BSF’s Tony Aguilera honored at 50 OVER 50 NE Awards for advancing Latino education

For more than two decades, Tony Aguilera has quietly championed Latino students in Nebraska, helping hundreds pursue higher education through his work with the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation.

This month, that legacy was recognized on a public stage.

Aguilera was named one of the honorees at 50 OVER 50 NE, a statewide celebration hosted by The Bloc, Inc. that honors Nebraskans age 50 and older who have made significant contributions in their communities. The event, held in Omaha, uplifted leaders from across sectors, from education and entrepreneurship to the arts, civic engagement, and public service.

Aguilera, a South Omaha native, was recognized for his unwavering dedication to advancing equity in education for Latino youth. As a founding leader of the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation, he has played a pivotal role in awarding scholarships, expanding mentorship programs, and building bridges between students and community partners.

The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation, a Lozafina client, has grown into a respected community pillar, working closely with local institutions like the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the Latino Economic Development Council. Through partnerships and programming, the foundation not only supports students financially but also helps them navigate the broader systems of college life and career development.

“Tony’s impact isn’t just measured in scholarships,” said Josefina Loza, founder of Lozafina. “It’s in the students who walk across that graduation stage believing in themselves because someone like him believed first.”