March 2025 Newsletter

Table of Contents

Edu-Futuro’s Anniversary Gala Marks 27 Years of Public Service

Two Student Journeys: Testimonies from Our Gala

ELP STEM Middle School Students Hold Robotics Competition

Edu-Futuro Students Participate in UnidosUS Changemakers Summit

VISTA/AmeriCorps Corner: AmeriCorps/VISTA Week Celebration

Financial Tip

Health & Wellness

Edu-Futuro’s Anniversary Gala Marks 27 Years of Public Service

Edu-Futuro celebrated the organization’s most successful Gala to date on Friday, March 21, 2025, raising over $130,000 to support educational programs for underserved immigrant families, and marking 27 years of dedicated public service in Northern Virginia. The event brought together nearly 300 guests, including elected officials, local education leaders, students, parents, corporate partners, volunteers, and individual donors.

From the beginning of the Gala program, however, the joyous atmosphere of the evening was tempered by the difficult reality being experienced by the immigrant community in Northern Virginia, and throughout out the country. In his opening remarks, Edu-Futuro Executive Director, Jorge Figueredo, congratulated our students and parents for their many accomplishments during the past year, and added: “Much has changed since we marked our 26th anniversary one year ago, but all of us at Edu-Futuro would like to proudly reaffirm our unbreakable commitment to serving the students and parents of Northern Virginia…We are united and resolute, and we will do everything we can to empower our students and parents to succeed — even in these difficult times. Every single member of our staff at Edu-Futuro stands proudly with our families. We stand united and we stand strong.”

Immediately following Jorge’s remarks, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Jeffrey McKay, delivered a stirring message of support and solidarity with the immigrant communities of our region. “We in Northern Virginia,” said Chairman McKay. “Stand united in doing everything that we can to protect each and every person in our community, and most importantly, the most vulnerable in our immigrant population.”

Throughout the inspiring evening, the testimonies provided by current and former Edu-Futuro students captivated the audience with the moving stories of their personal journeys, and of the impact Edu-Futuro programs had on helping them reach their dream of a college education. Amy Fernández García, Keyla Park Hernández, Natalia Solano, Fernando Molina Gómez, Eric Pleitez, and Juan Murcía all spoke about their experiences and achievements, providing first-hand accounts of what students from underserved and immigrant families can accomplish with the kind of attention, support, and guidance provided by Edu-Futuro. Parent Karla Reyes also gave a touching account of how she earned her GED certificate — which allowed her to earn the equivalent of a High School Diploma — after participating in a year-long course offered by our Workforce Development Services (WDS). Now, Karla has decided to continue her education at Northern Virginia Community College. 

The personal stories presented during the Gala embodied the very reason Edu-Futuro works tirelessly to improve educational opportunities for the underserved, immigrant, and Latino families we are privileged to serve in Northern Virginia. 

The Gala also provided an opportunity to recognize key community partners that have made exceptional contributions to Edu-Futuro’s mission:

• Truist Bank was named Corporate Partner of the Year, with JJ Ortuno Reintsch, Vice President of Financial Inclusion, accepting the award.
• Dr. Francisco Durán, Superintendent of Arlington Public Schools (APS), was awarded the Special Recognition Award, which was kindly accepted by Dr. Julie Crawford, Chief of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Student Support at APS.
• Solangie McPherson, Parent Liaison at Fairfax County Public Schools, received the Community Special Recognition Award.

The elegant evening was hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Juliana Valencia, a reporter with NBC4 Washington and Telemundo Channel 44, whose engaging presence kept the atmosphere both entertaining and meaningful. Gala attendees heard from several distinguished speakers, including Betsy Jaffe, President of Edu-Futuro’s Board of Directors; Jeanne Balcom, Executive Director of Regulatory Policy at Options Clearing Corporation (the event’s 27th Anniversary Champion Sponsor); and Keynote Speaker, Chris Falcon, the first Latino to be elected Clerk of the Fairfax Circuit Court, who shared his personal journey growing up in Northern Virginia as the child of immigrant parents, and spoke movingly about his determination to help young people build a path to successful futures here in the U.S.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, and the enthusiastic participation of Gala attendees in our Silent Auction, the Gala surpassed its fundraising goal of $130,000. As the immigrant students and parents served by Edu-Futuro face uncertain and difficult challenges, the crucial funds raised through the Gala are more important than ever, allowing us to continue working to improve the lives of families throughout Northern Virginia. We hope that you will Save the Date for Edu-Futuro’s 28th Anniversary Gala, which will be held around the same time next year. For more information about Edu-Futuro’s Gala, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Mariana Balgurevich, at volunteer@edu-futuro.org. 

Edu-Futuro is profoundly grateful for the support of our 27th Anniversary Gala Sponsors:

OCC – Champion Sponsor

John Andelin & Ginger Geoffrey – Partner Sponsor

Clifford Chance – Innovator Sponsor

Dr. Robert Panfil & Dr. Katharine Panfil – Innovator Sponsor

Truist – Innovator Sponsor

Bravo Media Corp – Benefactor Sponsor

CareFirst – Patron Sponsor

Dr. Marjorie L. Myers – Patron Sponsor

Edison Electric Institute – Patron Sponsor

Synergy Solutions Group – Patron Sponsor

The Marquez Foundation – Patron Sponsor

Pillsbury – Supporter Sponsor

Deloitte – Supporter Sponsor

Arlington Community Federal Credit Union – Friend Sponsor

Betsy Jaffe – Friend Sponsor

Carmen Romero – Friend Sponsor

Dominion Energy – Friend Sponsor

Hugh Pace – Friend Sponsor

Lillian Vagnoni – Friend Sponsor

Luncheras Di Si – Friend Sponsor

Priority One Services – Friend Sponsor

Shirley Bloomquist – Friend Sponsor

True Ground Housing Partners – Friend Sponsor

Two Student Journeys: Testimonies from Our Gala

Attendees to Edu-Futuro’s 27th Anniversary Gala had the fortunate opportunity to hear impactful testimonies from our students and parents. Here are the stories of two journeys shared during the event.  

Natalia Solano is a senior at Freedom High School in Prince William County, who has been the recipient of the AP Scholar with Distinction Award, as well as the William & Mary Leadership Award. Natalia has already been accepted to seven universities, including the College of William & Mary, which has offered Natalia a full-ride scholarship. She plans on majoring in Political Science and Social Work.

“My name is Natalia Sofía Solano, and I am currently a senior in Freedom High School. My story begins in El Salvador, where sticky humidity clings to your skin, and surrounded by music, family, and heritage, you feel at home. To preserve that peace and to look for a better future, my family moved to the U.S. Here, I experienced winter for the first time. While the snow seemed so bright and promising, people’s discrimination left me feeling cold. Trying to adapt while feeling homesick was not easy at all, but Edu-Futuro introduced me to a community that uplifted me whenever I doubted myself. During ELP-I, I developed my public speaking skills, which helped me become a confident leader as National Honor Society President, and later, win the William & Mary Leadership Award. Beyond the Edu-Futuro workshops, where I first learned how to do a proper résumé, I learned, “Que sí se puede,” (“Yes, you can do it,”) especially through the stories shared by my Edu-Futuro mentors — Natalie, Xenia, and Eh Tha.

Natalie told me how she struggled with English, but persevered until she became a mentor. Xenia overcame many challenges, and used her experience to become a social worker who gives back to our immigrant community. Her journey continues to inspire me to become an advocate for change, and the stories from my ELP-I mentors made me feel seen and pushed me to believe in myself and my capabilities. 

Similarly, Eh Tha, my ELP-II mentor, has not only prepared me for interviews, stayed on calls for hours reviewing my essays, and explained my financial aid packages, but also ensured that I feel proud of myself. At times, I felt ashamed and less deserving because of my background. Nevertheless, Eh Tha always brought energy, brightness, and uplifting advice to our meetings. I learned that my actions, not my origin, define my worth — and that diversity is one of the best qualities to have. I believe that while the Latino community is not a one-size-fits-all identity, we still have stories that intersect because we understand our potential. We just wonder who will see beyond the stereotypes and misrepresentation we face in the news. But we are also not the type to wait to be seen — and Edu-Futuro has taught me to raise my voice loudly, and to pursue my dream of eventually creating my own nonprofit. 

I hope to give back to the community that shaped me, especially in the midst of the ongoing political turmoil. Now more than ever, we must come together and support each other, and I must thank Edu-Futuro for being there for me. Recently, I was able to attend the Changemakers Summit in D.C. with other Edu-Futuro members, and I must say there is nothing better than being in a room filled with unspoken trust and overflowing confidence. Before I could stress about the future, Latino advocates reminded me we do not steal opportunities — not only do we earn them, but we also create them. Because of this, I want to thank each of you for showing up for yourself and the Latino community, reminding students like me that we are not alone. I also want to thank my mentors for being relatable confidants. And finally, but not least, I want to thank my mom, who, despite being tired from work, always made sure to support me and provide for me, proving that actions speak louder than words. It is thanks to all of you that I can confidently say I have been admitted to more than seven universities, including William & Mary with a full-tuition scholarship, to VCU with almost a full ride, and to UVA with almost a full ride as well. While I haven’t committed to a specific university yet, as of today, I have been offered over $191,000 in aid. My college decision is still ahead of me, but one thing is certain, I will carry Edu-Futuro’s lessons with me wherever I go. Thank you for being part of my journey, for reminding me that our stories matter, and for proving that, “Juntos, sí se puede. Buenas noches y mil gracias.” (“Together, yes, we can. Good night and a thousand thanks.”)

In 2023, Edu-Futuro launched a bilingual GED Certification program that requires a year-long commitment from students seeking to earn the equivalent to a high school diploma. Karla Reyes is a mother of four children who succeeded in earning her GED diploma, and now plans to continue her education at Northern Virginia Community College.

“My name is Karla Reyes, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share my story with you tonight. I first learned about Edu-Futuro in 2023 through the “La Nueva Mayoría de Virginia” (“Virginia New Majority Program”) program, which extended an invitation for me to join the GED classes. I decided to enroll because I had noticed that my memory was starting to fail me more frequently, and I felt it was a good opportunity to challenge myself. Additionally, I knew that this program offered me the chance to earn my high school equivalency in this country, something I had always wanted. What attracted me most to the program was the opportunity to study online during the week, combined with supportive in-person mentorship during the weekends. This was perfect for me, as after a long day of work and taking care of my family, being able to study from home was exactly what I needed. 

When I started the classes, I encountered an exceptional group of teachers and volunteers. They were always there to support us, motivate us, and guide us every step of the way. Every time I completed a module and took the exam, I felt that I was getting closer to my goal, and in the end, I did it! I earned my official certificate, which proved that my memory just needed a little practice. This achievement motivated me even further, and through Edu-Futuro, I was able to apply for financial assistance to continue growing professionally. My goal is to master English and then continue studying with the purpose of eventually becoming a police officer. The most exciting part of all this is that my progress has also inspired the people around me. They have seen that if I could do it, they can too, and many of them have already enrolled in the program. So once again, I want to thank the great organization, Edu-Futuro, for their invaluable support, for being that guiding light in my journey, and I know for many others as well. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to reach my dreams. Thank you!”

For more information on Edu-Futuro’s programs, please contact Dulce Oliveros, Edu-Futuro’s Manager of Programs, at managerofprograms@edu-futuro.org.

ELP STEM Middle School Students Hold Robotics Competition

In an exciting showcase of science and teamwork, 16 Edu-Futuro ELP STEM Robotics students participated in a fun and challenging Robotics Competition held at John Lewis High School, on Saturday, March 8, 2025. The event, which was attended by numerous parents and family members, represented the culmination of 11 intensive workshops of the ELP STEM Robotics Program, which helps middle school students to develop expertise in coding, mechanical design, and problem-solving skills. Our students learned much more than technical knowledge throughout their workshops — they gained valuable experience in programming, assembling, and testing their robots. They also developed crucial soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and the ability to adapt. Working in teams, they learned to collaborate effectively, think critically under pressure, and apply engineering concepts to overcome complex challenges. 

The Robotics competition began with our 16 students divided into four teams that were faced with two innovative challenges designed to test their technical skills, as well as their abilities to work creatively as a team. In the first challenge, teams programmed their robots to navigate a maze, and successfully deliver life-saving medicine to an injured person. As an added complexity, the robots also needed to “deactivate a bomb” by identifying a red cube, picking up the object, and then placing it in a pre-determined spot. The challenge required precise control and strategic programming. 

“The students competing were a lively bunch. Jumping up and down with excitement as they would bring their robot to the obstacle course, hoping that they were successful in their coding,” said Dante Calfayan, Edu-Futuro’s VISTA Team Lead, who helped to facilitate the competition. “These students were vigorous problem solvers in this competition, with a race against time. Each student was able to share their ideas with their team members, providing insight into creative problem-solving techniques.”

In the second challenge, named “Prom Night,” ELP STEM Robotics teams needed to have their robots detect a colored cube, and then perform a programmed dance routine. Students showcased their technical precision and artistic flair as their robots moved in carefully choreographed sequences. At the end of the two challenges, the team of four students from Hayfield Secondary School emerged as the winner. Their victory highlighted not only their coding proficiency, but also their ability to manage stress during high-pressure situations. 

Edu-Futuro is grateful to the excellent Robotics Competition participants from Kenmore Middle School, Gunston Middle School, and Robinson Secondary School. We would also like to thank the nine Edu-Futuro staff members, two teachers from participating schools, and two volunteer judges who spent a good part of their Saturday helping to evaluate the performance of our robotics competitors. Without their help, this very special event would not have been possible. 

For more information on Edu-Futuro’s ELP STEM Robotics Program, please contact Susana Carpio, Edu-Futuro’s Youth Programs Team Lead, at youthprograms@edu-futuro.org. Edu-Futuro’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is supported in part by a grant from the Verizon Foundation.

Edu-Futuro Students Participate in UnidosUS Changemakers Summit

In a powerful demonstration of civic engagement and leadership development, a delegation of four ELP-II high school seniors and four ELP-III youth attending local colleges, were accompanied by four Edu-Futuro staff and two volunteers to the 2025 UnidosUS Changemakers Summit, held in Washington, D.C., from February 24-26. The annual three-day event brought together hundreds of aspiring and veteran advocates from UnidosUS affiliates across the country to the nation’s capital for a schedule of invaluable civic engagement activities that included:

• Meeting directly with Congressional representatives and UnidosUS policy experts to hear about and discuss the opportunities and challenges for our immigrant communities.

• Receiving training on how to advance their community’s agenda by working with members of Congress and local policymakers.

• Creating strong connections with colleagues and peers, sharing ideas and learning from each other while building personal and professional relationships.

• Attending the UnidosUS Capital Awards that celebrates community leaders who have championed pivotal policies and legislation that empower and strengthen immigrant and Latino communities.

The Changemakers Summit began with an opening session exploring the national political landscape, and the UnidosUS Policy Agenda, setting the stage for meaningful discussions about how Latino organizations nationwide can unite their voices to safeguard the rights and dignity of our communities. Throughout the event, Edu-Futuro staff participated in specialized breakout sessions focusing on Workforce/Education, Housing, and Health Initiatives. Meanwhile, Edu-Futuro student participants engaged in dedicated youth sessions focusing on developing leadership skills and understanding public policy fundamentals. 

The Summit culminated in a day of visits to Capitol Hill, where Edu-Futuro students met with representatives from the offices of U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA 8th District) and Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA 10th District), as well as Senator Mark Warner (D-VA). Our Edu-Futuro contingent also met with the offices of Representative Gerry Connelly (D-VA 11th District), and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA). These meetings were particularly significant given the current climate of uncertainty facing many immigrant and Latino students. Our representatives were able to directly communicate the concerns and priorities of our community to key local and national decision-makers. 

“Participating in the UnidosUS Changemakers Summit for the first time this year was a much-needed infusion of hope during one of the darkest moments in American society I’ve witnessed in my lifetime,” said Zachary Hoskins, Edu-Futuro’s Director of Development. Our students courageously and confidently spoke truth to power, and made their voices heard on issues from the fate of Medicaid and the Department of Education to the importance of safeguarding the Constitutionally protected citizenship status of first-generation youth. Seeing our students actively engaging in the political process, during a time when it would be all too easy to succumb to cynicism and despair, made it clear that the Emerging Leaders Program is more than just a catchy name. Edu-Futuro is cultivating the next generation of leaders, and their voices are more important now than ever before.”

Events like the UnidosUS Changemakers Summit are integral to Edu-Futuro’s work of encouraging civic engagement among our high school and college students and parents. By providing our students with the opportunity to see democracy in action, we equip them with the tools and communications skills needed to create lasting change in their communities. For more information on the UnidosUS Changemakers Summit, please contact Manuel Piñeros, Edu-Futuro’s Deputy Director, at deputydirector@edu-futuro.org. 

VISTA/AmeriCorps Corner: AmeriCorps/VISTA Week Celebration

On Monday, March 17, 2025, Edu-Futuro hosted a special celebration honoring our AmeriCorps State and AmeriCorps VISTA members, as well as recognizing their invaluable contributions to the families we serve in Northern Virginia. The event combined acknowledgement of the dedication and commitment shown by our service members, along with participation in positive community action, which embodies the spirit of service that defines the work of both Edu-Futuro and the AmeriCorps program. 

The celebration incorporated a food drive to collect non-perishable goods for the Nourishing Ninjas Food Drive at Manassas Park Elementary School. Under the banner, “Let’s Make Sure Our Children Have Food After School Hours,” the drive collected such items as canned pasta and soup, granola bars, oatmeal packs and cereal, ramen packs, and fruit cups for the school’s food pantry. 

Fifteen AmeriCorps State and VISTA members were joined by Edu-Futuro staff at the food drive. “The AmeriCorps members are a key part of Edu-Futuro’s programs,” said Joceline Briceño, our Workforce Development Team Lead. “Their dedication enables us to expand our services and deepen our impact across all program areas. They are committed to helping and serving with great attitudes, and we are so thankful to have their support to serve more and more families throughout Northern Virginia.”

Our AmeriCorps members bring diverse skills, fresh perspectives, and dedicated energy to Edu-Futuro’s programs. The AmeriCorps VISTA members play a critical role in a variety of capacity building projects, including the updating of our beneficiary database, conducting research on funding opportunities, and development of brand-new curricula for students and parents. The members of AmeriCorps State play a critical role in the lives of our students and parents by serving as facilitators in the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) and Workforce Development Services (WDS). 

The AmeriCorps/ VISTA Week Celebration showcased how these service members directly address critical community needs, while building their own leadership and professional skills. Their work represents a powerful mutual benefit — communities receive vital support, and members gain valuable experience that shapes and develops their future careers. For more information on Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps VISTA program, please contact Dante Calfayan, our VISTA Team leader at vistaleader@edu-futuro.org. For more information on Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps State program, please contact Susana Carpio, Youth Programs Team Lead, at youthprograms@edu-futuro.org

Financial Tip

What are some classic warning signs of possible fraud and scams?

There are several signs that indicate you might be dealing with a scammer, and several steps you can take to protect yourself and others. Criminals and con artists use many scams to target unsuspecting people—of all ages—who have access to money. Consumer scams happen on the phone, through the mail, e-mail, or over the internet. They can occur in person, at home, or at a business. Warning signs include contact from someone:

• Claiming to be from the government, a bank, a business, or a family member, and asking you to pay money.
• Asking you to pay money or taxes upfront to receive a prize or a gift.
• Asking you to wire them money, send cryptocurrency, send money by courier, send money over a payment app, or put money on a prepaid card or gift card and send it to them or give them the numbers on the card.
• Asking for access to your money — such as your ATM cards, bank accounts, credit cards, cryptocurrency wallet keys or access codes, or investment accounts.
• Pressuring you to “act now” or else the deal will go away, or trying hard to give you a “great deal” without time to answer your questions.
• Creating a sense of urgency or emergency to play on your emotions.

Here are some tips to protect yourself from scams:

• Don’t share numbers or passwords for accounts, credit cards, or Social Security.
• Never pay up front for a promised prize. It’s a scam if you are told that you must pay fees or taxes to receive a prize or other financial windfall.
• After hearing a sales pitch, take time to compare prices. Ask for information in writing and read it carefully.
• Too good to be true? Ask yourself why someone is trying so hard to give you a “great deal.” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Watch out for deals that are only “good today” and that pressure you to act quickly. Walk away from high-pressure sales tactics that don’t allow you time to read a contract or get legal advice before signing. Also, don’t fall for the sales pitch that says you need to pay immediately, for example by wiring the money, sending it by courier or over a payment app, or by sending cryptocurrency.
• Beware when someone plays on your emotions or claims there’s an urgent situation. Advances in artificial intelligence make it easier for scammers to clone voices and alter images to make it seem like someone you know needs help. Contact the person yourself to verify the story. Use contact information you know is theirs. If you can’t reach them, try to get in touch with them through another trusted person, like a family member or their friends.

Don’t click on links or scan QR codes. These can take you to scammers’ malicious websites or give them access to your device.

Health & Wellness

National Studies Show Significant Increase In Vaping Among Young Adults and Latinos

Two recent national studies have found that, despite the best efforts of public health advocates across the country, tobacco companies are succeeding in significantly increasing the purchase and use of e-cigarettes among young adults and specific racial and ethnic groups.

According to data from the 2019-2023 National Health Interview Survey, released nationally in January 2025 by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), over 15% of young adults, ages 21 to 24, used electronic cigarettes in 2023. The percentage of adults who used electronic cigarettes has been increasing quickly, from 4.5% in 2019 to 6.5% in 2023. In both 2019 and 2023, men were more likely than women to use e-cigarettes, also known as vaping.

Broken down by race and ethnicity, e-cigarette use significantly increased from 2019 to 2023 among Black (3.4% to 5.7%), White (5.1% to 7.5%) and Hispanic (2.8% to 4.4%) adults. The increases seen in Asian and multiple-race adults were not significant. While cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product among adults, recent trends clearly show that the use of electronic cigarettes is increasing at an alarming rate among this group. In addition, e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among youth in the U.S.

In a separate study published on March 5, 2025, in the medical journal, JAMA, researchers at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health at the University of California San Diego have found that, among smokers in the United States, e-cigarette use does not increase smoking cessation, and is actually associated with reduced tobacco abstinence. The findings refute the misleading marketing message aggressively pushed by the tobacco industry that e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking, a common misperception among tobacco users and e-cigarette proponents.

“Most smokers think vaping will help you quit smoking,” said study co-author John P. Pierce, Ph.D. “However, this belief is not supported by science to date. While some researchers have suggested that smokers who switch to daily vaping will be more successful in quitting smoking, we studied quitting success among both daily and non-daily vapers and came up with a quite definitive answer.”

The new study analyzed data from over 6,000 U.S. smokers from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, a nationally representative sample of U.S. cigarette smokers. There were 943 smokers who also vaped, and by matching and comparing these to similar smokers who didn’t vape, they found:

• Smoking cessation was actually 4.1% lower among smokers who vaped daily.

• Similarly, smoking cessation was 5.3% lower among smokers who vaped, but not daily, compared to matched smokers who did not vape.

Considering the potential dangers of nicotine addiction through vaping, the researchers note that while e-cigarettes don’t have the same health consequences as smoking, they are not harmless. “The adverse health effects of cigarette smoking become obvious after people have smoked for 20 years,” added Pierce. “While vapes generally don’t contain the same harmful chemicals as cigarette smoke, they have other risks, and we just don’t yet know what the health consequences of vaping over 20 to 30 years will be.”

In addition to providing definitive evidence about a contentious question in tobacco research, the study’s results have important implications for public health policy and practice surrounding e-cigarettes, particularly how they are marketed to adolescents, for whom e-cigarettes are often a gateway to nicotine dependence.

For a copy of “Health Taxes,” please click on this link. Edu-Futuro’s Strengthening Families 10-14 Program, which helps teens to reduce such risky behaviors as tobacco use and vaping, is sponsored in part by a generous grant from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY), empowering Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by promoting active, nutritious and tobacco-free living.