MILWAUKEE (August 13, 2026) – The Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM) has officially surpassed $1 million in scholarships awarded to Latino students across Wisconsin, marking a significant milestone as the organization celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Since its founding in 2001, HPGM has invested in Latino talent at every stage of the professional journey, creating an ecosystem of support that connects education, professional development, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and community. Scholarships are an important part of that pipeline, helping students access education while connecting them to a network that can continue alongside them as they build their careers and grow as leaders.
Today, HPGM serves more than 6,300 professionals and students annually and partners with more than 100 corporations, nonprofits, employee resource groups, educational institutions, and community organizations across Wisconsin.
“I helped start HPGM because I knew firsthand, from my journey at Rockwell International, beginning as a clerk-typist and ultimately becoming the company’s first Latina Vice President, how powerful mentorship and community can be in opening doors and shaping careers,” said Christine Rodriguez, HPGM Founder and 25th Anniversary Gala Co-Chair. “Over the past 25 years, HPGM has meant more than a professional network to me. It has been a source of pride, purpose, and lasting relationships that continue to uplift and inspire our community. Seeing others grow and succeed through this work has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey, Rumbo a La Cima.”
The $1 million milestone represents more than two decades of commitment to increasing educational access and strengthening Wisconsin’s leadership pipeline. Funds raised through HPGM’s programs and events directly support scholarships, leadership development, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities for Latino students and professionals across the state.
Scholarship recipients continue to demonstrate the lasting impact of that investment through their leadership and service across Wisconsin. One of those recipients is Dr. Xochitl Gonzalez, whose scholarship helped shape both her educational and professional journey.
“Receiving this scholarship was more than financial support. It was an investment in possibility. It empowered me to continue my education, strengthen my leadership, and dedicate my career to creating opportunities for others. Today, I see the impact of that investment every time I mentor emerging leaders, build bridges across communities, and help others recognize their own potential. That’s the true power of scholarships: they don’t just support an individual’s journey. They create a legacy of leadership, opportunity, and impact that reaches generations,” said Dr. Xochitl Gonzalez, HPGM scholarship recipient and community leader.
As HPGM celebrates 25 years of impact, the organization is preparing to enter an exciting new chapter. The milestone year will culminate at HPGM’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Gala on September 25, where members, partners, sponsors, and community leaders will gather to celebrate the organization’s legacy, recognize outstanding community leaders, and look ahead to the future through a special organizational announcement.
The Gala will celebrate the award recipients, partnerships, and milestones that have shaped HPGM over the past 25 years while reaffirming the organization’s commitment to increasing economic prosperity and growing Latino influence for a stronger Wisconsin.
Learn more about HPGM: https://www.hpgm.org/
Support HPGM: https://www.hpgm.org/give
HPGM leadership and scholarship recipients are available for interviews in English and Spanish. To learn more about HPGM’s 25th anniversary initiatives or to coordinate an interview, please contact rosa.avinazuniga@hpgm.org.
About HPGM
The Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to advancing Latino leadership through education, professional development, and community engagement. Founded in 2001, HPGM serves more than 6,300 professionals and students annually and partners with over 100 organizations across Wisconsin to increase economic prosperity and expand opportunities for Latino communities. Follow HPGM on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
