On a clear spring day in Spokane, College Success Foundation Scholars, alumni, supporters and staff gathered at the Spokane Convention Center for the second annual Empowering Youth Spokane luncheon. Business and community leaders from across the region came together on April 23 to celebrate the CSF Scholars who are blazing trails every day, and the CSF alumni who are now working, raising families and giving back in their communities.
To kick off the program, Dr. Lori Hunt, Chief of Staff & Strategy for Spokane Colleges and College Success Foundation–Spokane’s board chair, shared her perspective on CSF’s mission and impact throughout the Spokane region. “Many people do not know that College Success Foundation is the only organization across eastern Washington whose sole focus is on college and career access and completion for students furthest from educational opportunity,” she said. “CSF is laser focused on uplifting students who face so many barriers. CSF, and all of us, we believe in helping each young person reach their fullest potential, and that is why we are here today.”
The audience was brought to its feet by Zyaira’Caramaya, a CSF alum who shared her story of determination, focus and hope. A first-generation college graduate, she faced more than her share of challenges on her journey toward higher education. “I had so many things on my plate, and honestly, college didn’t even seem like an option for someone like me,” she said. “My family didn’t have a history of higher education — most hadn’t even finished high school.”
Her perspective began to change when she connected with CSF. She explored the resources available to her and decided to attend Eastern Washington University, from which she graduated in 2024. Zyaira’Caramaya expressed the importance of CSF in her life, and in the lives of students like her: “CSF equips students with the belief that they can achieve their dreams, even when everything in their life suggests they can’t.”
The event concluded in a particularly inspirational way, with CSF–Spokane Executive Director Shannon Demant presenting the inaugural Champion of Educational Advocacy Award to Traci McGlathery, Chief Impact and Advocacy Officer for STCU.
Shannon also reiterated the importance of community support to CSF’s ability to carry out its mission: “Because of you, students across our county are stepping confidently into colleges, universities and industries, equipped with the education and opportunities they need not only to transform their own lives, and those of their families for generations to come, but also to emerge as leaders within our community and workforce,” she said. “Together, they are building a brighter tomorrow — one defined by innovation, opportunity and shared success.”
If you were unable to attend our event but would like to support our CSF Scholars, please visit our donation page.
We are so thankful to our event sponsors and partners for making this event possible. It’s because of their generous financial and in-kind support that we can continue to fund the critical programs and resources that empower our youth to achieve their fullest potential.
Thank you to our sponsors:
President’s Circle: STCU Here for Good Foundation, Avista Foundation
Summa Cum Laude: BECU, Cowles Company
Magna Cum Laude: Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, Itron, Kalispel Tribe of Indians and Northern Quest Resort & Casino, McKinstry, Spokane Colleges, University of Washington, Washington Trust Bank, ZAK! Designs
Cum Laude: Bouten Construction Company, Greater Spokane Inc., Journal of Business, Numerica Credit Union, The Spokesman-Review
High Honors: ICCU, Premera Blue Cross, Rogue Heart Media, Washington State University Spokane, Whitworth University
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