Adriana Rimpel

Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Phillips Scholars Program

Adriana Rimpel is the product of a fine arts magnet school in St. Paul. It was there that she nurtured her passion for art — photography in particular — and discovered a way to reach out to the youth in her community and make a positive impact on their lives. Her aspiration to serve is inspired by those who reached out to her as a young Latina dealing with a difficult, emotional time in her life.

Adriana’s father died when she was 13. In the years following, she found it difficult to succeed at a traditional high school. After transferring to ALC Creative Arts School in St. Paul, she blossomed into a top student through the guidance of teachers and the support of her family and community. “I had people around me who encouraged me, told me I was talented and held me to a high standard.”

Now a photography student at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Adriana is developing a program with the support of the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation Scholarship targeting a small cohort of low-income inner-city Latino youth who have a passion for art. “I know how powerful art can be in healing a soul, in giving hope. I want Latino youth to know that they are more than their poverty, immigration status or stereotype.”

Today, through the art of photography and with the support of the Phillips Family Foundation, Adriana will have the opportunity to reach out to Latino youth and demonstrate to them that if you work hard toward your goal, it can absolutely be achieved.