2022-23 Annual Report
Letter From Our CEO
Dear friends,
Our last fiscal year was one of significant growth and success for the DSF community, and I am excited to share this Annual Report with each of you, as such an important part of it. As I reflect on the past year, I am humbled by the dedication and hard work of the DSF Scholars and Denver Public Schools (DPS) students we serve and the tireless effort of staff, alumni, donors, and partners. We so greatly appreciate your efforts and investment in the thousands of Denver students and families impacted by our collaborative work. Your commitment makes a meaningful difference as our students pursue their postsecondary pathways and embrace their unlimited potential.Â
In 2022-2023, DSF awarded scholarships and provided support services to over 2,070 DSF Scholars, the highest number since our inception in 2006! Of the most recent six-year cohort of DSF Scholars, 81% have either completed their college degree or certificate or are continuing to persist in their postsecondary education, far exceeding comparable national data. Our College Access program for DPS high school students continues to have a strong impact on these metrics, as college enrollment rates at high schools with a DSF Future Center are outpacing enrollment rates for the school district as a whole. Â
We opened our 15th DSF Future Center, and successfully raised funds to support program expansion to all grade levels at all DSF Future Centers. In 2022-2023, College Access programming was offered to 9-12 grade students at 11 of our 15 DSF Future Centers, and we completed this expansion at the remaining four Future Centers in fall 2023.Â
DSF continues to strive to co-create a work environment that celebrates individual voices, backgrounds, identities, and unique attributes alongside the strength of the collaborative, always honoring both lived and professional experience as expertise. Last fiscal year, staff retention was an incredible 86% (a 34% increase over the previous year), we grew by 17% to 81 employees, and 11% of staff received much-deserved promotions. We are honored to have been named one of Colorado’s Top Workplaces in four of the last five years, a recognition based solely on independent, anonymous employee feedback and engagement survey results.Â
These exciting achievements would not have been possible without the collective efforts of the entire DSF community, and we are so thankful for your commitment to our organization, DSF Scholars, and our programs. We look forward to continued success as we work alongside thousands of Denver students and DPS graduates in their college journeys!Â
I encourage you to spend time perusing this year’s Annual Report which is filled with notable highlights and inspiring stories of our students, programs, and partners, and I thank you all for your dedication and never-ending devotion to our mission!Â
With gratitude,
LORII RABINOWITZ
Chief Executive Officer
Denver Scholarship Foundation
Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) is a nonprofit making college possible and building the educational and economic future of Denver by collaborating with Denver Public Schools high school students, families, and partners statewide to increase access and completion of post-high school learning and expand 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
College Access
Our full-time DSF College Advisors work proactively with DPS 9th-12th graders at our DSF Future Centers located inside DPS high schools.
Scholarships
We award need-based scholarships to DPS graduates attending a technical college, community college, or university in Colorado.
Success
We partner with colleges in Colorado to provide our scholarship recipients with ongoing support to help them succeed through college, career and beyond.
DSF Founder’s Story
DSF was founded based on wide recognition that DPS students face multiple barriers to completing a post-secondary degree. In 2006, philanthropists Tim and Bernadette Marquez pledged $50 million in the form of a challenge grant. As a Lincoln High School graduate, Tim felt called to make a long-lasting impact on DPS students for generations to come. This challenge catalyzed the creation of a comprehensive program to support DPS students in completing high school and obtaining a higher education degree.
Watch the short documentary below to hear from our founders.
College Access
DSF staff operated 15 DSF Future Centers serving Denver Public Schools high schools.
59% of all DPS Seniors were served by DSF.
DSF College Advisors worked proactively with over 3,500 high school seniors and their families.
DSF expanded support by serving over 5,800 9th – 11th grade DPS students.
Dsf scholar, Alumni, and staff pay it forward
DSF Scholar Sydnee Scadden, DSF Alum and current staff member Derrek Sandoval, and DSF senior program director Renae Bellew pay it forward with a commitment towards expanding college access. Navigating the complex college-going process can be daunting, but thanks to the help of DSF, Sydnee, and Derrek applied to college and scholarships and successfully enrolled. Guided by Derrek’s DSF College Advisor, Renae, he discovered his passion for assisting students with their higher education journeys and being the next Renae. Sydnee is graduating from Colorado State University with a business degree with no student debt. DSF has helped to make this possible, allowing many students to have a life of choice and freedom.
Scholarships
DSF provided over 2,000Â scholarships to esteemed and determined DSF Scholars in Denver.
DSF provided $7.1 million in scholarship dollars to graduates of Denver Public Schools pursuing a college education.
DSF surpassed $65 million in total scholarships awarded to over 9,800Â Denver Public Schools graduates since the fall of 2007.
DSF Scholar’s College Path Shaped by Family
Growing up in a Thailand refugee camp and with her father being the camp’s security guard, DSF Scholar Redar Moo was inspired to pursue a criminology and criminal justice degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She graduated from South High School and continued her educational journey at Community College of Aurora, then transferred to MSU Denver, with all her tuition covered by financial awards, including the DSF Scholarship. As a first-generation college student and DSF Scholar, Redar relied on the guidance and support from DSF to continue to reach her dreams.Â
Success
DSF partners with 31 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.
making history and fulfilling her dreams
DSF Alum Camille Moore, East High School, University of Colorado Boulder and University of Denver graduate, prepares to take her bar exam while mentoring other future lawyers. As a first-generation graduate, Camille continues to rely on the support of mentors and organizations like DSF to be successful in her career. She is the first Black person to become president of DU’s Student Bar Association and is an inspiration to her community and family, a responsibility that she does not take lightly. Camille sees herself as a U.S. Senator and her goal is to be a lawyer while serving on different foundation boards to help students know their potential.Â
Community Spotlights
Use the arrows to explore stories on the slides below.
“Having immigrated from Vietnam at a young age, attended Denver Public Schools K-12, and proudly graduated from John F. Kennedy High School, my commitment to our community and passion for education has fueled my active involvement with DSF. It’s an honor and privilege to serve on such a dynamic and vibrant board as the DSF Associate Board chair that supports Denver Public Schools students and provides the resources needed for students to be successful in their educational journey and beyond while continuing to serve the Denver community.”
Huyen Thi Le
Lead Mortgage Broker,
Industry Home Mortgage, DSF Associate Board Chair
“It has been a blessing to have DSF to help support our students and their families. Without DSF our ability to help our students reach their post-secondary goals would be diminished. DSF has been a true partner to our School Counselors and each DSF representative I have served with has been professional, knowledgeable and wholly committed to caring for and serving our students.”
Hap Legg
College Readiness Coordinator,
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College
“The Better Business Bureau Foundation is proud of our long-standing partnership with DSF and collaboration to influence our community’s future business leaders. Because BBB is committed to raising the ethical workforce of tomorrow and DSF is one of the premier leaders in Denver making college possible for students, our missions are aligned and poised to achieve high impact. And we are honored to have this outstanding support and a strong partner in DSF to help our local students achieve success.”
Meghan Compton
Foundation Manager, Better Business Bureau
“I am honored to support an organization that impacts the lives of future generations. Every day, there is an opportunity to make college accessible to all. For every Denver student impacted, an additional family is also changed forever.”
Luella Chavez D’Angelo
Senior Advisor, Lee Hecht Harrison, DSF Board Chair
“I’m grateful for the privilege of being included in student’s college journeys every day. I work closely with DSF’s Leadership Program, and collaborate with DSF Campus Advisors, while celebrating students’ successes every day!”
Lauren Koppel
Associate Director of Scholarship Support and Retention, Metropolitan State University of Denver
“As a first-generation and undocumented student, I did not think many opportunities were available and thought resources were limited. My DSF College Advisor opened my horizons in many ways, which is a great metaphor for DSF: it opens doors and unlocks horizons for students who do not know their possibilities.
Brayan Montes
DSF Alum, Artist & Owner of YAMZ World
“I had the privilege of being part of DSF’s very first graduating class of 2007! As a first-generation college grad attending South High School and CU Denver, my first-hand experience has allowed me to witness the profound impact DSF is making in the community. By offering diverse college and career pathways, DSF is providing students with the resources to embark on different pathways of choice. As these students return to Denver, they enrich their own lives, their families, and the overall Denver community for generations to come.”
Alma Rocha Vasquez
DSF Alum, DSF Employee Experience Coordinator
“DSF played an immense role in providing more financial stability and allowing me to add a real state minor. As a DSF Scholar, I had the opportunity to join a lot of networking opportunities like the DSF Gala. The exposure to DSF Alumni and community leaders allowed me to dream bigger. I also appreciated the support of my DSF Mentor Assael Ramirez.”
Oliver Martinez-Reyes
DSF Alum, Senior Auditor at The Walt Disney Company
Financials
Statement of Activities
Support and Revenue
| Gifts & Grants | $8,675,691 |
| Net Investment Income | Â $2,871,590 |
| Government Grants | Â $804,032 |
| Special Events Revenue (net) | Â $1,076,655 |
| Prosperity Denver Fund | Â $4,589,883 |
| Other | Â $153,912 |
| Total Support & Revenue | Â $18,171,763 |
Expenses
| Scholarships | $7,723,437 |
| Program (Access & Success) | Â $5,456,698 |
| Fundraising, Marketing, & Communications | Â $1,250,735 |
| General & Administrative | Â $1,791,189 |
| Totals | Â $16,222,059 |
Statement of Financial Position
Assets
| Cash & Cash Equivalents | $3,671,700 |
| Pledge Receivables | Â $2,087,375 |
| Investments | Â $30,020,577 |
| Fixed Assets (net) | Â $76,114 |
| Other Assets | 1,589,965 |
| Totals | Â $37,445,731 |
Liabilities & Net Assets
Liabilities
| Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses | $417,961 |
| Deferred Sponsorships & Refundable Advances | Â $408,750 |
| Lease Liability | Â $1,426,104 |
| Total Liabilities | Â $2,252,815 |
Net Assets
| Unrestricted | $3,673,735 |
| Restricted | Â $31,519,181 |
| Total Net Assets | Â $35,192,916 |
DSF Staff
Executive Team
Nate Cadena
Chief Operating Officer
Erin Henninger
Chief Development Officer
Lorii Rabinowitz
Chief Executive Officer
Patricia Schwartzberg
Chief Financial Officer
Administration
Taylor Circeo
Operations Manager
Rachel Hull
Information Technology Support Administrator
Elizabeth Miscles Redin
Accountant
Angrith Na
Director of Data & Evaluation
Maria Rangel Leon
Salesforce Administrator/Business Analyst
Alma Rocha Vasquez
Employee Experience Coordinator
Sara Saucedo
Executive Assistant
Andy Tucker
Director of Finance
Jake Wenger
Director of Technology
Patricia Whitehouse
Senior Director of People & Culture
Campus Advisors
Alyssa Diaz
Campus Advisor
Maria Finan
Lead Campus Advisor
Cynthia Gallegos
Campus Advisor
Andrea Harris
Campus Advisor
Kevin McNulty
Campus Advisor
Anitra Montoya
Lead Campus Advisor
Elynn Price
Campus Advisor
Xochitl Ramirez Amaro
Campus Advisor
Elizabeth Taylor
Campus Advisor
Denisse Villalba
Campus Advisor
College Advisors
Juan Aguilar-Estrada
College Advisor
Lisa Atufunwa
College Advisor
Miguel Banuelos-Garcia
College Advisor
Emily Carlson
College Advisor
Katie Damas
College Advisor
Stephanie Dewald
College Advisor
Kayla Holmes
College Advisor
Elijah Huff
College Advisor
Angelica Lopez-Rodriguez
College Advisor
Patton Lowell
College Advisor
Joselyn Loya Acosta
College Advisor
Meg Malsam
College Advisor
Ambria Merriex
College Advisor
Hannah Minturn
College Advisor
Zachary Montez
Lead College Advisor
Anjelique Morine
College Advisor
Federico Rangel
Lead College Advisor
Esmeralda Rodriguez
Lead Advisor
Isabel Romero
College Advisor
Zulema Sierra
Lead College Advisor
Chiara Spavieri
College Advisor
Emily Webster
Lead Advisor
Emily Weiss
Lead College Advisor
Development
Taylor Atkinson
Donor Relations Manager
Cendy De La Torre Gonzalez
Events Manager
Robin DeGrassi James
Director of Development Operations
Laura Gabbay
Director of Major Gifts
Sara Golditch
Corporate Relations and Volunteer Manager
Rebecca Orozco
Director of Corporate Relations
Corey Steagall
Development Coordinator
Juliana Wierimaa
Director of Events
Marketing and Communications
Olivia Omega
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Graciela Valencia
Marketing Project Coordinator
Kimberley Villegas
Marketing and Communications Manager
Evan Wilder
Graphic Designer
Program
Lidia Alvarez
Success Partnership Manager
Renae Bellew
Sr. Program Director
Ashton Clouse
Director of College Success
Natasha Garfield
Director of Scholarships
Gabriel Guindon
Director of College Access
B.J. Layman
Assistant Director of Advisement
Stephanie Lopez
Success Program Manager
Diana Madriz
Assistant Director of College Access
Dalia Posada
Scholarship Data Specialist
Benjamin Stevens
Scholarship Program Manager
Stephanie Yazell
Assistant Director of Success Advisement
TRIO Talent Search
Ismael Garcia
Assistant Director of TRIO
Alejandra Gutierrez
College Advisor
Denise Kupetz
College Advisor
Michele Lopez
College Advisor
Gabriela Molinar-Castillo
College Advisor
Ivan Montes
Assistant Director of TRIO
Jose Olivo
Director of TRIO Talent Search
Derrek Sandoval
Assistant Director of TRIO
DSF Board
Bob F. Deibel
Outgoing Chair
Board of Directors
Slate, an elements studio
Luella Chavez D’Angelo
Incoming Chair
Senior Advisor | Executive Coach
Lee Hecht Harrison
Katie L. MacWilliams
Treasurer
Community Volunteer
John A. Elofson
Secretary
Partner, Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP
Steven E. Abelman
Shareholder, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Maria G. Arias
Principal, Maria Arias Solutions
Laurie Barela
Founder & CEO, Vargas Wealth Management
Seth R. Belzley
Partner, Holland & Knight LLP
Andy Boian
Founder & CEO, dovetail solutions
Albus Brooks
Shareholder & Vice President, Milender White
Thomas F. Brady
Professor of Practice in Mineral Economics, Colorado School of Mines
Daniel C. Brown
Senior Director of EMPO & Chief of Staff, Xcel Energy
Denise Burgess
President & CEO, Burgess Services
Stacy Carpenter
Shareholder, Chair
Commercial Litigation Practice Group, Polsinelli
Jason Clark
Associate Board Chair
Diversity Business Partner, Charles Schwab
Jonathan Coleman
Portfolio Manager, Janus Henderson
Luis A. ColĂłn
Chief Administrative Officer, History Colorado
Shannon Connery
Psychologist
James Cousin
CFO & Chief Diversity Officer, AORN
Barry Dorfman
President, Rocky Mountain Region, Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc.
Cathey M. Finlon
Retired CEO & Chair, McClain Finlon
John J. Hanley
Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Marisa Hudson Arney
Attorney, Condit Csajaghy LLC
John A. Ikard
Chairman, FirstBank Holding Company
Steve Krom
SVP of Marketing and Sales West Division, Comcast
Sandi Lewis
Interim General Manager, ColdAtom Tech, ColdQuanta
Andy Miller
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Copley Equity Partners LLC
Lisa Neal-Graves
CEO, Aurora Wellness Community
R. Scott Nycum
Retired Vice Chairman, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Beth Perez
Vice President, Hospital Services Group, DaVita
Jennifer Sobanet
Chancellor, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Ryan Tobin
CEO, Swedish Medical Center,HealthONE
Anne Trujillo
Retired News Anchor, Denver7 News
Danny Wetmore
Vice President, Operations Innovation, DaVita
DSF Associate Board
Daniella Branger
David Brewster
Jason Clark
Amber Conn
Arnold Fernandez
Briana Fernandez Luna
Dani Fleming
Isabella Harrison
Jen Hornemann
Michael Kelly
HuyenThi Le
Jessica Leary
Julia Marone
Sibylle Miller
Joe Newswander
Hannah Williams
Ashley Wilson
Juliana Wierimaa
Sara Golditch
Becca Orozco
Alumni Advisory Committee
Bintou Diallo
Co-Chair
Elvis Molina
Co-Chair
Mattias Assefa
Ousman Ba
Amodj Manga
Jeri Salas
Brandon Tate
Jesus Terrones-Pulido
Graciela Valencia
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