Gloria Diaz Ventura '00
Founder and Executive Director, ACCION

Brad King Award for Excellence in Service

Ventura is dedicated to educational equity and the advancement of Chicano/Latinos.  From 2002 to 2006, she directed outreach efforts and made admissions decisions at the USC Annenberg School for Communication.  She now holds a similar admissions office position at Stanford.  Ventura is   founder and executive director of ACCION, a nonprofit organization that prepares low-income Latino students, and their parents, for college.  Her volunteer work includes board membership for Bright Star Schools and service as the Achievement Award Program Regional Chair in East Los Angeles.  She recently concluded her term as the Southern California President of the Chicano/Latino Alumni Club.  Among her accomplishments was managing the 2nd annual Tardeada fundraiser, which generated $20,000 for need-based scholarships.  Ventura exhibits professionalism and enthusiasm in all her endeavors.  She routinely motivates and cajoles friends, colleagues, and even strangers to participate in activities that benefit Cal and the students who want to come here.

Personal Statement
Cal absolutely changed my life!  My experience ignited a passion within me to aspire for change and confirmed my belief that anything is possible through education.  Cal gave me the confidence to take risks, instilled pride in me to work hard for those who made it possible to be at such a remarkable institution, and provided the environment that motivates me to improve our society and fight for what I believe can be achieved.

Receiving the Bradford S. King award is truly an honor.  It is so comforting to know alumni efforts do not go unnoticed.  I thank the CAA Board and its leadership for creating this kind of recognition for younger alumni.  This reconfirms my dedication to Cal and inspires me to continue representing my alma mater.