Pacific Power Foundation Grant Supports Growth and Vitality of Roots to Wings

Representatives from the Pacific Power Foundation recently visited PNWU’s health sciences campus to award the Roots to Wings program with a $5,000 grant, which supports the pathway program’s ongoing efforts to inspire individuals from marginalized populations to pursue an education in the health sciences.

“We are proud to support Roots to Wings,” said Toni Petty, Regional Business Manager for Pacific Power, who reached out to PNWU directly after learning about the transformative co-mentoring program. “As we continue to support the growth and vitality of our communities, Roots to Wings was a perfect fit.” 

The philanthropic arm of Pacific Power, the Pacific Power Foundation has given $13 million to local communities since 2019, lending a helping hand to spur economic development.

“This is literally a prayer answered,” said PNWU Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Mirna Ramos-Diaz. “Roots to Wings is all about collaborating with the communities that are here to support our youth – it’s about the people who live here, who want to support the people who live here.”

“Pacific Power’s support shows our students that their community is investing in, and believes in, them,” added Omar Zaragoza, assistant director of ODEIB program development at PNWU. “This partnership highlights that powerful and inspiring belief.”