Jaime and Blanca Jarrín Foundation and Los Defensores Award Over $50,000 in Scholarships to Underserved Law and Journalism Students

The Jaime & Blanca Jarrín Foundation (JBJF), in partnership with Los Defensores, awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to underserved college students pursuing careers in law and journalism at the annual Wine Night at the Ravine fundraising gala held at Dodger Stadium. This year's event, themed "The Power of Believing," emphasized the importance of affirmation, mentorship, and cultural pride in supporting Latino students who carry generational sacrifices while striving to find their voice and purpose.

The gala brought together supporters, students, industry leaders, and advocates for an evening that directly funds scholarships and mentorship programs aimed at empowering underserved students to reach their full potential. Since its inception, JBJF has raised over $225,000 in scholarship funds, demonstrating a sustained commitment to uplifting the next generation of Latino leaders whose voices are critically needed in newsrooms and courtrooms nationwide.

This year's event honored six-time MLB All-Star Nomar Garciaparra and renowned Dodgers photographer Jon Soohoo for their contributions to sports and community. The celebration was hosted by TV and radio personality Alysha Del Valle and JBJF President Jorge Jarrin, with VIP guests including MLB Hall of Famer Jaime Jarrin, actor Emilio Rivera, LA County Public Defender Ricardo D. García, and Emmy Award-winning journalist Lynnette Romero.

Seven students received scholarships totaling $50,000, including two graduate students in law programs receiving $12,500 each and five undergraduate students receiving $5,000 each. The recipients are pursuing diverse fields including political science, communications, aerospace engineering, history, Chicano studies, and business administration at institutions such as UC Berkeley, USC, California State University Los Angeles, UC Riverside, and the University of Redlands.

Miriam Serrano, Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Community Relations at Los Defensores, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating that as the fiscal corporate sponsor of JBJF, Los Defensores is honored to continue their six-year partnership through their Siempre Contigo community initiative. Serrano, a first-generation college graduate herself, highlighted the transformative power of education and the joint effort to break down barriers and tackle educational disparities for Latino students.

Launched in 2024, the Siempre Contigo initiative embodies Los Defensores' commitment to family-first values and Latino empowerment. Earlier this year, the company donated $20,000 to JBJF and World Central Kitchen to assist communities impacted by LA wildfires and support rebuilding efforts, further demonstrating their dedication to community support beyond educational initiatives.

Jaime Jarrín, MLB Hall of Fame broadcaster and JBJF co-founder, emphasized that the support provided through these scholarships extends beyond financial assistance, serving as a powerful message to youth that their dreams are believed in and their stories matter. The foundation, founded by Jarrín with seed money from its first fiscal partner Los Defensores, is dedicated to creating pathways for underserved students in law and journalism, building a legacy of empowerment through growing alumni networks and strong community partnerships.

For more information about the foundation's work and mission, visit https://www.jarrinfoundation.org/.