A total of 31 families were recognized for their students’ academic achievements and for the progress they have made toward greater stability and economic mobility.
San Juan, Puerto Rico (June 11, 2026) – Eight years after its first graduation ceremony, the Vimenti Integrated Family Services Center returned to the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music to celebrate the historic eighth-grade graduation of its first founding class, marking a momentous milestone for the organization, its students, their families, and Puerto Rico.
“Seven years ago, we dreamed of an institution that would support families on their journey toward a better future. Today we see that dream come true in each of these graduates and in the stories of progress from their families,” said Bárbara Rivera Batista, executive director and co-founder of Vimenti. “More than just a graduation, this achievement represents the realization of a vision: to demonstrate that, when we invest simultaneously in children and their families, it is possible to transform life trajectories and create real opportunities for economic mobility.”
Thirty-one students received their diplomas during an emotional ceremony at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, marking the culmination of an academic journey that began with Vimenti's opening in 2018. During the ceremony, the students’ academic achievements were recognized, with Yamil Zahid Castro Acero honored as Valedictorian of the Founding Class of 2026 and Jiuleana Galimidi Jones as Salutatorian. The graduation also paid tribute to the families, a central element of the Vimenti model. Each family received a certificate recognizing their journey, growth, and progress toward their personal, educational, and financial goals.
One of the most memorable moments was the presentation of the NAVE Bank Award to Camila Santos Reyes. The award recognizes students who demonstrate perseverance, leadership, responsibility, innovation, and a commitment to service. In addition to the award, NAVE Bank announced a grant to support the student’s academic and professional development. The ceremony also featured a special appearance by renowned Puerto Rican artist Zayra Pola, who delivered an inspiring message to the graduates, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with determination and courage.
“I really want to tell you something very important: we can't get very far on our own. We always need a helping hand—from friends and family,” Zayra shared in her message. “Believe me, boys and girls, you wouldn't be here if you didn't have a dad, a mom, a grandparent, or an uncle, right?”
Finally, as a legacy of this generation, the graduating class presented an artwork created by the students themselves. The piece symbolizes a sunrise and represents new beginnings, hope, and opportunities that flourish when families have the right support to reach their full potential. The Class of 2026 now begins a new chapter in high school, carrying with them the message that has defined their journey: circumstances do not determine destiny when there are opportunities, support, and a community committed to every family's success.
“This class is not just completing an academic milestone. It is paving the way for all the students who will follow in their footsteps. They are the beginning of a legacy that will continue to transform lives and communities,” added Rivera Batista.
“Whenever you face an obstacle in life, never, ever let it intimidate you, never back down, because believe me, the reward you get when you overcome that obstacle is bringing out the best in yourself. It’s about believing in yourself and having people around you who believe in you, who support you, and who encourage you to do the things that scare you,” Zayra concluded.
As a pioneering organization in Puerto Rico, Vimenti operates under a two-generation (2Gen) model that integrates high-quality education, family economic development, and social support, recognizing that a student’s success is deeply connected to the well-being and stability of their family. At the start of its eighth year of operation, Vimenti reports having served 2,833 people and distributed 81,893 meals in its mission to eradicate child poverty in Puerto Rico.
Over the past eight years, Vimenti has succeeded in reducing poverty among participating families by 12 percent and has generated a return of $3.41 in social and economic value for Puerto Rico for every dollar invested in the organization.
###
About Vimenti:
Vimenti is an integrated service center for the whole family with three pillars: educational, social, and economic development. It was created in 2018 as a Two Generations service model to provide social development and economic mobility opportunities both to parents and children as a whole, as well as youths and adults. Currently, we have two locations: Vimenti I, located in the Ernesto Ramos Antonini public housing project in San Juan, and Vimenti II, in Villa Prades. Vimenti operates the first public alliance school in Puerto Rico, has an after-school program for children and youth, and also has a job development program for youth and adults in customer service and entrepreneurship. The center aspires to be an evidence-based project. For more information about Vimenti, go to www.vimenti.org. For donations, go to www.vimenti.org/donate.