The Colombian Education Fund’s mission is to promote and support the higher education needs of young people and their families by providing scholarships and assistance.

1. Transforming Lives Through Education

2. What’s our Mission?
The Colombian Education Fund’s mission is to promote and
support the higher education needs of young people and their
families by providing scholarships and assistance.

3. Why We Do It?
In March 2013, a multi-disciplinary coalition created the Colombian
Education Fund (ColEF) to support the educational goals of students
of Colombian origin. Currently, high school and college students of
Colombian descent in NYC have limited access to scholarship funds,
college readiness information, and mentoring opportunities that focus
specifically on them.

4. The Reason Why We Do It
VS.
28% of the total
U.S. population of
the same age.
(Source: Pew Hispanic Center)
Strong Foundations:
It’s amazing how
Colombian’s educational
attainment is higher among
Hispanics and U.S.
population combined.

5. MEET OUR FIRST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Lina Marcela Arboleda Guisao was born and raised in Carepa Antioquia,
Colombia. She lived there for fourteen years until December 2010 when she came
to the United States. She plans on studying International Studies with a minor in
Business at the College of New Rochelle. Once Lina finishes her education
she hopes to be able to give back to her community; by working with organizations
that seek to contribute and help improve developing countries. In her free time,
Lina enjoys participating in activities that bring the Latino community together.
Maria Camila López Ruiz was born in Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia. She came to
the United States when she was 15 years old. Camila will be pursuing a degree in
Civil Engineering at The University of Buffalo. She likes to contribute to her
community by sharing and putting to practice everything she learns. Through
Engineering she wants to expand her mind, develop new ideas and find different
ways to approach many problems that the world faces today. Camila likes to
participate and organize activities that celebrate cultural diversity. Also, She enjoys
reading and playing volleyball during her free time.
Esteban Acevedo Ortega was born in Medellin, Colombia on September 25th
1996. His family has lived in Antioquia for many generations. Esteban wants to
study biology in college to eventually apply to medical school and become a
surgeon. He is currently faced with the difficult but amazing opportunity to choose
between Amherst College and Dartmouth College. In his free time, Esteban loves
to watch movies and spends time with friends in the outdoors.

6. MEET OUR FIRST SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Yersson Ceballos was born in Medellin Colombia, on March 1st, 1988. Son of
Colombian parents, he spent the first half of his life in Medellin, and the latter in
NYC. Yersson is attending City College of New York,from which he hopes to
receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music. Upon graduation he dreams of a life in
the Arts, where if given the opportunity he would like to both make and teach
music around the globe. In his spare time, Yersson likes to exercise and read
books.
Walter M. Rocha is originally from Bogota, Colombia. Right now he is a
sophomore student at La Guardia Community College. In the fall of 2014 Walter
will be starting his studies in International Business and Business
Communications at Baruch College. After he achieves his Bachelor’s in
International Business he plans to work with an international company that help
him establish relationships between Colombia and any country in the world. His
primary goal as a professional is to help the people succeed in their objectives
and open opportunities for employment. Walter is a friendly person who enjoy to
spend time with his friends playing sports and watching soccer games.

7. Our 2014 Student Leadership Summit
From the 14th to the 16th of August, 2014, The Colombian Education Fund (ColEF) hosted
its first Student Leadership Conference “Liderazgo Summit 2014” at John Jay College -
CUNY; the participants were college students between the ages of 17 and 22 from Latin
American descent.
The conference’s goal was to create a space where Latino students from all backgrounds
can get together, on an annual basis, to discuss strategies, tools and their own personal
experiences in order to become leaders in their communities.

8. This is Who We Are:

9. Who Is Behind This Initiative
Honorary Board
(as of 10/23/13)
Jay Hershenson
Senior Vice Chancelor
CUNY
Eder Holguin
Founder - CEO
Ideal Media
Liliana Gil
Co Founder Principal
XL Alliance
Dr. Carmen Martinez-Lopez
Hon. Elsa Gladys Cifuentes
Consul General of Colombia

10. Who Is Behind This Initiative
Honorary Board
(as of 10/23/13)
Enrique Arbelaez
Co Founder –
Managing Partner
XL Alliance
Juliana Fajardo
President and COO
Litvakand
Elkin Arredondo
Founder – CEO
CE Social Impact Ventures

11. First Annual Gala Accomplishments

12. First Annual Gala Accomplishments
• The Gala had more than 120 attendees
• ColEF raised $25,000 dollars.
• Personalities from NYC attended the Gala
– Colombian Consul General
– Business Entrepreneurs
– Executives from CUNY
• Hosted at the CUNY Graduate Center.
• Juanita Ayala VP of Operations from United Way of NYC
– Received the “Transforming lives Award”.
• Recognized Artist Donated their Art work for the Silent
Auction – Edwin Gil, Vanessa Mejia, Vianey and Designer
Raul Penaranda.

13. Second Annual Gala
November, 14th, 2014

14. The 2014 Colombian Education Fund Transforming
Lives Awards:
The Transforming Lives award is given to outstanding Colombian leaders in the world
that have generated a positive change in education.
This year, the Colombian Education Fund is honored to present the award and special
recognition during our annual gala to:
Mr. Sergio Fajardo
Governor of Antioquia
Transforming Lives Award
(Colombia)
Ms. Sandra Fajardo,
School of Public Affairs, CUNY
Transforming Lives Award
(United States)
Ms. Maria Del Pilar Garcia,
The 2014 AATSP Outstanding Teacher of the Year Secondary Level
Transforming Lives Special Recognition

15. Second Annual Fundraising Gala
At John Jay College – CUNY
• The Gala is our flagship fundraising event with the goal to collect $50,000 in its 2nd year.
– These funds will be directed to fund our scholarships and the Liderazgo
Summit for 2015 period
• The Gala will take place in the heart of Manhattan, at the John Jay College – CUNY.
• Black tie and gowns will be the mandatory dress code.
• Recognized Colombian artists are donating unique pieces of art to be auctioned during
the gala.

16. Thank You!
Gracias!
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
JOHN MORENO-ESCOBAR
Email:
INFO@COLOMBIANEDUCATIONFUND.ORG
Phone:
(347) 458-6665
LINA DELGADO
Email:
LINA@AGENCIAGROUP.COM
Phone:
(917) 531-7448