HWNT-FW, Education & Scholarship Committees
The Education and Scholarship committees of the Hispanic Women's Network of Texas, Fort Worth Chapter (HWNT-FW) are made up of a dedicated group of volunteers who help LIP students attain the skills to lead and succeed. Members of the Education and Scholarship Committees encourage LIP students through mentorship and providing resources for students' personal, educational and professional pursuits. The Scholarship Committee is currently reviewing scholarship applications and planning the Rising Star an Scholarship Awards Banquet. If you are an HWNT member, please join us - you are sure to be inspired by these young ladies and your fellow volunteers!
Email the Education Committee Chair or the Scholarship Committee Chair to join either Committee, to volunteer for the LIP Education Series and help plan a session of the LIP Education Series.
Email the Education Committee Chair or the Scholarship Committee Chair to join either Committee, to volunteer for the LIP Education Series and help plan a session of the LIP Education Series.
Christina Elbitar, Past Chair & LIP Program Co-Author
Owner & Operator, Chadra Mezza & Grill and West Fork Grill
Bachelor of Business Administration in Corporate Finance, University of North Texas
I own and operate Chadra Mezza and Grill, a Mediterranean restaurant located in Fort Worth’s medical district. I manage a team of 40 employees including current LIP students and LIP Alumni. Hiring students, providing a flexible schedule, and encouraging them to complete their education is so important to me. My job is the essence of how a dream can be a reality. I have the freedom to control my destiny and incorporate what I love in my workplace: my husband, my community, and creating opportunities for my staff to make their dreams a reality, too.
LIP was created when a group of us realized the need to create a clear path for our young Latinas to graduate from college. Using all of our resources, we rose to the challenge and created our first LIP session within one month.
The whole journey to where we are now reminds me how passion ignites and spreads. Our mission is simple…assist our girls in their quest to GRADUATE from college. I love guiding our girls and being a part of their successes. Words can’t express the blessings I receive everyday just because of my participation in LIP.
”She turned her can'ts into cans, and her dreams into plans.”~Kobi Yamada
I own and operate Chadra Mezza and Grill, a Mediterranean restaurant located in Fort Worth’s medical district. I manage a team of 40 employees including current LIP students and LIP Alumni. Hiring students, providing a flexible schedule, and encouraging them to complete their education is so important to me. My job is the essence of how a dream can be a reality. I have the freedom to control my destiny and incorporate what I love in my workplace: my husband, my community, and creating opportunities for my staff to make their dreams a reality, too.
LIP was created when a group of us realized the need to create a clear path for our young Latinas to graduate from college. Using all of our resources, we rose to the challenge and created our first LIP session within one month.
The whole journey to where we are now reminds me how passion ignites and spreads. Our mission is simple…assist our girls in their quest to GRADUATE from college. I love guiding our girls and being a part of their successes. Words can’t express the blessings I receive everyday just because of my participation in LIP.
”She turned her can'ts into cans, and her dreams into plans.”~Kobi Yamada
Victoria Herrera, Committee Member
Senior Assistant Director of Admission, Texas Christian University
Bachelors of Arts in Communication (Speech), University of Texas at Arlington
Masters of Liberal Arts, Texas Christian University
I have had several rewarding job opportunities, but have found what I love to do best….as an Admission Counselor for TCU, I help guide students and encourage them to realize that pursuing a college degree is one of the most rewarding achievements of their lifetime.
LIP is a program I wish was available during my high school years. Students are one of our biggest asset as they are our future, therefore, programs such as LIP is the foundation for hard-working young ladies to become successful leaders within our community and beyond.
“If someone tells you that you will never go to college….the damage is done if you believe it.” ~Victoria Herrera
Masters of Liberal Arts, Texas Christian University
I have had several rewarding job opportunities, but have found what I love to do best….as an Admission Counselor for TCU, I help guide students and encourage them to realize that pursuing a college degree is one of the most rewarding achievements of their lifetime.
LIP is a program I wish was available during my high school years. Students are one of our biggest asset as they are our future, therefore, programs such as LIP is the foundation for hard-working young ladies to become successful leaders within our community and beyond.
“If someone tells you that you will never go to college….the damage is done if you believe it.” ~Victoria Herrera
Jessica Bonilla
Bachelor of Science, University of Texas at Austin
I give back to the community.
I love the energy that the students have! I remember when I was a senior in high school and there was no one to help me navigate the college admissions program or scholarship applications. My first mentor was given to me when I was in already in college. I would have loved a mentor when I was younger.
"As one goes through life, one learns if you don't paddle your own canoe, you don't move." -Katherine Hepburn
I give back to the community.
I love the energy that the students have! I remember when I was a senior in high school and there was no one to help me navigate the college admissions program or scholarship applications. My first mentor was given to me when I was in already in college. I would have loved a mentor when I was younger.
"As one goes through life, one learns if you don't paddle your own canoe, you don't move." -Katherine Hepburn
Additional Education and Scholarship Committee Members
Adagui Aguilera
Evalis Chapa-Scholarship Chair Felicia Alba Amanda Arizola Anelia Banda-Chair of Development Lucy Cantu Anita Castaneda Carmen Castro-Volunteer Coordinator Evalis Chapa Aracely Chavez Susan Cook Mirgitt Crespo Tanginika Cuascud, Ph.D.,-LIP Program Co-Author Douglas Dehn Valerie Martinez-Ebers, Ph.D. Erica Estrada Mary Louise Garcia Sandra Garcia Sandra Garza Allie Giraldo-Chair of Membership Clarissa Hansen |
Denise Lopez-LIP Alumnae Volunteer Coordinator
Wilma Lopez Kristen Martinez Mary Lou Martinez Myriam Martinez Rosalinda Martinez-Chair for PR & Communications Sandy Martinez Cynthia Montes Dr. Robert Munoz Lisa Najera, Past Chair Yolanda Parra Judy Perez-State Representative Diana Pittman Veronica Rios Elizabeth Rosales Evelia Rosalez Patricia Tidwell Modesta Tollison Mary Villafranca |
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