Congratulations to the 2009 Recipients of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's "Achieving the Dream" Scholarship! Here are brief bios of the FCHCC recipients:

Erika Sologuren is an honor student at Miami Dade College pursuing an associate degree in civil engineering. She considers herself "an immigrant who has faced many obstacles, but an immigrant with dreams and aspirations."

Ismel Liriano is a student at the Florida Youth Challenge Academy and plans to attend the University of Northwestern Ohio. Born in Camaguey, Cuba, Ismel came to the United States at the age of five and has worked his way through school in hopes to someday graduate from college with a business degree.

Krsha Sendon is a sophomore and honor student at the University of Florida pursuing a major in sociology and a minor in international humanitarian assistance and organizational leadership for nonprofits. Krsha plans to use her education to help the less fortunate by creating nonprofit organizations for children in need.

Hector Vasquez is a first-year student at the University of North Florida pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Born in Lima, Peru, Hector came to the United States just before starting high school. Hector has excelled, not only by learning English in just four years, but also through earning several awards for his Microsoft Office and computer skills.

Irina Skinner is a graduate student at the University of Florida and is studying wildlife ecology and conservation. Growing up on the First Coast, Irina developed a passion for wildlife conservation. She strives to become a major Hispanic representative in the science community with hope that she can help reduce the disparity of Hispanics in her chosen field of study.

Indira Cardenas is a first-year honor student at the University of North Florida pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Indira immigrated to the United States in 2006 with her parents and dreamed of someday attending law school. She prides herself on being a hard worker who stands up for what she believes in and for her determination to not let anything get in the way of her dreams.

Diana Rojas is pursuing a bachelor's degree in health as a junior at the University of North Florida. She also has plans to earn a doctor of physical therapy degree. Diana immigrated to the United States with her family in 1992, served in the military, and is now the mother of three girls. Diana hopes to use her education to help the community on a broad scale and to set a high example for her three children as an independent Latina woman.

Sharlene Velez is pursuing her associate's degree as a sophomore at Florida State College of Jacksonville. After earning her associate's, she plans to transfer to the University of North Florida to pursue a doctor of physical therapy degree. Through that degree, she hopes to become a successful physical therapist and pursue her passion for helping people and children in recovery as well as helping provide students like herself with a college education.


And, Congratulations the Mayor's Hispanic American Advisory Board's 2009 Scholarship Recipients:

Trudy Abadie
Lucia Allen
Alissa Alterman  
Alejandra Isai Arreguin
Diego F. Molina  
Marjorie Ann Perea
Jose Barrientos Restrepo
Michael Rivera 

A HUGE thank you to all our sponsors and presenting sponsor, Winn-Dixie! Also, to all our volunteers and everyone who worked so hard to make this event such a success this year! We could not have done without you!