Lozafina Launches Inaugural Scholarship at Viva Business Luncheon
By Josefina Loza
In a bold step to reinvest in the community that shaped us, Lozafina proudly announces that its first-ever scholarship recipient will be honored at the upcoming Viva Business Luncheon, an event built to uplift Latino entrepreneurship, leadership, and educational advancement across Nebraska.
This $1,000 general scholarship, created in partnership with the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation, was designed to honor the ambition and potential of young Latino students regardless of the educational path they choose. Whether pursuing college, trade school, nail technician training, or creative arts, this award affirms that every form of continuing education matters and deserves celebration.
"As a first-generation college student and Goodrich Scholar, I know what it's like to need someone to believe in you… to see your potential before the degree or the title,” said Josefina Loza, founder and CEO of Lozafina. “This scholarship is our way of paying that belief forward. It’s small for now, but mighty in meaning."
The Lozafina is one of 16 to be awarded during the Viva Business Luncheon on May 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Metropolitan Community College South Campus in Omaha. The luncheon, hosted by Casa de la Cultura, honors the 16 selected scholarship recipients from a competitive pool of 144 applicants received earlier this year by the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation (BSF).
The Viva Business Luncheon also reflects the enduring legacy of the Latino community. In addition to scholarships, the event will honor local leaders who have made an indelible impact: Jose and Linda Garcia, Jorge Nila, Theresa Barron-McKeagney, Abelardo and Delores Hernandez, and Manuel González.
Lozafina's decision to invest in a general scholarship was deliberate, acknowledging that student success doesn’t always follow a conventional or linear path. “It’s about honoring drive, creativity, and resilience in any form,” Loza said.
The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation, a trusted advocate for Latino students for decades, continues its mission to support the next generation through scholarship, career exploration, and mentorship. Together with Casa de la Cultura, BSF is helping to ensure Latino youth have the resources and relationships they need to thrive.
This year’s scholarships include:
BSF, In Honor of Ella and Vidal Barrientos, Arts/Education - $6,000CHI Health, Healthcare - $1,000Cinco de Mayo Omaha, Communications, Journalism, Marketing - $4,000Clarkson College, Healthcare - $2,500Geena Gomez, Master’s in Education/Special Education - $5,000JE Dunn, Construction Mgt. at UNK, UNL, or UNO - $5,000Lozafina, General - $1,000MagicTouch/Eddie Sandoval, Nursing - $2,500MagicTouch, Business - $2,500Methodist College, Healthcare - $2,500Nebraska Furniture Mart, Business/Communications - $3,000Metro Community College Only
BSF/MCC, Any - $5,000CHI Health/MCC, Healthcare - $5,000JE Dunn/MCC, Trades - $5,000MagicTouch/MCC, Trades - $5,000Omaha Public Power District (OPPD)/MCC, Trades - $5,000Lozafina’s scholarship recipient will also join a growing mentorship and professional opportunity network, aligned with the broader mission of creating visibility and support for Latino youth.
"We hope this is just the beginning," Loza added. “Our community deserves platforms like the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation and Viva. Our youth deserve scholarships that don’t place limitations on their dreams.”