Remarkable Women: Woman helps families in need with education opportunities

DENVER (KDVR) — Meet Elsa Holguin. She is getting crucial resources to families who otherwise would be at risk of facing poverty.

“It’s financially the best investment we can make. We make an investment in the earliest possible time,” said Holguin.

Holguin is the first face a family in need sees when enrolling their toddler in preschool.

“This is what we call a two-generation investment. You help the child, you help the parents,” said Holguin.

Holguin migrated to the United States from Mexico at the age of 17 and first worked as a janitor. Now, she is the CEO of the Denver Preschool Program. With Holguin’s help, 5,000 kids a year get the education they need.

“Our average tuition support last year was $850 a month, year-round,” said Holguin.

Part of the Denver sales tax goes to help pay for the program.

It’s an easy process too. Families contact the Denver Preschool Program and are then connected to the right preschool near them.

Holguin said she works hard to give back. She believes poverty can be overcome by providing children with an education at an early age.

“If we give these families some help while they are raising their children, we can shift families out of poverty,” said Holguin.

Holguin does it all. She is passionate about her grandkids, helping the Latin community reach success in America, reading and Zumba.

“Because some doors were opened for me, I hope we are doing the same,” said Holguin.

Holguin gives herself to others to make Denver and the world a better place for local families.