10,000 Degrees Has Helped Napa Students Attend And Graduate From College Since 2018 And Awarded Nearly $700K In Scholarships
‘Napa Changemakers Celebration’ On Thursday, October 23, 2025, At Napa Valley College
San Rafael, Calif. (September 16, 2025) – 10,000 Degrees, an organization dedicated to unlocking student success at scale by giving more students equitable opportunities for a quality college education and career success, is pleased to host its inaugural Napa Changemakers Celebration on Thursday, October 23 at Napa Valley College.
10,000 Degrees has helped Napa students from low-income backgrounds thrive since 2018 by providing students with the necessary resources to get to and graduate from college and enter meaningful careers. In addition, the organization has awarded nearly $700K in scholarships to Napa students.
“10,000 Degrees’ students and alumni serve as living examples of the impact a college education can have on a person’s life and community. We’re incredibly excited to shine a light on those Napa students and alumni when we host our very first Napa Changemakers Celebration,” said Katrin Ciaffa, 10,000 Degrees regional director, Sonoma and Napa counties.
Guests attending the 10,000 Degrees ‘Napa Changemakers Celebration’ will enjoy a festive locally sourced dinner crafted by Brindare Napa Valley and wine donated by Lewis Cellars; St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery; and ZD wines, as well as an exciting live auction and powerful student and alumni storytelling. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through Fund-A-Future, a 10,000 Degrees fundraising initiative designed to help provide comprehensive support to students from low-income backgrounds as they pursue higher education and build successful careers.
The 10,000 Degrees ‘Napa Changemakers Celebration’ co-hosts include 10,000 Degrees alumna, local business owner, and 10,000 Degrees Napa advisory board member, Cinthya Cisneros, alongside community activist, producer, TV host, and 10,000 Degrees Napa advisory member, Teresa Foster. The ‘Napa Changemakers Celebration’ will feature special presentations by 10,000 Degrees alumna, Leidy Tovar, and10,000 Degrees’ student, Luis Angel Gomez-Avila.
About Cinthya Cisneros
Cinthya Cisneros, a 10,000 Degrees alumna and Napa advisory board member, was born in Mexico and raised in Napa from the age of four. With 10,000 Degrees’ financial aid and support, she graduated from Sonoma State University in 2012. Cisneros opened La Cheve Bakery and Brews in 2020 and will soon open Con Amor Botanas y Tequila, a casual nightspot in downtown Napa. She provides scholarships to 10,000 Degrees Napa students through her “American Dream” scholarship initiative.
About Teresa Foster
Teresa Foster is a community activist, 10,000 Degrees Napa advisory board member, and producer and host of the award-winning TV show “Charlando Con Teresa Foster,” which airs in Napa, American Canyon, Marin County, and Vallejo.
About Leidy Tovar
Leidy Tovar is a 10,000 Degrees alumna, former 10,000 Degrees staff member, and a lifelong Napa County resident. She is deeply committed to serving her community, with a strong focus on education and supporting foster youth. Tovar’s professional journey has been shaped by student-centered approaches that prioritize the voices and needs of young people, principles she carries into every role she takes on. Her time at 10,000 Degrees fueled her passion for equity in education, college access, and youth empowerment, and her experiences working at the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation and the Napa County Office of Education continue to inspire her work today. Tovar currently works as a senior support worker for the County of Marin.
About Luis Angel Gomez-Avila
Luis Angel Gomez-Avila is a proud Napa Valley resident and recent graduate with an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration. As a participant in the 10,000 Degrees program, he has rebuilt his confidence as a returning college student after taking time off to support his mother’s mental health and care for his family. During that time, he also gained hands-on experience working in Napa’s hospitality industry. Now continuing his education at Saint Mary’s College of California, he is passionate about connecting business with land stewardship. Whether through the wine industry or dairy, he hopes to promote regenerative practices that honor and sustain the valley he calls home.
The 10,000 Degrees ‘Napa Changemakers Celebration’ on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Napa Valley College is open to the public. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.10000degrees.org/get-involved/napa-changemakers.