Keyla Medina, a passionate advocate for education from Bridgeport, CT, joined the Latino Scholarship Fund, Inc. in 2024. As a mother of three adult daughters and alongside her husband, Keyla is dedicated to empowering individuals through academic opportunities. Her commitment aligns with the organization’s mission to support Latino students in their pursuit of higher education.

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In October 2024, Keyla was elected President, where she focuses on promoting educational equity, fostering collaboration, and developing future leaders. She is dedicated to building strong relationships with the board, external partners, and the communities LSF serves, working to strengthen connections and build bridges that drive growth and maximize impact.

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Keyla’s journey with LSF began through a collaboration with former President Allison Ruiz, where their shared vision for educational empowerment solidified her leadership role. Mentored by Allison, Keyla is excited to build on the organization's success and continue making a lasting impact on students and their families.

As a past recipient of the LSF scholarship, she now serves on the board, aiming to enhance the organization's strategic planning to create a lasting impact within the community. Heidy holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Geography from Clark University. Currently, she contributes her expertise to a regional planning organization in the Naugatuck Valley Region, where she plays a vital role in supporting the communications and community engagement department.

Paul Steinmetz is the director of public affairs & community relations at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury. Before working at WCSU, Steinmetz was the editor of the News-Times. He worked at the paper for 24 years. Paul and his wife, Jenine, have four children.

Jessica Coronel was born in Ecuador and came to this country at the age of 12 years old. She has a passion for the Latino culture and this passion motivated her to pursue a career on Spanish Secondary Education and  a minor in Psychology. She is currently the Assistant Director of  Western Connecticut State University Pre-Collegiate and Access Programs, where she helps middle and high school students with the college process. As a way to give back to her Latino community, she joined the board on February 2013 in order to help increase the opportunities for more Hispano students to attend college. She strongly believes that by helping others achieve their dreams, we are creating a better society.

Mercedes Tenesaca serves as the Secretary of the Latino Scholarship Fund, Inc. She is a dedicated mother and a compassionate nurse who brings a strong sense of responsibility and care to her role. With a passion for education and community impact, she ensures effective communication and organization within the board, helping to maintain the smooth operation of LSF. Her commitment to empowering Latino students through educational opportunities aligns with the mission of the organization, and she works diligently to support its goals.