Meet our 2026 Live Your Dream Awardees:

 Jessica Montalvo

Las Cruces, New Mexico

“My children deserve to see their mother reach her goals, and I want them to learn that education is powerful and that dreams are worth pursuing, no matter the obstacles.”

Jessica is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science at New Mexico State University. As the primary financial provider for her family of seven, Jessica balances full‑time work, full‑time studies, and the daily responsibilities of parenting with remarkable strength and perseverance. Her journey has not been easy, but it has shaped her resilience and deepened her commitment to building a better future for her children.

Jessica is driven by a desire to lead by example, showing her children that even when life feels overwhelming, hard work and dedication can open doors to opportunity. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to continue her education to become a Family and Marriage Counselor, where she hopes to make a meaningful impact through mental‑health care. Her studies in human development have given her insight into how individuals and families grow, adapt, and heal. By pursuing her goals, Jessica is not only investing in her own future but strengthening her family and empowering others along the way.

Corina Portillo

Las Cruces, New Mexico

"I want to help people who are going through similar situations as I faced . . . You can see which way to go, but you don’t know how to get there, or sometimes you don’t even know which way to go. Having hope can change that for people. I know because I’ve been there and I’ve gone through it."

Corina, a mother of three, is studying Business Administration at New Mexico State University. She is driven by a deep desire to give back to her community, knowing firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate life without the right resources or support. That understanding fuels her goal to work for a nonprofit organization, helping others find the guidance, services, and hope they need to move forward.

Through her business studies, Corina has discovered a passion for leadership, collaboration, and community-focused work. She aspires to grow into a management role within an organization centered on peer support, where she can empower others and show that change is possible. For Corina, education is more than a degree; it’s a pathway to service, healing, and creating opportunities for those who need them most.

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 Inez Berrios

El Paso, Texas 

“This award could help me live my dream as it could help pay for my remaining tuition, provide food for my child, and continue putting a roof over our heads…. it will provide a much greater award. That is showing my son, through example, that with continued perseverance, dedication and hard work he can achieve anything and beat the odds against  him.”

Inez is a single mom and student at New Mexico State University, pursuing her goal of becoming a registered dietitian. Drawn to the clinical side of nutrition, she hopes to work in a hospital setting where she can support individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. Through courses like Human Nutrition and Personal Health and Wellness, she has gained a deep appreciation for the science of nutrition and the complex ways the body processes and relies on food for health.

Equally important to Inez is understanding the broader picture, how factors such as income, environment, culture, and community shape access to healthy choices. She believes true care begins with empathy, perspective, and connection. Through her education and personal experience, Inez is building the knowledge and compassion needed to make nutrition meaningful, relevant, and accessible to those she serves.

Nicola Roath

Las Cruces, NM

“I see this scholarship not just as financial assistance, but as a vote of confidence in my potential. I am committed to using the funds responsibly and purposefully to advance my education and prepare for a career where I can contribute meaningfully to my community and profession.”

Nicola is a biochemistry student at New Mexico State University, driven by a deeply personal mission to transform lived experience into meaningful change. As a person in recovery, Nicola is pursuing a career in natural medicine and scientific research, with the goal of helping others navigate addiction through compassionate, evidence‑based approaches. Her academic journey began with an associate’s degree in psychology, which shaped her understanding of mental health and strengthened her empathy for those struggling with dependency.

Balancing rigorous coursework with the responsibilities of raising a family has sharpened Nicola’s perseverance and sense of purpose. She believes science is more than discovery; it is a bridge to healing and humanity. Through research, Nicola hopes to explore how natural substances and biochemical pathways can support recovery, reduce harm, and offer hope.

Rosa Chavez

El Paso, Texas

“School has been an opportunity to escape the matrix life had put me in. There's nothing more I want in life than to walk down the aisle and receive my degree. This will allow me to use my knowledge to help individuals who don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. … I hope to help these individuals become good members to our society.”

Rosa is a sociology student at the University of Texas at El Paso and member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars with a 3.58 GPA. She sees school as more than academics. It is a turning point that helped her reclaim control over her life and future.

Motivated by her desire to be a strong example for her 15-year-old son, Rosa is passionate about using her education to help others find hope. She believes deeply in the power of listening, encouragement, and personal choice. Inspired by lived experience and guided by the belief that we are defined by what we choose to become, Rosa hopes to work in a drug rehabilitation center, helping individuals rediscover purpose, healing, and a path forward.

Shauna Whitman

Thoreau, New Mexico

“I wanted to be able to give back to a community by going into a career that is desperately needed. … I see Native Americans becoming a statistic of no education or substance abuse. This gave me ambition to continue with my education in nursing so that one day I can gracefully care for any rural community and make a difference one day at a time.”

Shauna, a mother of four, is a nursing student at the University of New Mexico, committed to transforming care through education, compassion, and service. Her journey in healthcare began in 2016 as a certified nursing assistant, gaining hands‑on experience in rehabilitation and skilled nursing settings. Driven to provide more advanced patient care, she returned to school to become a nationally certified medical assistant, working in both hospital and clinic environments.

Shauna’s long‑term vision is bold and deeply rooted in service: earning her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and ultimately a Doctorate in Nursing, while giving back to communities in New Mexico and Arizona. She is especially dedicated to addressing health disparities and supporting individuals facing addiction, chronic illness, and limited access to care. For Shauna, education is not only a personal achievement, but also a powerful tool to heal, uplift, and inspire future generations.

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Andrea Ontiveros

Portales, New Mexico

"There have been long nights, early mornings, and moments of doubt, but my determination to create a better life for my children has never left my mind”.

Andrea is determined to model perseverance and hope for her four- and 12-year-old sons. After earning an associate’s degree in 2023, she continued forward with her education while working full time as an educational assistant in a D‑level classroom, supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs. She expects to complete a bachelor’s degree in May 2027 in Early Childhood Education with a focus on Special Education at Eastern New Mexico University.

Andrea’s hands-on experience, along with years of leading after‑school programs and tutoring, has deepened her passion for helping children who need extra support. Each course she completes strengthens her ability to create classrooms where every child feels valued, capable, and encouraged to succeed.

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Violeta Perez-Pinon

Albuquerque, New Mexico

“Financial hardship has been one of the greatest obstacles in my journey. There have been many times when I’ve had to choose between buying school supplies and paying for household necessities. This award would lift that burden, allowing me to focus more fully on my education while providing my family with greater stability. It would also give me the peace of mind that I can continue showing up for my children, my job, and my studies without the constant stress of wondering how I’ll afford everything I need to succeed.”

Violeta is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Community Psychology at New Mexico State University. Rooted in her deep commitment to family and community, she is passionate about becoming a bilingual community counselor who serves underserved families across New Mexico. She is especially motivated to support immigrant and Spanish‑speaking parents and children who face barriers to mental‑health care due to language, stigma, or limited resources.

Through her psychology studies, Violeta has built a strong foundation in human behavior, trauma, and community‑based empowerment. Her full‑time work in an ophthalmology office has further strengthened her ability to connect compassionately with people from diverse backgrounds. Balancing work, school, and being a mother of six has shaped Violeta into a resilient, empathetic advocate determined to help families heal, thrive, and feel seen.