SALEF’s mission is to promote the civic participation and representation of the Salvadoran and other Latino communities in the U.S., promote the economic development and democracy in El Salvador, as well as to advocate for its economic, educational, and political advancement and growth.
SALEF promotes giving back to our communities, thus scholarship recipients are expected to complete community service hours and receipt of the scholarship award is dependent on completion of their pledge.
In keeping with this mission, SALEF established the “Fulfilling Our Dreams Scholarship Fund”, which awards scholarships to Salvadoran, Central American, and other Latino college students. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000, and are awarded annually.
SALEF's Values
Social Justice: We are rooted in social justice, political access, and economic prosperity. We promote progressive policy goals in the United States and throughout the world.
Advancing Democracy: We advocate for the democratic advancement of all people, with a special emphasis on Latinos, Central Americans and immigrants in the United States and the people of El Salvador.
Leadership Development: We promote leadership and offer leadership development opportunities to empower individuals and the community to lead efforts for social justice.
Education: We stress the importance of education to community and individual success.
Trust: We are a trustworthy organization. We forge and uphold the trust of the community with transparency and mutual accountability.
Board of Directors
Jose Atilio Hernandez: Chair, ConnectED: The California Center for College & Career
Marlyn Garcia: Vice Chair, Time Warner Cable
Victor Caballero: Treasurer, Mid Yellow Cab
Jorge Nunez: Secretary, Office of Assemblymember Kevin de Leon
Freddy Guzman: Today's Fresh Start Charter School
Dolores Canizales: Office of Los Angeles City Councilmember Janice Hahn
Emanuel Pleitez: Federal Officer, U.S. Department of the Treasury
Carlos Antonio H. Vaquerano: Executive Director
Staff
Carlos Antonio H. Vaquerano: Executive Director
Aimie Acosta: Executive Assistant & Special Projects Coordinator
Delmy Ruiz: Community Organizing and Civic Programs Director
Sergio Oliva: Education & Academic Programs Manager
Guillermo Giron: Youth Organizing/ Scholarship Fund Coordinator
Steven Moises Hernandez: Gang Prevention Mentoring Program Coordinator
Maria Rivera: South Gate Mentoring Program Coordinator
Wilson Rivera: Parent Outreach Coordinator
Salvador Ardon: Census Program Coordinator
