FOUNDER, SHIRLEY ACEVEDO BUONTEMPO, RETURNS AS
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT LUCA
Latino U College Access (LUCA) is pleased to announce the return of Founder Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, MPA as Interim Executive Director. In this role she will work alongside our dedicated team to further our mission to expand educational access and opportunities for first generation Latino youth as they pursue and complete their college education.
Shirley steps into this position following the departure of Cosette Gutierrez, who served as Executive Director for two years and as Deputy Executive Director for two years prior. We extend our gratitude to Cosette for her service and impact on the organization and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. As we begin the search for our next Executive Director, we are eager to establish a search committee to facilitate this process.
Since 2012 and during her tenure at LUCA, Shirley has held various roles, including Founder, CEO, and most recently, Strategic Growth Officer. In her new role Shirley will continue to dedicate her talents and passion to LUCA overseeing our ongoing work and impact in Westchester County. This includes supporting the growth of our Scholars program, launching our 2024-2027 strategic plan, building partnerships for long-term sustainability and expanding our network of alumni and partners. Shirley will receive support from our exceptional team in program delivery, fundraising and operations.
In addition to our dedicated team, LUCA is fortunate to have a highly committed Board of Directors leading the search process and providing expertise and support for our operations and development. Shirley will collaborate closely with the newly appointed Board Chairperson Christine Louvet, who brings a deep passion and commitment to this work after having served on the Board of Directors and as a Volunteer College Coach for five years.
”The Board of Directors will work tirelessly to deliver our mission of making college dreams a reality for our Scholars,” said Louvet. “We look forward to our continued collaboration supporting our remarkable Founder and Interim Executive Director and dedicated LUCA staff to deliver the next chapter of growth for LUCA over the coming years. We are fortunate to have Shirley back with us!”
We extend a heartfelt gratitude to our community of volunteers, partners and donors whose steadfast support has made a significant impact on the lives and futures of the students we serve. Your support is invaluable to us and our Scholars. Thank you!
For further inquiries or to learn more about our plans, please feel free to contact Shirley Acevedo Buontempo at SAB@latinou.org.
¡Juntos Adelante! Onward Together!
LUCA Team
LUCA Board of Directors
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 and enroll in schools that meet their financial and academic needs. To learn more about LUCA or to make a donation in support of its mission, please visit www.latinou.org.