Help Hispanic students attend college and pursue their dreams

Let's change a student's life forever!

Join me in supporting real change. Help Hispanic students accomplish their personal goals, and improve their families and communities through the Hispanic Development Fund Scholarship Program.

I did not have a typical all American college experience. I am a DREAMer who had many obstacles but also had a community of allies who lifted me up to heights I thought were unreachable. Now as a professional it is my turn to give back and hope to inspire other DREAMers and show them that they are not alone. I am a product of what happens when the community believes in your dreams. Help me Pay it Forward!

I've known I was undocumented since I was ten and once college became real I became more frustrated and also more determined to make that dream happen. While news stations painted me as a criminal my community celebrated my determination and held my hand and joined me in the struggle. I joined various community organizations that accepted me and believed in my vision of attending a four year institution. One of the first organizations to embrace me was the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund.

I could not receive federal aid and felt alienated from the rest of my peers as they got accepted into programs I got shunned out of because of my status, but my community was always there to pick up the pieces. I will always attribute my success to my community. Talented professionals coached me, revised my scholarship essays, encouraged me and gave me the support and acceptance I yearned for. Being a recipient of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund meant more than money. It meant validation and acceptance for who I was. It gave me a sense of belonging and made me feel human not an alien. When I was told I didn't need to provide a social security number to apply I will never forget the joy and sense of hope I felt in my heart.

Now as a professional I want to be that helping hand to other DREAMers fighting the same battle and walk along side them and show them they are not alone because their community believes in them and their dreams matter.

Just a small donation will go a long way to helping me meet my goal for the Hispanic Development Fund Scholarship Program. Every donation counts, and no donation is too small. That's the power of crowdfunding - if we all give a little, together we can accomplish a lot.

Would you give even $10 to help me reach my goal? Your support will make a real difference! Together, we will use change to create change! #cambioparacambio