Pictured, top row: Amelia Castañeda and Brook Vazquez. Bottom row: Lisette Carbajal, Andrea Meador Smith, and Veronique Walker At the start of another anticipated record-breaking year, the college-access nonprofit Shenandoah Valley Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has announced board and leadership transitions. SLI, which in 2025 plans to graduate its largest student cohort ever, has welcomed two new members to its…
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Winchester SLI Meet & Greet ’25 features SLI community
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…
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Harrisonburg SLI Meet & Greet ’25 builds on a “network you can always rely on”
The Harrisonburg SLI Meet & Greet on March 21 celebrated college access by bringing together SLI scholars and alumni, program directors, board members, and community supporters for delicious food and drinks at El Sol Mexican Restaurant. “SLI is a network that you can always rely on,” said SLI alum Yesenia to those gathered, which included representatives of Eastern Mennonite University,…
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SLI Annual Report 2025
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Breaking barriers, dreaming bigger, and paving the way for those who come after: Miguel, SLI alum
At a VOICE ensemble concert benefiting SLI, SLI alum Miguel 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…
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Fulfilling an educational dream: Elena, SLI alum
At a VOICE ensemble concert benefiting SLI, SLI alum Elena 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…
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‘SLI Celebración ’24’ highlights SLI alumni, locally sourced foods, Lua Project
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…
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SLI alum spotlighted in WPS annual report
SLI alum Jaime is featured in the Winchester Public Schools 2024 annual report. Now a communications and trainings associate for the Virginia Conservation Network (VCN), Jaime participated in SLI at John Handley High School in Winchester, then earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences from the University of Virginia. “SLI positively impacted me by offering resources to help navigate my…
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Richmond SLI mentor leaders recognized at Bonner Center ‘Engage for Change Awards’
Pictured: Emilia Hodal of the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, left, presents a Collaboration for Change Award to SLI student leaders represented by University of Richmond students Ángel-Xavier Elizondo, Luis Montano, and Denis Velazquez-Mondragon. Photo courtesy of the University of Richmond Scholars Latino Initiative student leaders at the University of Richmond received the Collaboration for Change Award at the Bonner…
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Vasquez joins SLI program team in Winchester
Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) has appointed information technology teacher Lenny Vasquez to its program director team at John Handley High School in Winchester. Along with school counselor and continuing SLI program director Lara Maquera, Vasquez will facilitate SLI’s mission to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. “I believe…
