The Latin American Education Foundation (LAEF) aims to make higher education more accessible for Hispanic and Latino students across the state of Colorado. Because only 29% of Hispanics in Colorado have a degree or certificate, LAEF works to expand access and increase retention and graduation rates for students, ensuring the growth and success of the Colorado economy. The majority of the students that LAEF serves are first-generation college students, first-generation immigrants and low-income families.

IMA’s contribution to LAEF directly supports student services that help to make the college-going process less complex. The organization offers an array of free services to help students, including college planning and transition, enrollment and registration assistance, financial aid assistance, career planning, networking opportunities and mentoring.

IMA is inspired by the Latin American Educational Foundation’s meaningful work and their efforts to raise up Hispanic and Latino students in Colorado through education.

Covering 100 of the 105 Kansas counties, Kansas Big Brother Big Sisters (KSBBBS) creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships between caring adult volunteers and youth facing adversity.

KSBBBS believes that engaging vulnerable youth in positive relationships, exposing them to community partners and resources, and allowing them to set and achieve personal goals, can change their lives for the better. The mentoring programs supported by KSBBBS involve regular meetings between Bigs and their Littles enjoying different activities or connecting at school to work on homework, read or play games.

IMA’s contribution to KSBBBS is used for the professional case-managed support of existing matches as well as the recruitment, enrollment and supervision of new matches to ensure successful relationships and positive outcomes for Littles. Beyond IMA’s monetary contributions, five associates from our Wichita office serve as Bigs in their community and are devoted to the KSBBBS mission. IMA’s Susan DeVaughn said, “My favorite moment every time my Little and I get together is seeing her smile. I love seeing her happy. She is just a joy! It doesn’t take much to make a difference in a child’s life. We think we need to change the spots on a leopard when all we need to do is be a friend.”

IMA and its associates are proud to partner with Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters and support the organization’s efforts to advance youth in the community.

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, which opened in 2019, teaches the history of the Holocaust and informs visitors on the devastating impacts of hatred and racism seen in the U.S. By sharing the lessons learned from the tragedies of the past, the Museum provides a thoughtful space, both physically and virtually, for authentic communication and reflection.

The IMA Foundation has consistently supported the Museum’s efforts, and in 2021 IMA’s support of the Museum was focused on their education programming and “Crucial Conversations” series. The series convenes a diverse group of experts to educate visitors on topics related to racism from a bird’s-eye view down to the minutiae, evaluating definitions, history, current state and strategies one can take moving forward.

The Museum’s purpose is rooted in advancing human rights. It encourages each visitor to become an Upstander—someone who will continually stand up for the rights of others and become more empathetic, tolerant and engaged.

IMA is passionate about the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum’s work and how it strives to improve our understanding of the people in the world, the mistakes we’ve made and the steps we can take to make it a better place for all.