Tony Aguilera Honored for Lifelong Commitment to Latino Education at 50 Over 50 Nebraska Awards

On October 25, our very own Tony Aguilera will be recognized in the nonprofit category at The Bloc’s 50 Over 50 Nebraska Awards, a statewide celebration honoring those whose legacies are shaping the state’s future. The event will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Omaha, located at 555 S. 10th St. Tickets are available at 50Over50NE.com.

Aguilera is the President of the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation, a South Omaha–based nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to higher education for Latino students. Aguilera has worked quietly but persistently to remove financial barriers for young people, building a culture of mentorship, cultural pride, and collective support along the way.

“Growing up in South Omaha, my community was my family — and that spirit of unity, sacrifice, and hard work shaped who I am,” Aguilera said.

“Nebraska values like humility and service were modeled by those around me, especially people like Marcos Mora, who founded the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation in honor of his grandparents, Vidal and Ella Barrientos. I didn’t start the Foundation, but I’m proud to walk alongside Marcos, carrying forward a shared mission to remove financial barriers for Latino students,” Aguilera continued.

“Our work is rooted in collective responsibility, a belief that real change happens when we grow ourselves, commit to the grind, and give back. I’m grateful to Lozafina for this nomination and to everyone who makes this mission possible: our board, students, parents, and partners. Together, we’re not just building futures, we’re building a more generous, thriving Nebraska. Nebraska – Somos One.”

The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation was established in 2005 and has since awarded more than $525,000 in scholarships to Latino students across Nebraska. Under Aguilera’s leadership, the Foundation has expanded its reach beyond financial assistance. Through partnerships with organizations such as the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Goodrich Program, the Latino Economic Development Council, JE Dunn Construction, Nebraska Methodist College, CHI Health, Clarkson College, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Casa de la Cultura, Lozafina, OPPD, Alvarez Insurance Agency, and Metro Community College, just to name a few, the Foundation provides scholarship, mentorship, career guidance, and a powerful sense of cultural belonging for the students it serves.

Aguilera’s approach reflects his broader philosophy: that opportunity is not just about funding tuition but also about creating pathways of support and instilling pride in one’s heritage. His work has helped hundreds of students pursue higher education while also fostering a culture of giving back to the community.

The 50 Over 50 Nebraska Awards is a living tribute to individuals whose work continues to inspire across generations. Honorees represent diverse fields — from business and education to arts, community activism, and philanthropy — but all share a commitment to service, resilience, and impact.

For Aguilera, the recognition is not just personal but communal. His acceptance reflects the contributions of the entire Barrientos Scholarship Foundation family: board members, volunteers, students, and parents who carry forward the mission of making higher education accessible.

“Together, we’re not just building futures,” Aguilera said. “We’re building a more generous, thriving Nebraska.”