A Letter from our founder
It is with deep gratitude and a sense of fulfillment that we mark the official conclusion of The Cennea Thorla Guidry Scholarship Foundation. Established in January 2023, the foundation was created in honor of Cennea Thorla Guidry, who was murdered while trying to leave an abusive marriage. Through this foundation, we aimed to create a new chapter in her story - one of hope, empowerment, and positive change. Cennea was much more than a victim; she was a fiercely loving and generous soul, and this foundation sought to ensure her legacy reflects the strength she embodied.
Since its founding, The Cennea Thorla Guidry Scholarship Foundation has awarded nearly $30,000 in scholarships to domestic abuse survivors across Central New Mexico. These awards have supported survivors in building economic independence through education and career development, helping them take steps toward a brighter future. The outpouring of support from our community has been deeply humbling, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this mission. Each supporter has played a role in transforming Cennea’s story from tragedy to a legacy of opportunity and compassion, creating ripples of impact that will be felt for generations.
As we close this chapter, we invite visitors to continue supporting causes that empower survivors. In honor of Cennea’s legacy, we encourage donations to our partner organizations, such as the Domestic Violence Resource Center in Albuquerque and Valencia Shelter Services in Los Lunas, who remain dedicated to uplifting survivors and providing essential resources.