Olena Dmytrychenko
Olena Dmytrychenko fled Kyiv with her two dogs after the 2022 invasion and settled in Colorado, where she enrolled at Emily Griffith Technical College. Supported by scholarships and donor-funded aid, she pursued her passion for massage therapy and is now preparing to graduate and open her own holistic wellness practice.
Aimee Cruz
During her senior year of high school, Aimee Cruz had already finished her credits and began exploring new opportunities at Emily Griffith Technical College. Initially drawn to cosmetology, a visit to the Dental Assisting classroom sparked a new passion. Now enrolled in the program and set to graduate in April, Aimee plans to continue her studies to become a dental hygienist.
Sarita Garcia
After two decades working in hospitals as a surgical and sterile processing tech, Denver native Sarita Garcia’s career was derailed in 2023 when she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare nerve disorder. Her experience as a patient reignited her passion for helping others and led her back to Emily Griffith Technical College, where she’s pursuing a Medical Assisting degree.
Itzel Martinez
19-year-old Itzel Martinez is forging a bright future for herself. Itzel graduated in November 2024 with a certificate in Welding, and she’s ready to take her skills from the classroom to the job site. But Itzel’s journey is more than just learning to weld; it’s about breaking barriers and defying expectations in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Yusif Sardarzade
Yusif Sardarzade is a political asylee from Azerbaijan who peacefully fights for the rights of the Talysh people, an ethnic minority there. His activism put him at odds with the Azerbaijani government. Fearing for his safety, Yusif sought asylum in the United States. Discover how his passion for multimedia and support from Emily Griffith has helped shape his future.
STERLING WALKER
Sterling Walker is a passionate welder whose journey showcases the transformative power of education and community support. Overcoming numerous obstacles, Sterling found his path through the Emily Griffith Welding program. Sterling's story is a testament to the impact of investing in individuals' potential.
SAIFURAHMAN AYAR LEMAR
Saifurahman Ayar Lemar survived four assassination attempts by the Taliban, but his resolve to expose their brutality led him to journalism and supporting U.S. forces. After finding refuge in Denver, he enrolled in English classes, and is now studying Multimedia & Video Production at Emily Griffith Technical College.
Paris M. Di Tommaso
For Paris, the hum of an engine isn’t just noise—it’s a calling. She grew up hearing stories about Emily Griffith Technical College from her father, who built a career as an HVAC technician after training there. That family legacy planted a seed early: skilled trades could change a life. Today, Paris is forging her own path in the Automotive Service program, determined to prove that the garage can be a place for everyone.
Camila Sanchez
Camila Sanchez has accomplished a lot since moving to Colorado from Bogota, Colombia in May 2023. Now 27 years old, Camila is in the final stages of Emily Griffith Technical College’s Cosmetology program, where she has found a way to combine her passion for beauty with the incredible opportunities the College provides.
Rommina Watson
Rommina Watson's journey is inspiring - from cleaning hotel rooms to excelling as a Relationship Manager at KeyBank. With determination, support from Emily Griffith, and relentless hard work, she transitioned from an immigrant learning English to a thriving professional in the banking industry and Accounting student.
Daniela Ponce Schaefer
Daniela Ponce Schaefer, an immigrant from Argentina, transitioned from the arts to healthcare to better support her family. Daniela's determination, bolstered by scholarships and financial support, led her to quickly complete the Nurse Assisting program and secure a fulfilling job as a Certified Nurse Assistant.
Zuhra Momin
Since moving to the U.S. from Afghanistan in 2014, Zuhra Momin has made every decision with purpose, driven by a commitment to learning and building a meaningful career. While in high school, Zuhra sought out real-world experience that would give her an edge in the medical field. She discovered the Nurse Assisting program at Emily Grifith, and immediately saw an opportunity to start strong.
Issariana Chafino
Issariana Chafino’s journey into healthcare began with small, determined steps. In 2021, she graduated from Emily Griffith’s Medical Assisting program. Now she is preparing to graduate from Emily Griffith’s Practical Nursing program. Her story is a reflection of the opportunities Emily Griffith offers to those willing to pursue them.
Rachel Amodeo
Meet Rachel Amodeo, a barbering student breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. Inspired by a friend's positive experience at Emily Griffith, Rachel transitioned from a disillusioning college experience to a supportive and affordable education. As she prepares to graduate in July, Rachel is eager to make her mark as a skilled and creative barber.
Omid Rawaan
When the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, Omid Rawaan was forced to flee for his life, leaving behind his wife and three young daughters. Now rebuilding his future in Denver, Omid works as a security guard and studies English Language Acquisition at Emily Griffith Technical College.
Suleiman Kayita
Suleiman Kayita fled Tanzania due to political strife, and experienced some hardships upon arriving in Denver. Overcoming homelessness and financial hardship, Suleiman learned English and graduated from the HVAC program at Emily Griffith Technical College, with the goal of someday starting his own business.
Franscelia Tineo
Before enrolling in English Language Acquisition classes at Emily Griffith Technical College, Venezuelan immigrant Franscelia Tineo was driving for Instacart to support her family. After improving her English and gaining confidence through the program, she landed a higher-paying job as a graphic designer in Denver.
ESTHER PINALES
Esther Pinales is about to complete her Massage Therapy program, driven by her passion for helping others. With the support of Emily Griffith Foundation scholarships, Esther is poised to embark on a fulfilling new career, showcasing the transformative power of education and community support.
Joshua Moore
Joshua Moore graduated from Emily Griffith Technical College’s Multimedia and Video Production program in 2023, a program he chose as it is well aligned with his experience in the Army. Josh produced a video about his Emily Griffith journey - click below to read more and watch the video!
Eleni Fikremariam
Eleni Fikremariam moved from Ethiopia to Denver and found her confidence through Emily Griffith's English classes. With scholarships from Emily Griffith Foundation, Eleni overcame language barriers and earned her Nurse Assisting certificate. She is now happily employed as a Nurse Assistant.
Diana Dmytrychenko
When Diana Dmytrychenko moved from Ukraine, she set her sights on her lifelong dream of becoming a hairdresser. She started by enrolling in English Language Acquisition classes at Emily Griffith Technical College to build the communication skills she needed to succeed. With the help of scholarships, Diana completed both her English and barbering programs and now owns her own salon, Tame It Curl Haus, in Cherry Hills, specializing in curly and textured hair.