Who We Are

Helping first generation Latino students achieve their goals.

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

    J. Federico Barreto
    Getronics
    Global Chief Financial Officer

    Patricia Bogoya-Bravo
    PepsiCo
    Executive Director

    Shirley Acevedo Buontempo
    Latino U College Access
    Founder, Chief Executive Officer

    Camille Cunningham – Secretary
    Community Volunteer

    Shawn Edwards
    Bloomberg LP
    Chief Technology Officer

    Joseph Fanelli – Treasurer
    Bunge, Inc.
    Chief Financial Officer, retired

    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
    LionTree LLC
    Managing Director

    Kenneth G. Ray
    Counsel
    Tulis Wilkes Hugg & Geiger, LLP

    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