2024-25 Annual Report
Letter From Our CEO
Dear friends,
It brings me great joy to share this year’s Annual Report, highlighting the remarkable accomplishments, resilience, and determination of Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Scholars and Denver Public Schools (DPS) students. I am deeply grateful for the dedication of DSF staff, board, DSF Alumni, partners, and donors; together with students and DSF Scholars, we are opening doors, broadening horizons, and strengthening Colorado’s talent pipeline along with our shared future.
Last year, DSF served more than 14,000 DPS students at our DSF Future Centers and a growing number of over 2,500 DSF Scholars. We remain committed to partnering with students, not only to and through their college success, but also into meaningful careers. As the job market continues to become more competitive, we know college is only the first step toward economic mobility and leading a life of freedom and choice. Building skills, knowledge, and confidence to successfully transition from education to career continues to be a key focus of our work.
Alongside our district, college, community and corporate partners, we are expanding career and workforce readiness efforts through innovative programming that connects students with real-world information, skills-building, and career opportunities. These connections lead to powerful outcomes as DSF Scholars enter the workforce, contribute to the economy, give back to the community, and establish themselves as influential pillars in the Denver area. Many DSF Alumni also stay connected with DSF as employees, volunteers, mentors, ambassadors, and donors.
As I reflect on the many successes of the past year, I am honored to walk alongside so many incredible students, DSF Scholars, and Alumni on their educational and professional journeys, and I am energized by the passion and commitment of the entire DSF community. Our collective belief in the students and families we serve drives everything we do and inspires us to keep pushing forward, especially in times of uncertainty and challenge.
Thank you for being a key part of the DSF family; our work would not be possible without each of you. Please enjoy the many stories and highlights included in this year’s Annual Report and join us in celebrating each and every success!
With gratitude,
LORII RABINOWITZ
Chief Executive Officer
Denver Scholarship Foundation
Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is a nonprofit helping to make college possible and building the educational and economic future of Denver by collaborating with Denver Public Schools (DPS) high school students, families, and partners statewide to increase access and completion of post-high school learning, while also expanding generational exposure to career and entrepreneurial opportunities.
DSF accomplishes this through its nationally recognized, evidence-based three-part program consisting of support systems, actionable tools, and scholarships to help guide students to lifelong success.
Our Three-Part Approach
Access
Scholarships
Success
DSF Donor Spotlight
Marcia has also given her time on DSF career panels, as a mentor in various DSF programs, and as a long-time advocate of student advancement. At the 10th Annual DSF Gathering of Gratitude, DSF Scholar and CU Boulder student Dahni Austin shared her appreciation for U.S. Bank’s financial support and DSF’s guidance that has helped her navigate her academic path. During the event, Marcia shared how U.S. Bank’s commitment to expanding access to education aligns with helping Denver students achieve career success through storytelling and networking.
College Access
DSF staff operated 15 DSF Future Centers serving Denver Public Schools (DPS) high schools.
55% of all DPS Seniors were served by DSF.
DSF College Advisors worked proactively with over 3,600 high school seniors and their families.
DSF expanded support by serving over 10,600 9th – 11th grade DPS students.
Scholarships
DSF provided scholarships to over 2,500 esteemed and determined DSF Scholars.
DSF provided over $8.9 million in scholarship dollars to graduates of DPS pursuing a college education.
DSF surpassed $81.3 million in total scholarship dollars awarded to over 11,600 DPS graduates since the fall of 2007.
Success
DSF partnered with 30 technical colleges, community colleges, and universities in Colorado to provide on-campus support for DSF Scholars.
On average, as a part of our partnership, each year DSF Scholars receive $3 in additional financial aid from our College Partners for every $1 they receive from DSF.
87% of DSF Scholars were first-generation college students and 92% identified as students of color.
100% of DSF Scholars grew up in moderate to low to moderate-income households.
Community Spotlights
Use the arrows to explore stories on the slides below.
“Polsinelli, PC, my family, and I are proud to stand with DSF. As an alum, I know the power of DSF’s work—walking with Denver students from ninth grade to career. DSF doesn’t just award scholarships; they change trajectories and open doors for first-generation students that might never have existed. Education opens doors and DSF makes it possible for Denver students to achieve their dreams.”
Clement Asante
DSF Alum | DSF Associate Board Chair | Associate, Polsinelli
“I am deeply honored to serve on Denver Scholarship Foundation’s Board of Directors, the transformative power of education is undeniable, and the Foundation’s commitment to unlocking higher education opportunities for Denver’s young people resonates strongly with me.”
Don Daboub
DSF Board Member | SVP of Sales at Entravision
DSF Alum | DSF Campus Advisor at University of Colorado Denver
“As a Denver student, the sooner you start visiting the DSF Future Center and build a relationship with your DSF College Advisor, the sooner they can help you plan for your future. Believe in your potential, and know that there are always resources and people who want to help you, as long as you advocate for yourself and ask for support.”
Jose Santos Navarro Arriola
DSF Alum | Researcher and PhD Student at Harvard University
“RevGen believes in empowering people – our clients, employees, and those within our communities – so that we may all aspire to be more. Our partnership with DSF is a wonderful embodiment of that ethos. We appreciate the collaboration to find meaningful opportunities for employee engagement that are first and foremost of value to DSF staff and students. It is an honor to work alongside DSF to support Denver students along their college and career journeys!”
Lisa Walvoord
Chief of Staff at RevGen
Erick Plata
DSF Scholar at Colorado State University studying Construction Management
Yazmin Atmore
DSF Alum, Artist, Educator and Community Organizer
Dahni Austin
DSF Scholar at University of Colorado Boulder studying Accounting and Real Estate
Financials
Statement of Activities
Support and Revenue
| Gifts & Grants | $10,625,685 |
| Net Investment Income | $3,108,144 |
| Government Grants | $931,510 |
| Special Events Revenue (net) | $764,256 |
| Prosperity Denver Fund | $9,798,590 |
| Other | $197,460 |
| Total Support & Revenue | $25,425,645 |
Expenses
| Scholarships | $9,259,849 |
| Program (Access & Success) | $6,493,918 |
| Fundraising, Marketing, & Communications | $1,207,938 |
| General & Administrative | $2,497,187 |
| Totals | $19,458,892 |
Statement of Financial Position
Assets
| Cash & Cash Equivalents | $2,474,755 |
| Pledge Receivables | $3,522,394 |
| Grant Receivables | $101,319 |
| Investments | $37,975,046 |
| Fixed Assets (net) | $41,015 |
| Other Assets | $1,118,778 |
| Totals | $45,233,307 |
Liabilities & Net Assets
Liabilities
| Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses | $528,675 |
| Deferred Sponsorships & Refundable Advances | $208,654 |
| Lease Liability | $1,060,753 |
| Total Liabilities | $1,798,082 |
Net Assets
| Unrestricted | $5,637,254 |
| Restricted | $37,797,971 |
| Total Net Assets | $43,435,225 |
DSF Staff
Executive Team
Nate Cadena
Chief Impact Officer
Darcy Morel
Chief Development Officer
Lorii Rabinowitz
Chief Executive Officer
Patti Schwartzberg
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
Development
Taylor Atkinson
Donor Relations Manager
Montze Casillas
Events Intern
Cendy De La Torre Gonzalez
Events Manager
Robin DeGrassi James
Director of Development Operations
Sara Golditch
Corporate Relations and Volunteer Manager
Corey Layden
Development Operations Specialist
Kate Lievens
Director of Individual Philanthropy
Becca Orozco
Director of Corporate Relations
Juliana Wierimaa
Director of Events
Marketing and Communications
Angel Campos
Marketing and Communications Intern
Olivia Omega
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Flor Prieto
Social Media & Digital Marketing Intern
Graciela Valencia
Marketing Project Coordinator
Kimberley Villegas
Marketing and Communications Manager
Evan Wilder
Creative Design Manager
Administration
Taylor Circeo
Operations Manager
Anna Gorman
IT Business Analyst
Rigo Hinojos
IT Support Administrator
Adriana Kilday
Salesforce Administrator
Mat Lichini
Director of Finance
Elizabeth Miscles
Accountant
Angrith Na
Director of Data & Evaluation
Nomi Naranbaatar
Salesforce Developer
Maria Rangel Leon
Salesforce Administrator/Business Analyst
Alma Rocha Vasquez
Employee Experience Coordinator
Sara Saucedo
Executive Assistant
Roger Trigo
Assistant Director of People & Culture
Jake Wenger
Director of Information Technology
Patricia Whitehouse
Senior Director of People & Culture
Program
Lidia Alvarez
Success Partnership Manager
Renae Bellew
Senior Program Director
Danté Bills
Assistant Director of Access
Ryan Burton
Executive Doctoral Resident
Emily Carlson
Program Coordinator
Ashton Clouse
Director of College Success
Natasha Garfield
Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid
Gabe Guindon
Director of College Access
B.J. Layman
Assistant Director of Advisement
Stephanie López
Success Program Manager
Diana Madriz
Assistant Director of College Access
Kevin McNulty
Assistant Director of Career & Applied Pathways
Anitra Montoya
Re-engagement Manager
Breanna Murphy
Scholarship Data Specialist
Christian Muñoz
Program Advisor
Keiry Sosa Velazquez
Scholarship Program Specialist
Ben Stevens
Scholarship Program Manager
Steph Yazell
Assistant Director of Success Advisement
Campus Advisors
Alyssa Diaz
Campus Advisor, University of Colorado Denver
Maria Finan
Lead Campus Advisor, University of Colorado Denver
Ona Fisher
Campus Advisor, Community College of Denver
Cynthia Gallegos
Campus Advisor, Community College of Denver
Ale Gutierrez
Campus Advisor, University of Colorado Denver
Citlalith Medrano
Campus Advisor, Community College of Denver
Elynn Price
Lead Campus Advisor, Community College of Denver & University of Colorado Denver
Steph Saenz
Campus Advisor, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Liz Taylor
Lead Campus Advisor, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denisse Villalba
Campus Advisor, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Jesus Yañez
Campus Advisor, Metropolitan State University of Denver
College Advisors
Leslie Andrade
College Advisor, Northfield High School
Alyssa Baker
College Advisor, Thomas Jefferson High School
Miguel Bañuelos-Garcia
College Advisor, John F. Kennedy High School
Kenny Boettcher
College Advisor, Northeast Early College
Yesenia Bonilla-Cardenas
College Advisor, Northeast Early College
Katie Damas
College Advisor, John F. Kennedy High School
Gabriela Delgado
College Advisor, Montbello High School
Juan Estrada
College Advisor, George Washington High School
Ali Klein
College Advisor, South High School
Michele Lopez
College Advisor, North High School
Angelica Lopez-Rodriguez
College Advisor, Bruce Randolph School
Patton Lowell
College Advisor, South High School
Joselyn Loya Acosta
College Advisor, Abraham Lincoln High School
Caitlin Mendenhall
College Advisor, East High School
Ambria Merriex
College Advisor, East High School
Hannah Minturn
College Advisor, George Washington High School
Zack Montez
Lead College Advisor, Northfield High School
Christina Mulé
College Advisor, Bruce Randolph School & Manual High School
Yesenia Ortiz
College Advisor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College
Araceli Palacios
College Advisor, Montbello High School
Claudia Quiroz
College Advisor, Abraham Lincoln High School
Federico Rangel
Lead College Advisor, West High School
Esmeralda Rodriguez
Lead College Advisor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College
Marcela Rodriguez-Campos
College Advisor, CEC Early College
Victor Sandoval
College Advisor, West High School
Zulema Sierra
Lead College Advisor, North High School
Chiara Spavieri
College Advisor, Manual High School
Emily Webster
Lead College Advisor, Thomas Jefferson High School
Emily Weiss
Lead College Advisor, CEC Early College
TRIO Talent Search
Ismael Garcia
Assistant Director of TRIO
Denise Kupetz
TRIO Operations Specialist
Ivan Montes
Assistant Director of TRIO
Jose Olivo
Director of TRIO Talent Search
Derrek Sandoval
Assistant Director of TRIO
DSF Board
Luella Chavez D’Angelo
Chair
Senior Advisor, Lee Hecht Harrison
Katie L. MacWilliams
Treasurer
Community Volunteer
John A. Elofson
Secretary
Partner, Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP
Steve E. Abelman
Shareholder, Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber, Schreck
Maria G. Arias
Principal, Maria Arias Solutions
Andy Boian
Founder & CEO, dovetail solutions
Tom F. Brady
Professor of Practice in Mineral Economics, Colorado School of Mines
David Brewster
Associate Board Chair
Attorney, Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC
Daniel Brown
Delivery Executive, Customer Success Services, SAP
Denise Burgess
President & CEO, Burgess Services
Stacy Carpenter
Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig
Jennifer Cmil
Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Newmont
Jason Clark
Director, D&I Strategy & Business Partner, Charles Schwab
Jonathan Coleman
Portfolio Manager, Janus Henderson
Luis A. Colón
Chief Financial Officer, Colorado Judicial Branch
James Cousin
CFO & Chief Diversity Officer, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
Don Daboub
SVP of Sales, Entravision
Bob F. Deibel
Owner/Shareholder, Jupiter Consolidated Group
Barry Dorfman
President, Rocky Mountain Region, Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc.
Cathey M. Finlon
Retired CEO & Chair, McClain Finlon
Alberto Garcia
Government & Community Affairs Manager, Google Fiber
Lynn M. Gangone
Retired President & CEO, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
John J. Hanley
Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Marisa Hudson Arney
Attorney, Condit Csajaghy LLC
John A. Ikard
Retired CEO, FirstBank Holding Company
Afsoon Kelly
Treasurer, The Anschutz Corporation, The Anschutz Foundation
Steve Krom
SVP of Marketing and Sales West Division, Comcast
Tiphani Krueger
Executive Counselor, McLean & Company
Sandi Lewis
Board Member
Andy Miller
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Copley Equity Partners LLC
R. Scott Nycum, Jr.
Retired Vice Chairman, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Betsy Rodriguez
Retired SVP & Chief Human Resource Officer, Children’s Hospital Colorado
Bill Ryan
Retired Director, Colorado State Land Board
Ryan Tobin
Market President for the Greater Denver Market, CommonSpirit
Anne Trujillo
Retired News Anchor, Denver7
Danny Wetmore
Vice President, Operations Innovation, DaVita
DSF Associate Board
David Brewster
Chair
Attorney, Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC
Clement Asante
Chair-Elect
Associate, Polsinelli
HuyenThi Le
Chair Emeritus
Independent Mortgage Broker, Industry Home Mortgage
Michael Kelly
Community Engagement Committee Chair
Relationship Manager – AVP – Front Range Business Banking, Vectra Bank Colorado
Amber Conn
Community Engagement Committee Chair-Elect
Investor Relations Coordinator, Liberty Media
Brian Dorfman
Nominations Committee Chair
Vice President Operations at PropX, Liberty Energy
Hannah Koutrouvelis
Nominations Committee Chair-Elect
Staff Counsel, Resource Capital Funds
Julia Bremer
Social Committee Chair
Assurance Manager, DaVita
Bola Adeyeye
Production Engineering Manager, Antero Resources
Daniella Branger
Business Banking Sales Manager, US Bank
Abby Brown
Strategy & Analytics Senior Consultant, Deloitte Consulting
Jenna Case
Technical Software Engineer, MindCloud
Emmanuel Dominguez
Senior Loan Officer, Supreme Lending
Arnold Fernandez
Senior Investment Associate, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Tyler Gamble
Strategic Initiatives Manager, The ZOMA Foundation
Maureen “Mo” McDonald
Sr. Project Manager, DaVita
Joe Miller
Founder & Managing Partner, Flatiron Search Partners
Joe Newswander
Assistant Principal, Erie High School
Lynn Ngo
Commercial Loan Officer, Redstone Bank
Sav Pillay
Head of Strategy and Operations, Fountain
Alana Plaus
Senior Associate, GBSM, Inc.
Carmen Robinson, MSN, RN
Director of Business Development and Strategy
Colorado Cardiac CPR & First Aid Training
Joe Stork
Portfolio Manager, Bow River Capital
Brittany Thomas
Manager, Client Delivery, RevGen Partners
Jeff Wulliman
Project Manager, Muller Engineering Company, Inc
Maria Yarbough
Vice President Investment Advisor, PNC Bank
Alumni Advisory Committee
Mattias Assefa
Co-Chair
Healthcare Actuarial Associate, Willis Towers Watson
Jasmine Villalobos-Valles
Co-Chair
Coordinator Scholarship, Leadership, and Community Partner Programs for Scholarship Support, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Perla Bustillos
Parliamentarian
CEO & Project Manager, Inspirada Co.
Keema Ebong
Social Media Chair
Digital Marketer
Amodj Manga
Mentorship Program Chair
Court Operations Analyst, Denver District Court
Elvis Molina
Treasurer
Network Implementation Engineer 2, Lumen
Dirza Pedroza Ceballos
Social Chair
Creative Content Manager, DSST Public Schools
Graciela Valencia
Secretary
Marketing Project Coordinator, Denver Scholarship Foundation
Bintou Diallo
Senior Associate Analyst, Infosys Limited
Rosaisela Hernandez
Admissions Counselor, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Dunya Jimma
Accounting Manager, YES! Communities
Tifany Quinonez
Senior Auditor, Crowe, LLP
Alejandro Reyes Juarez
Community Member
Fabian Reyes Juarez
Assistant Field Manager, Shea Homes
Jeri Romero
Community Member
Ge’Swan Swanson
Enrollment Services Specialist, University of Colorado Denver
Brandon Tate
Candidate for CFP© Certification, Charles Schwab
Jesus Terrones-Pulido
Engagement Specialist, Kaiser Permanente
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