AEF on Bloomberg News
Bloomberg News: Young Bankers Seek ‘Good Yield’ With Their Own Nonprofits
AEF was highlighted in the Bloomberg News article “Young Bankers Seek ‘Good Yield’ With Their Own Nonprofits” (2/4/14).
AEF co-founder and chairman Julissa Arce stated, “The first time I felt like I made it wasn’t when I made director. I felt like I made it when I launched this fund.”
AEF/DAPF November Happy Hour- November 14, 2013
On Thursday, November 14, we hosted our first partner event with The Dr. Antonia Pantoja Fellowship, Inc. (DAPF) with a November Happy Hour at EVR Lounge in midtown Manhattan. The event gathered close to 100 DAPF and AEF supporters and raised $2,700 toward academic scholarships, or $1,350 for each organization for 2014 awards. During the event, AEF leadership highlighted our success in 2013 with our inaugural class of seven AEF scholars, and discussed plans for the first annual gala on Saturday, February 8, 2014. DAPF discussed its focus on promoting the development of Puerto Rican and Latino/a leaders of integrity in the NYC community, and also highlighted plans for a Carnivale celebration on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. We look forward to continuing our success with other partner organization events in 2014 and beyond.
AEF Mentor Picnic- June 23, 2013
AEF hosted its first official Mentor Picnic on Sunday, June 23, 2013 at New York City’s Central Park. Our first class of AEF Scholars were introduced to his/her mentor and the group spent the afternoon playing games and icebreakers to get to know each other in teams. Scholars were also invited to bring family members, and our Board of Directors and other supporters had the opportunity to speak with our scholars’ family and friends in a fun and informal environment.
Julissa Arce, chairman of the Board, congratulated each of the scholars and reiterated the importance of mentorship throughout their college years and subsequent careers. Adrienne Serrato and Anna Liu, co-chairs of the Mentorship Committee, conducted an orientation for mentors prior to the picnic to introduce the mentors to each other and assist in the development and maintenance of the mentor/mentee relationship.
The afternoon was a success, and allowed AEF the chance to celebrate each of our scholars with their families, introduce the AEF mentors to their mentees, and establish a foundation for the scholars and mentors to develop a meaningful connection.
Cocktails for Causes- March 26, 2013
On Tuesday, March 26, 2013 AEF participated in a fundraising event, Cocktails for Causes, with four other non-profits supporting the NYC community, hosted by the Alchemy Club. The event took place at the Dream Downtown Hotel in Chelsea. The night was a huge success, with $2,800 in funds raised for AEF.
Launch event- February 27, 2013
AEF hosted its official launch event on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at the Ainsworth Park in Gramercy. The night was a huge success, with over $4,000 raised and over 160 participants gathered to learn more about AEF and our efforts to enable and encourage higher education and professional achievement for the immigrant community in New York City.
Participants learned about the numerous opportunities to become involved in AEF including 1) join the Board of Advisors and help set the fundraising strategy while having a scholarship named in their honor with a minimum pledge of $2,500, 2) join the Scholarship Committee and assist in selecting scholars by reading applications and conducting interviews, 3) join the Mentorship Committee and set the programming for the mentorship effort, or become a mentor
AEF also recognized a few individuals who were instrumental in helping launch the fund. Lilian Jallagaes, Rebekka Bonner, and Amy Hundert who provided countless hours of advice and support. A special thanks was given to the Esperanza Educational Fund, who has inspired the work of AEF.
