Community

Top 10 Moments in 2018

By: HFSV September 9, 2021

As we reflect back at this year’s accomplishments we are reminded that your support is what fuels us. There is still more work to do in our region and we are excited for what 2019 has in store. Join us as we look back at our top ten achievements in the past 12 months.

10. New Donors

“Enabling everyone to take part in higher education and leadership development allows our community to thrive. The opportunity and support that the HFSV provides for Latinos in Silicon Valley is doing exactly that–enriching lives in our community at large, and creating an immeasurable, positive impact for all. Supporting the Latino community supports our entire community.”

Michelle Acosta, Marketing Director, Acosta Sheet Metal Mfg.

We are grateful for new donors like Michelle Acosta, from Acosta Sheet Metal Mfg. This year we received first-time contributions from over 400 donors ranging from $5 to $150,000. Michelle represents the next generation of Hispanic donors and families who want to give back to the Valley. We are grateful for every single donor that chose to support our work this year!

09. Growth in Connectivity

695 new followers joined us on social media. With 343 new Facebook likes, 246 new Instagram followers, and 106 new Twitter followers, we look forward to engaging our audience with relevant content in 2019. Don’t forget our three hashtags and stay connected #HispanicFoundation #HFSV #SiliconValleyLatinos

08. Fundraising Goals (Reached 3 Million)

This year we had an enormous goal of fundraising $3 million! We are happy to report that we made it with the support of all you. This accomplishment will help us serve more #SiliconValleyLatinos for them to achieve personal greatness and kick off our 30th Anniversary.

07. Our Familia Got A Little Bit Bigger

“It’s been an amazing six months working at HFSV. The impact we are having on the Hispanic community in Silicon Valley is my greatest motivation!”

Clara Roa, CDO

This summer we welcomed three new staff members to the HFSV Familia; Clara Roa – Chief Development Officer, Raul Ceja – Marketing and Communications Manager, and Isaac Nieblas – FCSC Program Coordinator.

In addition, we have two new board members Karina Cabrera Bell, Founder and CEO of Reach Mama Network and Oriana Branon, Director of Community and Public Relations of the Bay Area, Alaska Airlines.

06. Promoted Hispanic Philanthropy in Silicon Valley

“The reality is that our community is in extreme condition right now. For those of you in the business community double your efforts on diversity.”

Ron Gonzales, CEO 

On Saturday, October 20, 2018, we held the 29th Annual Hispanic Foundation Ball, a celebration of philanthropic leaders where we raised much-needed funds to continue our mission. Save the date for our 30th Annual Hispanic Foundation Ball: 10.19.2019. 

05. Convening to Drive Change

While Latinos had made important stride in recent decades, they still fall behind in High School completion and other academic measures when compared to other races and ethnicities.”

Mary Ann Dewan, Superindentent, Santa Clara County of Education

The unveiling of the 2018 Latino Report Card provided an opportunity to convene and engage Silicon Valley leaders to hear the result of our latest research project, 2018 Silicon Valley Latino Report Card. This report indicates a great need for Latinos in Silicon Valley to improve in the following quality of life domains: Education, Health, Financial Stability, Housing, and Environment.

04. Putting More Latinos in the Board Room

“Honored to have had the opportunity to learn how I can be an effective board member.”

Ariana Gonzalez (LBLA Fellow Class – XII)

In 2018, we held two Latino Board Leadership Academies (LBLA) in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Two cohorts made up of 52 Latinos successfully graduated from LBLA and are ready to serve as board members for Nonprofits. 366 fellows have graduated from 12 classes.

03. Investing in Parents

The Parent Education Academies graduated 767 Latino parents. These 9 week workshops educate and engage Latino parents to give them tools and resources so that they can better support their children to achieve greater educational success. Special thanks to our partner Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE)

02. Investing in Students

The Family College Success (FCSC) serves as the one-start hub for Latino students and families in achieving educational excellence and college readiness. The FCSC provides a myriad of college-related information and resources including STEM classes, computer literacy, academic enrichment, college application guidance, leadership training, and financial literacy. We served over 1,182 students in the past 12 months.

01. Investing in a Better Tomorrow

“This award provided me with a renewed energy and enthusiasm to work harder and do better.”

Sofia Pando

Although Latinos represent 28% of the population in Silicon Valley, only 3% are in the high tech workforce. Our Latinos in Technology initiative supports Latinos pursuing a STEM degree and aligns scholars with internships in an effort to diversify the workforce. This year, we had a total of 63 applicants apply to our Latinos in Technology (LIT) Scholarship. To date 160 college students in STEM have received a LIT scholarship.