By Jay Privman
Gregson Foundation
ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 29, 2025) – There are many adjectives that could describe Zavina Castaneda, but perhaps the most appropriate is “determined.” At age 12, she was in a horrific car crash and nearly lost her life, yet her determination to get well brought her back to full health. Later, as a teenager, she was determined to advocate for a younger nephew with autism; he finally was properly diagnosed, and has subsequently received appropriate education.
And now, in her early 20s, she is earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California at Riverside, and this fall intends to start law school, en route to becoming the first in her family to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree.
Her journey has been aided by the Gregson Foundation, which provides scholarships for children of backstretch workers. Castaneda was determined to get the organization’s support, and said the financial and emotional backing have been invaluable.
She will graduate free of student-loan debt, “a privilege I do not take for granted,” she said. Gregson Foundation’s generosity “has given me the financial freedom to focus on my studies without the burden of debt holding me back.”
The Gregson Foundation has supported Castaneda for four years, helping with tuition, books, and supplies.
When she was initially chosen, “I cried – tears of relief, gratitude, and disbelief that someone believed in me and my education enough to invest in my future,” Castaneda said. “Since then, I have been fortunate to receive their support every year, and each time, I am just overwhelmed by their generosity.
“Their impact goes beyond just tuition. I remember when my laptop broke, and I was struggling to keep up with my coursework. The Gregson Foundation stepped in and covered the cost of a new IPad with a keyboard, ensuring that I had the tools needed to succeed. That moment reinforced just how much their support extends beyond financial aid. They truly care about making sure students like me have everything necessary to thrive.”
Castaneda suffered extensive injuries in a car crash when she was 12. Her right femur was badly broken, and it took paramedics 45 minutes to extricate her from the wreckage. During that time, the paramedics attempted to re-set her leg in a splint, but the pain was so excruciating Castaneda’s heart stopped, and it took a minute for her to be revived. Extensive surgery was needed, and she spent more than three months learning to walk again and build up the muscles in the injured leg.
“I became more mature, determined, strong, and even compassionate for others,” she wrote in her Gregson Foundation application. “Even though I wanted to quit, I knew I had to keep going and not give up.”
Several years later, when her parents took custody of two nephews, Castaneda was able to convince them to get one of them evaluated for autism, something his birth parents had dismissed. Her instincts – supported by extensive research she had done in advance of his medical evaluation – proved correct.
“I think he is one of the reasons I am always determined to be a good person and do good for everyone,” Castaneda said in her application essay. “I would not go back and change any decision I have made about helping him.”
Castaneda’s father, Rafael, has worked on the backside for more than four decades, first has a hot walker for Hall of Fame trainer Gary Jones, and later as an exercise rider for, among others, trainers Julio Canani, Cliff Sise, and Ted West. He currently works for trainers Librado Barocio and John Cortez.
Owing to that, Castaneda was eligible for support from the Gregson Foundation.
“Their support has made an immeasurable difference in my life, and I will always be deeply grateful for the opportunities they have provided,” she said.
“It’s an honor to be part of a program that supports the children of backstretch workers through the Gregson Foundation. The foundation’s support has made a real difference not only in my journey but also in my family’s, as they have been on this path with me every step of the way.”
Contributions to the Gregson Foundation, which provides scholarships to children of backstretch workers like Castaneda and are tax-deductible, can be made via this link: