Hispanic Scholarship Fund Gives Students a Head Start

Temperatures soared and the weatherman called for high winds and thunderstorms last Thursday, but the ominous forecast didn’t stop the Hispanic Development Fund (an affiliate of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation) from holding the annual Greater Kansas City Hispanic Scholarship Fund Awards.

Presenting sponsor UMKC hosted more than 400 community leaders, past and current Hispanic Scholarship Fund recipients, and their proud families at the James C. Olson Performing Arts Center where attendees were able to see a powerful example of charitable giving in action. The Greater Kansas City Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) awarded 198 scholarships to students who are entering or continuing their college education, giving more than $256,000 – the most in HSF’s 27-year history.

HSF alumni took the stage to show the students what they can achieve with hard work and dedication. Past HSF recipient Sandra Olivas, now a reporter for KCTV5, served as the emcee for the event. HSF alumni Ed Mendez, Principal of Alta Vista Charter High School, and Raymond Rico, recent UMKC-School of Law graduate and current employee at Garcia Immigration Law Firm, shared the essays they wrote when they applied for HSF scholarships. Ed and Raymond both thanked HSF for investing in their futures, and they challenged the class of 2011 to give back to their community and HSF after graduating to help other students achieve their educational dreams.

Guests were inspired by a keynote address from Richard Montanez who leads Multicultural Sales and Community Promotions across PepsiCo’s North American divisions. Richard started his career as a janitor in PepsiCo’s Rancho Cucamonga plant. He worked his way up the corporate ladder at PepsiCo, and he’s now recognized as the creator of the Flaming Hot line of products including Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. As Richard stepped on stage he told the crowd he came to inspire, but he himself was already inspired by the words from Ed and Raymond. Nonetheless, he vowed to not leave the stage until he motivated, inspired and encouraged everyone. He did not disappoint. Twenty minutes later the crowd was on their feet, and the positive energy soared throughout the room.

The night concluded with each of the 198 recipients walking across the stage and shaking the hands of UMKC leadership and Ramon Murguia, chair of the Hispanic Development Fund, amidst cheers of encouragement and congratulations from the audience. The evening was full of hope for the 198 future leaders and givers, and we look forward to doing it all again next year!

Authored by: Mayra Aguirre, Executive Director, Hispanic Development Fund