You’ve probably heard the saying: it’s not about where you come from — it’s about where you’re going. Two Taco Bell team members and Live Más Scholarship recipients, Amadeo Guerra and Gracie Salazar, are here to give us an update on what they’ve been up to since receiving their scholarships and show how they’ve achieved things they thought were out of reach.
Amadeo had a passion for business management and finance, but the cost of tuition was a significant financial burden. The trajectory of his life shifted when he became a Taco Bell team member and a Live Más Scholar.
Proud of what he has overcome, Amadeo wants to be an example to others and encourage those facing similar challenges. Next, he’s finishing his final semester of college to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Business Finance, while continuing to lead within his Taco Bell store as an Assistant General Manager. He said, “I’m growing inside the company and plan to use my degree to propel myself forward at Taco Bell!”
Studying abroad seemed like a far-fetched dream for Gracie. She had a drive and passion, but wasn’t sure what steps to take to achieve her dream career and have new experiences along the way. Her magic formula: being a Taco Bell Team Member and a Live Más Scholar went hand-in-hand with managers who were flexible and understanding when it came to her school responsibilities. They checked in and supported her while pursuing her degree in Business and Sports Management. This also led to her being able to experience a two-month internship in Tokyo in summer 2025.
Since returning from her trip to Tokyo, Gracie is working to establish her own non-profit, Girls on the Mound, preparing to transfer to a business university, and exploring a newly founded interest in the food and beverage industry thanks to her job at Taco Bell.
The Taco Bell Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. To learn more about the Live Más Scholarship visit tacobellfoundation.org.