DSF in Action

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a lifelong advocate for justice, equality, and education.

Dr. King entered Morehouse College as an early-admission student at just 15 years old, where he began to shape his vision for education and leadership. In his student publication he wrote “We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”

As we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, we at DSF remain inspired to continue breaking down systemic barriers and creating equitable pathways to college and career success for Denver students.

Join us in congratulating Ismael Garcia, DSF’s newest Values Valedictorian! 🎉

Chosen by his peers, this honor recognizes a staff member who truly embodies DSF’s core values: Innovation, Integrity, Relationships, Learning, Leadership, and Equity. With more than six years at DSF, Ismael supports three DSF Future Center high schools – Abraham Lincoln, Bruce Randolph, and Manual High School – as DSF’s TRIO Assistant Director. Known by many as “Smiley,” his contagious energy is felt across DSF and throughout the high schools he serves.

We are grateful for the heart, dedication, and intention he brings to work every single day, and we’re honored to celebrate him as DSF’s latest Values Valedictorian. Give it up for Ismael! 🌟🎉

@alhs_lancers
@alwaysagrizzly
@manual.thunderbolts

With the addition of a new role this year, our Career and Applied Pathways team has expanded to offer even more events and resources for students in partnership with DSF`s Development team. One of our most recent Career Panels took place at the DSF Future Center at East High School, where the focus was Marketing. A diverse group of panelists joined us to share their experiences, engage with students, and highlight the many pathways within the marketing field. 💡

Thank you to the DSF team for bringing this event to life, and to our panelists for sharing their insights and experiences with students at the DSF Future Center at @denvereasths! 🧡

- Traci Abeyta, Director of Marketing and Advertising at the Colorado Rockies
- Brittny Thompson, Area Leader of Marketing at Raising Cane’s
- Kimberley Villegas, DSF Marketing and Communications Manager

Every month at DSF, we celebrate the work anniversaries of the incredible staff members who make our mission possible. As we close out 2025, we’re excited to recognize three team members celebrating 2, 6, and 8 years with DSF! 🎉

Join us in celebrating these meaningful milestones, including our Chief Executive Officer, Lorii Rabinowitz, who is celebrating 8 years with us. We are grateful for the dedication each staff member brings to DSF and look forward to celebrating many more milestones ahead!

2 years:
Kate Lievens- Director of Individual Philanthropy

6 years:
Taylor Atkinson- Donor Relations Manager

8 years:
Lorii Rabinowitz- Chief Executive Officer

As 2025 comes to a close, all of us at DSF are incredibly grateful for the supporters who make our work possible! Whether you are a donor, board member, DSF Alumni, Scholar, or staff member, your involvement helps us make a meaningful impact in our community. As we look ahead to our 20-year anniversary, we’re excited to celebrate the growth and the amazing things DSF and our community will accomplish together. 💚

Pictured are a few of DSF’s Alumni Advisory Committee members, who came together for their final 2025 committee meeting and enjoyed some time together at the Denver Christkindlmarket. From the AAC and the entire DSF community, we wish you all a joyful holiday season! ❄️