2024 LULAC Lambda Scholarship

LULAC Lambda proudly presents its 2024 Scholarship Awards to Xiomara N. Jean-Louis and Rodrigo Velasco-Hernandez.

Xiomara N. Jean-Louis

Xiomara has been active in the sustainable development and policy space, concentrating on finance reform in Africa and the Caribbean. 

A Department of Science and Technology Studies, professor and graduate program Director, described Xiomara, “An undergraduate student working at a level beyond most, if not all, doctoral students, outshining her peers both in terms of her detailed philosophical style of argumentation and theoretical engagement. Her cogent, articulate, and, above all, critical presentations were exceedingly thorough in all respects.”

An Author, Publicist, and Presenter of doctoral level papers, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute:

·  Repairing Adversarial Relationships: Defining Opportunities for Reciprocity and Movement-Building in Degrowth

·  Recovering the Trust of a Nation: Revisiting Fanon in the Fight for a Cholera-free Haiti

(That would be Frantz Omar Fanon – political philosopher who’s works have become influential in the fields of post-colonial studies and critical theory)

·  Haiti is Dead and God Killed Her: Resilient Theologies and Applications of Postcolonial Thought

Demonstrating a deep commitment to education and strength of character in overcoming adversity, Xiomara is the recipient of numerous awards and recognition for being committed in the struggle against heteronormativity and for queer, trans and non-normative modes of living and expression.

Xiomara is a promising student who is motivated to use her educational experiences to contribute to LGBTQ+ and Caribbean economic history as well as sustainable development projects. She will be a change maker.

Xiomara plans on using this scholarship to continue her graduate studies, a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Social Policy at George Washington University, Washington, DC 

Xiomara possesses an unusual maturity and stability at a time when many are discovering the limits of resilience. 

Rodrigo Velasco-Hernandez 

Rodrigo is a firm believer in the transformational potential of education. That every child deserves the opportunity to pursue their aspirations, regardless of their circumstances. 

Rodrigo’s goal is clear: to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in Education Studies at American University, Washington, DC, followed by a master’s degree in public administration with a focus on non-profit management. 

Rodrigo shared, “This scholarship will enable me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies and extracurricular activities, including internships and volunteer work, that will further prepare me for a career dedicated to empowering others through education …contributing to the collective effort of breaking down barriers and creating a more equitable society.”

Rodrigo is currently:

·  Vice President, American University First-Generation Student Union,collaborating with university administration and external organizations to secure funding and resources for creating a living-learning community for first-generation students.

·  Vice President, American University Tri-Alpha First Generation Honor Society, spearheading initiatives to support and mentor first-generation college students to increase student retention and engagement creating academic and professional development programs and skill building workshops.

Rodrigo aspires to work in the nonprofit sector, particularly in education where his mission is to empower as many students as possible to realize their full potential. As proof of this, he is:

·  A Virtual Advising Fellow for Matriculate, an educational nonprofit dedicated to helping high-achieving, low income high-school students by pairing them with mentors to assist them throughout the college application process. 

Rodrigo closes with this, “I plan to continue this line of work after graduation as its rewarding to see other young Latinx students feel seen and heard and help them live out their ancestor’s wildest dreams.”

He particularly embodies one of the tenets of this scholarship program. Rodrigowants to be a catalyst of change within the nonprofit landscape, dismantling barriers and creating pathways to success for all students.  

The next LULAC Lambda DC Scholarship application will open January 1, 2025. The scholarship committee will review academic performance as well as the student’s extracurricular work in social justice and meaningful community service accomplishments in the Latinx and/or LGBTQ+ community.  

Important Information:

• For more information, contact Michael Ramirez, Scholarship Committee Chair, at dclonghorns@yahoo.com
• To make a donation, send contributions via Venmo to @LULAC11125 or CashApp $LULAC11125