The Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund Scholarship (RFLF) program awarded a total of $15,500 to 7 student recipients in its 12th year.
Wendy Aparicio. Courtesy photos.
VENTURA COUNTY — The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) recently selected their 2022 class of Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund (RFLF) Scholars. For the 12th-consecutive year, outstanding area high school seniors and college students will be recognized for their academic achievements and pursuits with RFLF Scholarships to support their respective college and trade educations. Seven scholars were selected after displaying a commitment to their community, education and future.
Mireya Avila Mejia
“Cabrillo EDC has a long-standing history of providing community services and growth opportunities for the residents in their communities.” Said Brian Gilpatrick, Regional Manager of Union Bank.
“We are proud to support and be a part of The RFLF Scholarship Program and help support those who exhibit the same commitment and desire to learn, grow and contribute back to the community they live in.”
The RFLF scholarship program enables local students to continue their education on the collegiate level as well as pursuit of vocational training opportunities for local Ventura County youth and young adults. The 2022 class of RFLF selected scholars have a diverse set of studies and career goals.
“Each year we see a new group of students energized to learn, grow and return to their communities to help make a difference in so many career fields, including engineering, construction, technology, healthcare and so many more,” said Margarita H. de Escontrias, Chief Executive Officer at Cabrillo EDC. “Cabrillo EDC is proud of each of our current and past RFLF recipients! We continue to look forward to seeing all that they will accomplish. “
The RFLF was created in 2011 and honors the legacy of Rodney Fernandez, Cabrillo EDC’s founding Executive Director for 30 years (1981–2011). Since the establishment of the RFLF, $108,150 has been awarded in mini-grants for community programs and scholarships. The RFLF continues Fernandez’s legacy of community building by cultivating the leadership of residents to attain their goals and empower themselves to take action to improve the quality of life in their communities. Since 2013, the RFLF has focused on awarding scholarships for education and training.
“I decided to jump into the Computer Science field due to the lack of Hispanics in the STEM field,” said Jaime Rivera, student recipient of the RFLF Scholarship. “I wanted to make a difference in my family and perhaps in my culture by showing others that you don’t have to take on stereotypical jobs and you can pursue a college education with hard work and dedication.”
The RFLF Scholarship awarded a total of $15,500 to its recipients, with $10,000 provided by MUFG Union Bank, and $5,500 from individual donations.
“Thanks to so many generous donations and our partnership with Union Bank, we awarded $15,500 in scholarships,” said Denise Bickerstaff, CEDC Director of Business Development and Administration. “It is because of our generous supporters – that we can encourage local youth to work hard for their dreams and award them scholarships to continue their education.”
CEDC is pleased to introduce our 2022 RFLF Scholarship recipients. Congratulations to:
About Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation — The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation has been making dreams come true, one home at a time, since 1981. Proud to be the largest developer of affordable homes in Ventura County, Cabrillo’s success is the result of decades of passion, dedication and vision. With a mission of providing comprehensive housing services and community economic development activities, Cabrillo facilitates self-sufficiency for individuals and families who are most lacking in opportunity. At Cabrillo, home is more than a place to live – it is the cornerstone of the community’s economic, environmental and social wellbeing. For more information, please visit cabrilloedc.org