Iskali’s scholarship fund exists to change the odds for first-generation Latino college students. Currently, 11% of low-income college students will graduate, only 22% of Latinos will obtain an associate’s degree or higher and only 17% will obtain a bachelor’s degree. Economic constraints too often influence young Latinos from going to and persevering through college.  This fund will serve as a motivation and a step-up for young Latinos as they continue their academic journey,
​ inspiring more Latinos to successfully pursue higher education.

Iskali Scholarship fund Committee

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 Dr. Carla Delafuente
Dr. Carla Delafuente attended the University of Illinois at Chicago where she double majored in Biology and Spanish. She received her Degree in Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. Throughout her dental school career, she volunteered to travel and serve indigent populations in Mexico and Guatemala. Dr. Delafuente also served as president of both the Hispanic Student Dental Association and American Association of Women Dentists. She excelled academically in dental school and served as a tutor and mentor to other dental students. 
​When Dr. Delafuente is not practicing dentistry, she spends most of her time with her husband, and two young daughters. She and her family enjoy exploring the different neighborhoods of Chicago, traveling, cooking, watching movies and spending time with their family and friends. Dr. Delafuente and her husband plan to continue traveling to underserved regions of the world and continue helping those in need. Carla became involved in Iskali as a mentor.

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Edgar de la Cerda
Edgar de la Cerda was born in Jalisco, Mexico and has lived in suburban Chicago ever since he was 3 years old. He holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology, and now works in nuclear operations for Exelon Generation. Edgar has been involved with Iskali and his local parish ever since experiencing a retreat in 2016. His roles in Iskali have included community guide and coordinator at Sacred Heart church. At Sacred Heart and St Eulalia Parish he is a member of the parish council and the Hispanic Committee. He is now a part of Iskali's consecrated community, with the role of mission assessor.