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Dulce finds community and opportunity

As the oldest of five, Dulce Madrigal, 21, has always felt a sense of responsibility in the choices that she makes because these might impact her siblings. When she graduated from Salinas High School in 2022, she entered Hartnell College as a Political Science and Economics major setting the tone for higher education.

Dulce is a first-generation college student; one of her sisters has already followed in her footsteps and is attending college in Arizona, and another is starting in the fall. “I have to be that guide for my siblings to go to college,” she said.

At Hartnell, she joined the Women’s Education & Leadership Institute (WELI) program. She is the selected student speaker for this year’s WELI Soiree on March 8^th.

“I have learned so much being a part of WELI,” she said. “The entire program gave me a sense of belonging and one thing that resonated with me was the importance of making intentional goals.”

With this support and encouragement, Dulce formed the Girls Lacrosse Club at Hartnell. She was a part of lacrosse at Salinas High and brought that knowledge over to her club to empower and build confidence.

“I volunteered during the primaries in one presidential election and that’s how my interest in civic engagement began,” she said. “I like the sense of community here as a member of student government, the different perspectives, and having a dialogue about what’s going on in the world.”

WELI was founded in early 2011 by community leaders who saw a need to advance the education and economic status of women and families in Monterey County. The WELI program consists of summer leadership training, an on-campus student-led club, mentorship with community leaders, and a $2,500 financial award per student, making this a life-changing experience.

Being in WELI also instilled in Dulce the desire to go back to her love for music. She plays the violin and flute for the Hartnell Orchestra now.

“My parents are my #1 supporters – they inspired me to love music, and they have been there with me every step of the way,” she said. Dulce will graduate with two associate degrees in May and hopes to attend UCLA in the fall. Her goal is to pursue a master’s degree in political science. 

Since its inception, WELI has graduated more than 2,500 scholars just like Dulce and has granted approximately $600,000 in scholarships.

On March 8, 2025, the Hartnell College Foundation presents the 2025 WELI Soiree. For information, to be a sponsor, or to purchase tickets, go to www.hartnellfoundation.org/welisoiree/. 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Foundation a Patriotic Employer

The Office of the Secretary of Defense has recognized the Hartnell College Foundation as a Patriotic Employer for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for contributing to National Security and Protecting Liberty and Freedom by Supporting Employee Participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.

This honor comes after the Foundation’s Human Resources Generalist, Dorian Quezada, was called to active duty in the U.S. Navy Reserve and will be serving 11 months in the United Arab Emirates. When he returns in January of 2026, he will return to his job at the Foundation. 

“We are proud and honored to support the men and women who proudly serve our Country, and as Dorian is fully committed to serving, we at the Hartnell College Foundation are fully committed to supporting him in his service,” said Bruce Adams, chief financial officer for the Foundation.

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