Judy Macias Young Leaders Scholarship Fund

By Sheryl Young, PVF’s San Mateo County Program Director

Anyone who talked to Judy Macias knew what a powerhouse she was on the Coastside to get things done! And, although she died last year, her friends have rallied to carry on her work by creating the Judy Macias Young Leaders Scholarship Fund.

Five young women – high school seniors at Half Moon Bay High School –  were selected to receive college financial assistance for each year of college, as well as experienced mentors to assist them throughout their college experience.

Mitzy and Michelle Hernandez, twins, are attending UC Berkeley and majoring in Biology with aspirations of medical school. Veronica Noriega is studying at College of San Mateo and plans to transfer to Cal Poly. These are three of the young women selected who were introduced at the recent Celebration of the program at the HMB Brewery. These young women are the first in their families to attend college, a dream held by their parents. They have overcome challenges and barriers, showing enormous courage to get to this point.

This program is led by Rev. Julie McKeon and Julie O’Daly, who gathered a dedicated group of women who were heartbroken when Judy died, and yet knew that she would want them to turn this sadness into an opportunity. They knew she would want them to provide scholarships for young women and potential leaders. Following the way Judy did things – “just get it done” – they found donors and supporters to launch this, even during a pandemic!

Philanthropic Ventures Foundation is proud to support this amazing organization. If you are interested in making a donation, being a mentor, or helping with the creation of an internship program, please visit: https://www.judymaciasfund.com