Damaris Negrón, Valencia Community College
Major: Business Administration

“The education I have acquired to this day has made me a better informed and aware individual. By further pursuing my education, I will attain the knowledge to keep helping other people in different ways and become a productive member of society. I know that a higher education is the most efficient way of attaining a better job…”

Aidalys Negrin, Valencia Community College
Major: Biology

“We (my family) have learned that bad experiences and difficult situations not only teach us lessons, but also bring us closer together…I value the efforts of my family…I value the spiritual support of my church…I am convinced that having a career is not a choice but a necessity.”

Christian Pinto, Valencia Community College
Major: Engineering

“My dream is to reach the stars one day. With dedication and if the world meets me halfway, I hope to one day contribute to space exploration on a national and commercial level.”

Jennis Rivera, Seminole Community College
Major: Engineering

“I want to be an example to my friends, family and students at SCC…I know that I have the power to reach my goals and dreams and by achieving what I want, I will proudly represent my Hispanic culture and my country. I feel very grateful to…have the chance to not only change my life but also make a difference…”

Elena Gallo, Seminole Community College
Major: Early Childhood Management

“There are no differences in languages or ethnicities. Your desire and your commitment make a positive difference in the world. I teach my children every day to be proud of our origin and to be grateful for the opportunities that our new country offers.”

Erika S. Rivas, Seminole Community College
Major: Early Childhood Education

“During my high school years I became homeless…I was determined to do better with my life, no matter what, and I did when I moved to Florida. All the people who ever doubted my success because of my race were proven wrong…I can and will succeed…”

Ninfa Tello, Seminole Community College
Major: Spanish Education

“The hardship of being a full-time student, an employee, and the caretaker of my family has not diminished my dream of becoming a superb teacher. I am confident that I am on the road to success. I have learned that devotion and persistence will always lead to success.”

Edmundo Enrique Ramos, Valencia Community College
Major: Finance

“I spent my teenage years raised by the state, without a caring person to teach me the basic skills of life. My life as a child was no walk in the park… I took the good and the bad and used them as a learning experience to become wiser.”

Beatrice Olivera-Khan, University of Central Florida
Major: BS Nursing

“After having lived it, I clearly understood that education is one of the most important achievements. No one can give it to you. Once you earn it, it is yours for life.”

Jannette P. Fleming, University of Central Florida
Major: Accounting

“I am using my role as a successful student at UCF to demonstrate that Hispanics can be intelligent, contributing members of society…I know I will have the skills and knowledge to become a successful Hispanic business person that benefits people of all ethnicities within our Central Florida community.”

Simon Mostafa, University of Central Florida
Major: Environmental Engineering

“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of many generations of immigrants that came before me, American culture is now a vibrant and expanding venue where different traditions and histories can blend in and build upon each other in a seamless fashion.”

Saraid Castañeda, University of Central Florida
Major: Management-Human Resources

“When I think about my role as a Hispanic student at UCF, I realize that it is much more than just being a student. It is about being committed to my community, my vision for the future and my success as a student. Being focused on my academic success has helped me develop perseverance, positive work habits and self-confidence.”

Norma Luz Suárez, University of Central Florida
Major: Communication Disorders

“I believe it is important to become an advocate for academic attainment by setting standards of achievement within my culture and to other students…Hispanics who are prepared academically are better equipped to provide services that enhance the intellectual and cultural development of the community.

Mayra Ruiz, University of Central Florida
Major: Doctoral Degree-Exceptional Education

“As the only Hispanic student in the UCF doctoral program in Exceptional Education, my role is to raise awareness and address the needs of Hispanic families of individuals with disabilities in our community. I plan to continue my role…by educating teachers to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of Latino families in Exceptional Education.”

Jenny L. Klein, University of Central Florida
Major: Doctoral Degree-Clinical Psychology

“I will be the first woman in my family to achieve a doctoral degree, and I intend to give back to the Hispanic/Latino community by dedicating my research and clinical endeavors to the study of their unique needs.”

Kelly Pérez, University of Central Florida
Major: Art-Animation / Advertising and Public Relations

“…By extending myself to all of my friends, I help them break away from a common self-centered train of thought and be enlightened and aware of the world we live in. There is always something new to learn and discover about the world we live in.”



Jorge Coriano, Sistema Universitario Ana G. Mendez
Major: Masters in Business Administration

“This recognition and honor opens the door to a better future in the academic and professional fields. At the same time, it is an opportunity of which I wish to take advantage in order to strengthen my knowledge of finances so that I can be a Hispanic example in the development of our community.”

Maria del Rosario Hernandez, Polytechnic University of the Americas
Major: Civil Engineering

“…this is a perfect way to help people who are making a big effort and doing the right thing in their lives. Getting a scholarship in times of need is something unforgettable that may motivate the recipients to “give back” when the time is right…”

Roberto Cáceres, Polytechnic University of the Americas
Major: Electrical Engineering

“A well educated work force is critical to the economic and social health of every state, especially in today’s global, information-based economy. Higher education may be the most important key to the nation’s continued prosperity and full participation of its people.”