Who we are

Our History

In 1988 a small group of local business leaders and visionaries, that believed in the importance of higher education for underserved Hispanic/Latinx students in the community, established the Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation.

Throughout our history, PHEF has focused on providing financial assistance through scholarship to students who want to attend college and earn an Associates or Bachelor's Degree in their field of choice.  Additionally, PHEF has provided support through programs to help students navigate their college journey.  

Major fundraising, private donations, scholarship management of established private scholarships, city, county and state funding all contribute to the scholarships that are awarded annually.  

Because of the founding members of PHEF, Ray Aguilera, Cathy Garcia, Carl D. Fatta, Victor A. Navarro, Abel Chavez and David F. Trujillo, today we thrive as a robust scholarship foundation with continued success in helping the future leaders of Pueblo.  

Entering into our 36th year, PHEF has been a solid staple in the Pueblo community advocating for higher education for all students, while still fulfilling the original mission of serving underserved Hispanic/Latinx students.  The leadership of PHEF recognizes the need to expand support to those entering the career and technical education path, general high school education for adult learners and high school students starting their college journey through concurrent enrollment.  

Mission

The Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation helps students in Pueblo and Southern Colorado reach their goals by providing scholarships and support for college, certificate programs, and career success.

Vision

The Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation aspires to advance the educational goals of all students, including those of Hispanic ancestry, in Pueblo County, and Southern Colorado, thereby raising the economic, health, and cultural status of the entire community.

core values

Scholarships: We value every student’s opportunity to further their education and support student success.

Education: We believe that every student should be afforded the right to pursue an education.

Excellence: We encourage the pursuit of excellence in education.

Dedication: We support student dedication towards their continuing education.

Success: We measure success by the educational attainment of scholarship recipients.

Meet the Board of Directors

  • Felipe Garcia, Jr.

    PRESIDENT

  • Juan Diosdado

    VICE PRESIDENT

  • Pam Winston

    SECRETARY

  • VANESSA HERRERA

    TREASURER

  • Richard Kwessel

    MEMBER

  • Dr. Derek Lopez

    MEMBER

  • beatrice Pacheco

    MEMBER

  • Jacobo Varela

    MEMBER

  • JANELLE QUICK

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    NON-VOTING