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LUCA CONNECT - JANUARY 2026
Career Exploration Day at Morgan Stanley
This year marked the 10th anniversary of a signature experience in LUCA’s programming—one that gives Scholars the opportunity to step inside leading organizations across a range of industries, tour professional spaces, and hear firsthand advice, lessons learned, and words of encouragement from professionals who were once first-generation college students themselves and are now thriving in their careers.
We were especially proud to reconnect with LUCA alumni Rodrigo Navarro-Suarez and Michelle Mahecha, along with Angel Herrera, now a LUCA College Coach—all of whom are flourishing as members of the Morgan Stanley team and serve as powerful role models for our Scholars.
A heartfelt thank you to Carolina Ureña, LUCA Board Member and Executive Director of Administration, Training, and Communications at Morgan Stanley, for thoughtfully curating the agenda, organizing speakers, and creating an inspiring and unforgettable experience for our Scholars!
"It was such a valuable learning experience which allowed us to open our minds for future career paths. It also strengthened my desire to major in Finance after experiencing the corporate environment first hand."
Justin Cabrera (LUCA Scholar '24, The City College of New York '28)
FAFSA SEASON RECAP
In December, we wrapped up our FAFSA Bootcamp Season (October-December) efforts. LUCA held seven FAFSA Bootcamps at the LUCA office and across our partner school districts, serving 195 students and 266 parents (total 461 community members served) with a successful FAFSA completion rate of 84%!
SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT
LUCA’s Scholar Ambassadors are elevating voices and shedding light on the issues that matter most to them. This semester, they’ve been reflecting on their college journeys, with the first round of submissions focusing on a topic all too familiar to first-generation students: imposter syndrome.
LUCA Scholar, Emily Alvarez, currently a Freshman at Columbia University, candidly shared her experience navigating spaces that weren’t built with first-gen students in mind. Her powerful takeaway resonates across our Scholar Community:
“Feeling uncomfortable, overwhelmed, or out of place doesn’t mean you don’t belong; it often means you’re growing.”
Stories like Emily’s highlight the challenges embedded in the first-gen experience and demonstrate the power of connection when Scholars share their struggles and triumphs. The Ambassador Program continues to be a platform for support, reflection, and community for all LUCA Scholars.
Want to learn more about Imposter Syndrome and how LUCA is supporting our Scholars? Contact LUCA's College Success Manager.
FAITH'S FIRST WEEK
The start of a New Year meant the beginning of an exciting new chapter for LUCA as Faith Ann Butcher became its CEO.
In her first week, Faith sat down with Bob Marrone of Westchester Talk Radio at BCW's 2026 New Year Blast, sharing about her new role as LUCA's CEO and the organization's mission to create access and equitable pathways to higher education for first-generation, college bound students.
Thank you, Faith, for sharing all about LUCA and our outstanding Scholars!
From left: Christine Louvet, Faith Ann Butcher, and Shirley Acevedo Buontempo.
LUCA IN THE NEWS
LUCA’s announcement that five LUCA Scholars were named Questbridge matches and were awarded full four-year scholarships to some of the nation’s top universities- made it to print by the River Journal!
To these and all LUCA Scholars, you continue to make us proud.
LUCA TEAM UPDATES
We are excited to officially welcome Kamilly “Kami” Lombert to the LUCA team!
Kami joined LUCA as our Program Coordinator, bringing a strong commitment to educational equity and supporting first-generation students.
As a first-generation Latina born in the Bronx and raised in White Plains, Kami holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Hunter College and brings a thoughtful, data-informed approach to program support and community impact.
In her role, Kami supports our Scholars through strategic outreach, data organization and reporting, and close collaboration with staff and partners to ensure high-quality program delivery.
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