Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) recently hosted the Gathering of Gratitude Breakfast and 9th Annual Scholar Summit, bringing DSF Scholars and Alumni, Named Scholarship Donors, and dedicated supporters together. Held on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Auraria Campus, this event is designed to help DSF Scholars and Alumni grow their personal and professional skills while making meaningful connections with other DSF Scholars and Alumni.
Guided by this year’s conference theme, Collective Impact, sessions throughout the day equipped DSF Scholars and Alumni with tools and resources to take action for collective change, understand how our actions lead to impact, and draw inspiration from community members paving the way. Â
This year we surpass our attendance record, with a remarkable turnout of 265 attendees, among them were our 187 DSF Scholars and Alumni, alongside DSF Named Scholarship Donors, DSF Board and Associate Board Members, DSF Alumni Advisory Committee members, Corporate Partners and dedicated DSF staff. Â
TeRay Esquibel 9th Annual DSF Scholar Summit Keynote Speaker
A highlight of the day was our keynote speaker TeRay Esquibel, DSF and DPS alum, from Ednium: The Alumni Collective, who shared his story, lived experiences, and the impactful work of Ednium. TeRay invited and inspired DSF Scholars and Alumni to action urging them to leverage their voices to get involved in their communities by honoring and amplifying their voices to enact systemic changes.Â
Daniela Ibarra, Maria Finan, Future and Katie Damas
Furthermore, attendees had the opportunity and privilege to listen to DSF Scholar supported by the Janus Henderson Scholarship, Daniela Ibarra, who shared her college journey as a first-generation student while relying on the support of her DSF College Advisor Katie Damas and DSF Campus Advisor Maria Finan to help navigate the higher education system and achieve her goals. Demesha Hill, head of diversity and community relations from Janus Henderson, also shared their commitment and engagement in supporting DSF and the Denver community. Â
The success of this event was a testament to the unwavering support of all attendees, volunteers, and panelists who contributed their time, expertise and enthusiasm. As the day concluded, we can’t wait for the 10th annual Scholar Summit next year, a promising even greater impact and celebration of achievements yet to come. Â
