H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Pursue Education) Matters
Co-Founder
Kizzy Lopez graduated from National University with a Master's in Educational Counseling and currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Higher Education Leadership at Azusa Pacific University. As a foster care alumni, Kizzy understands the challenges foster youth face as they work toward earning a college degree. Kizzy has dedicated her professional and academic career to improving the educational outcomes for foster youth. She maintains an active agenda advocating and examining the needs of current and former foster youth in higher education. Kizzy participates on multiple committees and advisory boards in the fields of child welfare and higher education locally and statewide. Kizzy uses her professional and academic accomplishments as a tool to inspire others to pursue their own dreams. Even though Kizzy had to overcome many obstacles, she was blessed to have wonderful individuals who poured into her life as a young adult so she could achieve her goals. HOPE Matters is one of the many ways in which Kizzy “Pays it forward.”
Kizzy M. Lopez
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Kizzy M. Lopez
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Co-Founder
Coreen Aguilar graduated from California State University, Fresno with a B.A. in Nonprofit Administration & Professional Writing with certificate in the Humanics program and a certificate in Serving At-Risk Youth. As a former foster youth, Coreen is sensitive to the needs of those who struggle with adversities and is passionate about working with marginalized populations and collaborating with others to act as a positive network of support for foster youth! As Co-Founder and Associate Director, Coreen strives to build strong community partnerships for and with foster youth served through HOPE Matters in order to navigate pathways for foster youth in the Central Valley to realize their goals and dreams!
"It is my dream to pass on the gifts of support and encouragement that have helped me realize my goals, despite many obstacles, and I hope to do this for others who pursue higher education! After all, education has been one of the greatest gifts of my life."
Coreen Aguilar
Co-Founder and Associate Director
"It is my dream to pass on the gifts of support and encouragement that have helped me realize my goals, despite many obstacles, and I hope to do this for others who pursue higher education! After all, education has been one of the greatest gifts of my life."
Coreen Aguilar
Co-Founder and Associate Director
H.O.P.E. Matters I 1551 E. Shaw Ave. Suite 103, Fresno, CA 93710 I Phone: (559) 312- 6787 I Fax: (559) 291-5927