Lola Salazar and her family exemplify what true servant leadership looks like. Their impact on the Denver community — and especially within the DPS Foundation — is deep, heartfelt, and enduring. The Salazar Family Foundation has long been a generous and committed supporter of students, educators, and families, and their story stands as a shining example of what holistic support can truly mean for a community.
Over the years, the Salazars have played a pivotal role in shaping the DPS Foundation’s work. They were among the founding donors of DPS Foundation’s A to Z Fund that provides direct to classroom grants for educators, a program close to Lola’s heart. As a former teacher, Lola shared that she deeply understands the personal financial sacrifices educators often make for their classrooms. This fund reflects her passion for giving teachers the resources they need to help every student succeed.
Lola’s leadership and care for the community is personal–and it is clear that she gives not only her time but also her heart. She served on the DPS Foundation Board of Directors from 2002 to 2008, offering valuable insight as both a former educator and a successful business leader. Lola chaired the first two years of the DPS Foundation’s Achieve Gala, playing a pivotal role in launching the event and laying the foundation for the continued success it enjoys today. Her time on the board provided valuable perspective, and her support continues to be deeply appreciated.
The breadth of the Salazar Family Foundation’s impact is remarkable. Their support has funded tutoring at Schenck, Kepner and Bryant Webster schools, afterschool programs like Fit, Fun & Literacy and Lights On After School, silent auction contributions that help power our fundraising efforts and the list goes on.
Lights On Afterschool and Fit, Fun & Literacy (now called Discovery Link) were launched in 2003-2004 in response to parents’ calls for safe, enriching afterschool options. Since then, both programs–offered at select underserved DPS schools–have provided structured afterschool opportunities for thousands of DPS students. Students received support and additional learning in a variety of areas including academics, arts, athletics, technology, and social-emotional learning.
Their contributions go far beyond dollars — they give their time, energy, and heart. As DPS Foundation President & CEO Sara Hazel put it: “Lola and the Salazar Family Foundation have set the very high bar for what holistic support can look like. It’s not just dollars that matter — it’s the years spent supporting the cause, rolling up your sleeves alongside an organization and saying, ‘We are here. We believe in this work. And we’ll support you in every way we can.’ We are incredibly grateful to the Salazars for their leadership and commitment to not only DPS Foundation, but the entire community. Their support goes far beyond just us — they are a true community pillar.”
We are honored to work alongside the Salazar Family Foundation and grateful for their continued belief in the power of public education and the potential of every student.
