the start of Latino Heritage month, but we also recognized the tremendous accomplishments of our students and those who help make it all possible – nuestra comunidad del Valle de Shenandoah,” said Stephania Cervantes, SLI managing director.
The event, which netted nearly $22,000 for SLI’s mission, featured locally sourced meriendas such as pupusas, empanadas, tamales, tres leches cake, churros, and much more; wine and local beers; coffee and hot chocolate con canela; dancing to the live “Mexilachian” music of Lua Project; SLI swag; and raffle prizes, all at Sunny Slope Farm.
Photos by Karla Hernandez
During the event Virginia Latino Higher Education Network president and former SLI board member Karina Kline-Gabel (below left) presented SLI managing director Stephania Cervantes and SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya with micro-grants for SLI scholars to help purchase college supplies.
Photo by Karla Hernandez
Support for Merienda ’23 came from the many people who purchased tickets as well as many generous sponsors:
In celebration of Scholars Latino Initiative’s first decade as a Virginia nonprofit and with the support of many invaluable partners and sponsors listed below, ¡10th Anniversary Tapas! brought together the SLI community for a night of inspiring speeches, incredible food, and much more.
Presenters included Luciana ’15, one of SLI’s first alumni, and SLI program directors Carlos Alemán (also featured in the video) and Hannah Bowman Hrasky.
Guests also enjoyed mingling over foods and beverages by A Bowl of Good, Cinnamon Bear Bakery & Deli, El Sol Mexican Restaurant, La Morena Mexican Food, Lucien’s Catering, Magdalena Bakery, Saint Isidore Homestead & Permaculture, and Santa Isabel Coffee. Additional highlights included an open bar with wine and Three Notch’d Valley Collab House beers, live music by Lua Project, and salsa and bachata dancing led by Phillip and Natasha Fusaro of Dance Together, all at On Sunny Slope Farm near Harrisonburg.
Words of celebration by Hannah Bowman Hrasky, SLI board member and program director at Harrisonburg High School:
“Nine years ago, Laura Feichtinger-Mcgrath, Sandy Mercer, Carlos, and I met to talk about my joining the team. They gushed about the three scholars in the program, the mission of the organization, and the commitment of all the adults and students involved. I got to tag along with SLI scholars, Sandy, and Carlos to a university campus visit and saw the incredibly tight bond they had formed. I knew I wanted to be part of that little family.
Over the last nine years, SLI has changed my life. I have learned and continue to learn so much about the many obstacles facing Latinx students as they navigate predominantly white spaces, about the ever changing policies surrounding documentation, about how laws and systems of power directly impact marginalized students.
Most of all, I’ve learned about perseverance. I’ve seen our students struggle with challenging course loads, expectations of them that are either far too low or far too high, immigration law, institutionalized obstacles, and severe uncertainty about their own or their family’s ability to even live in their homes. In the face of all of this, our scholars are unwavering. They have set the example for future students, for me, and for this organization of how to relentlessly pursue a goal. SLI’s work and our success over the last decade is entirely because of this example of perseverance from our students.
Now, when I look out at the twenty-eight current SLI scholars sitting in my classroom, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. I am so grateful for them, I’m so grateful for this organization, and I’m so grateful to all of you who have demonstrated your support over the last ten years.
Here’s to the next decade. Thank you all so much.”
SLI in Richmond began the 2022-23 academic year with a Saturday SLI event for scholars and their families that included a “Why College” presentation by professor Edward Peebles (pictured), a mentor-mentee goal-setting activity, and lunch. The event was led by UR SLI co-presidents Sofie Martinez and Sofia Ringvald.
The following is an excerpt of the April 2022 speech to graduating SLI scholars and their families by an alumna of the original Scholars Latino Initiative.
When I was a sophomore in high school, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI).
It had always been my dream to go to college, and when I toured colleges I would get so excited – but always with a nervous feeling in the back of my mind because I didn’t actually know how I would be able to make it to college. The obstacles seemed so daunting. Not only was I clueless about the college application and admissions process, but also – how would I even pay for college?
SLI gave me and my parents hope, and reinforced my belief that if I was dedicated and determined to fight my way through, I could actually go to college! I realized I had to work even harder than some of my high school peers to get to college, but this newfound challenge of getting my grades up to ensure I could qualify for any college drove me to partner even closer with my SLI mentors and peers, as well as with my high school teachers and even with my parents, to execute on a solid gameplan.
I will admit: It was a challenging process. There was so much I didn’t know about the college application process, and my parents didn’t know either, since they had never had the chance to go to college. I would have been so lost had it not been for SLI, my mentor, my other peers in the program, and, of course, our SLI founder. I had tons of questions at all times, and my parents did, too, but we were blessed to have this incredibly patient and dedicated team helping us get through them all. And eventually, I got accepted into my top-choice school!
I knew that graduating from college would help level the playing field for me as a Latina in the professional world, and I’m proud to say that thanks to my education and the invaluable support I’ve received throughout the years from the SLI family, I now have an amazing job in Washington, DC at the world’s leading IT research and business advisory firm.
SLI not only creates high-caliber students, but incredibly well-rounded individuals with a generous spirit who go on to give even more to their communities and become essential parts of society.
In closing, I want to wish you all the absolute best in your next adventure! There will be challenges for sure, but when you find yourself intimidated or disheartened, always remember this: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” You’re a fighter, you’ve always been a fighter, and that’s why you’ve been handpicked to be in this great program. You have been armed with an incredible network of support, already with so many accomplishments under you, and you will continue to thrive.
I look forward to hearing about all your future successes because I know you will go on to accomplish so many great things!
