Yaritsa Carrasco

Yaritsa Carrasco is a recipient of the 2011 Guadalupe A. Reyes Scholarship. Yaritza attended Benito Juarez Community Academy, and is currently studying Psychology.  She is specifically interested in research dealing with  parent and teen communication, to some day help families break language and communication barriers that are detrimental to a healthy home.  Yartiza is also quite the athlete. While in High school, she won several athletic scholarships.  She played Basketball, Polo, and was in the swimming team. Yaritza has a younger sister who says inspires her to be the very best.

Mauricio Banuelos

Mauricio Banuelos won the Guadalupe A. Reyes Scholarship in 2008 and 2009 as a student at DePaul University. Right now Mr. Banuelos is wrapping up his college career, hoping to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Economics by the end of this summer. A familiar face to every member of the PNCC, Mauricio has been a devoted volunteer for Fiesta del Sol for six years. He has demonstrated unwavering support and gratitude for PNCC, gaining exceptional leadership skills from his experiences with the organization. He is presently participating in the Fiesta del Sol PR Committee, and you can be sure to spot him at this year’s festivities!

Gardenia Rangel

Gardenia Rangel was a recipient of the Guadalupe A. Reyes Scholarship in 2001 and 2002. She went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree (2003) and a Master of Arts degree in Public Relations and Advertising (2010) from DePaul University. Ms. Rangel has served as a Marketing and PR Liaison for Café Magazine where she managed the first and second annual Celebrate the Future Scholarship. Named one of Chicago’s 30 female movers and shakers under 30 by the Sun Times in 2008, Gardenia remains active in the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council, chairing Fiesta del Sol’s inaugural 5k Run/Walk. She is part of Latinos Progresandos Associate Board, a non-profit organization that promotes arts, education and civil rights of immigrants. Today, Gardenia is the Director of Supplemental Education at Daley College/Arturo Velasquez Institute.

Evelyn Rodriguez

Evelyn Rodriguez was awarded the Reyes Scholarship throughout her entire college career, from 2004-2007. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Political Science from Marquette University in Wisconsin. Ms. Rodriguez is currently serving as a Legislative Assistant to Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez. Evelyn has been heavily involved with PNCC since her years in high schools, starting off with ACT prep classes and financial aid/scholarship workshops. As a college student she worked as an intern the summer of 2005, then went on to co-chair the PR Committee and co-lead the Children’s Area for Fiesta del Sol. Evelyn continues to support and contribute to PNCC in any way possible to further its goals for the community.