At Desert de Oro Foods (DDO), we believe in investing in our people — both in their careers and in their dreams for the future. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate our team members who have been named Live Más Scholarship recipients.
“[Live Más] means choosing responsibility now so I can create opportunity later.”
– Sara Boujaidi, Healthcare (Clinical & Allied Health)
Through this incredible program, made possible by the Taco Bell Foundation, our scholars are empowered to pursue their passions and take the next step toward achieving their education goals. No matter what their pursuits, each winner has one common mission: to help others.
“By investing in me, you’re not just helping me pay for college – you’re helping me build a future where I can give back confidence to others.”
– Sara Boujaidi, Healthcare (Clinical & Allied Health)
We’re honored to have such inspiring individuals on our team and can’t wait to see where their journeys take them next. Congratulations to seven first-time winners and one scholarship renewal recipient!
$25,000
Kamila Merchand, Healthcare (Clinical & Allied Health)
$10,000
Izaiah Cruz, Health, Wellness & Behavioral Health
Sara Boujaidi, Healthcare (Clinical & Allied Health) – renewal
$5,000
Ana Cervantes, Law, Government & Public Service
Deborah Adeniyi, Healthcare (Clinical & Allied Health)
Michael Jarvis, Technology & Data
Ricardo Martinez, Business, Finance & Entrepreneurship
Shaylee Taylor, Education & Youth Development
Scholar Stories
It’s clear that our working students come from all walks of life and are pursuing a variety of passions. First-time $25,000 recipient Kamila Merchand wants to become a labor and delivery nurse to help mothers feel safe and cared for. “Life can only be so fulfilling if you’re not giving,” she says.
Izaiah Cruz, another first-time winner, was inspired to pursue a career in physical therapy after his own sports injury in high school.
When Ana Cervantes’ scholarship to Columbia University failed to fully meet her financial needs, she sought out the Live Más opportunity to help fund her goal of becoming an immigration attorney.
Shaylee Taylor is a first-year student using her $5,000 scholarship to pursue studies in psychology and education, motivated by her journey as a single mother and her commitment to building a brighter future for her son.
