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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Lisa M. Bell – Treasurer
US Bank National Association
Vice President
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
Laura Martinez
Morgan Stanley
Executive Director
Jane Matluck
Attorney
Community Volunteer
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
Clara Román
Houlihan Lawrence
Liscensed Real Estate Salesperson
Matthew Searles
Merritt Healthcare Holdings, LLC
Partner
Scott Silverstein
Yolo Candy
Chief Executive Officer
Rodrigo Trelles Zabala
UBS O’Connor
Managing Director
Dalia Valdés
Julia B Fee Sotheby’s International Realty
Real Estate Associate Broker
Intern Opportunities
We welcome and value interns to support our staff and programs. Interns will gain valuable work experience while helping achieve our mission.
Staff
Shirley Acevedo Buontempo, MPA, Founder & CEO
Cosette Gutierrez, Deputy Executive Director
Jessica Timms, Development & Communications Manager
Julie DelValle Nunn, Operations Manager
Elena Pellegrini, College Access Program Manager
Perla Rodriguez, College Success Program Manager
Gabby Camacho, Communications & Volunteer Coordinator
Debbie Shiffman, College Coach Advisor
Marc Finder, Data Administrator
Denisse Gayosso-Lucano, Program Coordinator
Marco Nieto, Program Coordinator
Advisory Council
Andrea Beltran Ruggiero, MPA
LUCA Founding Board Member
VP of Community Health
Open Door Family Medial Center
James Cotto
Senior Vice President
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Amy Harwood, MPA
Candidate,
Baruch College Marxe School of Public Affairs
Janine Ting Jansen
HR Business Partner & Analyst
S&P Global
Hilda H. Polanco, CPA
Founder & CEO
Fiscal Management Associates, LLC
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 shares their insight and ideas for programs and participates in student outreach. This dynamic group of high school and college students, both Latino and non-Latino, is our link to the youth we serve and give an authentic 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