At a VOICE ensemble concert benefiting SLI, alum Noel (Harrisonburg High School ’21, University of Virginia ’25) shared the following about his experiences:
It’s an honor to stand before you tonight and share my story as a Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) scholar. Looking back on my college journey, I feel an immense sense of gratitude for the support and guidance that SLI has provided. SLI hasn’t just shaped my academic pursuits; it has shaped the core of who I am today.
As a first-generation, low-income student born and raised in Harrisonburg, Virginia, my path to college was filled with both challenges and hope. I grew up watching the resilience of my parents, who left behind everything they knew in Cuba and El Salvador to build a better life for their family. Their sacrifices, their unwavering spirit in the face of hardship—these are the gifts they passed on to me, and I carry their strength with me every day.
When I entered the University of Virginia, I did so determined to honor those sacrifices. Double majoring in Public Policy and Leadership and Foreign Affairs, and, of course, minoring in Astronomy—my first childhood passion—I knew this opportunity wasn’t just mine. It belonged to my family and my community, to everyone who believed in me.
My college experience has been a patchwork of growth, resilience, and opportunity. It has taught me the beauty of giving back and the necessity of rising through adversity. Leading as President of UVA’s Multicultural Greek Council and serving as a mentor for the PATHE Initiative of my Latino service fraternity, La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., allowed me to foster the same connections and community support that SLI gave to me. At the same time, I faced hardships that tested me in ways I never anticipated—like managing familial loss and the weight of personal struggles.
One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was how to ask for help. But the lessons SLI taught me were there. The mentors, Mrs. Bowman and Dr. Aleman, and workshops they led, taught me resilience is not about enduring alone; it’s about leaning on others, growing through their wisdom, and finding the strength to persevere.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned from SLI is the power of my favorite word: voice. Through its programming, SLI showed me the transformative impact of using my voice—not only to advocate for myself, but to uplift others. Whether I’m speaking up for equitable policies, sharing my story to inspire first-generation students, or navigating the academic world, my voice has become my greatest tool for change.
Beyond academics, SLI taught me to lead and serve with intention. These lessons came full circle when I was accepted as a fellow in UVA’s Meriwether Lewis Institute for Citizen Leadership, where I’ve worked alongside university administrators as a student consultant to enhance institutional functions. Volunteering as a LEAD for VALHEN’s Hispanic College Institute at Virginia Tech has allowed me to inspire high school students to pursue higher education, giving back in the very way SLI invested in me.
As I prepare to graduate this May, I’m filled with hope for what’s ahead. My ultimate dream is to become an immigration attorney based out of South Florida, using my experiences and education to make a tangible impact on immigrant communities. Before law school, I plan to either pursue a Master’s in Higher Education Administration or Business in Virginia to deepen my leadership skills, or move directly to South Florida to work as a Human Rights Investigator or paralegal. No matter the path, my mission remains the same: to advocate for marginalized communities and drive systemic change.
To the donors who make SLI possible: gracias de mi corazón. Your generosity has transformed my life and the lives of so many others. Because of you, I’ve been able to pursue my dreams, grow as a leader, and build a future filled with purpose. Your support empowers us to break barriers, to dream bigger, and to pave the way for those who come after us. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Thank you for believing in me, for supporting students like me, and for helping us create brighter futures.
At a VOICE ensemble concert benefiting SLI, alum Alisia (Harrisonburg High School ’17, Blue Ridge Community College ’19, James Madison University ’21) shared the following about her experiences:
I am excited to share with you all about my SLI experience, but I want you all to know that every student in SLI has an encouraging and unique story. I appreciate you all for allowing me this opportunity to share mine with you tonight.
When I began high school I had a difficult time finding my identity and struggled with knowing what I wanted for my future. My father, who is from Mexico, never had the opportunity to attend college. He has always encouraged me to pursue my education and is my biggest inspiration because of the hard work, sacrifices, and dedication he has shown our family. But growing up, I often wondered if college was even an option for me. I was provided with the opportunity to be part of SLI that allowed me to learn valuable leadership skills, take part in a mentorship program, and receive the support I needed to pursue my education. Through SLI I was able to participate in early college seminars, participate in community service hours, and be part of various leadership initiatives. SLI motivates students into striving for a better future for not only ourselves, but for our community and to be proud of where we come from. SLI helped me embrace my culture and set college and career goals while forming lifelong friendships along the way.
During my junior year of high school, I remember SLI guiding us through the college application process. We were assigned to have 5 colleges that we wanted to apply to, but I felt discouraged and did not think I would be able to continue with SLI. This is where my story is unique. During this time, I was 16 years old and found out I was expecting a child. I remember sitting down with Dr. Alemán and Mrs. Bowman to share the news, while I was feeling overwhelmed by the changes in my life and doubting my ability to finish high school or pursue college. SLI came alongside me and encouraged me to continue my education and reminded me that my dreams were still possible. I was focused on achieving academic success, earning my high school diploma, and pursuing college options but becoming a mother sparked a new determination to balance family, education, and a desire to help others just as SLI helped me. With their support I was able to continue to work hard and I was able to finish high school a semester early and graduate with an advanced diploma.
SLI helped prepare me for the college experience and provided me with the opportunity to continue my education. I received my associates degree in human services from Blue Ridge Community College and then transferred to James Madison University, where I graduated with my bachelor’s in social work. Today I am a community health educator at Sentara RMH and a program coordinator through Young Life. Through both of my current jobs I am able to work with supporting families in our community and share my success by helping others. Being a mother and continuing my education has been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey and I am deeply grateful for the support I received from SLI.
I appreciate you all for your continued support in allowing me to fulfill my educational dream to be a first generation college student. It is truly an honor to be supported and represented by SLI. Because of this program I am able to now give back and work alongside in our community. You all allow me to have this opportunity and investing in my future not only has supported me but also my son and for that I cannot thank you all enough.
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.
Held at Harrisonburg’s stunning downtown venue The Loft at Liberty St., the 6-9:30 p.m. event included sharing by SLI alumni plus feature 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.
With programs in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, Virginia, 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,” SLI alumna Kellyn Rivera (Harrisonburg High School ’18, Virginia Tech ’22, pictured top left) shared during the event. “Being part of SLI opened doors I never knew existed.”
Rivera, who plans to begin medical school in 2025, was one of three alumni who spoke about their SLI experiences.
“I remember when I first joined SLI in Richmond,” said SLI alumna Irais Barrera (George Wythe High School ’21). “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 until I met [SLI founder and Richmond program director] Dr. Kaufman, who welcomed me to SLI.”
Now a political science and Hispanic Studies double major at Eastern Mennonite University with a goal of attending law school, Barrera has been active in the Latinx Student Association and the Student Government Association.
“I can proudly say that SLI inspired me not only to attend college but to make a difference and make the most of it,” Barrera said to donors. “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.” WATCH IRAIS’S SPEECH
Also sharing was Winchester SLI alumnus Everth Hernandez (John Handley High School ‘21), a senior nursing student at Shenandoah University who plans to become a nurse anesthetist.
“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.”
He added, “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.” WATCH EVERTH’S SPEECH
Also speaking were SLI board members and Harrisonburg program directors Carlos Alemán, professor of communications at James Madison University, and Hannah Bowman Hrasky, a teacher at Rocktown High School, and SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, professor of history at James Madison University.
Following the speeches were a Bolivian traditional dance by Shenandoah University student Leah Sejas, 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.
Celebración speech by SLI alumna Irais
“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 in Richmond. 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 until I met [SLI Founder] Dr. Kaufman, who welcomed me to SLI.
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 taught by Dr. Kaufman. He 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 students from the University of Richmond, 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, and Dr. Kaufman. 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 at EMU. I have been part of Latinx Student Association and the Student Government Association 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 to Dr. Kaufman, who believed in me from the beginning, as well as to all the donors who are believing in others. Thank you.”
Celebración speech by SLI alumnus Everth
“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 alumni, 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 at Shenandoah University. 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 Winchester’s 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.”
From left to right: SLI Director of Development Christopher Clymer Kurtz, SLI alumnus Everth Hernandez, SLI board member Chris von Rueden, SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, SLI alumna Kellyn Rivera, SLI board vice chair Carlos Alemán, SLI alumna Irais Barrera, and SLI board members Diana Patterson and Hannah Bowman Hrasky. Photos by Gaelen Smith
Sentara Health and F&M Bank help support students studying health and business
Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has awarded a record level of financial aid to 45 SLI scholars and alumni attending college this fall.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SLI 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 to SLI scholars throughout high school.
Awards for the new academic year total $157,500 and include a $6,000 college scholarship and $1,250 technology grant each for 14 high school class of 2024 SLI scholars (vasli.org/grads24) for their first year of college, plus $56,000 in college scholarships for 31 SLI alumni continuing their undergraduate studies.
Of the 45 recipients, 24 are entering health related studies, six are entering business and entrepreneur-related studies, and 15 are studying computer science, education, engineering, foreign affairs, political science, and other fields. A grant from Sentara Health is helping to fund awards for students in health related studies, and a grant from F&M Bank is helping to fund students with interest in business and entrepreneurship.
“The unique support of these local grants helps us to communicate to students the value of reaching out and actively searching for individuals and institutions that will support them in their own academic interests, career aspirations, and life goals,” said Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., professor of communication at James Madison University and one of SLI’s program directors in Harrisonburg.
Since 2012 SLI has served 203 scholars in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester, including 73 current and 130 alumni. As of this fall its scholars will have attended 25 colleges and universities, and SLI financial support for students now totals nearly $700,000.
“Looking back, my time as a SLI scholar played an extraordinary role in my life by giving me the glimpses of a future that could possibly be mine,” said SLI alumna and 2024 scholarship recipient Ariana Hernandez Perez (Harrisonburg High School ’23).
Now in her second year at the University of Virginia majoring in commerce with a minor in Korean and concentrations in information technology and finance, Hernandez Perez said experiencing imposter syndrome has made her stronger.
“I gradually began to use my insecurities as a means of perseverance rather than hindrance,” she said. “I transformed my mindset from one that made me feel inferior into one that gave me the strength I needed to push forward and excel.”
In addition to financially supporting its scholars with college scholarships and technology grants, SLI provides its scholars with tuition assistance for college dual enrollment and AP courses while in high school.
“It is an honor to be part of the SLI community standing with students who are pursuing life-changing opportunities in higher education,” said Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., SLI board chair and professor of history at James Madison University. “Many individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations, and certainly partners such as Sentara and F&M Bank, are cheering on these students as they overcome barriers.”
Twenty-four of the scholarships awarded for the 2024-25 academic year are supported in part by the Sentara grant to support students pursuing health related studies and careers (vasli.org/sentara). These recipients include:
Adriana Jimenez (Harrisonburg ’20) is studying communication sciences and disorders and Spanish at JMU
Amy (John Handley High School ’21), biology/physician assistant track and Spanish, Shenandoah University (vasli.org/amyja)
Ana Pereira (Harrisonburg High School ’24), nursing, Eastern Mennonite University
Tatiana Sanchez-Aguilar (Harrisonburg ’20), nursing and chronic illness, JMU
Yeyhlin Velasquez-Zavala (John Handley ’23), public health and Spanish, Hollins University (vasli.org/yeyhlin)
Yoselin Bermudes-Olivares (Huguenot High School ’24), nursing, VCU
Six scholarships are supported in part by F&M Bank SLI Scholar College Awards for students pursuing business and entrepreneur-related studies and careers (vasli.org/fmbank). These recipients include:
Amy (John Handley ’21), accounting and philosophy, University of Pittsburgh (vasli.org/amy)
Ariana Hernandez Perez (Harrisonburg ’23), commerce, Korean, information technology, and finance, UVA
Eiby Galindo-Hernandez (Harrisonburg ’24), accounting and music, UVA
Guadalupe Tenorio Ramirez (Hopewell High School ’22), accounting and business administration, EMU (vasli.org/guadalupe)
Jennifer Carcamo Bonilla (Harrisonburg ’21), business administration, Bridgewater College
Lisbet (Harrisonburg ’21), liberal arts and business, EMU
Additional scholarships were awarded to:
Abygail Henriquez Diaz (Harrisonburg ’24), education, Blue Ridge Community College
Axel Vega-Mancinas (John Handley ’23), electrical engineering, Harvard University (vasli.org/axel)
Dariana Martinez Bautista (John Handley ’24), political philosophy, policy, and law, UVA
Heidy Gonzalez-Amaya (John Handley ’24), history and social science, Longwood University
Irais Barrera Pinzon (George Wythe High School ’21), political science/pre-law, Spanish, and Hispanic studies, EMU (vasli.org/irais)
Israel (Huguenot ’21), homeland security and emergency preparedness, criminal justice, justice and political science, VCU (vasli.org/israel)
Jimena Marquez-Marquez (John Handley ’23), American Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Spanish, Dickinson College (vasli.org/jimena)
Keiry Lazo (Harrisonburg ’23), foreign affairs, global studies, and global development, UVA (vasli.org/keiry)
Lindsey Ruvalcaba (Harrisonburg ’23), college transfer degree, BRCC
Ma Guadalupe Ruiz Cortes (Huguenot ’24), political science/pre-law, University of Richmond
Maria (Mills E. Godwin High School ’22), English and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, VCU
Noel Ayala-Gallo (Harrisonburg ’21), leadership, public policy and foreign affairs, and astronomy, UVA (vasli.org/noel)
Raquel Perez Torrico (John Handley ’21), computer science and web development, Washington Adventist University
Rosely Alvarado Villegas (John Handley ’22), computer science, George Mason University (vasli.org/roselyav)
SLI is a community-based, 501(c)(3) public charity built on partnerships with high schools, universities, communities, students, and parents, and dedicated to advancing Latinx students’ post-high school educational opportunities. SLI advocates for Latinx opportunities and strives for social justice and equity. Scholars are mentored to be leaders that positively contribute to their communities.
At their SLI graduation celebrations this spring, SLI scholars took a moment to share about their college plans, what they’ll miss about SLI, advice for other SLI scholars, and more. Meet all 17 in these three videos:
Congrats to SLI alumna Mary Tolentino Baez (Harrisonburg ’19, JMU ’23), who has received a Fulbright award! She will work next year as an English teaching assistant, and then return to JMU to pursue a dual master’s in education in Spanish language and culture.
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 in Harrisonburg, Richmond, and Winchester. 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.
Harrisonburg
SLI program directors Hannah Bowman Hrasky, a teacher at Harrisonburg High School, and Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., a professor at James Madison University, develop and coordinate academic, leadership, and mentorship activities for the SLI scholars in Harrisonburg. 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 the JMU 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 the JMU student organization, SLI 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 SLI 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 of Smithland Elementary School.
Richmond
SLI in Richmond 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 Huguenot High School 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 Richmond SLI’s newest 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 (pictured below), which included a speech by SLI alumnus Israel (pictured below with Kaufman). The event will be further featured in an upcoming news release.
Early College programming featured readings about the history of Palestine and the current crisis in Gaza, with essays to come this summer. Richmond 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 Ariel (pictured below, left) 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.”
Winchester
John Handley High School counselors Lara Maquera and Elizabeth Cranford are the SLI program directors in Winchester, where this spring SLI scholars worked on College 101 Workbooks and shared research about colleges they are considering attending.
Guest speakers included Shenandoah University admissions director Calyn Lutz, 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 Mario (pictured below) said in a feature about SLI in the March issue of Cooperative Living Magazine. “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 the Winchester SLI Meet & Greet (also pictured) 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.
Helen (Harrisonburg High School ’23) learned the multiplication tables early thanks to her dad, who didn’t have the money to go to school but loved reading textbooks. Her parents always wanted her to go to college, and in ninth grade Helen took the “first step” to doing just that: She applied for SLI. Now Helen is studying biomedical engineering.
Pictured from left: Lourdes Sandoval, MSW, and Andrea Smith, Ph.D., are new members of the Scholars Latino Initiative board of directors, and Carlos Alemán, Ph.D., is the new vice chair.
The college-access nonprofit Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has welcomed two members to its board of directors, and appointed a new vice chair.
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, plus financial support for college success.
The new directors are Lourdes Sandoval, MSW, of Reston and Andrea Meador Smith, Ph.D., of Winchester, and the newly appointed vice chair is Carlos Alemán, Ph.D, of Harrisonburg. They have diverse backgrounds in higher education and social services.
“Supporting SLI’s mission through board service means providing opportunities for our youth to achieve their dreams as future leaders!” said Sandoval, a senior case manager at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, where she has also served as senior accounting coordinator and refugee health education and outreach liaison. She earned her master of social work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor of science in public health with a minor in human services from West Virginia University.
Smith is associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Shenandoah University, where she is also Professor of Hispanic Studies and serves as an NCAA faculty athletics representative.
“I first learned about SLI 10 years ago, when I started recommending my students to serve as mentors,” she said. “I have been fortunate to work with vibrant, committed, and successful students from SLI since then, and am excited to further support SLI’s mission by joining the board. I look forward to getting to know the many promising Handley High School students and their leaders in the months ahead.”
Smith’s current research addresses representations of race and gender in Latin American film, and at the local level, she is a film screener and board member for Skyline Indie Film Fest. She has also been a faculty member for Semester At Sea and a Spanish instructor at the University of Virginia, where she received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Spanish, a master of teaching in Spanish and English as a Second Language, and a doctorate in Spanish. She studied abroad as an undergraduate and did doctoral research at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.
Alemán is Associate Professor of Communication Studies at James Madison University and has served as a SLI board member and program director since 2012. He received his doctorate in communication studies at the University of Iowa and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech communication at California State University in Fresno.
“SLI scholars are changing the world as they grow into leaders, artists, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and scientists – and that inspires all of us to stay true to our mission,” he said. “Walking with these first-generation students as they embrace the challenges and opportunities of college access opens our eyes to the beauty of their will and the strengths of our communities.”
SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, Ph.D., associate dean of the Honors College at James Madison University, welcomed the experiences and expertise that Sandoval and Smith bring to their new board service, and the opportunity to share board leadership with Alemán.
“As SLI continues its second decade, we look forward to continuing our young legacy of supporting students in our communities who are pursuing life-changing college access,” she said.
Since 2012 SLI has served 180 scholars (67 current and 113 alumni) and awarded more than $542,000 in financial support for students in college scholarship awards, computer awards, and dual enrollment tuition assistance. Its alumni have attended 24 colleges and universities.
“Not only did [SLI] equip me with a wealth of knowledge about higher education, but it also instilled a sense of belonging within me,” said Jennifer, a SLI scholar who graduated from John Handley High School and is now studying public health and data science at William & Mary. “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.”
