"40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40" Scholarship Awarded to GWCC Student

GateWay Community College student Zintia Martinez-Gonzalez has spent the better part of four years working toward her associate's degree in nursing – with minimal financial assistance – and immersing herself in campus life and community service. So when she learned that she had been awarded a $2,000 scholarship through the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation she could not believe it.

"It was exciting for me because this was the first real scholarship I received," she said. "When I applied through the foundation, I never expected to even be nominated for such a prestigious award."

Martinez-Gonzalez was one of four MCCCD students recognized as inaugural collegiate scholarship recipients during the fifth-annual "40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40" conference, which celebrates Latino leaders in business, government, non-profit and the arts.

All four students were nominated by the director of student life and leadership at their respective schools, according to Steve Helfgot, vice president and CEO of the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. The foundation – in partnership with Univision, Wells Fargo, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona, and Chicanos por la Causa – awarded the $2,000 scholarships following a highly-competitive selection process.

"These students represent the next generation of young Latino leaders that have the potential to make a positive difference in our communities," said Helfgot, who also noted that the scholarship program will remain a permanent addition to future "40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40" events.

Martinez-Gonzalez has already made an impact through her pursuits at GateWay. In addition to participating in the Hispanic Student Organization (HSO), she has been a student ambassador for the Geckos in Action Club, which promotes community service and leadership as well as student success. She also holds two positions at the college in Veteran’s Services and in Recruitment and Outreach.

She believes the scholarship is not only recognition for her hard work thus far at GWCC but is motivation to continue to strive for greatness.

"This scholarship represents a great opportunity for me to continue on in my education and encourages me to apply for more scholarships so that I can be as successful as possible in the future," she said.

Learn more about the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation and available scholarships online.

Greg Bullock can be reached at bullock@gatewaycc.edu or (602) 286-8229.