The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Nuestro Futuro Scholarships. These prestigious awards recognize 20 outstanding Latino students from across Michigan, who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to bettering their communities. 

Poppy Hernandez, Director of the Office of Global Michigan which houses the commission, highlighted the broader impact of these scholarships, “These scholarships are a testament to Michigan’s commitment to equity and opportunity for all. By investing in the future of Latino students, we are fostering a new generation of innovators and leaders who will help shape the future of our state. Each scholarship awarded is more than financial support — it’s a statement that we believe in their potential to make a difference." 

This year, the commission’s scholarship committee selected the recipients from over 80 highly competitive applicants. Students were evaluated based on academic merit, a written essay and a letter of recommendation. The awardees, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship, stood out for their unique visions of how their educational pursuits will contribute to the social, political and economic advancement of the Latino population in Michigan. 

“Empowering our Latino students is more than just an investment in their future — it's an investment in the future of our communities, our state, and our nation,” said Dr. Jesse Bernal, Chair Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan. “Every scholarship awarded represents a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience and a testament to the transformative power of education. By lifting up these young leaders, we are not only honoring their past and present struggles but also paving the way for a future filled with possibility, progress and pride for generations to come.” 

As the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the commission is especially honored to continue this longstanding tradition of supporting Latino students pursuing post-secondary education. By lifting up these future leaders, the scholarship program is contributing to the overall mission of HLCOM — empowering the Latino community through education, advocacy and leadership development. 

"I am inspired by the talent and resilience of these students as they pursue their academic goals," said Dr. Isabel Montemayor-Vazquez, Executive Director of HLCOM. "Many face daily adversity and embody the change they wish to see in their communities. These $1,000 scholarships help fill gaps often overlooked by other awards, supporting their path to academic success and their future contributions to Michigan's Latino community." 

2024 Nuestro Futuro Scholarship Recipients: 

• Alejandra Padilla Miguel – Michigan State University, Detroit 
• Alfonso J. Pasaye – University of Michigan, Detroit 
• Amalia Suarez – Michigan State University, Fennville 
• Brianna Luevanos – Wayne State University, Detroit 
• Deysi Joven – Wayne State University, Detroit 
• Edward Hallberg – Muskegon Community College, Newaygo 
• Elias Aryana – Hope College, Holland 
• Elisa De Donno – University of Michigan, Troy 
• Erica Vazquez – Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids 
• Innaja Peoples – Hope College, Holland 
• Isabelle Valenzuela – Zeeland East High School, Zeeland 
• Isaid Lopez – Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Rapids 
• Israel Lopez – Michigan State University, Lansing 
• Jose Julian Alvarez Munoz – Michigan State University, Ann Arbor 
• Yaneli Segovia – Michigan State University, East Lansing 
• Ruben Mireles – Michigan State University, East Lansing 
• Sonia de Donno – Michigan State University, Troy 
• Mariana Flores Cantu – Michigan State University, Lansing 
• Kimberly Mulgado – Cass Technical High School, Allen Park 
• Julieta Turon – Washtenaw International High School, Ann Arbor 

The Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan strives to market the state's career development services to Latino Michiganders, encourage initiatives to reduce the high school dropout rates of Hispanic youth and facilitate efforts to increase the enrollment of Hispanics in postsecondary education and training programs. Learn more about the Commission and their work at www.michigan.gov/HLCOM.