Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) proudly marked the 11th Annual Scholar Summit and Gathering of Gratitude Breakfast, bringing DSF Scholars and Alumni, Named Scholarship Donors, Board and Associate Board Members, as well as DSF Alumni Advisory Committee members, DSF Staff, Corporate Partners, and community champions. Held in early March on the Auraria Campus, the event reflected the power of community in action and created space for Denver students to grow, connect, and step boldly into their futures. Special thanks to our sponsors, Verizon and The Colorado Trust for investing in this day.
From right to left, Lorii Rabinowitz CEO of DSF and DSF Scholar Josiah Gordon
The morning began with the DSF Gathering of Gratitude Breakfast with a powerful story from DSF Scholar Josiah Gordon supported by HCA HealthOne, who is pursuing a path to become a doctor at the University of Colorado Boulder. Josiah journey was not as linear when he was at Thomas Jefferson High School (TJ) a promising basketball career ended abruptly after an injury. While it felt like a crisis to him, it paved the way for something special.
He then started spending a lot of time at his DSF Future Center at TJ, “The DSF Future Center was a hub for students like me, maybe first-gen, navigating the complexities of college,” he shared. “I would chat with Ms. Webster 2-3 times a day. We would chat about scholarships, career choices, and even bigger questions like what it really means to make a difference in someone else’s life. These conversations along with the reality of seeing immediate family members deal with chronic illness kindled within myself a passion to pursue a career of service”, said Josiah.
Inspired by HCA HealthONE, DSF and other amazing organizations that made college possible for him, he cofounded Hem of Hope Foundation, a nonprofit designed to expand educational opportunities to underprivileged students and to display the love of God in the community through service. While balancing the rigor of college, he continues to lead with purpose and demonstrates the ripple effect of investing in students.
From left to right, Lorii Rabinowitz, Maureen McDonald, Josiah Gordon, Future, Hali Koren and Dr. Weingart
Attendees also had the honor to hear from Dr. Weingart, Chief Medical Officer at HCA HealthOne, who shared his educational journey that led him to his profession now and reinformed the importance of access, mentorship, and opportunity. His connection to DSF Scholas like Josiah underscored the importance of bridging education to career pathways.
HCA HealthONE has been a dedicated partner of DSF for six consecutive years — and this year marks year seven of their investment in Denver students. Since first partnering with us in 2020, they have contributed $145,300 in lifetime giving through their Named Scholarship and support of our Homecoming Gala. Of that, $85,000 has gone directly to the HCA HealthONE Scholarship. Through their generosity, HCA HealthONE has funded 61 semester scholarships, supporting 34 unique DSF Scholars. Among those students, 88% are first-generation college students. 97% identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. And 74% are women. Those numbers tell a powerful story about expanding access — particularly in fields like healthcare, where representation matters deeply.
DSF Scholars and Alumni in Perla Bustillos presenting her session
Guided by this year’s conference theme, “Becoming Bold: Your Path & Your Power,” and led by DSF Alumni sessions were designed to equip DSF Scholars and Alumni with tools for personal and professional growth with boldness and creativity!
Sessions included:
Designing a Life of Courage and Purpose: Led by Kevin McNulty, DSF Assistant Director of Career & Applied Pathways and Miguel Banuelos-Garcia, DSF Career & Applied Pathways Manager, this two-part session guided through engaging activities and reflections provided DSF Scholars and Alumni with the opportunity to learn how to generate bold ideas, uncover various life and career possibilities, and lead themselves with clarity and intention at all time.
Feeling Bold: Courageous Growth When Life Isn’t Clear: Led by DSF Alum Dominique Maes, Program Manager for First-Generational and Multicultural Business Program, University of Colorado Denver, this session was grounded in an interactive space to talk about what really means to keep going when uncertainty comes. Boldness is not about automatic confidence, extroversion and having all the answers but about showing up with intention and self-trust.
Money, Power, Purpose: Navigating Your Journey with Financial Confidence: Led by DSF Alum Brandon Tate, Financial Services Professional at Charles Schwab, this session focuses on leveraging money as a tool to help you fuel your purpose and claim your power. DSF Scholars and Alumni discovered how to approach financial challenges as growth opportunities with practical takeaways for living life with purpose and financial confidence.
Career Plot Twist: Facing Transitions with Courage: Led by DSF Alum Perla Bustillos, CEO and Event Planner at Inspirada Co, this inspiring session explained how an unexpected career pivot helped her build momentum. DSF Scholars and Alumni felt motivated to face challenges with trust in themselves and how to step bodily into their next chapter.
Finding Purpose & Boldness Through Lived Experience: Led by DSF Alumni and College Advisors, Ambria Merriex, Leslie Andrade and Ismael Garcia, DSF Assistant Director, TRIO Talent Search, moderated by DSF Chief Impact Officer Nate Cadena, this sessions brought together three dynamic presenters who shared how lived experiences shaped their sense of purpose and how it shaped their boldness. Through an interactive gallery walk and meaningful items that represented pivotal moments. They were encouraged to reflect on their own journeys and recognize how their experiences can be powerful guides and fuel for purpose-driven and bold futures.
The day concluded with Industry Networking where DSF Scholars and Alumni connected with professionals from various industries including, technology, healthcare, finance, marketing, and more, expanding their networks and envisioning what’s possible.
DSF Scholars with Future, DSF’s Mascot
For 11 years, the DSF Scholar Summit has been more than an event; it is a catalyst. A space where community, courage, and opportunity intersect. Its continued success is made possible by the collective commitment of sponsors, partners, volunteers, and supporters who believe in Denver students. Together, we are not just supporting their college graduation and career success; we are cultivating bold leaders ready to shape the future.
