About The foundation

The Creary De La O Family Foundation empowers and uplifts Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino communities through grant funding as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Join us in making a positive impact and improving lives.

Hugo De La O, Co-Founder

Meet Hugo De La O, a sculptor-painter and co-founder of The Creary De La O Family Foundation.

Growing up as a child of immigrants who fled El Salvador's Civil War, Hugo's experiences have driven him to support fellow artists from historically marginalized groups in achieving their goals.

Hugo knew he was destined to be an artist from a young age. Drawing inspiration from sources like his favorite cartoons and the works of Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Picasso, and Dali, he has honed his craft by studying at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) in Philadelphia.

Through his artwork, Hugo provides thought-provoking commentary on societal, cultural, political, and economic tensions that stem from inequality and injustice. He inspires us to reexamine the "truths" we accept and challenges us to take action for a more equitable world.

Link to Hugo’s artwork: https://delaoarts.com/

Stephanie Creary, Co-Founder

Dr. Stephanie Creary is co-founder of The Creary De La O Family Foundation. She is also an Assistant Professor of Management and faculty fellow of the Coalition for Equity & Opportunity (CEO) at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She is recognized as a leading voice in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) research and teaching.

Stephanie holds both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree from the Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Additionally, she earned her Master of Business Administration degree from the Simmons School of Management and both a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree from the Boston College Carroll School of Management.

Stephanie’s passion for equity in art and science is inspired in part by a 25-year career as a modern and jazz/hip-hop dancer, a 15-year career as a speech-language pathologist working in healthcare settings, and 10 years of experience teaching yoga in wellness and fitness settings. In each of these contexts, she witnessed the profound influence that providing people from marginalized groups with equitable access to resources and opportunities can have on their lives.