On September 27, Ventura Law, a local firm that has been serving Connecticut for over 65 years, presented TNADF with a donation during the organization’s annual gala. This initial donation of $15,000 from Ventura Law CEO Augie J. Ribeiro, Esq., has established a fund for the Americo S. Ventura American Dream Scholarship Award.

Each year from 2025 to 2029, one $3,000 TNADF Americo S. Ventura American Dream Scholarship will be awarded in memory of Mr. Americo S. Ventura.

“Attorney Americo Ventura, or Mr. V. for those who knew him best, was our first Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient in 2015. Mr. V. left this world two years later – but his legacy of helping others without expecting anything in return will live forever,” said Emanuela Palmares, TNADF’s co-founder and vice president.

"When you have a proud legacy of over 65 years, you want to honor that legacy. That's why a scholarship in his name honors immigrants who have come here with the same adventurous spirit to create a better life, especially in this community, Mr. Ventura's hometown," said Atty. Ribeiro.

The TNADF American Dream Scholarship is awarded to individuals 16 years or older who are immigrants or children of immigrants living in the Fairfield County area and have overcome significant challenges in their journey to reach their American dream.

“We, at Ventura Law, are so very proud and honored to partner with The New American Dream Foundation and announce the creation of The New American Dream Foundation Americo S. Ventura Scholarship,” said Attorney Patricia Cruz, partner at Ventura Law. “Mr. V. was a man who never forgot his roots, where he came from and was incredibly humble and dedicated to his community.”

The inaugural TNADF Americo S. Ventura Scholarship was presented by Atty. Cruz at the 10th annual American Dream Awards gala to Diego Soto, a 16-year-old junior at Danbury High School, born and raised in Danbury, CT. His parents immigrated from Mexico to New York before settling in Connecticut. His passion for law was ignited at a young age, inspired by TV shows like Suits and Law and Order, as well as the story of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Despite facing financial struggles after his father left, he remains determined to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer and helping undocumented immigrants in need.

“Our students embody the true spirit of the American dream, just as our past Lifetime Achievement award recipients did, who ultimately went on to become pillars of our community,” said Celia Bacelar Palmares, TNADF founder and president.

Ventura Law has served Connecticut for over 65 years, advocating for personal injury victims and providing legal services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The firm continues its founder’s mission to support the community through initiatives like the Americo S. Ventura Scholarship, which represents an enduring commitment to fostering future leaders and creating opportunities for success.

For more information about the TNADF scholarship and other programs, visit www.thenewamericandreamfoundation.org.

For more information about Ventura Law and its philanthropic initiatives, visit www.venturalaw.com.

Quote: “In life, it’s what you did and how you help that count.” – Mr. Americo S. Ventura.