FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 16, 2023
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VIDEO: Gil Cisneros Releases First CA-31 Campaign Ad Featuring Scholarship Students
Scholarship Recipients Share How The Gilbert & Jacki Cisneros Foundation Transformed Their Lives
“Growing Up In San Dimas, Gil and Jacki’s Scholarship was a tremendous opportunity I was given” – Isaac Reynoso, San Dimas High School 2012
Covina, CA – Today, Veterans and Education Advocate, former Under Secretary of Defense, and Los Angeles County Congress Member, Gil Cisneros, released a new campaign ad highlighting the life-changing impact of the Gilbert and Jacki Cisneros Foundation on students across the San Gabriel Valley and California. The ad comes on the heels of Cisneros receiving the endorsement of political heavyweights including California Environmental Voters, League of Conservation Voters, SEIU California, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus political action arm BOLD PAC.
After winning the California Mega Millions lottery in 2010, the Cisneros’s established the Gilbert and Jacki Cisneros Foundation which, combined with their personal giving, has given over $40 million dollars to educational and veterans programs, establishing scholarships, and mentorships to create a culture where going to college is more than just a possibility—it’s a concrete expectation with the support to make it all happen.
TO VIEW THE AD, TITLED, “SCHOLARSHIP” CLICK HERE
In the advertisement, students open up about their personal journeys and underscore the indispensable role that Gil and Jacki Cisneros have played in their paths to success, particularly as first-generation college students. The students stress the comprehensive scholarship support they received, which went beyond just financial assistance.
“My parents didn’t go to college. As a first-generation student, Gil and Jackie really provided me with the support I needed to apply to these colleges,” said Madison Ortiz. “Gil and Jackie are always checking in to see how my studying is going and if I need any help with anything.”
“As the first person in my family to go to college, it was challenging to say the least. I had to work in school, and every hour that you work is an hour that you’re not studying,” said John Barrios. “They showed me that when you’re successful, you have to go to your community and give back.”
Isaac Reynoso of San Dimas, the first in his family to attend a four-year university immediately after high school, underscored the value of having local support: “Having someone who came from the same cultural background as I did was important and grounding. I think it was a big part of what helped me finish school.”
It was this transformative opportunity that instilled in him the importance of giving back to his community. “They helped me get to where I am today, and it’s my job to do the same for other people,” said Isaac Reynoso. “I know that Gil and Jackie care about my community, about the Latino community, in ways that not a lot of people do. One of the most important lessons that I learned from Gil was that when you’re successful, it’s your job to bring your community with you.”
The advertisement will run on digital and streaming devices across the district.
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Gil Cisneros is the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and the Military’s Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer. A former U.S. Naval Officer, Gil was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), the National Defense Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his exemplary service to his country.
From 2019 to 2021, Cisneros served as U.S. representative for Los Angeles County in California’s 39th Congressional District where he served on the Armed Services and Veterans Affairs committees.
Gil is an advocate and co-founder of The Gilbert & Jacki Cisneros Foundation, an organization committed to improving the level of Hispanic education in the country and the lives of Veterans. Gilbert’s dedication toward philanthropy began when he purchased a winning California Mega Millions lottery ticket in 2010. Gil and Jacki partnered with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the city of Pico Rivera, California to create Generation First Degree Pico Rivera, with the goal of putting a college degree in every Hispanic household in the city. Gil’s commitment to education led him to be appointed to former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative’s advisory board.
California’s 31st is an open Congressional District in Los Angeles County covering the San Gabriel Valley. Incumbent Congressmember Grace Napolitano is retiring. The district includes all or part of the Cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bradbury, City of Industry, Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Glendora, Irwindale, La Puente, La Verne, Monrovia, San Dimas, South El Monte, and West Covina. 51.2% of the registered voters in CA-31 identify as Latino, and 15.3% are of Asian or Pacific Islander descent.
Gil Cisneros is a former Navy officer and the use of his military rank, job titles and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.
