Welcoming Our New Director of Programs!

Meet Chabely! Chabely Ramos comes to Latino U College Access (LUCA) with over 12 years of nonprofit program management, fundraising, and resource development. As Director of Programs, Chabely will support the future growth of LUCA’s mission and lead the dynamic Program Team in delivering high-quality college access and success programming for low-income, first-generation Latino students.

A first-generation Latina herself, Chabely is passionate about community service, storytelling, and closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect youth from immigrant families. She was born and raised in The Bronx, where she was assured that success would require leaving her neighborhood. Instead, Chabely was inspired to strengthen her community from within.

Through her work as a Bronx Community Manager with Literacy Inc. (LINC), Chabely led neighborhood-based reading programs, trained parents as local reading ambassadors, and managed relationships with key stakeholders. She then transitioned to the organization’s fundraising team where she cultivated corporate partnerships – as Manager of Corporate Relations, and then Associate Director of Corporate Philanthropy – with companies such as the New York Yankees, Target, RBC Capital Markets, and ViacomCBS.

Chabely received her Master’s in Public Administration from New York University where she concentrated on Nonprofit and Public Management at the Wagner School of Public Service. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Hofstra University, where she became a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In her spare time, Chabely is an avid reader who enjoys writing short stories; she also loves to cook and is a dedicated New York Yankees fan.

LUCA Awarded $60,000 “Project Innovation” Challenge

WHITE PLAINS, NY – (May 19, 2021) – Latino U College Access (LUCA) was recognized by NBC 4 New York/WNBC, Telemundo 47/WNJU, and the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation today as one of eight Tri-State winners of the annual Project Innovation grant challenge. Awarded for its Latino U Scholars college access and success programming, Latino U College Access will receive $60,000. Winning organizations feature programs that are addressing local community issues through innovative solutions in the areas of community engagement, culture of inclusion, next generation storytelling, and youth education and empowerment. This is the fourth consecutive year that NBC 4 New York and Telemundo 47 along with the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation are recognizing Tri-State local nonprofits with Project Innovation grants.

“We are honored to receive this award and truly grateful to NBC 4 New York, Telemundo 47, and the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation,” said Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, Founder and CEO of Latino U College Access. “We envision a world where educational equity and opportunity are accessible to all. A college education transforms the lives of students and their families. With this remarkable support from the Project Innovation grant, we will continue investing in the success and diversity of our next generation of college graduates.”

Project Innovation is presented by the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation and NBC and Telemundo owned stations located in 11 markets, including New York. The stations held community panels to review grant applications and select the final grant recipients. This year, the program funding increased in each participating market to $315,000 and to $3.475 million across the 11 markets.

“Our Project Innovation grant challenge winners have used a number of unique approaches to create new opportunities and achieve success. Their commitment to diversity and focus on service has also inspired positive change across the Tri-State. We are excited to support their good works and cannot wait to watch them grow and thrive in the years to come,” said Eric Lerner, President and General Manager of NBC 4 New York.

“Each of our awardees have an admirable record of success. They are educators and job creators who have inspired our youth and strengthened so many local families – particularly in the communities that Telemundo 47 serves throughout the Tri-State area,” said Cristina Schwarz, President and General Manager of Telemundo 47.

The Latino U Scholars program supports low-income, first-generation Latino students – who have demonstrated academic achievement – on their journeys to and through college completion. LUCA’s rigorous, family-centered, culturally relevant approach is the only one addressing the unique issues Latino students face. With the support of dedicated community volunteers, Latino U Scholars enroll in best-fit universities that meet their academic and financial needs, ensuring they graduate on time and career-ready with little to no debt.

About Latino U College Access

Founded in 2012, Latino U College Access (LUCA) is a social impact organization that transforms lives by making college dreams a reality for low-income, first-generation, Latino youth. LUCA guides students, who have demonstrated academic ability, through individualized coaching and culturally relevant programming as they navigate higher education to successfully enroll in schools that meet their financial and academic needs, enabling them to graduate on time and career-ready. To learn more about LUCA or to make a donation in support of its mission, please visit www.latinou.org.

About NBC 4 New York / WNBC
NBC 4 New York / WNBC is the flagship station of the NBC Owned Television Stations division of NBCUniversal, serving the New York Tri-State area for more than 75 years and featuring Alfred I. duPont-Columbia, Edward R. Murrow and Emmy® Award-winning journalists who are among the most accomplished in their field.

The station includes the NBC 4 I-Team, New York’s largest televised investigative reporting unit, Better Get Baquero which has recovered more than $9 million for Tri-State consumers and Storm Team 4, certified by WeatheRate for delivering the Tri-State’s most accurate local weather forecast using cutting-edge technology such as Storm Tracker 4, a high-frequency S-Band dual polarization fixed Doppler weather radar. NBC 4 New York’s digital platforms are also among the most read and watched in the New York market and include the NBC 4 App, dedicated Roku and Apple TV channels along with unique, out-of-home viewing in local taxis. For more information about NBC 4 New York, visit NBCNewYork.com.

About Telemundo 47 New York / WNJU
Telemundo 47 / WNJU is NBCUniversal Local’s Telemundo station with more than 50 years of service to the Spanish-speaking communities of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Featuring Emmy® Award-winning journalists and offering more than 27 hours of locally-produced programming each week, the station includes the New York market’s only team of bilingual meteorologists, La Autoridad en El Tiempo who are certified by WeatheRate for delivering the Tri-State’s most accurate Spanish-language television forecast. Their Telemundo Responde investigative unit has recovered more than $2 million to date, with Telemundo 47’s public affairs program Enfoque Nueva York shining a weekly spotlight on the policy issues and local concerns most important to viewers.

Telemundo 47 provides news and information across all platforms, including the Telemundo 47 App, dedicated Roku and Apple TV channels, and across social media. The Tri-State’s Spanish-language broadcasting channel for soccer, Telemundo 47 will offer exclusive Spanish-language coverage of the 2022 and 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup™ tournaments and the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ tournament. For more information about Telemundo 47, visit Telemundo47.com.

About Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation
The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation works to advance initiatives at the cross-section of societal needs and Comcast NBCUniversal’s priorities. The Foundation supports programs and organizations that strive to move communities forward. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast Corporation.

Latino U College Access Recognizes PepsiCo for Continued Support

WHITE PLAINS, May 6, 2021 – Today, Latino U College Access (LUCA) announces its heartfelt appreciation to PepsiCo for its ongoing support and partnership. The organization is grateful to receive a donation of $25,000 from PepsiCo in support of college access and success programming for Latinx students.

This generous donation comes at a critical time for Latino U Scholars. The COVID-19 pandemic has threatened to erase the progress and strides in higher education made by the Black and Latinx communities over the last twenty years. This funding will ensure that LUCA can continue its efforts to keep Latino U Scholars on track to becoming the first in their families to graduate from college.

“At PepsiCo, we are committed to investing in the communities where we operate and serve,” said Dr. Merary Simeon, Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, PepsiCo. “We know that higher education is an enabler of economic empowerment; and when students can fulfill their greatest potential, it fuels a better future for families, communities at large, and generations to come. We are proud of our partnership with Latino U College Access, and particularly the results of 99% of first-gen Latino U Scholars graduating or on track to graduation. This work is critical to building a more equitable and inclusive America for our children and for each other.”

Since 2019, Latino U College Access and PepsiCo have partnered with the mission to make an impact, and since then, the support has resulted in making a significant difference in the lives of Latino U Scholars and their families. The organization proudly honored PepsiCo for its commitment to educational equity by presenting them with the Corporate Partner Award at LUCA’s 8th Annual Visiones Benefit. PepsiCo volunteers have also donated significant time and talent assisting students and parents with the completion of financial aid applications in our partner school districts over the last three years.

Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, Founder and CEO of Latino U College access shares, “We are grateful to PepsiCo for their support and partnership. We’re also thankful to Patricia Bogoya-Bravo, LUCA Board Member and Senior Director, PepsiCo Global Template PBNA, for serving as an advocate and ambassador in support of our mission. We look forward to building on this wonderful partnership so that we can serve even more deserving students in the future.”

Through the power of partnership, Latino U College Access and PepsiCo will continue to work together to ensure equitable access to education for all.

About Latino U College Access: Founded in 2012, Latino U College Access (LUCA) is a social impact organization that transforms lives by making college dreams a reality for low-income, first-generation, Latino youth. The organization guides students, who have demonstrated academic ability, through individualized coaching and culturally relevant programming as they navigate higher education to successfully enroll in schools that meet their financial and academic needs, enabling them to graduate on time and career-ready. To learn more about LUCA or to make a donation in support of its mission, please visit www.latinou.org.

LATINO U COLLEGE ACCESS ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION AND NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

WHITE PLAINS, April 14, 2021 – Latino U College Access, Inc. (LUCA) announced today that its Founder and CEO, Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, MPA, will transition into a new role within the organization effective July 1, 2021. She will be succeeded by LUCA’s Deputy Executive Director, Cosette Gutierrez, MBA, who will assume the role of Executive Director.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to live my life’s purpose doing work that makes such an incredible difference in the lives of the students and families we serve,” said Acevedo Buontempo. “I am grateful to our Board of Directors, our partners, volunteers, and funders for their support of our vision and mission. Cosette has been an invaluable partner. Her talent, passion, and commitment to our work give me great confidence as I pass on the baton of leadership.”

As the Founder of LUCA, Acevedo Buontempo has built one of the leading college access and success organizations in Westchester County. In her ten years leading the organization, what began with only two students from one high school, grew to reach over 6,000 students in four partner school districts. Throughout her tenure, she has led advocacy efforts and spoke in support of initiatives that advanced educational equity for Latinx students.

Acevedo Buontempo will remain an integral part of LUCA’s future in a full-time role as Founder and Strategic Growth Officer. She will articulate and support the strategic vision for the organization – focusing on effective growth and new partnerships – nurture major donor relationships, and lead advocacy efforts while supporting the new Executive Director.

“We are incredibly grateful for the extraordinary commitment Shirley has given to launch LUCA from a start-up to a well-established organization,” said Steve Moroney, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “LUCA has a transformational impact on the lives of both the community and students we serve. We are thrilled Shirley will continue to support our Board and Cosette as we launch ambitious goals for the future.”

Cosette Gutierrez’s unanimous appointment by the Board of Directors assures a seamless transition for ongoing dedication and commitment to LUCA’s mission. She will lead the organization during a critical moment, advancing educational equity as it looks to the future, scaling programs, and increasing its capacity to serve more students as they fulfill their dreams of becoming the first in their families to graduate from college.

“I am very excited about this new chapter in my career and thankful to the Board for entrusting me with this responsibility,” said Gutierrez. “My goal is to build upon LUCA’s tremendous foundation and lead our growth initiatives. The LUCA Familia is an incredibly dedicated group, and I look forward to continuing our work opening doors of opportunity for our amazing Scholars.”

“We are thrilled to have Cosette step into the role of Executive Director,” said Moroney. “Her grasp of the organization’s operations and passionate commitment to the work we do perfectly positions her to lead us as we enter the next phase of expansion. The Board and I look forward to working with her in leading LUCA’s future.”

Since joining the organization in February 2020, Gutierrez led the conversion of LUCA’s programming to virtual delivery during the pandemic, building, and scaling processes, while also managing the day-to-day operations. She demonstrates passion and expertise daily, establishing efficient systems and building high-performing teams.

A dynamic and engaging executive, Gutierrez has had a successful career in nonprofit, retail, and financial services. Prior to joining LUCA, Gutierrez served as Vice President of Fulfillment at DonorsChoose.org. During her tenure at Target in Community Relations, she managed over $30 million annually in charitable giving, with an emphasis on education. Her business and financial management experience includes work at Citibank and Bank of America, leading operations throughout the U.S.

As a proud Latina and first-generation college graduate, Gutierrez earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Her passion for education and for helping students stems from lifelong volunteerism, community leadership, and support of Hispanic-focused nonprofit organizations. She knows first-hand the influence that education has had on her life but also remembers the challenges along the way. As such, she will serve as an incredible advocate for Latinx students and their families.

ABOUT LATINO U COLLEGE ACCESS
Founded in 2012, Latino U College Access (LUCA) is a social impact organization that transforms lives by making college dreams a reality for low-income, first-generation, Latino youth. LUCA guides students, who have demonstrated academic ability, through individualized coaching and culturally relevant programming as they navigate higher education to successfully enroll in schools that meet their financial and academic needs, enabling them to graduate on time and career-ready. To learn more about LUCA or to make a donation in support of its mission, please visit www.latinou.org.

LUCA is proud to launch its #InTheirOwnWords series! Over the next few weeks, we will share personal statement essays written by the Latino U Scholars Class of 2021 so that our Scholars can introduce themselves – and share their experiences during these unprecedented times – in their own words. All essays are shared with the permission of each Scholar. The essay below was written by Jenifer, a Latino U Scholar from Ossining High School.

JENIFER’S PERSONAL STATEMENT

A thick blanket of clouds blocks the sun, and the sky looks dull. The March wind gushes past me and takes the nervousness with it. I get closer to the field. My heart pounds. My stomach turns. Panic sets in. One word pops in mind. RUN! I still have time. No one has seen me yet. But then, a voice bursts in: “No. Wait! I have not spent ten frustrating hours watching ‘How to Play Lacrosse’ videos on YouTube in vain. I can do this! Vamos!

I’m 20 minutes early. I scan the field for familiar faces but see none. The girls are already practicing; my focus goes straight to their hands and wrists. They cradle the ball with ease; their movements seem so smooth, and they make it look so easy. All the girls are fairer and thinner than me and have played lacrosse for three years AT LEAST. None of these girls practice Ecuadorian folklore dances every Saturday for two hours. How did a Latina decide to take part in a sport that is traditionally played by white people?

I don’t identify as an athlete. I am a girl who organizes her closet, cleans, and studies for fun. Madison, who sat next to me in Global Studies, begged me to join the lacrosse team. After many months, she wore me down, and the three-letter word, YES, exited my mouth. The next thing I knew, I was in the lacrosse coach’s office being introduced to him. There was no turning back. While this Latina is unathletic and looks different from everyone else on the field, she sure is determined to try new things.

The summer before high school, I wrote a list of goals I wanted to achieve in the next four years. I remember writing about participating in a sport, although I did not believe I would ever do it. The idea of being part of a team seemed important to the high school experience. What I had not taken into consideration was what sport I would take part in. Soccer and volleyball are commonly played by Hispanics. I grew up watching my dad play soccer, and although I was fascinated by his competitive spirit, deep down, I knew it was not a characteristic I had inherited.

My Latinx identity and lack of coordination were small challenges I would face on my quest to join the lacrosse team compared to others. First, I had to ask my parents’ permission to partake in a sport because I was responsible for picking up my sister after school. Even if they agreed, how does one tell her Hispanic parents that she wants to engage in a sport which many believe is dominated by well-to-do white kids?

My parents, born and raised in the same town in Ecuador, shared the belief that family duties take priority over everything else. It was my role to pick up my younger sister after school each day. Predicting that my parents would be skeptical, I prepared a PowerPoint complete with speaker notes to highlight the key components of lacrosse, and explain the equipment and the rules. Although they were a bit confused, they surprised me with their support.

Playing lacrosse as a Latina opened my eyes. Not only was a stereotype broken, but I overcame intimidation and achieved a goal. Countless hours of practicing stick tricks and running laps earned me a starting position on the team. I discovered practice doesn’t necessarily make perfection, but it makes progression. I started the season with fear and ended it with pride. I discovered an inside voice that urges me to step out of my comfort zone physically, emotionally, and mentally and do things that give me goosebumps. There will always be doubt inside this Latina when experiencing something new, but there will also be a voice calling to her, “You can do this! Vamos!”

LUCA is proud to launch its #InTheirOwnWords series! Over the next few weeks, we will share personal statement essays written by the Latino U Scholars Class of 2021 so that our Scholars can introduce themselves – and share their experiences during these unprecedented times – in their own words. All essays are shared with the permission of each Scholar. The essay below was written by Steve, a Latino U Scholar from Ossining High School.

STEVE’S PERSONAL STATEMENT

“Men do not cook,” my father said when I was a small boy. He expected me to agree, but my stomach churned when I heard these words. I did not agree with him at all, but would not argue, because I was taught that the family patriarch deserves respect and honor. In Latino culture, the head of the household is the final authority on all decisions. These two conflicting emotions – respecting my father but holding true to my own values – have been a challenge throughout my life.

My father’s beliefs are rooted in rigid, traditional, gender roles going back generations; passed from father to son, man to man. Women are inferior. It is wrong for men to engage in feminine activities such as cooking and cleaning. A man is weak if he cries. This sexist culture that I was brought up in teaches men that women’s tasks deflate and strip them of their masculinity. Every molecule in me wanted to escape this way of thinking; I wanted to flee from a legacy that my father and his father before him held sacred. One day, I will be on my own and will forge a relationship with a woman that is based on respect and equality. Although my parents gave me the wings to fly, I felt stuck and uncertain about how to use the wings to forge my own identity.

I wanted to live without being told how to “be a man,” but at the same time, I hated that my values were completely opposed to his. Latino children are taught that their parents are the wisest people; that they are always right because they love us and want the best for us, and so we must honor and respect their rules. However, parents are not always correct, and it is okay to go against them because they are ordinary people who make mistakes. As I watched my mother ask her husband’s permission to shop or go out with a friend, I could see her sadness, her commitment to obey him without complaint. I saw that the opportunities she had to be her own person had been constrained her entire life. I knew this was wrong, and I realized I had to take a stand.

I had shouted my feelings at my father many times with no result, and this hurt both of us. We ceased to communicate and grew further apart. One day, as I remembered my grandfather wisely saying, “he who perseveres reaches,” I decided to try once again to explain myself and suggested we disclose our feelings to each other. At my turn, I told him that the culture of machismo in our home prevents us from being healthy, free, and independent individuals. I suggested changing roles so he could see how my mother and my sister suffer under his domination. Slowly, but finally, he understood he had to adapt, to accept that his son is not going to be exactly like he is; that he should be more open-minded with his wife and daughter and more involved in our family. For the first time in his life, my father cooked! It was not the best dish, but he did it! He made mac and cheese, a little salty and raw, but the intention and the effort were what counted. My father has examined his life and made changes that are reflected not only in words but in actions. We breathe more freely with new privileges and understanding, and although it is not perfect, we work on it every day.

“Please pass me the pepper, this needs more flavor,” my father recently said, as I helped him prepare dinner. These words, emitted from his mouth, I could hardly conceptualize – the behavior of a modern man – one I could look up to and emulate, proudly, as I pursue my own path unapologetically.