Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

My Hispanic heritage inspires me not only to achieve success for myself, but to show others from my background that we can make change too. That sense of pride and responsibility is what keeps me moving “siempre adelante.”

INROADS College Links has been a big part of this journey. It gave me confidence and pushed me outside my comfort zone. The sessions and mentors showed me how to embrace opportunities with courage, curiosity, and eagerness.

When I think about success, I don’t just see it as a personal goal—I see it as something that reflects my heritage. Carrying my culture with me means every step I take is not just for myself, but for the people who came before me and those who will come after. I want to go out into the world, achieve great things, and show others that people like me can make change too.

As a high school senior, one of my biggest aspirations is college. To me, college is more than a goal – it represents my passion to learn and gain knowledge. My purpose for going to college really stems from my parents, neither of whom had the opportunity to attend. Throughout my entire life, they have done so much for me. They have taken risks and made sacrifices to give me the chance to stand where I am today, always showing constant support no matter what. My dream is not only to make them proud by going to college, but also to use their sacrifices and support as motivation to push myself to do the best I can. I want to build on their efforts as the foundation that allows me to step into the world ready and confident.

My goal is to first learn as much as I can in college and then shift my focus toward giving back. I don’t want to forget where I came from, and I want to honor the support and sacrifices of my parents by passing on knowledge, opportunity, and encouragement to others.

“With Courage and Heart: Siempre Adelante” truly reflects my personal and professional journey. I am beyond grateful that INROADS helped me find my very first internship and for having a program dedicated to providing professional tools to minority communities. INROADS has opened countless doors for me, from professional development to building a powerful network. I truly value being part of a program that invests in my growth while driving meaningful change. Being a former foster care child and the first of my siblings to attend a four-year university makes this journey even more special to me, because I believe it is so important to always lead with courage and heart. My favorite phrase, “Vive sin miedo” (Live without fear), is a daily reminder to chase my dreams and never feel intimidated, because there is a world of endless opportunities waiting to be embraced.

I was always encouraged by my family to pursue my dreams, no matter how big or small. I am very proud of my culture, and it is that pride that inspires me to represent it in everything I do. Entering the field of Economics, I felt a little intimidated at first, but also hopeful to bring my culture into a space where we are not often represented. Although I didn’t have a traditional childhood, I hope to use my story to inspire others and show that no matter what challenges you face, if you work hard, you can pursue your dreams. That sense of responsibility and pride continues to motivate me to work hard, break barriers, and show that success is possible for those who come after me.

We must never forget our roots, our humanity, and our morality. It is because of family that we feel safe enough to reach new heights. My experience with INROADS has solidified this, providing a supportive community that understood this unique journey and gave me the tools to navigate it professionally.

Now, as emerging professionals, we can serve as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, building new opportunities so that they may achieve even more. We can educate our workplaces about who we are. As educated professionals, we can absolve the challenges of ignorance.

As a very proud Peruvian-American, a source of inspiration has been a traditional Peruvian dance I learned growing up: La Marinera Norteña. This dance tells a story of courtship, requiring discipline and grace. Performing it taught me to connect with any audience and share joy, seeing how it sparked curiosity about my heritage. People would often ask me questions after performances, and I was always happy to answer, becoming a cultural ambassador in those small moments.

This experience directly inspires my definition of success. It’s not just about personal achievement, but about uplifting my community. My community in Paterson has one of the densest populations of Peruvian-Americans in the country, and I want to be a visible role model.

My primary aspiration is to earn my Master's of Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology from Rutgers University. I plan to apply this advanced knowledge to a career dedicated to improving patient safety and health outcomes. Additionally, addressing and improving healthcare access and quality, ensuring every patient receives the care they need and deserve.

I want to inspire the younger generation to not only love their culture but also to see themselves achieving success in higher-level positions. Our heritage is a foundation for greatness, not a barrier to it.

INROADS brought this theme to life for me. Entering corporate spaces, I confronted self-doubt and learned to advocate for my voice while embracing the strength of my background. Through mentors, training, and real-world projects, I practiced leading with purpose, collaboration, and service. Siempre Adelante means I don’t just progress for myself—I open doors, share what I’ve learned, and help build pathways for other first-gen and Latina students. That’s the journey I’m on: advancing with resilience, authenticity, and impact.

My heritage reminds me of the resilience, determination, and sacrifice that brought me to where I am today, inspiring me to achieve success. My family’s journey has shown me the value of hard work, perseverance, and community—values that guide me in every academic and professional space I enter. Knowing that I represent not only myself but also the dreams of my family and community motivates me to keep pushing forward and create opportunities where they may not have existed before.

Looking ahead, my aspiration is to continue exploring the world and pursuing my master’s degree abroad to further expand my perspective on international relations. As a first-generation student, studying and traveling abroad has been transformative—it has not only deepened my understanding of different cultures but also taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of diverse perspectives. These experiences have shaped both my personal growth and professional vision.

I want to use what I’ve learned to open doors for others, especially students from first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds, so they too, can experience the power of global learning. My goal is to combine my passion for international experiences with my career, creating pathways that foster connection, inclusion, and opportunity across borders.

The pride we have in where we come from, the richness of our traditions, our music, language, food, and above all, the sense of familia—those are the things that ground me and remind me of who I am, even in rooms where I’m the only one. My culture doesn’t just inspire me to succeed for myself—it reminds me that when I rise, we rise.

INROADS played a transformative role in shaping this journey. Through its commitment to professional development, mentorship, and real-world experience, INROADS gave me access to an opportunity with the government I might not have had otherwise. As a first-generation student, INROADS taught me how to navigate corporate spaces with confidence, build lasting relationships, and show up with both purpose and preparation. The guidance and support from my mentor also helped me refine my goals, sharpen my skills, and believe in my potential. I carry those lessons with me in every step I take—and I’m deeply grateful to be an alumna in a community that invests so meaningfully in the success of future leaders.

In September 1996, while studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, I secured an internship with Arthur Andersen’s Barcelona office. They were impressed by my prior experience in Chicago and strong references, which helped open the door.

The next year, I moved to Paris for another study abroad semester and was fortunate to intern once again with Arthur Andersen, this time in their Paris office during the summer of 1997. That opportunity came as a result of the positive impression left by my previous internships and the value I was able to contribute. These two international internships—combined with my U.S. experience—paved the way for me to launch my career as an auditor in Paris after graduating in 1998.

None of this would have been possible without INROADS, which helped me secure that first opportunity at Arthur Andersen in Chicago. That initial step led to a series of international experiences and ultimately allowed me to fulfill my dream of working abroad. Thanks to INROADS, I was able to combine my passion for languages and travel with a fulfilling career in international business.

As my career progressed, I was selected for a Finance Officer position at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, marking the beginning of my international civil service career. Today, I continue to work at the FAO of the United Nations as a Strategy and Planning Officer.

Throughout my career, my heritage has always guided and inspired me. My heritage is rooted in hard work, resilience, and perseverance. My mom always used to tell me, “Mija, échale ganas!”—give it your all. We are taught never to give up; if we fall off the horse, we get back up, dust ourselves off, and keep going. Grit is at the core of who we are—pushing through even when it feels like we can't go any further. This spirit has deeply shaped and inspired me.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month – 2025