Yolanda R. Cruz, President and Executive Director
Born in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, Yolanda moved to Brooklyn, New York, at age 3,
where she observed her father’s dedication despite significant health challenges.
Inspired by her father's values, Yolanda pursued a degree in Business
Administration at TCI, graduating with honors in 18 months despite financial
constraints.
Her educational achievements kickstarted a distinguished 38-year career with
Fortune 500 companies like KPMG, Paramount, Citigroup, Aventis, and others.
Later, at Deloitte, she rose from Sr. Administrative Assistant to Sr. Program
Specialist for the Hybrid Operate team, focusing on Contractor Management.
Yolanda founded the Latin Scholarship Fund, where she serves as Executive
Director. She leverages her vast experience to support educational initiatives.
Yolanda’s journey from a challenging upbringing to influential corporate and
community roles highlights her capability and dedication to fostering educational
opportunities.
Yolanda is married to Manuel Cruz for over 35 years and they share three children.
Giselli Perez, Treasurer
Giselli Perez, a product of the vibrant and challenging South Bronx, proudly embraces her Puerto Rican heritage amid the struggles of poverty, drugs, and crime that characterize the area. Her parents' resilience, with her father's journey from Puerto Rico to the Bronx and her mother's upbringing in Spanish Harlem, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, laid the foundation for Giselli's determination to overcome obstacles and secure a better life for her family. Faced with limited educational opportunities, language barriers, and financial constraints, Giselli's father navigated the bustling streets, taking on various odd jobs to provide for the family.
Defying expectations, Giselli became a trailblazing first-generation college graduate, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Binghamton University. As she embarked on her professional journey, she channeled her talents into the nonprofit se to an organization offering alternatives to incarceration, specifically for minorities dealing with the complexities of drug use and sales. Expanding her dedication to the nonprofit sector, Giselli applied her expertise in Finance and Grant management to reproductive health and lung cancer organizations. Both ventures aimed to provide essential support, services, advocacy, and education to individuals and families grappling with these critical issues.
With over 25 years of steadfast commitment to nonprofits and their missions, Giselli's professional journey not only mirrors her personal triumphs but also underscores the lasting positive impact she continues to make. Her wealth of experience in navigating the challenges of the South Bronx uniquely positions her to contribute valuable insights and expertise to the Latin Scholarship Fund, enriching its mission and fostering opportunities for aspiring individuals in pursuit of education and success.
Michelle Fernandez, Board Member
Michelle Fernandez has built a foundation in the financial services industry for more than 35 years. She joined Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in 2001, where she spent the last two decades conducting front line supervision in the Mid-Atlantic Region, overseeing the personal practices of independent advisors and complex team practices.
While attending Iona College, she worked full-time at Citigroup. At Citigroup, she was offered the opportunity to become an investment licensed registered representative. Michelle is registered with FINRA and holds an active Series 7, 63, 24, 9, 10, and a PA Life, Accident and Health insurance licenses. She enjoys working with independent financial advisors because of their empathy, knowledge and passion for their work and has personally seen how their trusted advice and guidance impact lives.
Michelle has resided in the Poconos over twenty years, originally from New York. Throughout the years, she volunteered in the Stroudsburg Area School District, Stroudsburg Little League, and at her church. Almost an empty nester, her philanthropic work continues by serving on the board of the Latin Scholarship Fund, Inc. She believes that if each member feels a sense of belonging this can help strengthen the community. As a Latina, she’s passionate about helping other Hispanics secure a better life by creating opportunities for our youth and ensuring Hispanics can influence and positively impact all areas in our community.
Mario Arostegui, Board Member
Mario Arostegui, born in Managua, Nicaragua. At age 7 he came to the United States of America with his parents and siblings, raised in Queens, NY.
Mario Arostegui has over 27 years in the industry of commercial interior architecture and has spent the last 20 years focusing on “Digital Component Construction” working towards making an impact in the construction world through pre-fabricated construction.
He has deeply been involved with our partner office in Calgary, AB – Falkbuilt HQ the leader in sustainability, where his years of experience in corporate interior and vast knowledge of graphic design has let him be part in changing the future for interior construction that’s not only better for the industry but for the planet. Mario Arostegui works on projects around the world with fortune 500 companies. His currently holds a position as VP of Falkbuilt NY and leads a team of architects, designers, and administrative staff.
He received a B.S. in Architecture from the City College of NY and worked as a CAD Designer and IT Manager at a New York city top ten architectural firm before joining Lane Office/ Falkbuilt NY.
Mario Arostegui has resided in East Stroudsburg, PA for over seventeen years, originally from New York. He and his wife raised two amazing kids. As a proud Latino, I strive to see our culture evolve and help our future kids to conquer their dreams.
Luis Bardales Jr, Board Member
Luis Bardales Jr. was born in Lima, Peru, and immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of two in pursuit of the American Dream. Although both of his parents held college degrees in Peru, they made the selfless decision to leave their professional careers behind to provide Luis and his sister with greater opportunities in the U.S.
A proud alumnus of Louis E. Dieruff High School, Luis credits his time in the school’s AFJROTC program for teaching him leadership, discipline, and the importance of community service.
In 2015, while studying film at Lehigh Carbon Community College, Luis founded LBJ Media, a media production company specializing in photography, video, and branded storytelling. What began as a solo operation with one camera has since grown into a full-service creative business serving clients across the Lehigh Valley and beyond. With mentorship, determination, and a commitment to community, Luis built a company grounded in the belief that storytelling can spark change and uplift lives.
Luis continued his education and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. His business education has played a key role in helping him grow LBJ Media into a strategic, mission-driven brand.
His creative work and impact have earned him widespread recognition. Luis was honored with the 2017 Lehigh Valley Golden Latin Award for Business Person of the Year, and more recently, received two prestigious accolades in 2024: the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA) Award of Excellence and the NSPRA Award of Merit – Video Series, issued by the National School Public Relations Association.
He has been featured in numerous regional media outlets, including 69 News, The Morning Call, Lehigh Valley Style Magazine, Upside Allentown, and more. Luis is also a proud member of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, where he actively contributes to the local business community.
Today, Luis continues to call Allentown home and remains passionate about using visual storytelling to connect, inspire, and create a lasting impact across generations.
Carmen Delfi, Board Member
Carmen Delfi has had an impressive career spanning three decades in the equipment leasing industry. She currently serves as the Senior Vice President at M&T Commercial Equipment Finance. Carmen's journey in the industry is marked by numerous milestones and a dedication to excellence that has consistently driven operational success. This drive and determination stem from the lessons her father taught her and watching his rise to a successful career in the Health and Hospitals Corporation in NYC. Her father was very supportive and pushed her to succeed from a very early age.
Born and raised in Spanish Harlem, Carmen learned the value of education and earned a scholarship to a private high school, followed by a full ride to Adelphi University, where she completed her degree in Industrial Psychology. It was there she met her husband, Victor, to whom she has been married for 42 years. She volunteers her time to high school students, teaching them critical time management skills needed for success.
Juanita McGonagle, Board Member
Juanita McGonagle is an experienced administrative professional who currently works for a major non-profit organization in New York City. She has worked as a volunteer in many since she was child and most recently as a member of New York Cares. She looks forward to continuing that tradition of volunteerism as a member of the Latin Scholarship Fund Board. Originally from Brooklyn, New York she has a B.A. in History from Cornell University and a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. She lives in East Stroudsburg with her husband and son.
Angelica Richards, Board Member
Angelica Richards is a dedicated finance professional who values hard work and building meaningful connections. Passionate about giving back, she actively volunteers, especially within her Latin community. She finds joy in dancing, exploring new foods, and traveling. In her spare time, she cherishes moments with family, embracing the importance of community and togetherness.