Liberty Power, the nation's largest owner-operated retail electricity supplier, is proud to announce the winners of its Liberty Power Bright Horizons Scholarshipprogram. The presentations of checks totaling $20,000 were awarded to three college students at the USHCC National Convention held October 9-11 in Miami, FL.
The Bright Horizons program was established in 2013 when Liberty Power co-founders, David Hernandez andAlberto Daire, committed $100,000 over five years to the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Foundation. The Bright Horizons Scholarship endeavors to promote and encourage educational efforts in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through awards to college students majoring in these fields who also have an interest in pursuing a career in energy and the environment.
"It's a continued pleasure to collaborate with Liberty Power on the Bright Horizons Scholarship. The USHCC Foundation is honored to be involved in promoting the advancement of STEM education, particularly among ethnic groups that are under-represented in these important fields," said USHCC Foundation Chairman, Nina Vaca.
The grand prize, a $10,000 scholarship, was awarded to Twymun K. Safford, who is earning undergraduate degrees in Physics and Mathematics from the University of West Florida.
"I am honored to be recognized as a Liberty Power Bright Horizons Scholarship winner," Mr. Safford stated. "My goals include pursuing a Ph.D. in nuclear and high-energy physics in order to contribute to research endeavors that will yield safer, more efficient energy alternatives."
The $6,000 scholarship was awarded to Agni Guerrero, an undergraduate student at New Mexico State University who is majoring in electrical engineering.
"The Liberty Power Bright Horizons Scholarship will provide me with the financial support needed to pursue a master's degree," Ms. Guerrero said. "I will be able to spread the message to other minority students that no matter what your current situation might be, with dedication and the right tools it is possible to achieve your educational and career goals."
Samantha Michael was awarded the $4,000 scholarship. She is earning her undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering at North Carolina State University.
"I hope to play an integral role in the development of the newer, more robust technology that is going to be needed to further promote zero-emission power sources," Ms. Michael stated. "Such a prestigious award as the Liberty Power Bright Horizons Scholarship will provide the increased credibility I need to have my ideas taken seriously."
Winners were chosen by a panel of judges comprised of policymakers and business leaders within the energy industry, previous Bright Horizons Scholarship winners, the USHCC Foundation, and a collective vote from Liberty Power team members. The three winners were honored by Nina Vaca, USHCC Foundation Chairman,Alberto Daire, co-founder and President of Liberty Power, as well as Tim LoCascio, Liberty Power's Director of Marketing and Bright Horizons Program Director, during the annual convention's closing gala on October 11.
"We are extremely proud to be able to support such an exceptional group of talented students," Daire stated. "It's personally very rewarding to be able to support the educational pursuits of the future generation and provide them with a memorable experience."
The fifth annual Liberty Power Bright Horizons Scholarship application period is scheduled to open in Spring, 2017.
About Liberty Power
Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Liberty Power is the largest owner-operated retail electricity provider in the United States based on 2015 DNV GL rankings of electricity retailers. The company is also the first minority-owned provider with a national footprint, and the largest Hispanic-owned energy company in the United States according to Hispanic Business magazine. Liberty Power provides large and small businesses, government agencies and residential customers with competitively-priced electricity and exceptional customer service.
For more information please visit www.libertypowercorp.com
About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The USHCC Foundation is committed to giving Hispanic entrepreneurs life-long learning by developing and implementing initiatives and educational campaigns to awaken and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. The Foundation leverages corporate and public support to ensure that existing and aspiring Latino entrepreneurs gain access and achieve success in the world of business. Please visit www.ushccfoundation.org for more information.
About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 4.1 million Hispanic-owned businesses across the United States that together contribute in excess of $661 billion to the American economy each year. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information visit www.ushcc.com
