Lead. Teach. Inspire.
Supporting Extraordinary Learning Experiences to Help Students Succeed.
OUR VISION
The Hammond Education Foundation (HEF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization established in 1983 to advance educational excellence with the School City of Hammond. Every child in Hammond deserves access to a quality public education. In order to make that vision a reality in the School City of Hammond, a district where the majority of students are enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program, we must recruit, train, and retain the very best educators. We believe that an empowered teaching force is the lever in addressing the very real gaps affecting our school district and community. Our investments reflect that belief.
WHAT WE DO
Our mission of supporting extraordinary learning experiences for K-12 students through educational opportunities not normally funded through school and classroom budgets is paramount to the success of our students as they become productive citizens. Our community and our country benefit from a public school system that has highly trained and motivated educators focused on ensuring our children realize their potential and achieve their goals.
OUR COMMUNITY
HEF has awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships, classroom grants, and district-wide programs.
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Alumni and current students show their love and appreciation for their teachers from the School City of Hammond district.
Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
The Hammond Education Foundation’s Board of Directors is made up of talented business, education and financial professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to further the educational resources of the School City of Hammond. The Board is supported by an Executive Director who handles the day-to-day operations of the Foundation.
President
Jerame Hicks
Jerame began his higher educational career during the summer of 1995 as an Indiana University Bloomington Groups student. While an undergraduate, Hicks was very involved with the IU community and a variety of organizations including Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity Inc., Latinos Unidos at Indiana University, Faculty and Staff for Student Excellence Mentoring Program, Eli Lilly Mentoring Program, and Indiana University Pan-Hellenic Council. He graduated with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and African American Studies. Hicks continued his education and obtained Special Education teaching licensure and a Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana University-Northwest, P-12 Administrative Licensure and a Master’s Degree in Advanced Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University and is currently in the Doctor of Education program at IWU. He is the former Vice President and Secretary of the Indiana University Latino Alumni Association, current Hammond Hispanic Community Committee of Northern Indiana Executive Board Member, PNW Hispanic Serving Institution Advisory Board Member, PNW Honors College Advisory Board Member, Adelante, Inc. Board Member, and Hammond Education Foundation Executive Board Member. Hicks, now resides with his family in Northwest Indiana and has been employed with the School City of Hammond since 2005, where he is currently the Indiana District #2 CTE Director and Principal of the Hammond Area Career Center. Hicks stays involved with many SCH stakeholders and tries to give others the guidance and opportunities he has been privileged to obtain as a Servant Leader.
Vice President
Kevin Kosek
Kevin has been the Chief Marketing Officer for 18 years at REGIONAL federal credit union, a non-for-profit financial institution serving Northwest Indiana based out of Hammond. He serves on many different boards throughout the area and is an active representative for REGIONAL on state and federal legislative processes for Credit Unions. Kevin also likes to give back to his community. He has previously helped with the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, NWI Food Bank, Valparaiso Parks, Lakeshore Paws, Chefs Around the Table, and many others. Kevin’s motto is “Take what you do seriously, but not yourself.”
Vice President
Deborah A. Trevino
Morton High School – Administrative Assistant
Treasurer
Enrique Magallanes
Senior SEG Manager and Business Development, has spent his career in banking, including Chicago, Lake, Porter and St. Joseph Counties in Indiana. Enrique graduated from Morgan Park High School in Chicago and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from Robert Morris College.
Secretary
Deborah L. Bachmann
Debbie Bachmann is the President of the Hammond Education Foundation and holds more than 30 years of experience working in secondary and higher education. In this role, she oversees a Board that is responsible for nurturing relationship within the community to help support the School City of Hammond teachers and students. Debbie is deeply passionate about providing service to her community, especially ensuring that all individuals have access to education and opportunity. She is a proud Alumna of Purdue University Northwest where she received a BS in Organization, Leadership and Supervision. She has been employed at Purdue University Northwest for the past twenty years and currently holds the title of Administrator of Honors College Student Leadership and Programming. Additionally, she serves as the President of the Mideast Honors Association which encompasses five states surrounding Indiana. Debbie loves to involve herself in any organizations or events that emphasize philanthropy and giving back to others. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband traveling, exploring new places and visiting with their beautiful children and grandchildren.
Board Member
Maria Avila
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana – Social Media Manager
Board Member
Rosalva Robles
Rosalva Robles joins Hammond Education Foundation from Northern Indiana Public Service Company, a NiSource subsidiary, where she has been employed since 2012 and currently serves as Manager, Planning & Regulatory Support for the Energy Supply & Optimization group. She has extensive experience in leading and working in cross-functional teams in multinational Fortune 500 companies covering areas of accounting, finance, procurement, supply chain, and engineering. Her background includes in-depth knowledge of operations in various industries, including utilities, regulatory frameworks, banking, retail, food manufacturing and steel making operations. Rosalva has a passion for helping and serving marginalized communities and people groups as well as leading and planning events. Associations and interests include extensive community outreach initiatives that support Indiana Humane, Hammond Central STEM Advisory Board, formal and informal mentoring programs, Habitat for Humanity, Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, Meals on Wheels, Hammond Hispanic Community Committee, Adelante, and One Child Matters. She is local to the Northwest Indiana region, is a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and new grandmother. Rosalva holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in international business and a Master of Business Administration with accounting concentration degree from Purdue University Calumet. She was also certified as a Level I/II Assessor and Appraiser with Indiana Department of Local Government Finance. In 2016, Rosalva began her doctoral studies in Indiana Wesleyan University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership program.
Board Member
Dorothy Frink, Ph.D.
Indiana University Northwest - Interim VC for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
Board Member
Ronnie Giles
Old National Bank - AVP Banking Center Manager
Board Member
Katrina Alexander
City of Hammond - City Council at Large
School City of East Chicago, Radio TV Broadcast and Digital Design Teacher
Board Member
Melissa Benavidez
Calumet College of St. Joseph - Assistant Director of Enrollment/College Coach
Executive Director
Roxanna Lugo O’Rourke
Roxanna O’Rourke previously served as Director for the Foundation in 2020-2021. Prior to that she served as the Hammond Education Foundation Board President and had been an active member of the Board for over three (3) years. During her time on the Board, Roxanna has chaired the Programming Committee, contributed to the Relationship Committee, and participated in planning the Foundation’s annual dinner.