Our Mission
Increase college enrollment and completion for Latino youth who are first in their family to go to college by providing guidance and access to opportunity through education, advocacy, and collaboration.
Our Vision
We strive to ensure that all Latino youth have the opportunity to earn a college degree and better position themselves for a more promising future.
Higher education paves the way for a better and brighter future, especially in a rapidly evolving economy. LUCA seeks to level the playing field by partnering with first-generation Latino youth to help them realize their potential and work towards achieving their dreams. Through advocacy, community education and student workshops, LUCA promotes college enrollment and prepares students for their journey to college graduation.
Planning for college and making college a successful, affordable experience can be a challenge. Our programs educate, guide and support students through the complex process, including submitting applications, qualifying for financial aid and admissions. We provide bilingual, culturally-relevant assistance to help Latino students and their families achieve their dreams.
The LUCA Team
Latino U College Access was formed by a group of dedicated and experienced professionals with exemplary careers in non-profit management, business and education.
We each share a commitment and passion to the mission of LUCA. Together with the assistance of volunteers, community partners and collaborators, we are committed to ensuring that Latino youth attain equity and opportunity for a brighter future.
Board of Directors
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J. Federico Barreto
Corporate Finance
CFO, Consultant
Patricia Bogoya-Bravo
PepsiCo
Executive Director
Shirley Acevedo Buontempo
Latino U College Access
Founder, Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Edwards
Bloomberg LP
Chief Technology Officer
Al Gutierrez – Chairman
Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. (JLL)
Managing Director
Christine Louvet
Louvet Consulting
Consultant
Jane Matluck
Attorney
Community Volunteer
Laura Martinez
Morgan Stanley
Executive Director
Stephen Moroney – Vice Chairman
TD Bank
SVP, Regional Manager
Rafael Palomino
Palomino Restaurant Group
Executive Chef & Proprietor
Aldo J. Polak
Cisneros
Chief Investment & Development Officer
Kenneth G. Ray
Tulis Wilkes Huff & Geiger, LLP
Counsel
Rodrigo Trelles Zabala
UBS O’Connor
Managing Director
Nathalie Vanheusden
Oliver Wyman
Global Head, Executive Assistant Services
Intern Staff
We welcome and value interns to support our staff and programs. Interns will gain valuable work experience while helping achieve our mission.
Advisory Council
- Andrea Beltran Ruggiero, MPA, Founding Board Member, Director Special Programs, Open Door Family Medial Center
- James Cotto, Senior Vice President, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
- Robert Cummings, Partner, Dunbar Educational Consultants
- Felix Flores, Retired, Elementary School Principal, Ossining Union Free School District
- Amy Harwood, MPA Candidate, Baruch College Marxe School of Public Affairs
- Janine Ting Jansen, HR Business Partner & Analyst, S&P Global
- Dr. Joseph Pastore, Professor Emeritus, Pace University
- Carol Pouchie, Co-President, Community Resource Center
- Cynthia Rivera Weissblum, President CEO, Edwin Gould Foundation
- Dr. Rebecca Tekula, Executive Director, Wilson Center for Social Enterprise, Pace University
- Joe Torres, News Anchor, Reporter, WABC TV
Student Advisory Group
Our Student Advisory Group share their personal insight and ideas for programs and participate in student outreach. This dynamic group of high school and college students, both Latino and non-Latino, are our link to the youth we serve and give a youthful voice to all we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Latino U College Access a 501 (c) (3) organization?
Latino U College Access is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Where do you provide services?
We offer workshops and volunteer “college coaching” programs in participating school districts in Westchester County, New York. We are available to host information sessions at other locations when scheduling permits.
How can I refer someone who needs your services?
Please email a request and provide the student’s information, grade, school and the town / city they live in to us at info@latinou.org