Lucero Gutierrez
Harding University
Class of 2010
For many, college is a place for students to truly find themselves. Lucero Gutierrez did just that through her participation in the Jesus Program while attending Harding University. Each year, Gutierrez and other Jesus Program members traveled to El Salvador to deliver school supplies, encouragement and more to young students in hopes of keeping them on the path to high school and college diplomas. She was taking notes the entire time, as she is in the process of replicating that program in her home country of Mexico.
"One of my dreams is to start a program to keep kids in Mexico in school and help them find opportunities. I want to give them hope, just as Sam Walton has given me." – Lucero Gutierrez
Sonia Gonzalez
University of the Ozarks
Class of 2000
Director's Assistant, Grupo Radio Divertida
Sonia Gonzalez took the Walton International Scholarship Program's focus on sound leadership and ethics to heart. As a member of the media in her home country of Mexico, she has effectively carried those qualities over as director's assistant at Grupo Radio Divertida. From her first day on the job, Gonzalez has inspired and motivated others through her actions. That, she said, is the key to driving a successful organization.
"Leadership is about positively inspiring people. That's something that was engrained in me through the WISP." – Sonia Gonzalez