White Plains, NY – Latino U College Access (LUCA) announces that after four years of dedicated service, Mr. Al Gutierrez will be stepping down as Board Chairman. Mr. Gutierrez will be superseded by former Vice Chairman, Mr. Stephen Moroney.
Al Gutierrez has championed Latino U College Access since its early beginnings when he first joined the Board in 2014. In 2017, he was named Board Chairman. As a first-generation student himself, the mission of empowering Latino students on their journeys to and through college is close to his heart. Al will continue to serve on the Board of Directors and looks forward to the organization’s continued success.
Stepping into the role of Board Chairman is Mr. Stephen Moroney. Steve has served on the Board of Directors for Latino U College Access since 2017; he has also volunteered his time as a College Coach. Professionally, Steve works at TD Bank as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for the Westchester Market and is also responsible for TD Bank’s Corporate Philanthropy initiatives.
Regarding his new role, Steve shared, “I am so honored and humbled to be taking on the role of Chairman for Latino U College Access. At a time in our country when inequity is so prevalent in our everyday life, Latino U College Access is leveling the playing field for so many talented students that have the potential to be future leaders in our community. Being able to help steer the direction of this wonderful organization is truly a privilege.”
Latino U College Access also welcomes Mr. Shawn Edwards as its newly elected Vice Chairman of the Board. Shawn joined the Board of Directors in 2019 and has been instrumental in the ongoing growth of the organization. As Bloomberg’s Chief Technology Officer, Shawn oversees the development of Bloomberg’s global technology strategy.
“Latino U College Access has transformed the lives of first-gen Latino youth through the power of education. LUCA is an amazing organization filled with dedicated staff and passionate volunteers. I am honored to serve as Vice Chairman alongside such an extraordinary team to help expand our reach and serve even more deserving young scholars,” said Shawn.
Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, LUCA’s Founder & CEO, shared, “Latino U College Access is fortunate to have a truly dedicated Board of Directors. I am grateful to Al, Steve, and Shawn for their partnership and guidance through this time of great uncertainty. I look forward to a bright future for LUCA and for our Scholars with the leadership of our Board and this outstanding executive team. The generosity and commitment of our Board of Directors, donors, volunteers, and partners have ensured that it is still possible for first-generation students in our community to succeed!”
About Latino U College Access: Founded in 2012, Latino U College Access (LUCA) is a nonprofit organization that transforms lives by making college dreams a reality for 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.