Never in a million years did I ever think I would be speaking at my Alma Mater. Today I spoke to over 40 Seniors at Homestead Senior High School. My heart was beating so fast and my thoughts were racing as I looked at these girls and saw myself in so many of them 20 years ago. 20 years ago I sat in that same auditorium. I was lost and confused not knowing what the next move was going to be in my life. Not having a plan or anyone to guide me. Today I shared my story and told these young ladies how education changed my life. I told them how I beat the odds. How my parents didn't go to college. I wasn't rich. I was a teenage mother. I never took an SAT or ACT. I wasn't top of the class. I went to community college. I had people telling me "I was stupid for wanting to go to college". I made a choice.. I still pushed through and never let anyone or anything stop me from dreaming bigger than life itself. I talked to them about the Zoraida Villanueva Educational Foundation Scholarship. I created this foundation to provide a $10,000 scholarship to one girl who graduates Homestead Senior High School this upcoming June! My heart was filled with joy and so much happiness as these young ladies looked up to me in disbelief and started asking me so many questions. I'm so thankful life has given me this opportunity. I can't wait to see which young lady will receive this scholarship! I can't wait to see the lives this scholarship foundation will change in the years to come! This is only the first chapter of one of the greatest stages of my life. I'm proud to say "I made it". Now it's my time to give back to the community that raised me and supports me every single day.
Today was a good day!

Meet the first group of applicants for the Zoraida Villanueva Scholarship Foundation !

Here she is!!! The first recipient of the Zoraida Villanueva Scholarship Foundation! Elizabeth attend Homestead Senior High School and her story moved me in a way I can’t even describe! I can’t wait to see all the great things you will accomplish in life! Here’s to the beginning of your college career and a lifetime of memories that are yet to be made! $10,000 will be well spent buying her a vehicle to ensure she has reliable transportation while attending college this fall! VPA does so much more than just educate students! We create life long relationships with the families we service! Now we get to give back to our community in hopes to break cycles and change lives!