A New Generation of Leaders
The Latino Economic Development Center is proud to announce the awardees of the Latino Scholarship Fund Award 2025. This is the first year since 2023 that LEDC has offered this scholarship, and we were overwhelmed with applicants. Out of almost 70 applicants, these awardees were the most extraordinary. All of these students have demonstrated a clear desire and plan to work towards successful careers. Some want to be doctors, lawyers, or own their own businesses. Regardless of their end goal, one thing unites all of these awardees: a deep love for their community. We are honored to be able to support these truly exceptional young people.
Alan Rosas Cortes will be attending the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities to pursue a degree in business or marketing with a minor in psychology. He is proud advocate for both the Latino community and the disability community.
Amelia Valdez is incredibly passionate about musical theater and has been in over 30 different musicals. With dreams of someday performing on Broadway, she will be attending Minnesota State University – Mankato to study Musical Theater.
Ana Hidalgo grew up in Bloomington, MN with her mom, dad, and sister. Her support system has been integral to her success and family means the world to her. Ana will be attending the University of Minnesota – Duluth to pursue a degree in biochemistry on her way to work in medicine.
Brent Hernandez is a first-generation student from Austin, MN. He is currently pursuing a degree in Finance and Accounting at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. He has his own woodworking business, Brentwood, and is an active member with ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America).
Daniela Sarmiento grew up in Lara, Venezuela and moved to the United States with her parents in 2019 when she was only 14 years old. She is currently studying Legal Studies with a concentration in Forensics at Hamline University, and dreams of becoming a lawyer in order to support people who need representation and don’t always have access to justice.
Fabricio Orellana, originally from Ecuador, has lived in the US since he was 12 years old. He is going into his second year at Saint Olaf College studying Mathematics. Additionally, he runs a radio show called Buenas Noches and enjoys participating in the Latino organizations on campus.
Mercy Dayanna Sibri Paredes has only been in Minnesota for the past 3 years and has recently graduated from El Colegio Charter School. Originally from Ecuador, Mercy will be a freshman at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities this fall studying Dentistry. She hopes to someday serve underprivileged children in the Latino community and provide much needed dental care to those who need it most.
Nayeli Morocho Guachichulca will be a proud gopher at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities this fall. She plans on studying human physiology on a pre-med track. Nayeli was recently accepted into the University’s BA/MD program which will help ensure that she achieves her goal of becoming a physician.
Paola Michelle Nuñes Santillán is currently attending Century College with the intention of finishing her degree at the University of Minnesota. One of her greatest dreams is to become a dentist and to volunteer in places that are in dire need of dental care and support.
Regina Loria-Procel will be a freshman at The George Washington University this fall. Her passion for supporting the Latino community is what lead her to start her high school’s first ever Latinx Hispanic Student Union. She will be studying political science and sociology on a pre-law track with aspirations to become an immigration lawyer.
Sebastian Castillo Correa discovered his passion for science and research in high school while exploring different areas of learning. He was a part of the Teen Health Empowerment Council, which encouraged him to engage with peers and advocate for health services for students and any health-related topics. He dreams of being a doctor and will be attending the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities this fall to study neuroscience.
Valentina Hernandez originally hails from Mexico City and has been living in Minnesota for the last six years. She will be attending the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities to study architecture. Valentina is excited by the idea that one day she’ll be able to design spaces where people feel safe, inspired, and able to create meaningful memories. To her, architecture is about more than just constructing buildings—it’s about building dreams and creating spaces that reflect the hard work and identity of those who inhabit them.
Additional Recipients also include Samantha Sumba Sumba, Leyni Yaque Hernandez, and Andrea Ramos Fajardo.
