¡Adelante! Students & Alumni Win Hispanic Federation Education Scholarship
Six ¡Adelante! students and alumni won Hispanic Federation Education Scholarships. The $2,000 awards recognize students committed to academic excellence who serve as exemplary representatives of the CREAR (College Readiness, Achievement and Retention) Futuros program, of which ¡Adelante! is a part. Below, this year’s inspiring scholarship winners share how ¡Adelante! and the Hispanic Federation put them on the path to success.
Aida Hernandez ’26
Majors: Political Science, Spanish
Program: ¡Adelante!
Mentors: Elton Beckett, Roosbelinda Cardenas Gonzalez, Ph.D., Jerylle Kemp
Hometown: Dominican Republic
Career Aspiration: Immigration and Family Lawyer
As a first-gen college student and the oldest of six siblings, I’ve always felt a responsibility to set a good example for my siblings, so doing well academically has always been very important to me. Before ¡Adelante! and the Hispanic Federation, I didn’t know much about the opportunities I could access as a student. Luckily, through the program and the Hispanic Federation, I’ve had access to resources and trainings that have expanded the belief I have in myself and set me up to be a successful student, leader, and mentor. The Hispanic Federation Education scholarship enabled me to participate in a study abroad program in Spain. During the experience, I explored modern perspectives on colonialism. Studying abroad broadened my academic and cultural understanding in ways that will shape my future and make me a better immigration lawyer. It’s an opportunity for which I’m deeply grateful.
Eliany Zamora ’28
Major: Forensic Psychology
Program: ¡Adelante!
Hometown: North Bergen, NJ
Career Aspiration: FBI Criminal Profiler
Winning the Hispanic Federation Education Scholarship means that, rather than stressing out about how to pay for school, I’m able to focus on learning and community building. It also goes beyond the award money. To me, winning this scholarship means that there are people out there who value what I bring to the table as a Latina and first-generation college student. Growing up, I didn’t think about the impact representation in higher education can have on someone. But when I joined ¡Adelante! and the Hispanic Federation as a CREAR Futuros Scholar, I learned how truly transformative it can be to have people who see you for who you are, understand where you come from, and encourage your hopes and dreams. The Hispanic Federation has uplifted my life by recognizing my potential and guiding me toward my career goals. As a winner of the Hispanic Federation Education Scholarship, it’s an honor to show other Latinx students out there, “Sí, se puede.”
Sabel Vega Castillo ’25
Majors: Human Service and Community Justice, Latin America and Latinx Studies
Programs: CUNY BMI Rising Scholars of Justice, ¡Adelante!, SASP
Mentors: Jodie Roure, Ph.D., Brian Montes, Ph.D., José Luis Morín, Jay Chopra
Hometown: Queens, NY
Career Aspiration: Lawyer/Guidance Counselor
When my children were in college, I decided it was time for me to return to school. I knew that if I wanted to make a positive change in the world, education was the key. So, I needed to earn a degree. Today, I’m pursuing a double major and a certificate in Spanish language translation and interpretation. It’s because of programs like ¡Adelante!/CREAR Futuros that this has been possible. Through the program, doors of opportunity have been opened for me. I’ve been given the chance to grow both individually and professionally, serving as a mentor to first-year students during their transition to college and taking on leadership roles in student organizations like La Voz. Winning the Hispanic Federation Education scholarship means I can continue my education, earn my degree, and graduate this semester. The money is lifting the financial burden of paying for tuition. My goal is to be an advocate and voice for underserved communities. I want to attend law school and become a lawyer. This scholarship brings me one step closer to achieving my career dreams.
Kathia Paz ’22
Degree: B.A. in Forensic Psychology
Program: ¡Adelante!, Student Academic Success Program (SASP)
Mentors: Fiona Kim ’22, Jesse Funtleyder ’21, Joshua Amador
Hometown: North Bergen, NJ
Current Role: SASP First Year Programs Associate
Law School: New York Law School
Career Aspiration: Lawyer
In the past, I thought that opportunities like the Hispanic Federation Education Scholarship were impossible for me. But when I joined ¡Adelante!, my perspective changed. Knowing I have people in my corner who believe in me and my goals, especially when imposter syndrome sets in, has been incredibly reassuring. It’s pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and seek out different experiences. Being chosen for the Hispanic Federation Education Scholarship reinforced that I am indeed deserving of these opportunities. I’m currently in my first semester at New York Law School, and this scholarship has been invaluable to me. It allowed me to purchase the necessary books I need for law school, which can cost hundreds of dollars. Winning this scholarship knocked down barriers and removed an obstacle in my educational journey. I now feel confident that I have the necessary resources to succeed and earn my law degree.
