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Latinos Unidos of Iowa Inc. is a non-profit organization with the goal of generating leadership, unity on Latin & Hispanic organizations in Iowa, promoting employment and educational opportunities on the community. By joining Latinos Unidos of Iowa Inc., you will gain access to many activities directed at:

-Supporting the dreams of higher education to highly achieving Latino students.

-Generating a network of contacts between different Latinos & Hispanic

organizations in Iowa.

-Promoting positive role models for Latino & Hispanic youth through community

activities.

-Participating in cultural and civic activities aimed at incrementing public

awareness of Latino/Hispanic culture and values.

-and much more...

For more information on how to become a member please contact Latinos Unidos of Iowa Inc., at 515 279-6840, iowalatina@msn.com, or our Facebook group, “Latinos Unidos of Iowa”. You may also download the membership application form here (in English) or aquí (en Español).

Latinos Unidos of Iowa, Inc. is a non-profit organization and recognized as a 501(c)(3) as of 1996.

Previous Scholarship Winners Showcase

Esperanza Pintor

I came to the U.S. from Mexico at the age of 8 not knowing one word of English. In May 2008 I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa. I am currently pursuing a masters in public health degree at the University of Iowa. My goal is to graduate with my masters in May 2010. After graduating I hope to obtain a public health related job.

My education has provided me with many opportunities like traveling outside of the U.S. and having great jobs (internships). During the summer of 2007 I went to the following four countries: The Gambia (in Western Africa), Greece, Romania, and Hungary. Last year I worked as an intern for the Iowa Department of Public Health with the 1st Five Healthy Mental Development Initiative. This summer I am in Honduras doing research and learning about public health in Honduras. My involvement with the Latino community in Iowa has also allowed me to travel to Washington DC to talk to legislators about the important issues facing Latinos across the country.

In the future I would like to obtain a job with the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that would allow me to work in Mexico and the U.S. helping Latinos.

Claudia Schabel

Claudia Schabel is a Human Resources, Senior Diversity Specialist with the Principal Financial Group. Most of her time is used finding ways to recruit and retain employees at the Principal. Schabel joined the company in 2005. The Principal Financial Group (www.principal.com) is a leading financial institution offering businesses, individuals and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services including retirement and investment services, life and health insurance. Schabel earned her undergraduate degree in International Relations from Drake University in 2003 and since then has become an active member of the community. She serves on several boards and community committees. In 2008, she was voted as the President of ALIANZA: Latino Business Association. She is married to Brad Schabel.

Francisco Guzman

Name: Francisco Guzman-Zaragoza

Birthplace: Degollado, Jalisco. Mexico

School: DMACC and earned:

December 2006, Certificate of Specialization in Management

December 2008, Certificate of Qualified Healthcare Interpreter

I was born in Mexico and grew up as pig farmer. I moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 2000. I graduated from Urbandale High School in 2004. I work in restaurant to support myself and help my family. In the spring of 2006 I won the scholarship of Latinos Unidos, which was a big help in paying for my tuition and books. I was an active student at DMACC as president of the International Club and a member of Student Government.

I am currently working as the manager of a Mexican restaurant. This has been an excellent opportunity at a challenging job. By furthering my knowledge, I know that everything will be easier.