As we close out an extraordinary year, I’m reflecting on the incredible strides we’ve made together to improve the trajectory of Silicon Valley Latino Families. Thanks to your unwavering generosity, 2024 has been a record-breaking year at the Hispanic Foundation.
Through the Hispanic Foundation College Success Programs, over 3,300 K-12 Latino families participated in STEM-focused programs and Parent Education Academies. Over 150 middle school Latinas got inspired to dream big through our coding clubs, igniting their interest in STEM careers. Over 240 high school students received financial literacy training and college admission coaching to prepare for higher education, and more than 1,000 Latino parents were empowered with knowledge about the U.S. educational system, equipping them to guide their children toward academic success.
Your support impacts Latino families like Marcelina Islas, who discovered HFSV through our Girls Who Code Clubs, where her daughter began exploring coding. Marcelina herself attended our Parent Education Academies, which equipped her with tools to navigate the American education system and support her children’s academic futures.
Today, Marcelina’s daughter is pursuing a Computer Science degree at Santa Clara University, and her son has just applied to college—an inspiring testament to the power of education and community support.
Also, in 2024, the Latinos in Technology Initiative supported over 100 scholars, offering financial aid, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to ensure their success in STEM industries.
Behind every number is a story of transformation and impact. Giselle Alvarez, a Latinos in Technology Scholar and UC Berkeley graduate with a Bachelor’s in Data Science and Native studies, overcame significant challenges to become the founder of two AI companies. Supported by financial aid and mentorship, Giselle has become a trailblazer, a successful entrepreneur, and part of the small but growing percentage of Latinos raising venture capital.
If you know an incredible Latino college student majoring in STEM like Giselle, let them know that applications for the Latinos in Technology Initiative are open until February 28, 2025, at noon PT.
This year marked an extraordinary milestone as we celebrated the 35th Hispanic Foundation Ball and raised an unprecedented $1 million to sustain and expand our life-changing programs. This achievement was made possible, in large part, by an incredibly generous matching gift from a remainder trust.
The children of the anonymous donor shared their father’s inspiring story. A child of immigrants from Guadalajara, Mexico, he dedicated his life to working in Silicon Valley’s tech industry. Yet, despite his tireless efforts, he saw firsthand how not having a college degree limited his opportunities. For him, supporting Latinx students in STEM education wasn’t just important—it was essential to building a more equitable and prosperous Silicon Valley. His legacy lives on through this gift, empowering future generations to overcome barriers and thrive.
I invite you to learn more about the Foundation’s impact by checking out our Impact Report here.
As we celebrate these accomplishments, more work remains to be done. It’s not too late to make an impact this year. Every donation—big or small—helps us continue to change lives. Plus, your contribution may be tax-deductible, and many employers offer matching gift programs to double your generosity.
I hope you join us in 2025 to continue providing access to education, empowering Silicon Valley Latinos, and paving the way for a future where everyone can thrive.
Happy Holidays!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Ron Gonzales. President & CEO