Director of Grants and Scholarships
Lupe’s favorite part of her work at the Foundation is being the bearer of good news – whether informing a student about their scholarship or a nonprofit about a grant award from Donor Advised or Discretionary Funds.
Lupe joined the team in January 2018 and directs the distribution of grant and scholarship funds. In her role, Lupe manages the grants process from start to finish for all of our funds, including Donor Advised, Discretionary, Scholarship and Agency Funds. Lupe provides our donors with personalized service to ensure that their intentions for the grant are clearly outlined for the recipient and that grant recommendations meet all the required charitable specifications. Additionally, she gathers reports from grant recipients and records philanthropic engagement outcomes. As an integral part of the Scholarship Team, Lupe ensures that the application process runs smoothly and assists applicants throughout the application and renewal process – answering questions and providing guidance.
Prior to joining Napa Valley Community Foundation, Lupe worked as the Administrative Assistant at Wolfe Center for Aldea Children & Family Services, a mental health nonprofit. Lupe is a Napa native with roots in Oaxaca, Mexico. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in education from University of California Berkeley, and an associate’s degree in social & behavioral sciences from Napa Valley College.
When Lupe is not spreading good news, she enjoys photography, spending time with family, traveling and salsa dancing.
One of Lupe’s favorite quotes:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou