The Center of Mexican American Studies welcomed actress and activist Eva Longoria to this year’s 17^th Annual Noche Cultural Scholarship Banquet at the Hilton University of Houston.

Longoria took the time to talk to the media in a small press conference at the Hawaiian Room of the Hilton UH and expressed her gratitude and excitement to support the Mexican-American program.

“I’m just excited to, in a way, support any Mexican-American studies program, in particular for scholarships for kids who find it hard to have access to financial aid and support to get to college,” Longoria said.

The actress has become a great advocate for students and says that when she was young, she was inspired to become a role model for other Latinas after attending a Career Day where she met a young Latina who owned a car dealership.

“That’s one of the reasons I went to graduate school, because I am a huge believer in education,” said Longoria. “I did it at the height of my career, when I was filming ‘Desperate Housewives’, going back and forth.  I wanted to prove to young Latinas when they say, ‘I don’t have time,’ if I can do it you can do it.”

Longoria earned a master’s degree in Chicano Studies from California State University at Northbridge.  She founded the Eva Longoria Foundation to support programs to help Latinas excel in school and attend college.  The organization also supports Latina entrepreneurs with career training, mentorship, capital and opportunity.

After the press conference, Longoria headed to a room full of students waiting to meet her.  She gave them a motivational speech to support and inspire them to become better Latinos in the future as Hispanics are the fastest growing population in the nation.

“It gives me complete joy to see the faces of future leaders of our community. As our demographics continue to grow… we are going to need you guys to step up,” she said.

The best part of the night was when Longoria awarded the ‘Eva Longoria Scholarship’ to Brenda Martinez, a sophomore majoring in environmental science and energy and sustainability.  This scholarship will provide Martinez, a first generation college student, financial assistance of $3,000 per year for four years to complete her education.

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