Celebrating 20 Years of Impact at the DSF 20th Anniversary Gala

On October 16, Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) celebrated 20 years of impact, opportunity, and community at the 2026 DSF 20th Anniversary Gala. It was an unforgettable evening honoring the students, families, DSF Scholars and Alumni, partners, supporters, and champions whose collective commitment has helped generations of Denver Public Schools (DPS) students navigate pathways to college completion, career success, and lives filled with opportunity. 

Over the past two decades, DSF has grown from a promise to Denver students into a community that has supported thousands of DPS students, DSF Scholars and Alumni. What began in 2006 as a vision to help make college possible has evolved into a network of support that helps students access financial resources, career connections, and the guidance needed to succeed long after graduation.  

To commemorate this milestone, guests reflected on DSF’s history and future through a special film featuring the visionaries who helped launch the organization and the promise that continues to transform lives today. Their stories remind us that investing in students creates ripple effects that strengthen families, employers, and the entire Denver community. Watch DSF Founders Video! 

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was seeing DSF Scholars and Alumni gathered alongside community leaders, partners, and supporters. Year after year, connections made through DSF lead to internships, mentorships, jobs, and opportunities that help students take the next step toward their goals. 

As we celebrate two decades of impact, we are also looking ahead. Together, we are building pathways that help students achieve their aspirations while strengthening our community for generations to come. 

Full Circle Moments for DSF Alumni  

Throughout the evening, we reconnected with DSF Alumni who shared how DSF support has shaped their lives, careers, and communities. From career growth to community leadership, their stories show what is possible when students connect with resources, opportunities, and a network that believes in their success. Hear from Cara Faliano, Amy Faliano Hamil, Tyler Jones, Lazarus West, and Efrem Woldu as they reflect on their journeys and the lasting impact of the DSF in their community. Watch their stories!  

Generational Impact for DSF Alumni 

The impact of a college degree doesn’t stop with one individual. It creates opportunities that extend to families, future generations, and entire communities. The DSF community was inspired by the stories of Dr. Adella Arredondo, TeRay Esquibel, and Ambria Merriex, whose experiences illustrate the power of education and the ripple effect that creates generational impact and opens doors to new possibilities. These DSF Alumni remind us that when we invest in students, we invest in their families, the workforce, our strong community, and Denver’s future. Watch their stories!  

Honoring Our 2026 Partners of the Year

From left to right: DSF Board Chair Daniel Brown; Liz Jeralds, Denver Broncos Foundation; Dr. Terri Richardson, Colorado Black Health Collaborative; Charlene West, DPS Career Navigators; Chancellor Ken Christensen, CU Denver; and DSF CEO Lorii Rabinowitz

DSF was proud to recognize our 2026 Partners of the Year for their outstanding commitment to student success through innovation and collaboration: 

• DSF College Partner of the Year: University of Colorado Denver 

• DSF District Partner of the Year: DPS Career Navigators 

• DSF Community Partners of the Year: Colorado Black Health Collaborative and Denver Broncos Foundation 

Their partnership expands access to education, career connections, and critical support for the students and families we serve. Nominated and selected by DSF staff, they exemplify the transformative power of partnerships as we celebrate our collective impact and look toward the future.

Unveiling our Brand Evolution 

The celebration concluded with DSF Scholars, Alumni, supporters, and community members gathering for a silent disco, 360 photo booths, and late-night snacks, filling the room with joy, connection, and excitement for the future. 

The evening also marked another important milestone as DSF unveiled a refreshed logo, mission, and vision that reflects the growth of our services, who we are today and where we are going. 

Twenty years is more than a milestone. It is a moment to celebrate the students who inspire us, honor the supporters who have stood beside us, and recommit ourselves to creating opportunities for generations to come. Inspired by the shape of a graduation cap, our new logo represents both student success and the journey to achieve it. The open pathway symbolizes opportunity and endless possibility, while the multiple stripes reflect the many educational paths students may choose to pursue. Its forward and upward movement speaks to growth, achievement, and momentum. 

Rooted in DSF’s belief that every student’s journey is unique, this refreshed identity honors our history, reflects our present, and reinforces our commitment to helping students navigate the path that is right for them as we create opportunities for generations to come. 

Help Build the Next 20 Years of DSF 

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, this year’s gala raised more than $1 million to support DPS students, DSF Scholars, Alumni, and their families. 

Today, we invite you to give in honor of our anniversary! Every gift, at any level, creates pathways for students and DSF Scholars as they navigate and reach their dreams. Your gift tonight may be further matched by COSI Achieve, a statewide program administered by the Colorado Department of Higher Education. And your gift tonight will additionally be multiplied to serve even more local students with thanks to the long-standing, Denver voter approved, Prosperity Denver Fund.  

Donate today and help build what’s next for Denver students.

On behalf of the entire DSF community, thank you for believing in our students and investing in their futures. As we honor the past 20 years, we look forward to continuing this journey together and writing the next chapter of the DSF story. 

DSF Scholars and Alumni posing with DSF Mascot Future

With Gratitude  

The DSF 20th Anniversary Gala’s success would not have been possible without our community’s extraordinary generosity, leadership, and dedication. 

DSF extends heartfelt gratitude to our 2026 DSF 20th Anniversary Gala sponsors, whose investment helps create opportunities for Denver students and families. We also thank our dedicated Gala Event Committee, co-chaired by Denise Burgess and Maya Opati, for their vision and commitment in making this milestone celebration possible. 

We are deeply grateful to our DSF Board of Directors, led by Board Chair Daniel Brown; our DSF Associate Board, led by Associate Board Chair Amber Conn; and our DSF Alumni Advisory Committee, led by Perla Bustillos and Brandon Tate, for their leadership and unwavering support of our mission. 

A special thank you to our incredible emcees, Micah Smith, Denver7 Anchor and Social Equity Reporter, and Angelo “DJ Lo” Fajardo, proud DSF Alum, whose energy and passion helped make the evening truly memorable. 

Together, these leaders, partners, volunteers, and supporters embody the community that has helped shape 20 years of DSF‘s shared impact and will continue to help us build what’s next. 

Here’s to the next 20 years of opportunity, achievement, and generational impact.