Julissa Soto’s Inspiring Participation at the KIPP Colorado Puentes Scholarship Celebration

On Wednesday, July 17th, the Tivoli Turnhalle was filled with excitement, pride, and a shared commitment to educational equity as KIPP Colorado hosted its annual Puentes Scholarship Celebration. The event, held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, honored the incredible resilience and dedication of 102 undocumented and DACA students who have been awarded the Puentes Scholarship over the past decade.

Julissa Soto, an impassioned advocate and influential speaker in Colorado, took the stage to deliver a heartfelt and empowering message to the scholarship recipients, their families, and the many community members present. As a long-time champion of marginalized communities, including her efforts to promote immunization access across the state, Julissa's words resonated deeply with the audience.

John Youngquist, Denver Public Schools Board Secretary and President of PrincipalEd Consulting, praised Julissa's powerful message, saying:

"Thank you to Julissa Soto for sharing her powerful message about the importance of finding who you are, taking every challenge head-on, and saying yes in life to achieving your dreams to awardees of the Puentes Scholarship from KIPP Colorado. Julissa, a powerful speaker and great advocate for immunization in our State of Colorado, spoke loudly and proudly to the students, parents, and advocates present. Every one of us walked away motivated to gain strength from every opportunity in our lives and to work forward, empowering the lives of young people in our community. Thank you, Julissa!"

Julissa’s speech centered on resilience, courage, and perseverance—qualities that reflect the journey of the Puentes scholars. Having grown up facing similar challenges, Julissa spoke from experience, urging students to embrace their stories, take every obstacle as a stepping stone, and persist in their pursuit of higher education. She reminded the students that their dreams are not defined by their documentation status but by their dedication, determination, and the communities that stand beside them.

“Being part of this celebration was a true honor," said Julissa Soto after the event. "To see the passion and drive in these young students is a reminder of why we continue to fight for equitable access to education for all. These scholars represent the future, and their voices and accomplishments will pave the way for generations to come.”

The Puentes Scholarship Program, which has provided 10 semesters of financial assistance to undocumented and DACA students attending colleges and universities, stands as a testament to the transformative power of community support. Julissa’s participation in this event further exemplified her ongoing commitment to empowering marginalized communities and advocating for educational and health equity across the state.

In closing, Julissa’s words echoed in the hearts of all who attended: "We are stronger than any obstacle, and when we stand together, we can overcome anything. Let’s continue to break down barriers, lift each other up, and work towards a future where every student has the chance to achieve their dreams."

The Puentes Scholarship Celebration was not just a night of recognition, but a call to action—a reminder that the path to success is open to all, and with support, resilience, and determination, anything is possible.