As the deadline for the 2025 LEDC Latino Scholarship Fund approaches, we’re highlighting the story of Irma Márquez Trapero, a past scholarship recipient who continues to make a powerful impact in our community. Her experience reflects the lasting value and opportunity this scholarship provides.
What year did you receive the scholarship from the LEDC Latino Scholarship Fund?
I received the LEDC Latino Scholarship when I was a senior in high school in 2008.
Which college or university did you attend? What degree did you earn?
I attended Gustavus Adolphus College and graduated with a double major in Political Science and Gender Studies, and a minor in Sociology.
What were your goals while attending university? How did the LEDC scholarship help you achieve those goals?
The LEDC scholarship was instrumental in allowing me to fully immerse myself in my studies and pursue my goals without the significant financial burden that often limits opportunities for first-generation college students like me.
What are you doing now?
I have the honor of serving as the Chief Executive Officer of LatinoLEAD, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Latine leadership, workforce development, and advocacy. At the same time, I’m pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at UCLA.
How does your degree help you in your current role?
My undergraduate degrees in Political Science, Gender Studies, and Sociology provide a crucial interdisciplinary lens for my leadership at LatinoLEAD. This academic background informs our policy advocacy, commitment to equity, and culturally responsive strategies for community empowerment. It directly shapes my leadership style, strategic decision-making, and my ability to articulate the complex issues impacting the Latine community in Minnesota.
Irma’s story is a powerful example of the importance of investing in education and community leadership. Her achievements demonstrate how the LEDC Latino Scholarship Fund can open doors for the next generation of Latino changemakers.
