ACCESS U Launches Salon Series
In September, ACCESS U hosted its inaugural “Sunset Social” Salon in Los Angeles at the home of longtime supporter Joi Horowitz. The intimate gathering brought friends and supporters together to discover ACCESS U’s mission, learn about its work, and hear firsthand how the organization is making a lasting difference in the lives of student-athletes and their families.
The evening raised more than $62,000, including a matching pledge from longtime supporter Jerome Simon. These generous donations will allow ACCESS U to welcome more students into its College Pathway program and expand ongoing resources and services through its new College & Career Success program, supporting students from college entry through graduation and beyond.
A highlight of the evening was the opportunity to meet students, alumni, and parents whose stories brought ACCESS U’s mission to life. Isabella Andrino and Ariah Velazquez, both sophomores at California State University, Northridge, shared how ACCESS U helped them navigate the path to college. Isabella, a goalkeeper for the women’s soccer team majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science, spoke about the significance of being a first-generation college student and the support she received with college counseling, financial aid applications, and the transition to college.
“As a first-gen college student, the opportunity to attend college means so much to me and my family,” Isabella shared. “I am incredibly grateful to ACCESS U Foundation for being a part of my journey. Having a community that supports you along the way makes a meaningful difference, especially when they believe in the potential of student-athletes like myself. I am proud of how far I’ve come, both on and off the field.”
Ariah, a forward on the CSUN women’s soccer team and a Civil Engineering major, reflected on the importance of finding a college where she could pursue both her academic and athletic ambitions. She also spoke with pride about the opportunity to represent her community in a traditionally underrepresented field.
“Being a student-athlete, being able to balance both being a student and being an athlete, and pursuing a hard major was very important to me,” said Ariah. “To represent my nationality, being a Mexican woman in the field of Civil Engineering, I take pride in that.”
The evening also highlighted how ACCESS U’s commitment to its students extends well beyond college acceptance and graduation. Edwin Dominguez, a 2025 Harvard University graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, reflected on the support he received from ACCESS U and its partner, Yours in Soccer Foundation, and how that relationship has continued as he begins his professional journey.
“I want to thank ACCESS U and their partner Yours in Soccer Foundation for the support they gave me throughout the process of applying to Harvard, and for the continued support they gave me while I was there,” Edwin shared. He emphasized the two organizations’ ongoing outreach through messages and phone calls, as well as their guidance as he considered his next steps after graduation. For Edwin and his family, that continued connection has been invaluable. Now, he hopes to pay it forward and help create similar opportunities for future student-athletes.
Noel Ortega, a standout soccer player at Cornell University, graduated in 2023 with a degree in Hotel Administration and a minor in Real Estate. Noel grew up in nearby Van Nuys, California, and shared a similar appreciation for ACCESS U’s guidance and encouragement as he pursued his Ivy League college dreams. Today, Noel is building his career as an Analyst at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, following an earlier role in wealth management at Goldman Sachs.
“A huge thank you to Brad and ACCESS U for everything they’ve done for me because without them, I truly don’t know if I would have been able to get to where I am today,” Noel shared. “What a journey it has been, and I hope that ACCESS U can help many more kids do the same.”
Rounding out the evening's special guests were Patty and Barry Williams, proud parents of Aniya, a freshman at Stanford University and member of its women’s soccer team. They shared how ACCESS U supported their family throughout the recruiting process. Although Aniya was an accomplished student-athlete, she needed greater exposure and access to recruiting opportunities. ACCESS U helped the family navigate the process and provided financial assistance for Aniya to attend Stanford’s ID camp, where she could showcase her talent to the coaching staff. ACCESS U also helped Aniya prepare for the SAT exam by covering her enrollment in a 10-week prep course.
Together, these stories captured the heart of ACCESS U’s mission: helping student-athletes access opportunities, navigate challenges, and thrive well after the final whistle. They demonstrate the lasting impact of personalized guidance, ongoing support, and a community that believes in each student’s potential. The stories also remind us why the support of donors and community members matters so deeply. Every contribution makes a difference, helping more students turn their potential into opportunity and build a future filled with possibility.
ACCESS U looks forward to building its Sunset Social Salon Series with more intimate gatherings that bring friends together, introduce new supporters to ACCESS U, and create meaningful opportunities to connect with their incredible students and alumni.
Comments