Washington, DC - Maryland Hispanic Gala created and awarded two Postgraduate Scholarships to mark their 6^th Annual Gala at the Fillmore in Downtown Silver Spring this week during Hispanic Heritage Month. The winners were two past MHG scholarship recipients, Fabian Leon and  Denise Venero.

"After serving 360 students in the last six years, we have had the opportunity to connect with them and track their educational trajectory. Many have completed their Bachelor's Degrees and have moved on to graduate school, but they continue to face financial challenges to pay for their higher education," said Myriam Torrico, Maryland Hispanic Gala Scholarship Committee Chair.

To answer that challenge, the Maryland Hispanic Gala launched the Maryland Hispanic Achievement Postgraduate Scholarship Program. The new program is exclusively applicable to past Maryland Hispanic Gala Undergraduate scholarship recipients who are enrolled in a Postgraduate Degree or Master's Degree program or are seeking a Master in Business Administration (MBA).

Over the past six years, the scholarship program has grown from a Montgomery County focus to a statewide higher education outreach initiative with much credit going to the energetic guidance of Lorna Virgilli and a dedicated cadre of volunteers.

Here’s more on the first scholars inducted into the MHG Postgraduate Program:  

Fabian Leon - 2016 Maryland Hispanic Gala Scholarship Recipient

Fabian obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management from the University of Maryland College Park. Immediately after, he opened his own construction company, Leon Construction, LLC, and has been focused in growing his business and providing management and sub-contractor services to larger construction companies. He is currently enrolled at the University of Maryland University College Graduate School seeking a Master's Degree in Project Management. Sponsored by: Miller & Long Co., Inc.

Denise Venero - 2014 Maryland Hispanic Gala Scholarship Recipient
Since receiving the scholarship Denise obtained her Associates Degree from Montgomery College and her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland College Park. As a volunteer, she has worked with children at the UMD Children's Developmental Clinic and has worked at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C. as an In-patient physical therapy aide working with patients that have suffered strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and amputees. She is currently enrolled at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. Sponsored by: Adventist HealthCare.

The Maryland Hispanic Gala is a 100% volunteer-run event 501c(3) organization committed to assisting Latino youth and qualifying students from our diverse communities achieve a high level of education. Funds raised support the Maryland Hispanic Achievement Scholarship Program which provides financial assistance to scholars enrolled in Maryland higher learning institutions.

The Maryland Hispanic Gala serves to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month in Montgomery County and the State of Maryland.

To become an event Sponsor, Donate or Volunteer, visit:

www.MarylandHispanicGala.org