Colombian Education Fund

Transforming Lives Through Education

What’s our Mission?

The Colombian Education Fund’s mission is to promote and support the higher education needs of young people

and their families by providing scholarships and assistance.

Why We Do It?

In March 2013, a multi-disciplinary coalition created the Colombian Education Fund (ColEF) to support the

educational goals of students of Colombian origin. Currently, high school and college students of Colombian descent in

NYC have limited access to scholarship funds, college readiness information, and mentoring opportunities that

focus specifically on them.

The Reason Why We Do It

VS.

28% of the total U.S. population of the same age.

(Source: Pew Hispanic Center)

Strong Foundations:

It’s amazing how Colombian’s educational attainment is higher among Hispanics and U.S. population combined.

MEET OUR FIRST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Maria Camila López Ruiz was born in Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia. She came to the United States when she was 15 years old. Camila will be pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at The University of Buffalo. She likes to contribute to her community by sharing and putting to practice everything she learns. Through Engineering she wants to expand her mind, develop new ideas and find different ways to approach many problems that the world faces today. Camila likes to participate and organize activities that celebrate cultural diversity. Also, She enjoys reading and playing volleyball during her free time.

Lina Marcela Arboleda Guisao was born and raised in Carepa Antioquia, Colombia. She lived there for fourteen years until December 2010 when she came to the United States. She plans on studying International Studies with a minor in Business at the College of New Rochelle. Once Lina finishes her education she hopes to be able to give back to her community; by working with organizations that seek to contribute and help improve developing countries. In her free time, Lina enjoys participating in activities that bring the Latino community together.

Esteban Acevedo Ortega was born in Medellin, Colombia on September 25th 1996. His family has lived in Antioquia for many generations. Esteban wants to study biology in college to eventually apply to medical school and become a surgeon. He is currently faced with the difficult but amazing opportunity to choose between Amherst College and Dartmouth College. In his free time, Esteban loves to watch movies and spends time with friends in the outdoors.

MEET OUR FIRST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Yersson Ceballos was born in Medellin Colombia, on March 1st, 1988. Son of Colombian parents, he spent the first half of his life in Medellin, and the latter in NYC. Yersson is attending City College of New York,from which he hopes to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music. Upon graduation he dreams of a life in the Arts, where if given the opportunity he would like to both make and teach music around the globe. In his spare time, Yersson likes to exercise and read books.

Walter M. Rocha is originally from Bogota, Colombia. Right now he is a sophomore student at La Guardia Community College. In the fall of 2014 Walter will be starting his studies in International Business and Business Communications at Baruch College. After he achieves his Bachelor’s in International Business he plans to work with an international company that help him establish relationships between Colombia and any country in the world. His primary goal as a professional is to help the people succeed in their objectives and open opportunities for employment. Walter is a friendly person who enjoy to spend time with his friends playing sports and watching soccer games.

From the 14th to the 16th of August, 2014, The Colombian Education Fund (ColEF) hosted its first Student Leadership Conference “Liderazgo Summit 2014” at John Jay College - CUNY; the participants were college students between the ages of 17 and 22 from Latin American descent.

The conference’s goal was to create a space where Latino students from all backgrounds can get together, on an annual basis, to discuss strategies, tools and their own personal experiences in order to become leaders in their communities.

Our 2014 Student Leadership Summit

This is Who We Are:

Who Is Behind This Initiative Honorary Board

(as of 10/23/13)

Jay HershensonSenior Vice Chancelor

CUNY

Eder HolguinFounder - CEO Ideal Media

Liliana GilCo Founder Principal

XL Alliance

Dr. Carmen Martinez-Lopez Hon. Elsa Gladys Cifuentes Consul General of Colombia

Who Is Behind This Initiative Honorary Board

(as of 10/23/13)

Enrique ArbelaezCo Founder –

Managing PartnerXL Alliance

Juliana FajardoPresident and COO

Litvakand

Elkin ArredondoFounder – CEO

CE Social Impact Ventures

First Annual Gala Accomplishments

First Annual Gala Accomplishments

• The Gala had more than 120 attendees• ColEF raised $25,000 dollars.

• Personalities from NYC attended the Gala– Colombian Consul General– Business Entrepreneurs– Executives from CUNY

• Hosted at the CUNY Graduate Center.• Juanita Ayala VP of Operations from United Way of

NYC – Received the “Transforming lives Award”.

• Recognized Artist Donated their Art work for the Silent Auction – Edwin Gil, Vanessa Mejia, Vianey and Designer Raul Penaranda.

Second Annual GalaNovember, 14th, 2014

The 2014 Colombian Education Fund Transforming Lives Awards:

The Transforming Lives award is given to outstanding Colombian leaders in the world that have generated a positive change in education.

This year, the Colombian Education Fund is honored to present the award and special recognition during our annual gala to:

Mr. Sergio Fajardo Governor of Antioquia

Transforming Lives Award (Colombia)

Ms. Sandra Fajardo,School of Public Affairs, CUNY

Transforming Lives Award (United States)

Ms. Maria Del Pilar Garcia,The 2014 AATSP Outstanding Teacher of the Year Secondary

LevelTransforming Lives Special Recognition

Second Annual Fundraising GalaAt John Jay College – CUNY

• The Gala is our flagship fundraising event with the goal to collect $50,000 in its 2nd year.– These funds will be directed to fund our scholarships and the

Liderazgo Summit for 2015 period

• The Gala will take place in the heart of Manhattan, at the John Jay College – CUNY.

• Black tie and gowns will be the mandatory dress code.

• Recognized Colombian artists are donating unique pieces of art to be auctioned during the gala.

Thank You!Gracias!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

JOHN MORENO-ESCOBAREmail: [email protected]: (347) 458-6665

LINA DELGADOEmail:[email protected]:(917) 531-7448