Who We Are  

Access to opportunities that meet their potential

About Us

Latino U College Access is a nonprofit organization that transforms lives by making college dreams a reality for low-income, first-generation, Latino youth. Our mission is to empower students on their journeys to and through college so they can fulfill their remarkable potential.

We guide students, who have demonstrated academic aptitude, through individualized coaching and culturally relevant programming to ensure they enroll in schools that meet their financial and academic needs.

LUCA was founded in 2012 by Shirley Acevedo Buontempo to address the inequity first-generation Latino students face while pursuing their college dreams. Shirley experienced the transformative power of education firsthand. Born in Puerto Rico, she moved to the Bronx when she was ten. After navigating the school system and learning English, Shirley was the first in her family to graduate from college.

Our Team

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Jessica Timms

Director of Advancement
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Julie DelValle Nunn

Senior Operations Manager
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Marisol Gonzalez

College Access Program Manager
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Deborah Cordero

College Success Program Manager
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Kaylin Campos

College Access Virtual Program Manager
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Marc Finder

Data & Impact Manager
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Miryam Matute Roca

College Affordability Advisor
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Keylin Carrasco

Program Coordinator
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Jennifer Sierra

Program Coordinator
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Doris Tenesaca

Communications Coordinator
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Debra Hand

College Coach Mentor
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Debbie Shiffman

College Coach Advisor

Board of Directors

Shirley Acevedo Buontempo
Founder, LUCA

Lisa M. Bell – Treasurer
US Bank

Patricia Bogoya-Bravo
PepsiCo

Shawn Edwards – Vice Chairman
Bloomberg LP

Cosette Gutierrez
Executive Director, LUCA

Christine Louvet – Secretary
Louvet Consulting

Miguel M. Mendez
Morgan Stanley

Stephen Moroney – Chairman
TD Bank

Rafael Pérez 
Consumer Reports

Aldo J. Polak
Mizuho Securities

Clara Román
Houlihan Lawrence

Jonathan Schwartz
The Brookings Institution

Matthew Searles
Merritt Healthcare Advisors

Scott Silverstein
Mojo

Rodrigo Trelles Zabala
UBS O’Connor

Dalia Valdés
Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s

Tamara Vasquez
S&P Global

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College Signing Day 2023 – Highlight Reel

Latino U College Access 156 views 05/08/2023 5:49 pm

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Visiones: Rising Together – 10th Annual Anniversary Gala Highlight Reel

Latino U College Access 109 views 11/22/2022 3:35 pm

Celebrating 10 incredible years of transforming the lives of Latino youth through education!

Celebrating 10 incredible years of transforming the lives of Latino youth through education!

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Latino U College Access – 10 Years Rising Together

Latino U College Access 222 views 11/08/2022 1:41 pm

On June 11, 2022, Latino U College Access (LUCA) hosted its annual Familia Appreciation Day honoring the 50 Latino U Scholars in the graduating Class of 2022 who represent five Westchester County high schools - Alexander Hamilton High School, Ossining High School, Sleepy Hollow High School, Westlake High School, and White Plains High School. The celebration took place at the Wilson House in White Plains and brought together the entire LUCA Familia including Scholars, families, volunteer College Coaches, partners, and generous supporters.

On June 11, 2022, Latino U College Access (LUCA) hosted its annual Familia Appreciation Day honoring the 50 Latino U Scholars in the graduating Class of 2022 who represent five Westchester County high schools – Alexander Hamilton High School, Ossining High School, Sleepy Hollow High School, Westlake High School, and White Plains High School. The celebration took place at the Wilson House in White Plains and brought together the entire LUCA Familia including Scholars, families, volunteer College Coaches, partners, and generous supporters.

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Class of 2022 Familia Appreciation Day – Highlight Reel

Latino U College Access 98 views 07/18/2022 10:26 am

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Scholar Message – Familia Appreciation Day 2022

Latino U College Access 44 views 06/13/2022 9:50 am

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9th Annual Benefit – Visiones: Ripple Effect Highlights

Latino U College Access 35 views 02/09/2022 4:03 pm

As we count our blessings here at Latino U College Access (LUCA), we wanted to share our heartfelt appreciation with you. Thank you for transforming the lives of students and families in our community through education! Please enjoy this brief video message from our Scholars.

As we count our blessings here at Latino U College Access (LUCA), we wanted to share our heartfelt appreciation with you. Thank you for transforming the lives of students and families in our community through education! Please enjoy this brief video message from our Scholars.

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Grateful for Our LUCA Familia – A Thanksgiving Message from Latino U Scholars

Latino U College Access 54 views 11/24/2021 2:33 pm

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Leadership Transition Message

Latino U College Access 39 views 11/23/2021 11:12 am

Latino U College Access (LUCA) hosted its 9th Annual Benefit - Visiones: Ripple Effect on Thursday, October 28, 2021. During the event, LUCA recognized two incredible Honorees, who have demonstrated a commitment to educational equity and opportunity. The White Plains High School Guidance Team, recognized with the Partnership Award; and Debbie Shiffman, LUCA’s College Coach Advisor, received the Community Advocate Award. LUCA guides low-income Latino youth as they navigate higher education and become the first person in their families to graduate from college. Students are mentored on their journeys to and through college so that they can graduate on time and career ready with little to no debt. When you take a closer look, you will find that LUCA’s ripples of impact extend far beyond its Scholars. Families are empowered. Dedicated volunteers are inspired. Even our communities, witnessing students pursue a dream they never thought was possible, are changed. That’s why this year's theme holds so much significance for the LUCA familia.

Latino U College Access (LUCA) hosted its 9th Annual Benefit – Visiones: Ripple Effect on Thursday, October 28, 2021.

During the event, LUCA recognized two incredible Honorees, who have demonstrated a commitment to educational equity and opportunity. The White Plains High School Guidance Team, recognized with the Partnership Award; and Debbie Shiffman, LUCA’s College Coach Advisor, received the Community Advocate Award.

LUCA guides low-income Latino youth as they navigate higher education and become the first person in their families to graduate from college. Students are mentored on their journeys to and through college so that they can graduate on time and career ready with little to no debt.

When you take a closer look, you will find that LUCA’s ripples of impact extend far beyond its Scholars. Families are empowered. Dedicated volunteers are inspired. Even our communities, witnessing students pursue a dream they never thought was possible, are changed. That’s why this year's theme holds so much significance for the LUCA familia.

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Latino U College Access Presents – Visiones: Ripple Effect

Latino U College Access 69 views 11/09/2021 3:05 pm

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