A Colorado native, born and raised in Pueblo, Nick is a first-generation college graduate who believes deeply in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen communities. His personal journey has shaped his commitment to expanding educational opportunities and advancing the success of Latino students across Colorado. Nick brings more than 20 years of national experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and higher education. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles at the University of Chicago, DePaul University, and the University of Denver. He earned his bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the University of Chicago and a Master of Science in Public Service Management from DePaul University. An active civic and community leader, Nick serves on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Nonprofit Association, where he will assume the role of Board Chair in 2027. He also serves as Vice Chair of the America 250–Colorado 150 Commission, following his appointment by Governor Jared Polis in 2024. Additionally, Nick serves on the History Colorado Board of Directors and the Front Range Community College President's Advisory Council.

Email: nlopez@laef.org

Melissa is a proud LAEF alum and first-generation college graduate committed to expanding educational access and success. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Colorado State University in Fort Collins and a Master of Arts in Counselor Education, with a specialization in School and Career Counseling, from the University of Colorado Denver. Over the past 10 years, she has led the design and implementation of innovative programs that celebrate diverse communities, foster meaningful partnerships, and empower scholars to succeed.

Email: mmuniz@laef.org

Lia holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences with concentrations in Political Science and History from The Florida State University and a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL) from Adams State University. With over 25 years of experience in youth leadership development, Lia believes everyone has the capacity for leadership and a responsibility to being active members of their communities. Previously, she served as the director of the HEAL graduate program at Adams State University and was a regional project administrator for the Colorado Trust, a health equity foundation. Additionally, she is a member of the National Hispanic Institute’s Board of Trustees and served as the Education Director for their Colorado Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session from 2010 to 2021.

Email: lcarpio@laef.org

Apollo Moreno brings more than 10 years of fundraising and philanthropic experience to his role as Director of Development at LAEF. With a strong background in donor engagement, relationship-building, and strategic fundraising, Apollo is passionate about connecting people and resources to opportunities that create lasting community impact.At LAEF, Apollo leads fundraising and donor engagement efforts, strengthening partnerships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to expand educational opportunities for Latino students across Colorado. Prior to joining LAEF, Apollo served as Senior Major Gift Officer at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where he helped advance philanthropic partnerships and deepen relationships with donors and supporters. He earned his BA in Communications from Purdue University.

Email: amoreno@laef.org

Kourtney oversees accounting & finance at LAEF.  She brings 15 years of professional experience where prior, she was a Finance Director for a large non-profit organization with locations in Colorado and Utah, managing account staff and all aspects of financial management for activities throughout North and South America, as well as managing accounting for a family business during this time. Kourtney has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Phoenix and an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in accounting from Mesa University. She is also an Intuit Quickbooks Pro Advisor. Kourtney is the owner and founder of Onward Financial.

Yareni is a proud first-generation college graduate and higher education professional. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development & Family Studies with a minor in Psychology from the University of Houston. Her passion for helping others, experience working with first-generation students, and love for learning led her to earn her Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration with a Certificate in Academic Advising from Sam Houston State University. For the past 12+ years she has used her professional experience, educational background, and passion for helping others to support students as they pursue their post-secondary educational goals. She strives to help make the college journey easier to navigate for every student she has the opportunity to work with and encourages students to always keep moving forward towards their goals.

Email: ygomez@laef.org