Under the leadership of Board President Sandra Ortsman and with the support of Lynn Trojahn of Thrive Consulting, a team of committed allies led Encuentro’s capital campaign fundraising efforts.

These partners included: Claudia Medina, Ilse Grijalva, Julie Radoslovich, lusti, Kevin Hoover, Maura Lewiecki, Nancy Croker, Patricia Telles, Robby Rodriguez, and Pauline Lucero.

With enough funds raised for closing costs and a down payment, a building and renovation loan was secured and on July 13, 2021, Encuentro’s leadership team signed the closing documents for a property at 907 4th St SW.

Under the leadership of Ron Romero and his company, the renovation process began and continued throughout the summer of 2022. Volunteers supported renovation efforts by painting, cleaning, and performing grounds maintenance while Capital Campaign members gave building tours and continued fundraising efforts to complete renovations and move our team into the new building.

Encuentro staff moved into their new home in August 2022 and nearly 300 students enrolled in the 2023 academic year, kicking off a new blended learning model.

To the delight of the community, an in-person Grand Opening Celebration took place on September 19, 2022, with an estimated attendance of 350 members of the community including families, students, volunteers, allies, and funders. To see pictures of this festive event, click here.