This story was originally published in the Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF) email newsletter and has been lightly revised for clarity.
LAEF is an endowed agency fundholder at The Denver Foundation and has received support from the foundation and several independent fundholders since 1998. Lisa Zúñiga Ramírez is the chair of The Denver Foundation Board of Trustees.
How LAEF Alumna Lisa Zúñiga Ramírez Builds Bridges of Opportunity
Lisa Zúñiga Ramírez proudly stands on the shoulders of her ancestors. When she graduated from Adams City High School, she carried the dreams of generations. Her sueño? To become a journalist, support her family, and give back.
Her dreams changed when one business course sparked a new passion. “I discovered the world of investing — and it was like learning a secret that had been hidden from families like mine.” Finance was an opportunity to share this secret with her community.
Lisa wasn’t afraid to work hard to become the trailblazing Latina she is today, and Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF) was an essential part of her journey.
“Receiving the scholarship was validation that someone believed in my potential.”
The LAEF scholarship was a bridge that helped her complete her degree without overwhelming debt, and lead to a successful finance career managing over $2 billion in assets. Lisa rose from an assistant to Partner at Denver Investment Advisors, and today she is a philanthropist, serving on corporate and nonprofit boards, including LAEF, and is the board chair at The Denver Foundation.
Throughout her career, Lisa chose to find the lessons in her obstacles. “Setbacks like being passed over for promotions or difficult bosses taught me resilience. Heartbreak taught me that life is short, and family is everything.” Lisa’s story reminds us: when we invest in a student, we don’t just support one person — we ignite a ripple of impact that changes families and communities.
Lisa believes leadership is service, putting mission above ego, listening before speaking, building bridges, and lifting others as you climb. Leadership is inspiring others to believe in themselves. Through her example, she reminds us to stay true to who you are, and trust that your work, character, and resilience will open the right doors.
LAEF helped Lisa turn her dreams into the incredible life she’s built with her husband Ron. Lisa is paying it forward — will you join her? Our students are daring to dream bigger than ever before. Your gift builds the bridges they need to cross from potential to achievement.
Join us in honoring Lisa’s journey. Be the bridge.
