HOUSTON, Oct. 5, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Group O and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USHCC Foundation) awarded two $5,000 scholarships September 21 at the USHCC National Convention in Houston. This is the third year of a 5-year commitment to help cultivate the next generation of Hispanic business leaders.
"The USHCC applauds Group O for its continued commitment to the development of this country's next class of great business leaders," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "These scholarships recognize remarkable students and allow them to continue on their quest for success through higher education."
Group O, recognized among the Top 5 Latino-owned businesses in the U.S., has made a $50,000 commitment to award graduate level scholarships for five years, targeting different universities around the country. This year, the scholarship recipients are pursuing their MBA degrees from Colorado State University.
"Our philosophy is that everyone wins when people are given an opportunity to show what they can do," said Gregg Ontiveros, Group O CEO. "The next generation of Hispanic business leaders will need to be prepared to lead and compete on a global level — and we're excited to partner with USHCC to help make that happen."
This year, two winners each received a $5,000 scholarship:
Kira Gonzalez earned her undergraduate degree from the United States Air Force Academy and is currently serving her country in the United States Air Force. She is engaged in numerous military and community roles, including mission work supporting family health services in Guatemala. After completing her military commitment, Gonzalez plans to apply the leadership skills and knowledge she gains in the Air Force to the business world. While attending the United States Air Force Academy, Gonzalez played women's varsity basketball. She hopes to couple her passion for basketball and her entrepreneurial skills to one day open a training center for future college athletes.
Tamria Zertuche is an experienced business professional who is returning for her MBA after 20 years in the information technology industry. She currently serves as Senior Director of IT at Ferrellgas and dedicates herself to multiple educational and community organizations. As the first in her family to enter college, Zertuche helps promote higher education by seeking out minority college students to serve in paid internships within her department. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, she has maintained a 3.87 GPA in her MBA program – while also balancing the family demands of a husband and three children. After completing her MBA, Zertuche hopes to advance her career in the IT field, earn a Ph.D., and eventually finish her career as an educator.
About Group O
Group O is a diversified business process outsourcing provider specializing in supply chain, packaging, marketing and business analytics solutions. A Corporate Plus member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (nmsdc.org), Group O is an NMSDC National Minority Supplier of the Year honoree and is recognized as a Top 5 Latino-owned Business by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Headquartered in Milan, Illinois and with major operations in Minnesota, Tennessee and Texas, Group O is one of the largest Hispanic-owned companies in the United States and employs more than 1,200. To learn more, visit www.GroupO.com.
About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is the philanthropic and educational arm of the USHCC. The mission of the USHCC Foundation is to enrich experiences of current and future leaders in the world of business through life-long learning and support. The Foundation's initiatives awaken and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit, support business growth, strengthen local chambers and foster leaders. For more information, visit www.ushccfoundation.org.
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