Business & Entrepreneurship
GOLD - Gabriel Castro
SILVER - Esteban Garcia Ayala
BRONZE - Ricardo Aponte
Community Service
GOLD - Valeria Diaz
SILVER - Sara de Angel
BRONZE - Kristina Robinson Soler
Education
GOLD - Marina Pauli-Rivas
SILVER - Ana Cruz
BRONZE - Juleisy Berrios Garcia
Engineering
GOLD - Fabian Martinez-Santiago
SILVER - Gabriela Molina
BRONZE - Fabian Agosto
Healthcare & Science
GOLD - Sofia Encarnacion Burgos
SILVER - Chancen Law
BRONZE - Juan Arill
Media & Entertainment
GOLD - Camila Ruiz-Gonzalez
SILVER - Juliana Santiago Batista
BRONZE - Mauricio Luengo
Public Service & Social Justice
GOLD - Fabiola Ferrer
SILVER - Eduardo Adriano
BRONZE - Alejandra Caban
Sports & Fitness
GOLD - Ramon Rosado
SILVER - Andrea Santos
BRONZE - Dakoda Keni
Sustainability (Green)
GOLD - Adriana Soto
SILVER - Ailiani Emmanuelli-Ramirez
BRONZE - Belimar Davila
Technology
GOLD - Maria Elena Andreu
SILVER - Martin Fantauzzi
BRONZE - Paula Perez
Business & Entrepreneurship
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Gabriel Castro
Hometown: San Juan, PR
High School: Colegio San José
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Gabriel Castro's artistic inclinations and entrepreneurial spirit have coalesced in a remarkable journey characterized by a passion for creativity, a drive to succeed, and a deep sense of social responsibility. He has always been a student who is willing to go above and beyond, taking on challenging classes and extracurricular activities that have enabled him to hone his skills in Business & Entrepreneurship.
From a young age, Gabriel has been captivated by the world of acting and theater, seeing in it an opportunity to express himself and connect with others. His natural flair for the dramatic has been evident in the many school plays in which he has starred, from Literature Under the Stars to Café Teatro Libertad. He has been able to channel this love of theater into his entrepreneurial pursuits, recognizing the importance of effective communication and public relations in the world of business.
Gabriel's drive to learn more about entrepreneurship has led him to elect classes in this field, from Marketing to Business and Accounting. His passion for entrepreneurship has been further fueled by his involvement in programs such as STEMpresarial, where he developed his creative product, PetPad, which helps pet owners effortlessly clean up after their furry friends. As part of the program, Gabriel created his product and developed a website, advertisements, logos, and a business plan. Through his ingenuity, dedication, and hard work, he impressed the panel of judges, made up of notable Puerto Rican entrepreneurs, and emerged as the winner of the STEMpresarial Youth Entrepreneurship Competition, where PetPad was a standout amongst other brilliant ideas. This was a pivotal moment in Gabriel's life, as it cemented his belief that he could make a difference in his community and island by leveraging his entrepreneurial skills and creativity.
Gabriel's Latino and Hispanic background has played a significant role in shaping his approach to Business & Entrepreneurship. Growing up in Puerto Rico, he has been imbued with a sense of resilience and determination that has allowed him to overcome challenges and setbacks. He has also developed a deep sense of empathy and social responsibility, recognizing the need to help others who may not have the same opportunities as he does. This has inspired him to use his entrepreneurial skills to create events and manage artists, with the aim of giving others a voice and a platform to express themselves.
Community service has played an important role in Gabriel's life, particularly his participation in the Misión de Verano 2023. This experience opened his eyes to the struggles of those less fortunate than him and instilled in him a deep sense of gratitude and a commitment to giving back. He has since been actively involved in community work, tutoring young people, and raising money for the American Cancer Society.
Victor Santos, Esq., Gabriel's AP US History teacher and assistant principal at Colegio San José, has spoken highly of his exceptional character and academic achievements. With a 4.0 GPA, Gabriel has shown himself to be a natural leader, taking on roles such as that of an officer for his school’s student council, the public relations liaison of its student government, and a broadcaster for its morning news program. He is also a member of his school’s National Honor Society chapter as well as its Drama Club and History and Geography Club. Gabriel is not only an exceptional student but also an outstanding athlete who has earned a black belt first dan in Olympic Taekwondo. His dedication to academic excellence is matched only by his commitment to the well-being of his community.
As Santos shares, Gabriel represents the best of his generation. He is a driven, eclectic, and gregarious young man who is proud of his roots and committed to making a difference. At the heart of Gabriel's entrepreneurial journey is his dream of helping his family and his beloved Puerto Rico. As he prepares to attend college, Gabriel has his sights set on majoring in Marketing or Public Relations and minoring in Advertising or Event Planning at Syracuse University, Pennsylvania State University, or Boston College. His journey as an entrepreneur has only just begun, and we are excited to see the impact he will make. In Gabriel's own words, "We must use these opportunities and privileges to help others and share what we have for the good of the world and society.
High School: Colegio San José
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Gabriel Castro's artistic inclinations and entrepreneurial spirit have coalesced in a remarkable journey characterized by a passion for creativity, a drive to succeed, and a deep sense of social responsibility. He has always been a student who is willing to go above and beyond, taking on challenging classes and extracurricular activities that have enabled him to hone his skills in Business & Entrepreneurship.
From a young age, Gabriel has been captivated by the world of acting and theater, seeing in it an opportunity to express himself and connect with others. His natural flair for the dramatic has been evident in the many school plays in which he has starred, from Literature Under the Stars to Café Teatro Libertad. He has been able to channel this love of theater into his entrepreneurial pursuits, recognizing the importance of effective communication and public relations in the world of business.
Gabriel's drive to learn more about entrepreneurship has led him to elect classes in this field, from Marketing to Business and Accounting. His passion for entrepreneurship has been further fueled by his involvement in programs such as STEMpresarial, where he developed his creative product, PetPad, which helps pet owners effortlessly clean up after their furry friends. As part of the program, Gabriel created his product and developed a website, advertisements, logos, and a business plan. Through his ingenuity, dedication, and hard work, he impressed the panel of judges, made up of notable Puerto Rican entrepreneurs, and emerged as the winner of the STEMpresarial Youth Entrepreneurship Competition, where PetPad was a standout amongst other brilliant ideas. This was a pivotal moment in Gabriel's life, as it cemented his belief that he could make a difference in his community and island by leveraging his entrepreneurial skills and creativity.
Gabriel's Latino and Hispanic background has played a significant role in shaping his approach to Business & Entrepreneurship. Growing up in Puerto Rico, he has been imbued with a sense of resilience and determination that has allowed him to overcome challenges and setbacks. He has also developed a deep sense of empathy and social responsibility, recognizing the need to help others who may not have the same opportunities as he does. This has inspired him to use his entrepreneurial skills to create events and manage artists, with the aim of giving others a voice and a platform to express themselves.
Community service has played an important role in Gabriel's life, particularly his participation in the Misión de Verano 2023. This experience opened his eyes to the struggles of those less fortunate than him and instilled in him a deep sense of gratitude and a commitment to giving back. He has since been actively involved in community work, tutoring young people, and raising money for the American Cancer Society.
Victor Santos, Esq., Gabriel's AP US History teacher and assistant principal at Colegio San José, has spoken highly of his exceptional character and academic achievements. With a 4.0 GPA, Gabriel has shown himself to be a natural leader, taking on roles such as that of an officer for his school’s student council, the public relations liaison of its student government, and a broadcaster for its morning news program. He is also a member of his school’s National Honor Society chapter as well as its Drama Club and History and Geography Club. Gabriel is not only an exceptional student but also an outstanding athlete who has earned a black belt first dan in Olympic Taekwondo. His dedication to academic excellence is matched only by his commitment to the well-being of his community.
As Santos shares, Gabriel represents the best of his generation. He is a driven, eclectic, and gregarious young man who is proud of his roots and committed to making a difference. At the heart of Gabriel's entrepreneurial journey is his dream of helping his family and his beloved Puerto Rico. As he prepares to attend college, Gabriel has his sights set on majoring in Marketing or Public Relations and minoring in Advertising or Event Planning at Syracuse University, Pennsylvania State University, or Boston College. His journey as an entrepreneur has only just begun, and we are excited to see the impact he will make. In Gabriel's own words, "We must use these opportunities and privileges to help others and share what we have for the good of the world and society.
SILVER - Esteban Garcia Ayala
Hometown: Trujillo Alto, PR
High School: Colegio San José
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
For Esteban García Ayala, entrepreneurship is more than a career choice; it is a creative outlet, a means of expressing his ingenuity and talent in finding solutions to complex problems. For him, an entrepreneur is someone who envisions a solution to a problem and makes it a reality. To pursue his passion, Esteban has been on the lookout for opportunities that have enabled him to develop his skills and knowledge in this field. In fact, he has had recent experiences that have helped him deepen his understanding of the world of entrepreneurship.
One such experience was a hospitality internship he completed last summer. As a worthy recipient of the Les Roches Hospitality Award, Esteban earned a full scholarship to attend a one-week camp and internship in Crans Montana, Switzerland. This was a momentous achievement for Esteban, as he was selected based on his impressive credentials in entrepreneurship and his perfectly crafted scholarship essay. During his stay in Switzerland, he expanded his knowledge of the basics of hotel management and hospitality.
The internship not only gave him a fresh perspective on the field, but also allowed him to meet new people from different parts of the world who shared his passion for entrepreneurship. By interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, he was able to see entrepreneurship from new angles and learn about different approaches to business. Visiting five-star hotels and rating them according to the lessons he had learned, along with his own vision, was a highlight of the experience. The professor who guided Esteban and his colleagues shared his expertise on hotel management from his own country's perspective. The experience expanded his vision and inspired his plan to establish a business with a worldwide reach, transcending the borders of his own Puerto Rico. Esteban's passion for innovation and creativity has led him to meet new people from all over the world and develop new, exciting ideas for his future in entrepreneurship.
The richness of Esteban's Latinx background has had a significant impact on his approach to entrepreneurship. Growing up in a diverse cultural environment has given him a broader perspective on the world, making him receptive to different cultures and ways of doing business. This diversity has proven to be an asset for him, which was especially evident during his time in Switzerland, where his cultural background combined with his unique perspective and innovative mindset helped him stand out in the internship program and made him a valuable contributor to the team.
Community service is a core part of Esteban's life, as he sees it as a way of fulfilling his purpose in the world. His commitment to giving back has taken many forms, from volunteering at tutoring centers to helping with natural disaster relief efforts. Esteban understands the importance of using his gifts to help others and make a difference in his community. One of his most memorable service experiences was participating in a golf tournament to raise funds for people with Down syndrome. He helped the participants play, distributed prizes, and saw firsthand the joy he helped bring to their lives. At Colegio San José, Esteban gives back as an active member of his school's Ecology Club, where he tends to his school's garden, fostering a love for nature and the environment.
Edilmari Longo Vega, college counselor and counseling department coordinator at Colegio San José, attests to Esteban's intelligence, commitment, kindness, and sense of community. She has known him for five years, and during that time, she has witnessed his personal and academic growth. She praises him for his intellect, curiosity, and self-motivation. With a 4.0 GPA, Esteban has an impressive academic record and is an excellent role model for his peers, as he is humble, polite, and always willing to help others, which he does at school as a volunteer peer tutor. He is also part of his school's varsity volleyball team and participates in his school's track and field team, where he has placed in javelin throw competitions on more than one occasion.
As he moves ahead in his academic journey, Esteban plans to attend Babson College, Boston College, Boston University, or Pennsylvania State University, where he will major in Finance and minor in Risk Management, continuing to build on the foundation he has laid in entrepreneurship, community service, and academic excellence.
High School: Colegio San José
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
For Esteban García Ayala, entrepreneurship is more than a career choice; it is a creative outlet, a means of expressing his ingenuity and talent in finding solutions to complex problems. For him, an entrepreneur is someone who envisions a solution to a problem and makes it a reality. To pursue his passion, Esteban has been on the lookout for opportunities that have enabled him to develop his skills and knowledge in this field. In fact, he has had recent experiences that have helped him deepen his understanding of the world of entrepreneurship.
One such experience was a hospitality internship he completed last summer. As a worthy recipient of the Les Roches Hospitality Award, Esteban earned a full scholarship to attend a one-week camp and internship in Crans Montana, Switzerland. This was a momentous achievement for Esteban, as he was selected based on his impressive credentials in entrepreneurship and his perfectly crafted scholarship essay. During his stay in Switzerland, he expanded his knowledge of the basics of hotel management and hospitality.
The internship not only gave him a fresh perspective on the field, but also allowed him to meet new people from different parts of the world who shared his passion for entrepreneurship. By interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, he was able to see entrepreneurship from new angles and learn about different approaches to business. Visiting five-star hotels and rating them according to the lessons he had learned, along with his own vision, was a highlight of the experience. The professor who guided Esteban and his colleagues shared his expertise on hotel management from his own country's perspective. The experience expanded his vision and inspired his plan to establish a business with a worldwide reach, transcending the borders of his own Puerto Rico. Esteban's passion for innovation and creativity has led him to meet new people from all over the world and develop new, exciting ideas for his future in entrepreneurship.
The richness of Esteban's Latinx background has had a significant impact on his approach to entrepreneurship. Growing up in a diverse cultural environment has given him a broader perspective on the world, making him receptive to different cultures and ways of doing business. This diversity has proven to be an asset for him, which was especially evident during his time in Switzerland, where his cultural background combined with his unique perspective and innovative mindset helped him stand out in the internship program and made him a valuable contributor to the team.
Community service is a core part of Esteban's life, as he sees it as a way of fulfilling his purpose in the world. His commitment to giving back has taken many forms, from volunteering at tutoring centers to helping with natural disaster relief efforts. Esteban understands the importance of using his gifts to help others and make a difference in his community. One of his most memorable service experiences was participating in a golf tournament to raise funds for people with Down syndrome. He helped the participants play, distributed prizes, and saw firsthand the joy he helped bring to their lives. At Colegio San José, Esteban gives back as an active member of his school's Ecology Club, where he tends to his school's garden, fostering a love for nature and the environment.
Edilmari Longo Vega, college counselor and counseling department coordinator at Colegio San José, attests to Esteban's intelligence, commitment, kindness, and sense of community. She has known him for five years, and during that time, she has witnessed his personal and academic growth. She praises him for his intellect, curiosity, and self-motivation. With a 4.0 GPA, Esteban has an impressive academic record and is an excellent role model for his peers, as he is humble, polite, and always willing to help others, which he does at school as a volunteer peer tutor. He is also part of his school's varsity volleyball team and participates in his school's track and field team, where he has placed in javelin throw competitions on more than one occasion.
As he moves ahead in his academic journey, Esteban plans to attend Babson College, Boston College, Boston University, or Pennsylvania State University, where he will major in Finance and minor in Risk Management, continuing to build on the foundation he has laid in entrepreneurship, community service, and academic excellence.
BRONZE - Ricardo Aponte
Hometown: Carolina, PR
High School: Colegio San José
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Ricardo Aponte’s journey in business started with a trip to New York City that left him awe-struck, ignited with inspiration to learn more about the art of business. As a young student from Puerto Rico, Ricardo had never experienced such a vibrant and competitive landscape with thousands of businesses vying for the attention of consumers. This trip was an eye-opener for Ricardo, who became increasingly curious about the strategies that companies used to create, develop, produce, promote, and distribute their products.
Fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit, it was in 2020 that Ricardo founded his own sneaker reselling business, Professor the Plug. From the very first sneaker he sold, he found himself increasingly drawn to the hustle and excitement of buying and selling products, establishing connections with clients, and delivering impeccable service. His sneaker reselling business became his passion project, not just for making money, but for making connections and building relationships with others while he enjoyed every part of the journey. Today, Professor the Plug is a thriving online business, a testament to Ricardo's intelligence, responsibility, and people skills.
As his business acumen grew, Ricardo continued to seek opportunities to deepen his knowledge, enrolling in a Marketing course in the 11th grade and a Business and Accounting course in his final year of high school. He has even sought opportunities to learn outside of school, such as completing the Business Strategy and Competitive Advantage course from Penn's Wharton School of Business through edX.
As a Latino, Ricardo is keenly aware of the many opportunities for creating different types of businesses that leverage the rich cultural traditions and characteristics of Latinx communities. He notes that Latinxs are considered friendly, welcoming, and caring, and these traits are essential in establishing relationships, making connections, and promoting companies. However, discrimination and prejudice can make it harder for Latinxs to succeed in some communities. Despite the challenges, Ricardo has seen how Latinxs often turn negative situations into bigger opportunities and create new ways of adapting. In fact, Ricardo points out that one in four businesses in the US is owned by Latinxs, making it clear that we are making significant contributions to the business world.
In addition to his entrepreneurial spirit, Ricardo has a heart for service. Like many in Puerto Rico, he witnessed firsthand the devastation wrought by natural disasters in his community, and with the help of his family and friends, he was able to provide aid to those in need. Delivering supplies, such as water, food, and safety materials, brought a smile to many faces, making Ricardo understand the power of reaching out to others and the value of providing assistance where it is needed.
For years, Ricardo has been one of the top performers in his class at Colegio San José. He has been recognized for his academic achievements and leadership roles, from being elected president of his school’s National Junior Honor Society chapter in ninth grade to serving as the secretary of its student council in tenth grade and as its current vice-president. He has also been an outstanding athlete, playing table tennis and varsity soccer, helping his school win numerous championships and even being recognized as the 2022 soccer MVP.
With an eye on the future, Ricardo is excited to attend Northeastern University, Fordham University, or Boston College, where he plans to major in Business Management and minor in Communication. His aspiration is to attend a business program that will provide him with the knowledge and skills to expand his business and venture into even more entrepreneurial endeavors. As Ricardo embarks on the next phase of his journey, his passion for business, his curiosity, and his determination to succeed will undoubtedly lead him to great heights in the world of business.
High School: Colegio San José
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Ricardo Aponte’s journey in business started with a trip to New York City that left him awe-struck, ignited with inspiration to learn more about the art of business. As a young student from Puerto Rico, Ricardo had never experienced such a vibrant and competitive landscape with thousands of businesses vying for the attention of consumers. This trip was an eye-opener for Ricardo, who became increasingly curious about the strategies that companies used to create, develop, produce, promote, and distribute their products.
Fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit, it was in 2020 that Ricardo founded his own sneaker reselling business, Professor the Plug. From the very first sneaker he sold, he found himself increasingly drawn to the hustle and excitement of buying and selling products, establishing connections with clients, and delivering impeccable service. His sneaker reselling business became his passion project, not just for making money, but for making connections and building relationships with others while he enjoyed every part of the journey. Today, Professor the Plug is a thriving online business, a testament to Ricardo's intelligence, responsibility, and people skills.
As his business acumen grew, Ricardo continued to seek opportunities to deepen his knowledge, enrolling in a Marketing course in the 11th grade and a Business and Accounting course in his final year of high school. He has even sought opportunities to learn outside of school, such as completing the Business Strategy and Competitive Advantage course from Penn's Wharton School of Business through edX.
As a Latino, Ricardo is keenly aware of the many opportunities for creating different types of businesses that leverage the rich cultural traditions and characteristics of Latinx communities. He notes that Latinxs are considered friendly, welcoming, and caring, and these traits are essential in establishing relationships, making connections, and promoting companies. However, discrimination and prejudice can make it harder for Latinxs to succeed in some communities. Despite the challenges, Ricardo has seen how Latinxs often turn negative situations into bigger opportunities and create new ways of adapting. In fact, Ricardo points out that one in four businesses in the US is owned by Latinxs, making it clear that we are making significant contributions to the business world.
In addition to his entrepreneurial spirit, Ricardo has a heart for service. Like many in Puerto Rico, he witnessed firsthand the devastation wrought by natural disasters in his community, and with the help of his family and friends, he was able to provide aid to those in need. Delivering supplies, such as water, food, and safety materials, brought a smile to many faces, making Ricardo understand the power of reaching out to others and the value of providing assistance where it is needed.
For years, Ricardo has been one of the top performers in his class at Colegio San José. He has been recognized for his academic achievements and leadership roles, from being elected president of his school’s National Junior Honor Society chapter in ninth grade to serving as the secretary of its student council in tenth grade and as its current vice-president. He has also been an outstanding athlete, playing table tennis and varsity soccer, helping his school win numerous championships and even being recognized as the 2022 soccer MVP.
With an eye on the future, Ricardo is excited to attend Northeastern University, Fordham University, or Boston College, where he plans to major in Business Management and minor in Communication. His aspiration is to attend a business program that will provide him with the knowledge and skills to expand his business and venture into even more entrepreneurial endeavors. As Ricardo embarks on the next phase of his journey, his passion for business, his curiosity, and his determination to succeed will undoubtedly lead him to great heights in the world of business.
Community Service
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Valeria Diaz
Hometown: Caguas, PR
High School: Thomas Alva Edison School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Valeria Diaz’s passion for service was awakened by the simple acts of kindness she witnessed during her formative years in Puerto Rico. Wanting to do her part to help those in need, she joined her school's Together Club in eighth grade, an organization that has since become an integral part of her life. As the club's vice president in her final year of high school, Valeria has spearheaded numerous initiatives, partnered with organizations like the American Red Cross, and served communities in need around the island. Her journey with the Together Club has seen her involved in many community service endeavors, including beach cleanups, food and clothing drives for hurricane victims, raising awareness of diseases, and providing care and support for kids from pre-K to fifth grade.
One of Valeria's most cherished service memories was a beach cleanup mission she helped organize in partnership with the Scuba Dogs Society, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental education in Puerto Rico. Despite a setback caused by Hurricane Fiona and its aftermath, Valeria and her team remained resolute in their goal and rescheduled the event. With Valeria and the Together Club president at the helm, volunteers were organized into teams, and the clean-up operation was a resounding success, collecting almost 5,500 items off the beach. Their efforts did not go unnoticed, and local media covered their success, raising awareness of beach pollution and the work they had done. Valeria's involvement in the event and her dedication to community service earned her and the Together Club recognition from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
Valeria's upbringing was grounded in the values of hard work and kindness. Growing up, she helped her dad run his bakery in a rural part of Canóvanas, where she witnessed firsthand the impact of economic hardship on the community. Valeria and her dad helped people in different ways, such as providing more time to pay for goods or gifting simple things like lunch or a gallon of milk. Despite the bakery having to shut down due to a recession that hit both her family and the entire island, the experience taught Valeria empathy and compassion, instilling in her the joy that came with helping others. This experience became the foundation for her lifelong purpose of serving her community.
An issue that affects the Latinx community in the US and beyond that concerns Valeria is the lack of access to affordable medical care and health insurance. Her desire to help with this particular issue stems from her own struggles with access to affordable medical care and insurance during her childhood. Her involvement with the MEDLIFE Movement, a nonprofit that partners with low-income communities in Latin America and Africa to improve their access to medicine, education, and community development projects, allows her to help people currently in that situation. Through fundraisers, she helps people from South America and Africa have access to medical care. One of her life goals is to start a nonprofit organization that will provide much-needed medical care and supplies to communities in need across South America and the Caribbean. Once she is in medical school, Valeria plans to share her knowledge of medicine with these communities, encouraging them to pursue careers in healthcare.
As Valeria prepares to attend Johns Hopkins University, the University of Rochester, or the University of Pennsylvania, she plans to major in Molecular & Cellular Biology or Microbiology and minor in Astronomy or Astrobiology. Her school counselor at Thomas Alva Edison School, Sol Rivera Rosario, attests to her character, calling her an organized and empathetic leader who is humble, resourceful, and fierce. Valeria has maintained a 3.96 GPA while participating in various extracurricular activities, including her school's National Honor Society chapter. For Valeria, doing what is within her power to help and serve is a lifelong purpose that she holds dear.
High School: Thomas Alva Edison School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Valeria Diaz’s passion for service was awakened by the simple acts of kindness she witnessed during her formative years in Puerto Rico. Wanting to do her part to help those in need, she joined her school's Together Club in eighth grade, an organization that has since become an integral part of her life. As the club's vice president in her final year of high school, Valeria has spearheaded numerous initiatives, partnered with organizations like the American Red Cross, and served communities in need around the island. Her journey with the Together Club has seen her involved in many community service endeavors, including beach cleanups, food and clothing drives for hurricane victims, raising awareness of diseases, and providing care and support for kids from pre-K to fifth grade.
One of Valeria's most cherished service memories was a beach cleanup mission she helped organize in partnership with the Scuba Dogs Society, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental education in Puerto Rico. Despite a setback caused by Hurricane Fiona and its aftermath, Valeria and her team remained resolute in their goal and rescheduled the event. With Valeria and the Together Club president at the helm, volunteers were organized into teams, and the clean-up operation was a resounding success, collecting almost 5,500 items off the beach. Their efforts did not go unnoticed, and local media covered their success, raising awareness of beach pollution and the work they had done. Valeria's involvement in the event and her dedication to community service earned her and the Together Club recognition from the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
Valeria's upbringing was grounded in the values of hard work and kindness. Growing up, she helped her dad run his bakery in a rural part of Canóvanas, where she witnessed firsthand the impact of economic hardship on the community. Valeria and her dad helped people in different ways, such as providing more time to pay for goods or gifting simple things like lunch or a gallon of milk. Despite the bakery having to shut down due to a recession that hit both her family and the entire island, the experience taught Valeria empathy and compassion, instilling in her the joy that came with helping others. This experience became the foundation for her lifelong purpose of serving her community.
An issue that affects the Latinx community in the US and beyond that concerns Valeria is the lack of access to affordable medical care and health insurance. Her desire to help with this particular issue stems from her own struggles with access to affordable medical care and insurance during her childhood. Her involvement with the MEDLIFE Movement, a nonprofit that partners with low-income communities in Latin America and Africa to improve their access to medicine, education, and community development projects, allows her to help people currently in that situation. Through fundraisers, she helps people from South America and Africa have access to medical care. One of her life goals is to start a nonprofit organization that will provide much-needed medical care and supplies to communities in need across South America and the Caribbean. Once she is in medical school, Valeria plans to share her knowledge of medicine with these communities, encouraging them to pursue careers in healthcare.
As Valeria prepares to attend Johns Hopkins University, the University of Rochester, or the University of Pennsylvania, she plans to major in Molecular & Cellular Biology or Microbiology and minor in Astronomy or Astrobiology. Her school counselor at Thomas Alva Edison School, Sol Rivera Rosario, attests to her character, calling her an organized and empathetic leader who is humble, resourceful, and fierce. Valeria has maintained a 3.96 GPA while participating in various extracurricular activities, including her school's National Honor Society chapter. For Valeria, doing what is within her power to help and serve is a lifelong purpose that she holds dear.
SILVER - Sara de Angel
Hometown: Caguas, PR
High School: Thomas Alva Edison School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Sara de Angel's journey towards civic engagement began at a young age when she witnessed firsthand the aftermath of Hurricane Maria's devastating impact on her beloved Puerto Rico. At only 12 years old, she could do little to help, but the way in which her community came together to lend aid and support left an indelible impression on her. It was in this moment that Sara learned the importance of helping others in their moments of need, a valuable lesson that has guided her ever since. When Hurricane Fiona struck, she was quick to act. She and her father wasted no time and immediately went to their community's church to help clear and clean the flooding, so it could be used as a shelter. She also joined her school's MEDLIFE Movement and Together Club organizations to help provide relief for those affected. For Sara, the value of her work comes from the impact she has on others, and she continuously strives to give her best to those around her.
Sara's passion for community service continued to grow in her junior year when she founded her school's Club Literario, a language arts club that aimed to organize the Thomas Alva Edison School library through a service project dubbed Proyecto Bibliotecario. With over forty students involved, the club started organizing lectures, book exchanges, and toy drives throughout the semester, registering and rearranging the books in the library every week. Despite COVID-19-related delays, Club Literario cataloged close to 1,400 books and completely transformed their school library. Now, in the club's second year, students are still actively coming up with new ideas and activities to continue their work and mission, which Sara trusts will carry on even after her graduation.
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Sara has always been immersed in Latinx culture, which has shaped who she is as a person. She has seen firsthand how the Latinx community perseveres through even the toughest of times, working together to overcome challenges and build a better tomorrow, embracing the slogan "Puerto Rico se levanta." These experiences have strengthened her resolve to help those in her community and have inspired her to focus on the future. Sara believes that her education will be her way of giving back to her island and plans to pursue medicine to address the understaffing crisis affecting Puerto Rico's medical system. After obtaining an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering, she plans to apply to medical school and eventually become a cardiothoracic surgeon to give back to her community all the blessings she has received.
Sara's love for working with people and being part of a team led her to take an active role in various school activities and is a testament to her exceptional character. Founding Club Literario, serving as captain of her school's Oratory team, and dedicating her time and effort to these initiatives had a positive impact on her school community, which allowed her to witness the effect she has had on her classmates and how her efforts have changed the way they view reading, speech, and expression. Her most memorable experience being of service has been organizing a bookmark-making contest through Club Literario that encouraged students to create original bookmarks with themes of love and friendship. Seeing the elementary students' reactions to receiving awards was particularly heartwarming for Sara. She and her team still have many more activities planned, including the building of "Take a Book, Leave a Book" stations in the halls of their school.
Sara's dedication to her community extends beyond her school as well. She has volunteered at her local pet clinic, shadowing a veterinarian and his team during routine checkups and medical emergencies for animals of all sizes. Her love for animals, combined with her desire to serve, has made her an invaluable asset to the clinic and a source of comfort for both animals and their owners.
Sol Rivera Rosario, Sara's school counselor at Thomas Alva Edison School, attests to her drive and intelligence, which led her to skip a grade when she first arrived at the school. Rivera Rosario describes Sara as a mature and determined leader who, despite being involved in various extracurricular activities both in and out of school, still maintains a 4.0 GPA and ranks in the top 5% of her class.
In all of Sara's endeavors, what stands out is her ability to see the potential in those around her and to inspire them to make a difference. As she prepares to attend Yale University, Brown University, or the University of Pennsylvania, where she will major in Biomedical Engineering and minor in Romance Languages, she is excited to continue pursuing her passions and dedicating herself to the service of others.
High School: Thomas Alva Edison School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Sara de Angel's journey towards civic engagement began at a young age when she witnessed firsthand the aftermath of Hurricane Maria's devastating impact on her beloved Puerto Rico. At only 12 years old, she could do little to help, but the way in which her community came together to lend aid and support left an indelible impression on her. It was in this moment that Sara learned the importance of helping others in their moments of need, a valuable lesson that has guided her ever since. When Hurricane Fiona struck, she was quick to act. She and her father wasted no time and immediately went to their community's church to help clear and clean the flooding, so it could be used as a shelter. She also joined her school's MEDLIFE Movement and Together Club organizations to help provide relief for those affected. For Sara, the value of her work comes from the impact she has on others, and she continuously strives to give her best to those around her.
Sara's passion for community service continued to grow in her junior year when she founded her school's Club Literario, a language arts club that aimed to organize the Thomas Alva Edison School library through a service project dubbed Proyecto Bibliotecario. With over forty students involved, the club started organizing lectures, book exchanges, and toy drives throughout the semester, registering and rearranging the books in the library every week. Despite COVID-19-related delays, Club Literario cataloged close to 1,400 books and completely transformed their school library. Now, in the club's second year, students are still actively coming up with new ideas and activities to continue their work and mission, which Sara trusts will carry on even after her graduation.
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Sara has always been immersed in Latinx culture, which has shaped who she is as a person. She has seen firsthand how the Latinx community perseveres through even the toughest of times, working together to overcome challenges and build a better tomorrow, embracing the slogan "Puerto Rico se levanta." These experiences have strengthened her resolve to help those in her community and have inspired her to focus on the future. Sara believes that her education will be her way of giving back to her island and plans to pursue medicine to address the understaffing crisis affecting Puerto Rico's medical system. After obtaining an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering, she plans to apply to medical school and eventually become a cardiothoracic surgeon to give back to her community all the blessings she has received.
Sara's love for working with people and being part of a team led her to take an active role in various school activities and is a testament to her exceptional character. Founding Club Literario, serving as captain of her school's Oratory team, and dedicating her time and effort to these initiatives had a positive impact on her school community, which allowed her to witness the effect she has had on her classmates and how her efforts have changed the way they view reading, speech, and expression. Her most memorable experience being of service has been organizing a bookmark-making contest through Club Literario that encouraged students to create original bookmarks with themes of love and friendship. Seeing the elementary students' reactions to receiving awards was particularly heartwarming for Sara. She and her team still have many more activities planned, including the building of "Take a Book, Leave a Book" stations in the halls of their school.
Sara's dedication to her community extends beyond her school as well. She has volunteered at her local pet clinic, shadowing a veterinarian and his team during routine checkups and medical emergencies for animals of all sizes. Her love for animals, combined with her desire to serve, has made her an invaluable asset to the clinic and a source of comfort for both animals and their owners.
Sol Rivera Rosario, Sara's school counselor at Thomas Alva Edison School, attests to her drive and intelligence, which led her to skip a grade when she first arrived at the school. Rivera Rosario describes Sara as a mature and determined leader who, despite being involved in various extracurricular activities both in and out of school, still maintains a 4.0 GPA and ranks in the top 5% of her class.
In all of Sara's endeavors, what stands out is her ability to see the potential in those around her and to inspire them to make a difference. As she prepares to attend Yale University, Brown University, or the University of Pennsylvania, where she will major in Biomedical Engineering and minor in Romance Languages, she is excited to continue pursuing her passions and dedicating herself to the service of others.
BRONZE - Kristina Robinson Soler
Hometown: Vega Baja, PR
High School: Colegio Marista “El Salvador”
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Kristina Robinson Soler is a young Boricua with an extraordinary sense of empathy and a passion for community service. Her desire to give back to society is fueled by the sense of fulfillment she gets from providing human interaction and relationships to those who are often forgotten, particularly the elderly. Kristina has witnessed firsthand the emotional abandonment experienced by many elderly people in Puerto Rico, and she feels compelled to make a change. By volunteering her time and energy at a local elderly home for the past three years, Kristina has found a way to give back to her community and honor the memory of her grandmother.
Kristina's commitment to community service is a testament to her exceptional character and work ethic. Her involvement in the National Honor Society chapter has allowed her to expand her service to different areas of need, including beach clean-ups, tutoring sessions, and volunteering at her school's daycare. However, it is her work at Shekinah Elderly Home that has truly captured Kristina's heart.
With memories of her grandmother still fresh in her mind, she began volunteering at the same home where her grandmother once lived. The peacocks she once saw with her grandmother became a familiar sight, and she felt as if she was continuing a family legacy of caring for others. Kristina's time at the home has been filled with interactions with the residents, creating activities for them, and attending to their needs.
In the midst of her volunteering, Kristina has met some remarkable people, each with a unique story and a lifetime of experience. One such person is Florencia Ruíz, an 85-year-old spitball of fire who inspired her the most. Florencia's passion for life and her stories of adventure reminded Kristina of her grandmother and inspired her to live her life fully, with spontaneity and purpose. Florencia's infectious personality and zest for life made Kristina feel as if she had a kindred spirit in her grandmother's old home, and she is grateful for the opportunity she had to learn from her.
Throughout her community service work, Kristina's proudest moments have come from the connections she has made with the people she has helped. Whether it was helping an elderly gentleman reconnect with his daughter, improving a student's writing skills through tutoring, or simply spending time with the residents at Shekinah Elderly Home, Kristina has found that the simple act of showing up and being present can have a profound impact on someone's life.
Kristina's dedication to her studies and her community service is noteworthy. Angelica Betancourt, Kristina's science teacher and the advisor of the National Honor Society chapter at Colegio Marista “El Salvador,” recognizes her as an impressive student with a special interest in learning, known for her inquisitive mind and her eagerness to understand new concepts. Kristina has excelled academically throughout her high school career, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and ranking second in her graduating class. She is a natural leader, demonstrating phenomenal skills in teamwork and organization. As the current president of her school's student council, Kristina has shown diligence and responsibility in the performance of her tasks.
Kristina's future plans include pursuing an architecture degree at Tulane University, Rice University, or Northeastern University. Her drive and ambition are sure to take her far in life, but it is her kind heart and her passion for serving others that make her truly extraordinary. Kristina is a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated and compassionate member of society.
High School: Colegio Marista “El Salvador”
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Kristina Robinson Soler is a young Boricua with an extraordinary sense of empathy and a passion for community service. Her desire to give back to society is fueled by the sense of fulfillment she gets from providing human interaction and relationships to those who are often forgotten, particularly the elderly. Kristina has witnessed firsthand the emotional abandonment experienced by many elderly people in Puerto Rico, and she feels compelled to make a change. By volunteering her time and energy at a local elderly home for the past three years, Kristina has found a way to give back to her community and honor the memory of her grandmother.
Kristina's commitment to community service is a testament to her exceptional character and work ethic. Her involvement in the National Honor Society chapter has allowed her to expand her service to different areas of need, including beach clean-ups, tutoring sessions, and volunteering at her school's daycare. However, it is her work at Shekinah Elderly Home that has truly captured Kristina's heart.
With memories of her grandmother still fresh in her mind, she began volunteering at the same home where her grandmother once lived. The peacocks she once saw with her grandmother became a familiar sight, and she felt as if she was continuing a family legacy of caring for others. Kristina's time at the home has been filled with interactions with the residents, creating activities for them, and attending to their needs.
In the midst of her volunteering, Kristina has met some remarkable people, each with a unique story and a lifetime of experience. One such person is Florencia Ruíz, an 85-year-old spitball of fire who inspired her the most. Florencia's passion for life and her stories of adventure reminded Kristina of her grandmother and inspired her to live her life fully, with spontaneity and purpose. Florencia's infectious personality and zest for life made Kristina feel as if she had a kindred spirit in her grandmother's old home, and she is grateful for the opportunity she had to learn from her.
Throughout her community service work, Kristina's proudest moments have come from the connections she has made with the people she has helped. Whether it was helping an elderly gentleman reconnect with his daughter, improving a student's writing skills through tutoring, or simply spending time with the residents at Shekinah Elderly Home, Kristina has found that the simple act of showing up and being present can have a profound impact on someone's life.
Kristina's dedication to her studies and her community service is noteworthy. Angelica Betancourt, Kristina's science teacher and the advisor of the National Honor Society chapter at Colegio Marista “El Salvador,” recognizes her as an impressive student with a special interest in learning, known for her inquisitive mind and her eagerness to understand new concepts. Kristina has excelled academically throughout her high school career, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and ranking second in her graduating class. She is a natural leader, demonstrating phenomenal skills in teamwork and organization. As the current president of her school's student council, Kristina has shown diligence and responsibility in the performance of her tasks.
Kristina's future plans include pursuing an architecture degree at Tulane University, Rice University, or Northeastern University. Her drive and ambition are sure to take her far in life, but it is her kind heart and her passion for serving others that make her truly extraordinary. Kristina is a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated and compassionate member of society.
Education
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Marina Pauli-Rivas
Hometown: San Juan, PR
High School: Robinson School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Marina Pauli-Rivas is a young woman whose passion for education has been shaped by her upbringing in Puerto Rico. She has experienced firsthand the impact that a failing education system can have on the youth of the island, where almost half of the students drop out before high school. This has led her to recognize the importance of a valuable and structured educational system, one that provides all students with the tools they need to succeed and contribute to the progress of Puerto Rico as a society.
Marina believes that knowledge is the root of all good and that education is the key to effecting real change in her community. She recognizes that the educational system in Puerto Rico is in dire need of modernization and improvement, with limited classroom supplies, inadequate staff development, and building maintenance falling behind. She knows that change is necessary, and she is determined to be part of the solution. Marina plans to use education itself as her tool to disseminate values and fundamental education on culture and sciences that she is certain can help anyone reach great heights.
Marina's experience working with children in younger grades has given her a glimpse into the future of her island. She sees young and bright people full of promise, eager to grow and learn. She believes that more important than someone's intellectual abilities is their desire to be the best version of themselves, and it is this mindset that she hopes to bring into the future educational system in Puerto Rico. Her goal is to help bring out the best in all students so that they can pursue their goals and reach their full potential.
For Marina, education is the foundation upon which everything else is built. She is motivated by her belief that knowledge is power and that everyone should have the opportunity to access it. She has worked hard to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to her, recognizing that not everyone has been as fortunate. Marina's proudest achievement is her own approach to education, giving it everything she has and using it to empower herself to be the best version of herself as a student.
Marina's vision is to bring about a change that will ensure that the younger generation in Puerto Rico receives a worthy, reliable learning experience. She trusts that there is undiscovered potential within everyone and that it simply takes a worthy handful of diverse and conscientious counselors and educators to bring out the best in us, so the island can advance and its people can receive a well-rounded, unbiased, and globalized education.
Marina’s passion for education is reflected in her outstanding academic performance, which has caught the attention of Luis Fortes, the high school principal at Robinson School. Fortes describes Marina as an exceptional learner, dedicated student-leader, and active participant in extracurricular activities. Her commitment to excellence, curiosity, and self-motivation has allowed her to excel in everything she does.
Marina’s accomplishments are numerous and well-deserved. Her academic performance has earned her recognition as a Robinson School Silver Scholar, and she has been awarded certificates of recognition in French Language Acquisition, Spanish Language and Literature, and the Medal of Excellence in Environmental Science for her contributions to those courses. Her passion for the arts has led her to join the IB Diploma Program Visual Arts course, where her creativity, attention to detail, and hard work have earned her recognition as one of the program's Visual Artists of the month and have also made her recipient of the IB Diploma Program Visual Arts Recognition Award for her performance, commitment, and contribution to the class. Marina’s artistic abilities also earned her a spot to complete an internship in residential architecture at the New York City-based architecture firm, Chango & Co.
Marina’s achievements extend beyond academics and the arts. She is a well-balanced, principled, and disciplined person who serves as vice president for her graduating class and is an active member of her school’s student government association and its National Honor Society chapter. Her community service involvement has been equally impressive, as she has supported several health-related campaigns for March of Dimes and Hospital San Jorge for pediatric oncology patients.
Marina’s athleticism is yet another facet of her multi-faceted personality. She has excelled in cross country, track and field, and soccer. Due to her excellent soccer performance, she was able to participate in the pre-selection process for the Puerto Rico National Team and received multiple recognitions such as MVP awards, coaches' awards, and the Hawks Award—the highest recognition awarded to a student-athlete at Robinson School.
Marina’s achievements and her goals for the Puerto Rican educational system speak to her vision, character, integrity, and drive. She is a thinker, risk-taker, and reflective student, and her faculty and staff at Robinson School recognize her as such. Her commitment to making a difference and her passion for learning will undoubtedly serve her well as she prepares to attend Cornell University, Boston University, or Syracuse University, where she is considering a major in Architecture and a minor in Psychology.
High School: Robinson School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Marina Pauli-Rivas is a young woman whose passion for education has been shaped by her upbringing in Puerto Rico. She has experienced firsthand the impact that a failing education system can have on the youth of the island, where almost half of the students drop out before high school. This has led her to recognize the importance of a valuable and structured educational system, one that provides all students with the tools they need to succeed and contribute to the progress of Puerto Rico as a society.
Marina believes that knowledge is the root of all good and that education is the key to effecting real change in her community. She recognizes that the educational system in Puerto Rico is in dire need of modernization and improvement, with limited classroom supplies, inadequate staff development, and building maintenance falling behind. She knows that change is necessary, and she is determined to be part of the solution. Marina plans to use education itself as her tool to disseminate values and fundamental education on culture and sciences that she is certain can help anyone reach great heights.
Marina's experience working with children in younger grades has given her a glimpse into the future of her island. She sees young and bright people full of promise, eager to grow and learn. She believes that more important than someone's intellectual abilities is their desire to be the best version of themselves, and it is this mindset that she hopes to bring into the future educational system in Puerto Rico. Her goal is to help bring out the best in all students so that they can pursue their goals and reach their full potential.
For Marina, education is the foundation upon which everything else is built. She is motivated by her belief that knowledge is power and that everyone should have the opportunity to access it. She has worked hard to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to her, recognizing that not everyone has been as fortunate. Marina's proudest achievement is her own approach to education, giving it everything she has and using it to empower herself to be the best version of herself as a student.
Marina's vision is to bring about a change that will ensure that the younger generation in Puerto Rico receives a worthy, reliable learning experience. She trusts that there is undiscovered potential within everyone and that it simply takes a worthy handful of diverse and conscientious counselors and educators to bring out the best in us, so the island can advance and its people can receive a well-rounded, unbiased, and globalized education.
Marina’s passion for education is reflected in her outstanding academic performance, which has caught the attention of Luis Fortes, the high school principal at Robinson School. Fortes describes Marina as an exceptional learner, dedicated student-leader, and active participant in extracurricular activities. Her commitment to excellence, curiosity, and self-motivation has allowed her to excel in everything she does.
Marina’s accomplishments are numerous and well-deserved. Her academic performance has earned her recognition as a Robinson School Silver Scholar, and she has been awarded certificates of recognition in French Language Acquisition, Spanish Language and Literature, and the Medal of Excellence in Environmental Science for her contributions to those courses. Her passion for the arts has led her to join the IB Diploma Program Visual Arts course, where her creativity, attention to detail, and hard work have earned her recognition as one of the program's Visual Artists of the month and have also made her recipient of the IB Diploma Program Visual Arts Recognition Award for her performance, commitment, and contribution to the class. Marina’s artistic abilities also earned her a spot to complete an internship in residential architecture at the New York City-based architecture firm, Chango & Co.
Marina’s achievements extend beyond academics and the arts. She is a well-balanced, principled, and disciplined person who serves as vice president for her graduating class and is an active member of her school’s student government association and its National Honor Society chapter. Her community service involvement has been equally impressive, as she has supported several health-related campaigns for March of Dimes and Hospital San Jorge for pediatric oncology patients.
Marina’s athleticism is yet another facet of her multi-faceted personality. She has excelled in cross country, track and field, and soccer. Due to her excellent soccer performance, she was able to participate in the pre-selection process for the Puerto Rico National Team and received multiple recognitions such as MVP awards, coaches' awards, and the Hawks Award—the highest recognition awarded to a student-athlete at Robinson School.
Marina’s achievements and her goals for the Puerto Rican educational system speak to her vision, character, integrity, and drive. She is a thinker, risk-taker, and reflective student, and her faculty and staff at Robinson School recognize her as such. Her commitment to making a difference and her passion for learning will undoubtedly serve her well as she prepares to attend Cornell University, Boston University, or Syracuse University, where she is considering a major in Architecture and a minor in Psychology.
SILVER - Ana Cruz
Hometown: San Juan, PR
High School: Robinson School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Ana Cruz is a remarkable Latina with an unwavering commitment to education reform and diversity in the education system. Her passion for social justice and equality has led her to recognize the systemic issues that plague the public school system in Puerto Rico. Her firsthand experiences as a student and working with lawyers and judges have revealed the inequalities and deficiencies in the education system, particularly in underfunded schools that lack the necessary resources. Ana believes that education is a fundamental human right that should be afforded to all, regardless of their background or income level.
As someone who has lived in both Puerto Rico and the United States, Ana understands the importance of diversity in all aspects of society, especially within schools. She recognizes that representation and diversity in school leadership and staff are critical for ensuring that all students have access to quality education and feel capable of achieving success. Her commitment to promoting diversity and representation in schools is reflective of her values and character, as she believes it enriches the educational experience and helps create a more just and equitable future for all.
Ana's proudest achievement in the education field has been founding her school's student newspaper. She has created a community of diverse writers, artists, photographers, and creatives, providing them with a platform to share their work with her Robinson School community. She values diversity and representation, making sure to give a voice and space to anyone who is passionate and wants to share their work and unique perspective.
Beyond education reform and diversity, Ana has a deep desire to help others in need. Inspired by the problems she has seen in Puerto Rico, particularly after the life-altering hurricanes, she has actively participated in hurricane relief campaigns and drives, doing her part to contribute to her community and help relief efforts. When it comes to her activism, Ana understands the critical importance of giving back and serving her community through her advocacy work for lasting reforms, particularly in terms of access to education and legal counsel, and rehabilitation for underresourced communities.
Ana is an exceptional student, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Award, as well as medals for her exceptional academic performance in different subjects, including IB English, Precalculus, and Spanish. Dr. Myriam Medina, head of the science department at Robinson School and Ana’s Anatomy and Physiology teacher, speaks highly of Ana's academic prowess, observing her ability to observe, identify problems, and create hypotheses, as well as her cooperative group work and ability to perform dissections and analyze data. Ana responds well to an organized and structured environment, demonstrating her ability to complete tasks requiring critical thinking, problem-solving, and time-management.
Ana’s commitment to education and social justice has driven her plans to pursue a career in law and education, with plans to attend Northeastern University, New York University, or Georgetown University for undergrad while pursuing a major in Journalism and a minor in Communications. Her ultimate goal is to become a lawyer and give back to her community, helping to pass much-needed education and court reform.
High School: Robinson School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Ana Cruz is a remarkable Latina with an unwavering commitment to education reform and diversity in the education system. Her passion for social justice and equality has led her to recognize the systemic issues that plague the public school system in Puerto Rico. Her firsthand experiences as a student and working with lawyers and judges have revealed the inequalities and deficiencies in the education system, particularly in underfunded schools that lack the necessary resources. Ana believes that education is a fundamental human right that should be afforded to all, regardless of their background or income level.
As someone who has lived in both Puerto Rico and the United States, Ana understands the importance of diversity in all aspects of society, especially within schools. She recognizes that representation and diversity in school leadership and staff are critical for ensuring that all students have access to quality education and feel capable of achieving success. Her commitment to promoting diversity and representation in schools is reflective of her values and character, as she believes it enriches the educational experience and helps create a more just and equitable future for all.
Ana's proudest achievement in the education field has been founding her school's student newspaper. She has created a community of diverse writers, artists, photographers, and creatives, providing them with a platform to share their work with her Robinson School community. She values diversity and representation, making sure to give a voice and space to anyone who is passionate and wants to share their work and unique perspective.
Beyond education reform and diversity, Ana has a deep desire to help others in need. Inspired by the problems she has seen in Puerto Rico, particularly after the life-altering hurricanes, she has actively participated in hurricane relief campaigns and drives, doing her part to contribute to her community and help relief efforts. When it comes to her activism, Ana understands the critical importance of giving back and serving her community through her advocacy work for lasting reforms, particularly in terms of access to education and legal counsel, and rehabilitation for underresourced communities.
Ana is an exceptional student, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Award, as well as medals for her exceptional academic performance in different subjects, including IB English, Precalculus, and Spanish. Dr. Myriam Medina, head of the science department at Robinson School and Ana’s Anatomy and Physiology teacher, speaks highly of Ana's academic prowess, observing her ability to observe, identify problems, and create hypotheses, as well as her cooperative group work and ability to perform dissections and analyze data. Ana responds well to an organized and structured environment, demonstrating her ability to complete tasks requiring critical thinking, problem-solving, and time-management.
Ana’s commitment to education and social justice has driven her plans to pursue a career in law and education, with plans to attend Northeastern University, New York University, or Georgetown University for undergrad while pursuing a major in Journalism and a minor in Communications. Her ultimate goal is to become a lawyer and give back to her community, helping to pass much-needed education and court reform.
BRONZE - Juleisy Berrios Garcia
Hometown: Humacao, PR
High School: Antillies High School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican & Dominican
In a world where access to education and resources can be challenging, Juleisy Berrios García has made it her mission to create solutions and opportunities for those in need. As the daughter of a military engineer, her passion for architecture and engineering started at a young age. Her father's dedication to helping people through his designs and creations was a driving force behind Juleisy's ambition to follow in his footsteps, but on her own terms and with her own goals. She aspires to build affordable, safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly spaces that accommodate people of all ages and all physical abilities.
Juleisy's dedication to her education and breaking down barriers is evident in her proudest achievement: being the only female in her high school to finish the engineering pathway for the school year. As she delves deeper into the field, she is acutely aware of the gender disparity in engineering and wants to be a role model for young girls who aspire to be engineers. Juleisy's commitment to diversity and inclusivity is what sets her apart, as she recognizes the need to address real issues and design structures that are safe, efficient, and affordable for everyone.
Through attending a Fundación por la Architectura summer camp, Juleisy was able to immerse herself in the basics of architecture and design. Her own creation won a first-place prize in a small competition, cementing her passion for the field.
Of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, Juleisy's Latinx background has influenced her approach to engineering and architecture. Her community's struggles have inspired her to create with her community in mind, working to design safe areas for children and families who share her cultural background to grow healthily and thrive. One of her goals is to provide efficient, safe, and affordable homes for communities in need.
Juleisy's commitments extend beyond her studies, as she is actively involved in community service through the JROTC Program. She loves participating in community service, with her favorite activity being the beach clean-up, where hundreds of people come together to make their beaches a better place. Juleisy's compassion for others is also evident in her monthly volunteering at a church to feed the homeless. These activities help her stay connected to her community and feel grounded in her home.
Juleisy's ambition and dedication to her education and engineering are evident in her plans to attend the University of Miami, the University of Florida, or the University of Central Florida to major in Architecture and minor in Architectural Engineering. Her desire to create safe, efficient, and affordable structures for those in need will undoubtedly be the driving force behind her future work.
Juleisy's story is a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of knowledge. Her commitment to breaking down barriers in the field of engineering and architecture, while also giving back to her community, is truly inspiring. Her passion for creating safe, efficient, and affordable structures for those in need is a reflection of her dedication and her desire to help others. Juleisy's journey is just beginning, and we can't wait to see the incredible things she will accomplish in the future.
High School: Antillies High School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican & Dominican
In a world where access to education and resources can be challenging, Juleisy Berrios García has made it her mission to create solutions and opportunities for those in need. As the daughter of a military engineer, her passion for architecture and engineering started at a young age. Her father's dedication to helping people through his designs and creations was a driving force behind Juleisy's ambition to follow in his footsteps, but on her own terms and with her own goals. She aspires to build affordable, safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly spaces that accommodate people of all ages and all physical abilities.
Juleisy's dedication to her education and breaking down barriers is evident in her proudest achievement: being the only female in her high school to finish the engineering pathway for the school year. As she delves deeper into the field, she is acutely aware of the gender disparity in engineering and wants to be a role model for young girls who aspire to be engineers. Juleisy's commitment to diversity and inclusivity is what sets her apart, as she recognizes the need to address real issues and design structures that are safe, efficient, and affordable for everyone.
Through attending a Fundación por la Architectura summer camp, Juleisy was able to immerse herself in the basics of architecture and design. Her own creation won a first-place prize in a small competition, cementing her passion for the field.
Of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, Juleisy's Latinx background has influenced her approach to engineering and architecture. Her community's struggles have inspired her to create with her community in mind, working to design safe areas for children and families who share her cultural background to grow healthily and thrive. One of her goals is to provide efficient, safe, and affordable homes for communities in need.
Juleisy's commitments extend beyond her studies, as she is actively involved in community service through the JROTC Program. She loves participating in community service, with her favorite activity being the beach clean-up, where hundreds of people come together to make their beaches a better place. Juleisy's compassion for others is also evident in her monthly volunteering at a church to feed the homeless. These activities help her stay connected to her community and feel grounded in her home.
Juleisy's ambition and dedication to her education and engineering are evident in her plans to attend the University of Miami, the University of Florida, or the University of Central Florida to major in Architecture and minor in Architectural Engineering. Her desire to create safe, efficient, and affordable structures for those in need will undoubtedly be the driving force behind her future work.
Juleisy's story is a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of knowledge. Her commitment to breaking down barriers in the field of engineering and architecture, while also giving back to her community, is truly inspiring. Her passion for creating safe, efficient, and affordable structures for those in need is a reflection of her dedication and her desire to help others. Juleisy's journey is just beginning, and we can't wait to see the incredible things she will accomplish in the future.
Engineering
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Fabian Martinez-Santiago
Hometown: Gurabo, PR
High School: Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas, y Tecnología
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Fabián Martínez-Santiago’s interest in engineering first arose when he was in middle school, inspired by his older brother, who at the time was an electrical engineering college student. Through conversations with his brother and observing him work, Fabián became intrigued about the field. Once he became familiar with the concept of engineering, he decided to explore more and looked for summer programs to expand his knowledge.
The first such program for Fabián was the Dream Big program from the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez. It was here that he was first introduced to the multiple branches of the engineering field and got to participate in a small group session conducted by electrical engineering students at the university, where he was taught how to build a circuit to turn on a red light with heat. It is this experience that Fabián credits for making him first fall in love with engineering. His curiosity for engineering continued to grow as he participated in even more programs, including the Science and Engineering Energy Program where he took four engineering classes and participated in an engineering contest. These experiences set him on a path of discovery and helped him find his true passion for the field.
What captured Fabián's imagination the most, however, was the Center for the Advancement of Wearable Technologies, where he spent two summers working on a biomedical engineering project designing a non-invasive glucometer. Through this project, he found his niche in biomedical engineering, a field in which he finds the perfect blend of his main interests: electrical and mechanical engineering and medicine—Fabián’s most beloved field in STEM.
Fabián aims to become a physician, and his proudest achievement in engineering so far has been working on the non-invasive glucometer. Although the project is still ongoing and requires further testing, he considers it an accomplishment to work alongside doctoral students and to witness his project's progress each day. He feels the weight of the responsibility that comes with his work as an engineer, and he is driven by the knowledge that the work he does can make people's lives easier.
As a Latino, Fabián understands the significance of diversity in STEM fields. His culture's distinctiveness and differences from an average American family allow him to comprehend issues that may not affect other communities. He believes that a diverse group of STEM professionals is crucial because representation matters to ensure issues affecting specific communities are handled appropriately and to promote innovation that considers multicultural experiences.
With a 4.0 GPA, Fabián is an outstanding student and leader who has earned the respect and admiration of his classmates and teachers at the Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas y Tecnología (Cimatec). He is the president of his school’s Medicine Club and the vice president of its student magazine Voces Latinas. But Fabián is not just an exceptional student; he has been instilled with values that have driven him to actively contribute to his community. As a member of Cimatec’s chapter of the National Honor Society, he has engaged in various community service activities that involve beach clean-ups, helping animal shelters, and other similar initiatives. His involvement with his church, where he frequently distributes food to people without homes while preaching the gospel, also reflects his unwavering commitment to serving others.
Fabián's passion for science and engineering has led him to participate in various educational experiences, such as the Science and Engineering Energy Program at Ana G. Méndez University, where he learned about green energy and the importance of energy in general. He also participated in the +Ciencia initiative, where he had the opportunity to write a scientific article that was selected for publication in the journal that bears the same name. This year, Fabián hopes to write more articles for that magazine.
As he approaches the end of his high school journey, Fabián has his sights set on attending Oral Roberts University, Stanford University, or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he plans to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Ultimately, he plans to attend medical school and become a physician. As he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his academic career, we look forward to witnessing Fabián’s continued growth and success.
High School: Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas, y Tecnología
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Fabián Martínez-Santiago’s interest in engineering first arose when he was in middle school, inspired by his older brother, who at the time was an electrical engineering college student. Through conversations with his brother and observing him work, Fabián became intrigued about the field. Once he became familiar with the concept of engineering, he decided to explore more and looked for summer programs to expand his knowledge.
The first such program for Fabián was the Dream Big program from the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez. It was here that he was first introduced to the multiple branches of the engineering field and got to participate in a small group session conducted by electrical engineering students at the university, where he was taught how to build a circuit to turn on a red light with heat. It is this experience that Fabián credits for making him first fall in love with engineering. His curiosity for engineering continued to grow as he participated in even more programs, including the Science and Engineering Energy Program where he took four engineering classes and participated in an engineering contest. These experiences set him on a path of discovery and helped him find his true passion for the field.
What captured Fabián's imagination the most, however, was the Center for the Advancement of Wearable Technologies, where he spent two summers working on a biomedical engineering project designing a non-invasive glucometer. Through this project, he found his niche in biomedical engineering, a field in which he finds the perfect blend of his main interests: electrical and mechanical engineering and medicine—Fabián’s most beloved field in STEM.
Fabián aims to become a physician, and his proudest achievement in engineering so far has been working on the non-invasive glucometer. Although the project is still ongoing and requires further testing, he considers it an accomplishment to work alongside doctoral students and to witness his project's progress each day. He feels the weight of the responsibility that comes with his work as an engineer, and he is driven by the knowledge that the work he does can make people's lives easier.
As a Latino, Fabián understands the significance of diversity in STEM fields. His culture's distinctiveness and differences from an average American family allow him to comprehend issues that may not affect other communities. He believes that a diverse group of STEM professionals is crucial because representation matters to ensure issues affecting specific communities are handled appropriately and to promote innovation that considers multicultural experiences.
With a 4.0 GPA, Fabián is an outstanding student and leader who has earned the respect and admiration of his classmates and teachers at the Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas y Tecnología (Cimatec). He is the president of his school’s Medicine Club and the vice president of its student magazine Voces Latinas. But Fabián is not just an exceptional student; he has been instilled with values that have driven him to actively contribute to his community. As a member of Cimatec’s chapter of the National Honor Society, he has engaged in various community service activities that involve beach clean-ups, helping animal shelters, and other similar initiatives. His involvement with his church, where he frequently distributes food to people without homes while preaching the gospel, also reflects his unwavering commitment to serving others.
Fabián's passion for science and engineering has led him to participate in various educational experiences, such as the Science and Engineering Energy Program at Ana G. Méndez University, where he learned about green energy and the importance of energy in general. He also participated in the +Ciencia initiative, where he had the opportunity to write a scientific article that was selected for publication in the journal that bears the same name. This year, Fabián hopes to write more articles for that magazine.
As he approaches the end of his high school journey, Fabián has his sights set on attending Oral Roberts University, Stanford University, or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he plans to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Ultimately, he plans to attend medical school and become a physician. As he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his academic career, we look forward to witnessing Fabián’s continued growth and success.
SILVER - Gabriela Molina
Hometown: Gurabo, PR
High School: Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas, y Tecnología
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Gabriela Molina's journey to becoming a leader in engineering and robotics began with a simple question posed as a demand by a stranger on her first day in her school’s United Nations club: “Join the new programming club with me!” Despite her initial hesitation, Gabriela followed her intuition and joined the new programming club, marking the start of what soon became a fascination with engineering. Her love for robotics and her natural leadership abilities have led her to become a co-captain and programmer for her school's robotics team, as well as the head of the Hello Girl PR summer program where she educates young women in STEM.
Gabriela's curiosity has also driven her to pursue research projects aimed at making prostheses more accessible for amputees, not only in terms of financial accessibility, but also with respect to ease of production. In one project, Gabriela used muscle sensors and a single-board computer to create a 3D-printed, cost-effective prosthetic device that detects and replicates the movement found in an amputee's hand. This innovative device has the potential to make medical devices more accessible to those who need them, and it is an achievement that Gabriela cherishes deeply.
Gabriela's interest in engineering can be traced back to her grandfather, who was an electrical engineer. He taught her how to bring her ideas to life and helped her create her first projects out of wood. Although Gabriela was initially hesitant to pursue a career in engineering, her grandfather's influence and the support and inspiration from influential women in STEM have helped her realize that engineering is a possibility for her. Gabriela now aspires to be a mechatronics engineer at NASA and to use her career as an example to show young girls that going into a STEM career is not as scary as it may seem.
Gabriela's dedication to promoting technology love to other young girls from disadvantaged communities led her to initiate an impactful summer program called Hello Girl PR. Under her leadership, twenty curious and enthusiastic girls from different elementary schools in Puerto Rico learned more about the basics of programming through hands-on experiences.
As a mentor in the Hello Girl PR program, Gabriela learned the value of curiosity and the importance of challenging existing limiting systems. She was continually impressed by the young women she taught, who were always eager to learn and challenge themselves. Gabriela plans to use her passion for engineering to continue creating and participating in diverse spaces where people from underrepresented groups can develop to their full potential. She hopes to be a source of support and to employ her knowledge of technology for the advancement of society.
Gabriela's exceptional academic achievements and leadership abilities have not gone unnoticed by her school counselor, Eva M. Torres. Gabriela has maintained a 4.00 GPA and stood among the top students in her class since ninth grade, which is saying a lot about her abilities at a school like the Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas, y Tecnología (Cimatec), where over 50% of the students in her class have also maintained a 4.0 GPA since the start of their high school careers. Still, in a sea of impressively high-achieving seniors, Gabriela stands at the top.
Gabriela's research projects have earned her the respect of her peers and faculty at Cimatec. Her award-winning projects, including the aforementioned "Creating a Cost-Effective Prosthesis From a Single Board Computer and EMG Muscle Sensors" and "Determining the Optimal Placement for Muscle Sensors on Amputees as Part of a Cost-Effective Rehabilitative Device," demonstrate her drive for exploring the intersection of engineering and medicine.
Gabriela's contributions to her community, school, and beyond have positioned her as a role model example for young women in engineering, robotics, and computer science. In the fall, Gabriela will attend Iowa State University, the University of Michigan, or the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she plans to major in Mechatronics and minor in Automation Engineering. With her enormous intellectual curiosity, commitment to leadership and service, personal qualities, and solid determination to complete her educational objectives, Gabriela is more than prepared to take on the most rigorous academic environment and continue to make meaningful contributions to the field of engineering.
High School: Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas, y Tecnología
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Gabriela Molina's journey to becoming a leader in engineering and robotics began with a simple question posed as a demand by a stranger on her first day in her school’s United Nations club: “Join the new programming club with me!” Despite her initial hesitation, Gabriela followed her intuition and joined the new programming club, marking the start of what soon became a fascination with engineering. Her love for robotics and her natural leadership abilities have led her to become a co-captain and programmer for her school's robotics team, as well as the head of the Hello Girl PR summer program where she educates young women in STEM.
Gabriela's curiosity has also driven her to pursue research projects aimed at making prostheses more accessible for amputees, not only in terms of financial accessibility, but also with respect to ease of production. In one project, Gabriela used muscle sensors and a single-board computer to create a 3D-printed, cost-effective prosthetic device that detects and replicates the movement found in an amputee's hand. This innovative device has the potential to make medical devices more accessible to those who need them, and it is an achievement that Gabriela cherishes deeply.
Gabriela's interest in engineering can be traced back to her grandfather, who was an electrical engineer. He taught her how to bring her ideas to life and helped her create her first projects out of wood. Although Gabriela was initially hesitant to pursue a career in engineering, her grandfather's influence and the support and inspiration from influential women in STEM have helped her realize that engineering is a possibility for her. Gabriela now aspires to be a mechatronics engineer at NASA and to use her career as an example to show young girls that going into a STEM career is not as scary as it may seem.
Gabriela's dedication to promoting technology love to other young girls from disadvantaged communities led her to initiate an impactful summer program called Hello Girl PR. Under her leadership, twenty curious and enthusiastic girls from different elementary schools in Puerto Rico learned more about the basics of programming through hands-on experiences.
As a mentor in the Hello Girl PR program, Gabriela learned the value of curiosity and the importance of challenging existing limiting systems. She was continually impressed by the young women she taught, who were always eager to learn and challenge themselves. Gabriela plans to use her passion for engineering to continue creating and participating in diverse spaces where people from underrepresented groups can develop to their full potential. She hopes to be a source of support and to employ her knowledge of technology for the advancement of society.
Gabriela's exceptional academic achievements and leadership abilities have not gone unnoticed by her school counselor, Eva M. Torres. Gabriela has maintained a 4.00 GPA and stood among the top students in her class since ninth grade, which is saying a lot about her abilities at a school like the Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas, y Tecnología (Cimatec), where over 50% of the students in her class have also maintained a 4.0 GPA since the start of their high school careers. Still, in a sea of impressively high-achieving seniors, Gabriela stands at the top.
Gabriela's research projects have earned her the respect of her peers and faculty at Cimatec. Her award-winning projects, including the aforementioned "Creating a Cost-Effective Prosthesis From a Single Board Computer and EMG Muscle Sensors" and "Determining the Optimal Placement for Muscle Sensors on Amputees as Part of a Cost-Effective Rehabilitative Device," demonstrate her drive for exploring the intersection of engineering and medicine.
Gabriela's contributions to her community, school, and beyond have positioned her as a role model example for young women in engineering, robotics, and computer science. In the fall, Gabriela will attend Iowa State University, the University of Michigan, or the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she plans to major in Mechatronics and minor in Automation Engineering. With her enormous intellectual curiosity, commitment to leadership and service, personal qualities, and solid determination to complete her educational objectives, Gabriela is more than prepared to take on the most rigorous academic environment and continue to make meaningful contributions to the field of engineering.
BRONZE - Fabian Agosto
Hometown: Cayey, PR
High School: Radians High School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Fabián Agosto is a young man with a bright mind and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the world through his chosen career path. His interest in engineering first emerged from his exposure to medicine and medical practices through his father, a doctor. This, combined with his fascination with robotics and technology, led him to the discovery of prosthetics and, ultimately, to the field of biomedical engineering. Fabián is driven by the prospect of being able to help people in a way that incorporates his passions for technology and medicine.
Fabián's pursuit of a career in engineering was not a hasty decision. Before committing to this path, he attended several engineering programs, including the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) Envision Engineering Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology. These experiences confirmed his interests and shaped his vision of his future.
One of Fabián's proudest achievements in engineering is the capstone project simulation he took part in at the NYLF Envision Engineering Program. Exchanging ideas while working in a group, he had hoped his team would opt for pursuing a project on special technologies for the elderly, which would have aligned with his biomedical engineering interests. However, as a team, they decided to pursue a project they called "Estroberry [sic] Hydroelectric and Desalination Plants," a civil engineering project he was not too thrilled to pursue. While he initially had reservations about the project, Fabián eventually grew to enjoy and be proud of the project his group had created. The experience taught him the importance of cooperation and adapting to new situations, skills that will serve him well in his future endeavors. His point of pride is his ability to grow in the span of the project's development, going from being bummed out and uninterested to enjoying and being proud of the project he helped his team complete.
As a puertorriqueño, Fabián is aware of the issues of lack of access to certain medical devices and technologies on the island. Although he recognizes that Puerto Rico faces certain issues of access, he believes that it is still decently covered, particularly when compared to other islands in the Caribbean, where access to medical devices and technologies can be limited. He hopes to one day help provide these technologies to other islands in the region.
One issue that is particularly important to Fabián is the discrimination and mistreatment faced by Latinxs in healthcare, including the lack of knowledge and funds for prosthetics. He hopes to destigmatize the idea of missing limbs and bring awareness to the needs of under-resourced Latinx communities in this respect.
Fabián's commitment to community service has been evident in the various programs and projects he has undertaken. His school's summer camp program and his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America and his school's chapter of the National Honor Society have given him the opportunity to feel connected to his community. He has demonstrated his ability to educate and teach younger students, and his impact on the kids has been a significant inspiration for him to continue pursuing community service in school.
An outstanding student with a 4.0 GPA, Alexander Corby, science teacher and theater instructor at Radians High School, attests to Fabián's high level of comprehension and his ability to investigate problems to their furthest limits. He notes that Fabián's insightful nature has only grown over the years and that his personality is just as brilliant as his mind. Corby admires Fabián's joy of learning and his ability to share it with fellow students and recalls how, during the pandemic, Fabián requested a few minutes at the beginning of each Biology class to share the most unique organism he had researched over the week. The quality of his miniature lectures and the engagement they inspired in the class made that bleak year much easier, remarks Corby.
Fabián's drive to help people and his passion for technology and medicine will serve him well as he embarks on his college journey. He plans to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, North Carolina State University, or Purdue University, where he will major in Biomedical Engineering and possibly minor in Anatomy & Physiology or another field of engineering. We have no doubt that Fabián will make the most of the opportunities presented to him and continue to make a positive impact in his community, wherever he chooses to go.
High School: Radians High School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Fabián Agosto is a young man with a bright mind and a strong desire to make a positive impact on the world through his chosen career path. His interest in engineering first emerged from his exposure to medicine and medical practices through his father, a doctor. This, combined with his fascination with robotics and technology, led him to the discovery of prosthetics and, ultimately, to the field of biomedical engineering. Fabián is driven by the prospect of being able to help people in a way that incorporates his passions for technology and medicine.
Fabián's pursuit of a career in engineering was not a hasty decision. Before committing to this path, he attended several engineering programs, including the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) Envision Engineering Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology. These experiences confirmed his interests and shaped his vision of his future.
One of Fabián's proudest achievements in engineering is the capstone project simulation he took part in at the NYLF Envision Engineering Program. Exchanging ideas while working in a group, he had hoped his team would opt for pursuing a project on special technologies for the elderly, which would have aligned with his biomedical engineering interests. However, as a team, they decided to pursue a project they called "Estroberry [sic] Hydroelectric and Desalination Plants," a civil engineering project he was not too thrilled to pursue. While he initially had reservations about the project, Fabián eventually grew to enjoy and be proud of the project his group had created. The experience taught him the importance of cooperation and adapting to new situations, skills that will serve him well in his future endeavors. His point of pride is his ability to grow in the span of the project's development, going from being bummed out and uninterested to enjoying and being proud of the project he helped his team complete.
As a puertorriqueño, Fabián is aware of the issues of lack of access to certain medical devices and technologies on the island. Although he recognizes that Puerto Rico faces certain issues of access, he believes that it is still decently covered, particularly when compared to other islands in the Caribbean, where access to medical devices and technologies can be limited. He hopes to one day help provide these technologies to other islands in the region.
One issue that is particularly important to Fabián is the discrimination and mistreatment faced by Latinxs in healthcare, including the lack of knowledge and funds for prosthetics. He hopes to destigmatize the idea of missing limbs and bring awareness to the needs of under-resourced Latinx communities in this respect.
Fabián's commitment to community service has been evident in the various programs and projects he has undertaken. His school's summer camp program and his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America and his school's chapter of the National Honor Society have given him the opportunity to feel connected to his community. He has demonstrated his ability to educate and teach younger students, and his impact on the kids has been a significant inspiration for him to continue pursuing community service in school.
An outstanding student with a 4.0 GPA, Alexander Corby, science teacher and theater instructor at Radians High School, attests to Fabián's high level of comprehension and his ability to investigate problems to their furthest limits. He notes that Fabián's insightful nature has only grown over the years and that his personality is just as brilliant as his mind. Corby admires Fabián's joy of learning and his ability to share it with fellow students and recalls how, during the pandemic, Fabián requested a few minutes at the beginning of each Biology class to share the most unique organism he had researched over the week. The quality of his miniature lectures and the engagement they inspired in the class made that bleak year much easier, remarks Corby.
Fabián's drive to help people and his passion for technology and medicine will serve him well as he embarks on his college journey. He plans to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, North Carolina State University, or Purdue University, where he will major in Biomedical Engineering and possibly minor in Anatomy & Physiology or another field of engineering. We have no doubt that Fabián will make the most of the opportunities presented to him and continue to make a positive impact in his community, wherever he chooses to go.
Healthcare & Science
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Sofia Encarnacion Burgos
Hometown: Cayey, PR
High School: Radians School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Sofía Encarnación Burgos’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service has placed her in a league of her own. Her passion for healthcare and medicine, as well as her exceptional leadership skills and her desire to serve her community, are evident in her extensive involvement in a multitude of organizations, including her school's chapter of the National Honor Society, its Chemistry Club, Model United Nations Organization, and the Department of Health Youth Advisory Council of Puerto Rico. Furthermore, her desire to learn and grow has led her to pursue college-level courses, such as Humanities and Social Sciences, with the Talented Students of the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey. Sofía has proven herself to be an exemplary student, with a thirst for knowledge that knows no bounds.
Sofía's dedication to the scientific process has yielded exceptional results. Her outstanding performance in the Science Fair competition, associated with the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair at Radians School, resulted in her receiving the prestigious Yale Science and Engineering Association Award for Most Outstanding Exhibit in Science. Her project, "The Effect of Dosage Forms on Dissolution of Drugs in the Stomach," demonstrated her keen understanding of the complexities of the scientific process, while also highlighting her remarkable analytical abilities. Additionally, Sofía has been recognized with first place in the Biomedical and Health Sciences Science Fair project category for her project "The Effect of Nicotine on the Digestive Enzymes of Saliva," underscoring her brilliance in the field of science.
As a woman in STEM, Sofía is acutely aware of the challenges that women face in these fields, and she is determined to make a difference. She believes that women can make significant contributions in the sciences by overcoming the challenges and limitations placed upon them. Her desire to effect change on a larger scale has led her to consider studying medicine in order to make a meaningful contribution to the healthcare industry.
Sofía's passion for healthcare and medicine is rooted in her desire to serve her community. She is deeply committed to the health and well-being of medically indigent Puerto Ricans, and she believes that she can make a real difference in their lives. Her work with the Department of Health Youth Advisory Council of Puerto Rico and her involvement with various community service initiatives demonstrate her unwavering dedication to her community. Sofía is a true leader, and her ability to inspire others to take action is one of her greatest assets.
Sofía's dedication to service extends beyond her community, as evidenced by her participation in the Youth Ministry Group of La Merced Catholic Church of Cayey. The group's educational workshops, which focus on the integral development of body, mind, and soul, have had a profound impact on Sofía. They have allowed her to cultivate a deep sense of altruism and to view the world through a lens of empathy and compassion. Her project, The Campaign of Cents, through which she collects money, cent by cent, to donate to help pay for part of the expenses associated with a university education of youth in need in Peru, is a testament to her desire to help those less fortunate, and it demonstrates her unwavering commitment to promoting service for others.
As a student at Radians School, Sofía has excelled in academics, community service, sports, and extracurricular activities. Her impressive array of skills, including leadership, responsibility, commitment, creativity, and scientific literacy, make her an outstanding candidate for any endeavor she may undertake. Her involvement in various speaking and writing competitions, as well as her participation in summer programs related to science, are a testament to her relentless pursuit of knowledge and her insatiable curiosity. Sofía's science teacher at Radians School, Carla Cáceres, speaks highly of her many achievements, noting that Sofía's academic prowess has earned her recognition in various disciplines, including Science, Spanish, Mathematics, English, and History.
Looking toward her future, Sofía has clear plans for her academic and professional pursuits. She intends to attend one of the campuses of the University of Puerto Rico: Cayey, Rio Piedras, or Mayagüez, to pursue her studies in Chemistry with a minor in Biology. With her passion for Healthcare & Science, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in Biology, culminating with Sofía entering medical school. Her dream is to continue serving the community of medically indigent Puerto Ricans, promoting health, and helping to prevent diseases in the population of her beloved island through education, motivation, and guidance so that they can lead healthy lives.
High School: Radians School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Sofía Encarnación Burgos’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service has placed her in a league of her own. Her passion for healthcare and medicine, as well as her exceptional leadership skills and her desire to serve her community, are evident in her extensive involvement in a multitude of organizations, including her school's chapter of the National Honor Society, its Chemistry Club, Model United Nations Organization, and the Department of Health Youth Advisory Council of Puerto Rico. Furthermore, her desire to learn and grow has led her to pursue college-level courses, such as Humanities and Social Sciences, with the Talented Students of the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey. Sofía has proven herself to be an exemplary student, with a thirst for knowledge that knows no bounds.
Sofía's dedication to the scientific process has yielded exceptional results. Her outstanding performance in the Science Fair competition, associated with the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair at Radians School, resulted in her receiving the prestigious Yale Science and Engineering Association Award for Most Outstanding Exhibit in Science. Her project, "The Effect of Dosage Forms on Dissolution of Drugs in the Stomach," demonstrated her keen understanding of the complexities of the scientific process, while also highlighting her remarkable analytical abilities. Additionally, Sofía has been recognized with first place in the Biomedical and Health Sciences Science Fair project category for her project "The Effect of Nicotine on the Digestive Enzymes of Saliva," underscoring her brilliance in the field of science.
As a woman in STEM, Sofía is acutely aware of the challenges that women face in these fields, and she is determined to make a difference. She believes that women can make significant contributions in the sciences by overcoming the challenges and limitations placed upon them. Her desire to effect change on a larger scale has led her to consider studying medicine in order to make a meaningful contribution to the healthcare industry.
Sofía's passion for healthcare and medicine is rooted in her desire to serve her community. She is deeply committed to the health and well-being of medically indigent Puerto Ricans, and she believes that she can make a real difference in their lives. Her work with the Department of Health Youth Advisory Council of Puerto Rico and her involvement with various community service initiatives demonstrate her unwavering dedication to her community. Sofía is a true leader, and her ability to inspire others to take action is one of her greatest assets.
Sofía's dedication to service extends beyond her community, as evidenced by her participation in the Youth Ministry Group of La Merced Catholic Church of Cayey. The group's educational workshops, which focus on the integral development of body, mind, and soul, have had a profound impact on Sofía. They have allowed her to cultivate a deep sense of altruism and to view the world through a lens of empathy and compassion. Her project, The Campaign of Cents, through which she collects money, cent by cent, to donate to help pay for part of the expenses associated with a university education of youth in need in Peru, is a testament to her desire to help those less fortunate, and it demonstrates her unwavering commitment to promoting service for others.
As a student at Radians School, Sofía has excelled in academics, community service, sports, and extracurricular activities. Her impressive array of skills, including leadership, responsibility, commitment, creativity, and scientific literacy, make her an outstanding candidate for any endeavor she may undertake. Her involvement in various speaking and writing competitions, as well as her participation in summer programs related to science, are a testament to her relentless pursuit of knowledge and her insatiable curiosity. Sofía's science teacher at Radians School, Carla Cáceres, speaks highly of her many achievements, noting that Sofía's academic prowess has earned her recognition in various disciplines, including Science, Spanish, Mathematics, English, and History.
Looking toward her future, Sofía has clear plans for her academic and professional pursuits. She intends to attend one of the campuses of the University of Puerto Rico: Cayey, Rio Piedras, or Mayagüez, to pursue her studies in Chemistry with a minor in Biology. With her passion for Healthcare & Science, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in Biology, culminating with Sofía entering medical school. Her dream is to continue serving the community of medically indigent Puerto Ricans, promoting health, and helping to prevent diseases in the population of her beloved island through education, motivation, and guidance so that they can lead healthy lives.
SILVER - Chancen Law
Hometown: Kaneohe, HI
High School: Kamehameha Schools Kapālama High School
Hispanic Heritage: Spanish
Of Spanish and Chinese descent, Chancen Law stands out for his dedication, drive, and commitment to making a difference in Healthcare & Science. As a child, he knew that he wanted to live a long and healthy life, and as he grew older, he realized that he wanted to use his passion for health to help others as well. He sees his calling as a physician, where he will be able to promote a healthier society and help others improve their well-being.
To achieve his dreams, Chancen has taken a rigorous academic path, taking challenging AP and Dual Credit courses in science and humanities. His goal is to develop a strong foundation in the medical sciences and be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the medical field. In addition to his academic pursuits, he has engaged in extensive research on traumatic brain injury, where he worked with a team of neurologists, medical students, and undergraduates to conduct medical research.
During his time with the research team, Chancen contributed significantly to the project, including creating a 25-article literature review, collecting data from chart review and surveys, and helping to write the poster/abstract. The research was showcased at the 2022 Hawaiʻi Pacific Neuroscience Symposium, where it won the Symposium Poster of the Year award. For Chancen, however, the most significant achievement was the knowledge that the research he helped produce would have a positive impact on people worldwide.
Chancen's interest in healthcare and science extends beyond the classroom, and he has been actively involved in various health-service clubs and organizations. As a member of Kauluakalana, he worked to harvest healthy crops for local communities, while at Lanakila Meals on Wheels, he distributed healthy foods to those with disabilities or disorders. He also participated in food drives as a member of his school's Students-Give-Back-Club.
Chancen's background has instilled in him a strong sense of the importance of family and community. As a Hispanic, he was taught to be a man of service and to help his family members whenever they were in need. This sense of responsibility to serve others naturally led him to extend his service to others in his community. His goal is to become a physician and exemplify Hispanic values by serving others with compassion and in their best interests.
Furthermore, Chancen is aware of the health inequities facing Hispanic communities, with many lacking comprehensive insurance coverage, which leads to poorer health outcomes. As a result, he aims to pursue a minor in Public Health to learn how to push for potential solutions and establish universal, affordable, and equitable health coverage for these communities.
Chancen's passion for healthcare and science is not just a career path for him; it is a way of life. He believes in the importance of spreading love to community members through health-service internships, clubs, and organizations. As an intern at Hawaiʻi Pacific Neuroscience (HPN), he surveyed patients to help the clinic improve its care through research. His interaction with one of the patients, who expressed that Chancen was the first person who understood how she felt, instilled in him the importance of serving with love in the medical field.
Chancen's chemistry teacher at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama High School, Laua'e Gouveia, speaks highly of him, describing him as a role model among his peers. He is one of the top students in his AP Chemistry class and has a dedication to community service. He wants to work in the Native Hawaiian Community as a healthcare professional and be a leader to his people on how to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Soon, Chancen will attend Stanford University, Harvard College, or Yale University, where he will major in Human Biology and minor in Public Health. He hopes to use his education and skills to make a positive impact on the healthcare industry and to promote health equity and accessibility for marginalized communities. With his passion for medicine, his dedication to community service, and his exceptional abilities in the field, Chancen is undoubtedly on the path to achieving his goals and making a significant impact on the world of Healthcare & Science.
High School: Kamehameha Schools Kapālama High School
Hispanic Heritage: Spanish
Of Spanish and Chinese descent, Chancen Law stands out for his dedication, drive, and commitment to making a difference in Healthcare & Science. As a child, he knew that he wanted to live a long and healthy life, and as he grew older, he realized that he wanted to use his passion for health to help others as well. He sees his calling as a physician, where he will be able to promote a healthier society and help others improve their well-being.
To achieve his dreams, Chancen has taken a rigorous academic path, taking challenging AP and Dual Credit courses in science and humanities. His goal is to develop a strong foundation in the medical sciences and be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the medical field. In addition to his academic pursuits, he has engaged in extensive research on traumatic brain injury, where he worked with a team of neurologists, medical students, and undergraduates to conduct medical research.
During his time with the research team, Chancen contributed significantly to the project, including creating a 25-article literature review, collecting data from chart review and surveys, and helping to write the poster/abstract. The research was showcased at the 2022 Hawaiʻi Pacific Neuroscience Symposium, where it won the Symposium Poster of the Year award. For Chancen, however, the most significant achievement was the knowledge that the research he helped produce would have a positive impact on people worldwide.
Chancen's interest in healthcare and science extends beyond the classroom, and he has been actively involved in various health-service clubs and organizations. As a member of Kauluakalana, he worked to harvest healthy crops for local communities, while at Lanakila Meals on Wheels, he distributed healthy foods to those with disabilities or disorders. He also participated in food drives as a member of his school's Students-Give-Back-Club.
Chancen's background has instilled in him a strong sense of the importance of family and community. As a Hispanic, he was taught to be a man of service and to help his family members whenever they were in need. This sense of responsibility to serve others naturally led him to extend his service to others in his community. His goal is to become a physician and exemplify Hispanic values by serving others with compassion and in their best interests.
Furthermore, Chancen is aware of the health inequities facing Hispanic communities, with many lacking comprehensive insurance coverage, which leads to poorer health outcomes. As a result, he aims to pursue a minor in Public Health to learn how to push for potential solutions and establish universal, affordable, and equitable health coverage for these communities.
Chancen's passion for healthcare and science is not just a career path for him; it is a way of life. He believes in the importance of spreading love to community members through health-service internships, clubs, and organizations. As an intern at Hawaiʻi Pacific Neuroscience (HPN), he surveyed patients to help the clinic improve its care through research. His interaction with one of the patients, who expressed that Chancen was the first person who understood how she felt, instilled in him the importance of serving with love in the medical field.
Chancen's chemistry teacher at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama High School, Laua'e Gouveia, speaks highly of him, describing him as a role model among his peers. He is one of the top students in his AP Chemistry class and has a dedication to community service. He wants to work in the Native Hawaiian Community as a healthcare professional and be a leader to his people on how to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Soon, Chancen will attend Stanford University, Harvard College, or Yale University, where he will major in Human Biology and minor in Public Health. He hopes to use his education and skills to make a positive impact on the healthcare industry and to promote health equity and accessibility for marginalized communities. With his passion for medicine, his dedication to community service, and his exceptional abilities in the field, Chancen is undoubtedly on the path to achieving his goals and making a significant impact on the world of Healthcare & Science.
BRONZE - Juan Arill
Hometown: San Juan, PR
High School: Colegio San José
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Juan Arill’s childhood curiosity about his physical appearance sparked his interest in medicine, a desire further fueled by his grandfather, a dermatologist who had a talent for explaining complex medical concepts in simple terms. Through his grandfather’s explanations of medical science, Juan was introduced to a world of fascinating discussions about the human body, which eventually led him to his current pursuit of working towards becoming a medical doctor.
Juan’s early fascination with medicine was briefly interrupted by the "I-want-to-be-a-doctor epidemic" that hit his middle school. Still, his experiences in high school quickly re-validated his ambition. In ninth grade, he completed a video project that required him to explain the cardiovascular system in one minute. The experience sparked his interest in anatomy, and he eagerly participated in virtual medicine summer camps where he learned the ins and outs of studying medicine.
His determination led him to the Dr. García Rinaldi Foundation Program, where he was granted the opportunity to shadow doctors in the clinical and surgical setting. Through his participation in this program, Juan gained the confidence he needed to pursue a career in medicine.
Juan’s passion for medicine is not only reflected in his academic pursuits but also in his work experience. He has participated in various summer programs for students aspiring to become physicians, where he gained both theoretical and empirical knowledge. During his third summer program, he had the opportunity to intern at a hospital, where he assisted a surgeon in removing necrotic tissue, surprising the doctor and staff with his skillful handling of the tweezers. This experience solidified Juan’s dedication to learning about medicine and the satisfaction that comes with seeing the fruits of his labor. He hopes to one day contribute to finding the cure for cancer and plans to be a physician serving and giving back to his island.
As a Puerto Rican, Juan understands the importance of healthcare professionals in the face of the scarcity that Puerto Rico is currently experiencing. He has interned at a hospital clinic that served underprivileged patients and has participated in community service missions to impoverished communities. His experiences have allowed him to connect with patients, especially those who are underprivileged, and to relate to them in a way that makes them feel comfortable as they are being diagnosed.
Juan is particularly interested in the health-related problems that the Hispanic community faces, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney and liver disease. He notes that the high levels of stress experienced by Latinos in the US, compounded by the discrimination they often experience, have negative biopsychosocial effects that result in these medical conditions. He proposes establishing an inclusive environment through proper education and campaigning to prevent the problem from progressing. By reducing discrimination, Latino lives can be improved, statistically improving health, explains Juan.
Community service is an essential part of Juan’s life. He has participated in many mass aid events, mentored a student, helped his grandparents, and advised a friend. He participated in a one-week service mission to impoverished communities in Puerto Rico’s countryside, where he helped families clean their houses and cars and kept them company. Juan has learned that community service can take place anywhere, anytime, and with anyone, and that all that is needed is the will to dedicate time to someone in need.
Juan’s leadership skills have also been evident during his tenure as vice president of his school’s student council. He organized a fundraiser for pediatric oncology patients that was a huge success, exceeding the targeted amount by 50%. Despite the challenges of promoting the event, decorating, entertaining, and coordinating with the school administration, Juan demonstrated his ability to think critically and practically, making sure that his ideas became realities.
Yesenia M. Acevedo Rivera, Juan’s mentor during the Dr. García Rinaldi Foundation 2022 Summer Program, has praised Juan for his outstanding time-management, communication, and critical thinking skills. Juan was completely independent during the literature search activity and was able to summarize and discuss multiple research papers without much supervised assistance. His written communication skills resembled those of an experienced PhD-level scientist, and his ability allowed him to capture and present the main topic in an elegant, understandable, and exciting manner.
In the fall, Juan will attend Washington University in Saint Louis, Case Western Reserve, or Emory University, where he plans to major in Biology and minor in Business. His academic and work experience have prepared him well for a career in medicine, and he hopes to continue to explore his interests in Healthcare & Science.
High School: Colegio San José
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Juan Arill’s childhood curiosity about his physical appearance sparked his interest in medicine, a desire further fueled by his grandfather, a dermatologist who had a talent for explaining complex medical concepts in simple terms. Through his grandfather’s explanations of medical science, Juan was introduced to a world of fascinating discussions about the human body, which eventually led him to his current pursuit of working towards becoming a medical doctor.
Juan’s early fascination with medicine was briefly interrupted by the "I-want-to-be-a-doctor epidemic" that hit his middle school. Still, his experiences in high school quickly re-validated his ambition. In ninth grade, he completed a video project that required him to explain the cardiovascular system in one minute. The experience sparked his interest in anatomy, and he eagerly participated in virtual medicine summer camps where he learned the ins and outs of studying medicine.
His determination led him to the Dr. García Rinaldi Foundation Program, where he was granted the opportunity to shadow doctors in the clinical and surgical setting. Through his participation in this program, Juan gained the confidence he needed to pursue a career in medicine.
Juan’s passion for medicine is not only reflected in his academic pursuits but also in his work experience. He has participated in various summer programs for students aspiring to become physicians, where he gained both theoretical and empirical knowledge. During his third summer program, he had the opportunity to intern at a hospital, where he assisted a surgeon in removing necrotic tissue, surprising the doctor and staff with his skillful handling of the tweezers. This experience solidified Juan’s dedication to learning about medicine and the satisfaction that comes with seeing the fruits of his labor. He hopes to one day contribute to finding the cure for cancer and plans to be a physician serving and giving back to his island.
As a Puerto Rican, Juan understands the importance of healthcare professionals in the face of the scarcity that Puerto Rico is currently experiencing. He has interned at a hospital clinic that served underprivileged patients and has participated in community service missions to impoverished communities. His experiences have allowed him to connect with patients, especially those who are underprivileged, and to relate to them in a way that makes them feel comfortable as they are being diagnosed.
Juan is particularly interested in the health-related problems that the Hispanic community faces, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney and liver disease. He notes that the high levels of stress experienced by Latinos in the US, compounded by the discrimination they often experience, have negative biopsychosocial effects that result in these medical conditions. He proposes establishing an inclusive environment through proper education and campaigning to prevent the problem from progressing. By reducing discrimination, Latino lives can be improved, statistically improving health, explains Juan.
Community service is an essential part of Juan’s life. He has participated in many mass aid events, mentored a student, helped his grandparents, and advised a friend. He participated in a one-week service mission to impoverished communities in Puerto Rico’s countryside, where he helped families clean their houses and cars and kept them company. Juan has learned that community service can take place anywhere, anytime, and with anyone, and that all that is needed is the will to dedicate time to someone in need.
Juan’s leadership skills have also been evident during his tenure as vice president of his school’s student council. He organized a fundraiser for pediatric oncology patients that was a huge success, exceeding the targeted amount by 50%. Despite the challenges of promoting the event, decorating, entertaining, and coordinating with the school administration, Juan demonstrated his ability to think critically and practically, making sure that his ideas became realities.
Yesenia M. Acevedo Rivera, Juan’s mentor during the Dr. García Rinaldi Foundation 2022 Summer Program, has praised Juan for his outstanding time-management, communication, and critical thinking skills. Juan was completely independent during the literature search activity and was able to summarize and discuss multiple research papers without much supervised assistance. His written communication skills resembled those of an experienced PhD-level scientist, and his ability allowed him to capture and present the main topic in an elegant, understandable, and exciting manner.
In the fall, Juan will attend Washington University in Saint Louis, Case Western Reserve, or Emory University, where he plans to major in Biology and minor in Business. His academic and work experience have prepared him well for a career in medicine, and he hopes to continue to explore his interests in Healthcare & Science.
Media & Entertainment
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Camila Ruiz-Gonzalez
Hometown: Carolina, PR
High School: Escuela Secundaria Universidad de Puerto Rico
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Camila Ruiz-González's passion for photography has opened doors for her to become a content creator and photographer for local businesses and school newspapers. Camila’s unique perspective and vision have not only influenced her work, but they have also led her to take photography and commercial art elective classes, where she has gained skills and knowledge that she can use for future projects.
One of Camila’s proudest achievements in Media & Entertainment is her experience as a designer for media promotions for a small business. She worked for a few months for the law office of a social security lawyer, where she dedicated herself to creating images and content for the business's advertisement on social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, to reach the desired target audience. Her talent for digital advertising and artistic compositions proved to be a success as her creative ideas brought an increase in the volume of clients to the office. This experience gave her a glimpse into the Media & Entertainment industry, where she discovered her interest in creating media content and advertising.
As a woman living in Puerto Rico, Camila is aware of the sexism that is strongly embedded in Puerto Rican culture, especially in media works. For example, in fashion trends and shopping store posters, women are often portrayed with “sexy” features, leading to a misrepresentation issue and still promoting the sexist view of women being an object to attract customers to products. However, Camila believes that having diverse professionals in the field is crucial as representation matters. Having people from different backgrounds adds diverse points of view to projects, which is a great strategy for companies to know the effect their works have on their audience as well as a good way to attract customers who feel identified. Her commitment to diversity and inclusivity in Media & Entertainment is what makes her stand out in the industry.
Despite the challenges Puerto Rico faces, Camila is committed to making a difference in her community. As part of her school curriculum and as a member of the Escuela Secundaria Universidad de Puerto Rico chapter of the National Honor Society, Camila participates in community service activities, providing physics tutoring to her classmates, helping her neighbors during power outages and natural disasters, and preparing letters for Puerto Rican veterans who are currently receiving care at the Veterans Hospital. One experience that impacted her the most was working as a teacher assistant for Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico, where she co-taught dance classes to kids between the ages of five and nine years old. Camila’s passion for helping others is what motivates her to be an active member of her community and make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Camila’s dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Lcdo. José Emilio Fuentes Del Rosario, who employed Camila for a few months as his media manager, describes her as an intelligent, hard-working, creative, and extremely diligent young woman with great initiative and dedication. Her professionalism and mastery of digital advertising were beyond his expectations. Camila’s creative ideas and vision have helped businesses thrive, and her ability to adapt to new challenges is what makes her an outstanding young professional.
Camila’s bright future lies ahead as she plans to attend Columbia University, Ohio University, or the University of Puerto Rico, where she plans to major in Architecture and minor in Advertising. Her unique perspective and vision will undoubtedly make a difference in the field, as she combines her passion for art and design with her interest in Media & Entertainment.
High School: Escuela Secundaria Universidad de Puerto Rico
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Camila Ruiz-González's passion for photography has opened doors for her to become a content creator and photographer for local businesses and school newspapers. Camila’s unique perspective and vision have not only influenced her work, but they have also led her to take photography and commercial art elective classes, where she has gained skills and knowledge that she can use for future projects.
One of Camila’s proudest achievements in Media & Entertainment is her experience as a designer for media promotions for a small business. She worked for a few months for the law office of a social security lawyer, where she dedicated herself to creating images and content for the business's advertisement on social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, to reach the desired target audience. Her talent for digital advertising and artistic compositions proved to be a success as her creative ideas brought an increase in the volume of clients to the office. This experience gave her a glimpse into the Media & Entertainment industry, where she discovered her interest in creating media content and advertising.
As a woman living in Puerto Rico, Camila is aware of the sexism that is strongly embedded in Puerto Rican culture, especially in media works. For example, in fashion trends and shopping store posters, women are often portrayed with “sexy” features, leading to a misrepresentation issue and still promoting the sexist view of women being an object to attract customers to products. However, Camila believes that having diverse professionals in the field is crucial as representation matters. Having people from different backgrounds adds diverse points of view to projects, which is a great strategy for companies to know the effect their works have on their audience as well as a good way to attract customers who feel identified. Her commitment to diversity and inclusivity in Media & Entertainment is what makes her stand out in the industry.
Despite the challenges Puerto Rico faces, Camila is committed to making a difference in her community. As part of her school curriculum and as a member of the Escuela Secundaria Universidad de Puerto Rico chapter of the National Honor Society, Camila participates in community service activities, providing physics tutoring to her classmates, helping her neighbors during power outages and natural disasters, and preparing letters for Puerto Rican veterans who are currently receiving care at the Veterans Hospital. One experience that impacted her the most was working as a teacher assistant for Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico, where she co-taught dance classes to kids between the ages of five and nine years old. Camila’s passion for helping others is what motivates her to be an active member of her community and make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Camila’s dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. Lcdo. José Emilio Fuentes Del Rosario, who employed Camila for a few months as his media manager, describes her as an intelligent, hard-working, creative, and extremely diligent young woman with great initiative and dedication. Her professionalism and mastery of digital advertising were beyond his expectations. Camila’s creative ideas and vision have helped businesses thrive, and her ability to adapt to new challenges is what makes her an outstanding young professional.
Camila’s bright future lies ahead as she plans to attend Columbia University, Ohio University, or the University of Puerto Rico, where she plans to major in Architecture and minor in Advertising. Her unique perspective and vision will undoubtedly make a difference in the field, as she combines her passion for art and design with her interest in Media & Entertainment.
SILVER - Juliana Santiago Batista
Hometown: Carolina, PR
High School: Saint Francis School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Juliana Santiago Batista's journey towards becoming a theater artist is a story of perseverance, hard work, and unrelenting passion for the arts. Although her initial years were marked by shyness and reluctance to speak up, Juliana found her calling in theater, which allowed her to break through the walls of her self-imposed silence and emerge as a confident and skilled performer.
Juliana's artistic journey began when she enrolled in the specialized School of Arts, where she was introduced to the world of music, art, and theater. It was on the theater stage that she found her true calling, mesmerized by the ability of actors to speak to a crowd with poise and confidence. Despite her initial fears and anxieties, Juliana was determined to overcome her shyness and become a skilled performer, and her hard work and dedication paid off as she participated in various productions and completed a five-year program in theater at the Escuela de Bellas Artes de Carolina.
Juliana's accomplishments in theater are a testament to her dedication and hard work, culminating in her first play, an experience that allowed her to overcome her fear of public speaking and establish a lasting passion for the arts. She attests that her achievements in theater are a direct result of her Latinx background, which has helped her identify with the stories and experiences of people like her. Her cultural heritage has given her a unique perspective on the world of media and entertainment, and she is determined to use her talents to promote diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
Juliana is not content with simply pursuing her artistic passions; she is also dedicated to giving back to her community. Her parents instilled in her the importance of kindness and generosity, values that have inspired her to help rebuild a music school for underprivileged students and engage in presentations that bring awareness to social issues such as abuse, bullying, and self-esteem. She is also an active member of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and has tutored other students who need extra help with different subjects. For Juliana, helping others and seeing the impact of her actions is the greatest reward.
One of the top students in her class, Juliana is driven, responsible, and dedicated to her academic pursuits. She is an avid reader and writer with a beautiful mastery of language. Her talents as a writer have been recognized by her school, which has featured her as a student author in its official newspaper. Her active participation in school organizations such as Model United Nations and the National Honor Society has not detracted from her academic promise or achievements in any of her courses.
Juliana's dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed by her teachers, one of whom is Kiara Irizarry Maysone. As an English teacher at Saint Francis School in Carolina, Irizarry Maysone has had the privilege of working with many talented students, but she describes Juliana as a unique and incredible student who continuously surprises her with her determination and passion for success. Juliana's warm and amiable presence, combined with her academic and artistic achievements, make her a valuable asset to any student body.
Juliana's bright future in the world of media and entertainment is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She plans to attend New York University, Columbia University, or the American College of Performing Arts, where she will major in Theater Arts and minor in Creative Writing. She is determined to succeed in her chosen career path, with a long-term goal of returning to her community and creating new opportunities for young and local actors like herself.
High School: Saint Francis School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Juliana Santiago Batista's journey towards becoming a theater artist is a story of perseverance, hard work, and unrelenting passion for the arts. Although her initial years were marked by shyness and reluctance to speak up, Juliana found her calling in theater, which allowed her to break through the walls of her self-imposed silence and emerge as a confident and skilled performer.
Juliana's artistic journey began when she enrolled in the specialized School of Arts, where she was introduced to the world of music, art, and theater. It was on the theater stage that she found her true calling, mesmerized by the ability of actors to speak to a crowd with poise and confidence. Despite her initial fears and anxieties, Juliana was determined to overcome her shyness and become a skilled performer, and her hard work and dedication paid off as she participated in various productions and completed a five-year program in theater at the Escuela de Bellas Artes de Carolina.
Juliana's accomplishments in theater are a testament to her dedication and hard work, culminating in her first play, an experience that allowed her to overcome her fear of public speaking and establish a lasting passion for the arts. She attests that her achievements in theater are a direct result of her Latinx background, which has helped her identify with the stories and experiences of people like her. Her cultural heritage has given her a unique perspective on the world of media and entertainment, and she is determined to use her talents to promote diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
Juliana is not content with simply pursuing her artistic passions; she is also dedicated to giving back to her community. Her parents instilled in her the importance of kindness and generosity, values that have inspired her to help rebuild a music school for underprivileged students and engage in presentations that bring awareness to social issues such as abuse, bullying, and self-esteem. She is also an active member of her school’s chapter of the National Honor Society and has tutored other students who need extra help with different subjects. For Juliana, helping others and seeing the impact of her actions is the greatest reward.
One of the top students in her class, Juliana is driven, responsible, and dedicated to her academic pursuits. She is an avid reader and writer with a beautiful mastery of language. Her talents as a writer have been recognized by her school, which has featured her as a student author in its official newspaper. Her active participation in school organizations such as Model United Nations and the National Honor Society has not detracted from her academic promise or achievements in any of her courses.
Juliana's dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed by her teachers, one of whom is Kiara Irizarry Maysone. As an English teacher at Saint Francis School in Carolina, Irizarry Maysone has had the privilege of working with many talented students, but she describes Juliana as a unique and incredible student who continuously surprises her with her determination and passion for success. Juliana's warm and amiable presence, combined with her academic and artistic achievements, make her a valuable asset to any student body.
Juliana's bright future in the world of media and entertainment is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She plans to attend New York University, Columbia University, or the American College of Performing Arts, where she will major in Theater Arts and minor in Creative Writing. She is determined to succeed in her chosen career path, with a long-term goal of returning to her community and creating new opportunities for young and local actors like herself.
BRONZE - Mauricio Luengo
Hometown: San Juan, PR
High School: Colegio San Jose
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Mauricio Luengo's story is one of artistic exploration and personal triumph. From a young age, he has demonstrated a natural talent for drawing, particularly cityscapes and trains passing through rolling hills. Throughout his life, his love for art and design has never waned, but it has shifted as he has grown and developed.
As a middle-schooler, Mauricio dreamed of becoming an animator for a big studio, influenced by his love for animated arts like anime and classic films from Disney and Don Bluth. However, his greatest passion today lies in architectural design, inspired by a life-changing trip to Europe in 2017 where he saw Antoni Gaudi's architectural masterpieces. Since then, Mauricio has worked tirelessly to pursue this career, taking AP Drawing classes and participating in summer workshops at local universities.
Mauricio is also deeply inspired by classical art, particularly pieces by Rembrandt, Diego Velasquez, and Giambattista Tiepolo. Art museums are his happy place, where he can appreciate the aesthetic and beauty of humanity through amazing art pieces. For him, art is a source of inspiration and a way to make the world a better place by creating beauty.
Mauricio's artistic journey hasn't always been smooth. When he enrolled in AP Drawing, he struggled to find a theme for his work. He eventually landed on New Topia, an imaginary country he created as a child. But after a burnout, he changed direction and began creating black and white works depicting turn-of-the-century Americana, complete with rising skyscrapers and transport systems. This new theme allowed him to showcase his artistic abilities to their fullest, culminating in his greatest achievement as an artist: scoring the highest grade of all students in his AP Drawing class.
Growing up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has heavily influenced Mauricio's artistic and architectural mind. The colorful colonial houses and cobblestone streets of Old San Juan inspired him to create his imaginary world of New Topia. As a Latino, much of his art reflects the positives and negatives of Puerto Rican culture, demonstrating the influence of one's surroundings on artistic processes.
Mauricio is committed to giving back to his community. Two experiences have had a profound impact on him: volunteering in the Summer Mission of Colegio San José and at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan. These experiences have helped him improve as a person and become a good citizen, inspiring him to continue to give back in any way he can.
Mauricio's struggles with being neurodivergent have challenged him throughout his life. As a toddler, he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder that made communication and socializing difficult. He was seen as the weird kid in school and was often mocked. But Mauricio has persevered and surpassed all the adversities related to such a disorder. Through his involvement in activities related to public service and social justice, he has learned to communicate better and has improved his social skills. He has found freedom and happiness by being himself, and these experiences have given him the space to improve as a person.
Eiani Parrilla Rodríguez, an educator at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, has witnessed firsthand Mauricio's aptitude and desire to contribute to the artistic community. His work as a volunteer in the Museo is a clear example of his dedication, interest, and willingness to support others.
Mauricio is now looking toward the future with excitement and a clear sense of purpose. He will be attending Drexel University, Syracuse University, or McGill University, where he plans to major in Architecture and minor in Art History. There is no doubt that his passion for art and design will continue to shape his life and career, and we can expect to see many more impressive accomplishments from this talented individual. Alongside his studies, Mauricio plans to continue to volunteer and give back to his community. He hopes to work on projects that have a positive impact on society and the environment, using his skills to create spaces that not only look beautiful but are also functional and sustainable.
High School: Colegio San Jose
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Mauricio Luengo's story is one of artistic exploration and personal triumph. From a young age, he has demonstrated a natural talent for drawing, particularly cityscapes and trains passing through rolling hills. Throughout his life, his love for art and design has never waned, but it has shifted as he has grown and developed.
As a middle-schooler, Mauricio dreamed of becoming an animator for a big studio, influenced by his love for animated arts like anime and classic films from Disney and Don Bluth. However, his greatest passion today lies in architectural design, inspired by a life-changing trip to Europe in 2017 where he saw Antoni Gaudi's architectural masterpieces. Since then, Mauricio has worked tirelessly to pursue this career, taking AP Drawing classes and participating in summer workshops at local universities.
Mauricio is also deeply inspired by classical art, particularly pieces by Rembrandt, Diego Velasquez, and Giambattista Tiepolo. Art museums are his happy place, where he can appreciate the aesthetic and beauty of humanity through amazing art pieces. For him, art is a source of inspiration and a way to make the world a better place by creating beauty.
Mauricio's artistic journey hasn't always been smooth. When he enrolled in AP Drawing, he struggled to find a theme for his work. He eventually landed on New Topia, an imaginary country he created as a child. But after a burnout, he changed direction and began creating black and white works depicting turn-of-the-century Americana, complete with rising skyscrapers and transport systems. This new theme allowed him to showcase his artistic abilities to their fullest, culminating in his greatest achievement as an artist: scoring the highest grade of all students in his AP Drawing class.
Growing up in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has heavily influenced Mauricio's artistic and architectural mind. The colorful colonial houses and cobblestone streets of Old San Juan inspired him to create his imaginary world of New Topia. As a Latino, much of his art reflects the positives and negatives of Puerto Rican culture, demonstrating the influence of one's surroundings on artistic processes.
Mauricio is committed to giving back to his community. Two experiences have had a profound impact on him: volunteering in the Summer Mission of Colegio San José and at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan. These experiences have helped him improve as a person and become a good citizen, inspiring him to continue to give back in any way he can.
Mauricio's struggles with being neurodivergent have challenged him throughout his life. As a toddler, he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder that made communication and socializing difficult. He was seen as the weird kid in school and was often mocked. But Mauricio has persevered and surpassed all the adversities related to such a disorder. Through his involvement in activities related to public service and social justice, he has learned to communicate better and has improved his social skills. He has found freedom and happiness by being himself, and these experiences have given him the space to improve as a person.
Eiani Parrilla Rodríguez, an educator at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, has witnessed firsthand Mauricio's aptitude and desire to contribute to the artistic community. His work as a volunteer in the Museo is a clear example of his dedication, interest, and willingness to support others.
Mauricio is now looking toward the future with excitement and a clear sense of purpose. He will be attending Drexel University, Syracuse University, or McGill University, where he plans to major in Architecture and minor in Art History. There is no doubt that his passion for art and design will continue to shape his life and career, and we can expect to see many more impressive accomplishments from this talented individual. Alongside his studies, Mauricio plans to continue to volunteer and give back to his community. He hopes to work on projects that have a positive impact on society and the environment, using his skills to create spaces that not only look beautiful but are also functional and sustainable.
Public Service & Social Justice
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Fabiola Ferrer
Hometown: San Juan, PR
High School: Commonwealth-Parkville School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Fabiola Ferrer is a Latina of exceptional character with a passion for the power of education, social justice, community service, and art. She firmly believes that education is the key to a brighter future for individuals and society as a whole. In her own words, "Education is the hope society has for a promising future. The seed of curiosity demands drainage with knowledge. Knowledge is power."
Not only has Fabiola spoken these words, but she has also taken action towards realizing her vision. As a participant in the Social Justice Global Impact Virtual Internship with Global Leadership Adventures, she worked remotely with a non-profit organization in Morocco, the Institute for Leadership and Communication Studies (ILCS). She dedicated herself to the organization's mission, which invests in the training of competent future leaders and provides the local community with competent and competitive citizens. Her dedication and hard work, combined with her self-guided study and project work, earned her high praise from her direct supervisor, Yente Ooshuysen.
Ooshuysen was impressed by Fabiola's compassionate and kind nature, as well as her self-starter attitude, which made her a solution-oriented leader within the group. In addition to being a talented and intelligent individual, she consistently demonstrated great potential as a future leader. She honed her hard skills, such as project management, public speaking, marketing, and presentation skills, and developed her essential soft skills, such as communication, cultural humility, critical thinking, decision-making, and teamwork. Her participation in the internship has allowed her to apply these skills in future endeavors, whether academic or professional.
Fabiola understands that access to education is not equal in every part of society, and she has taken the initiative to deliver school materials to her community to motivate students to complete their studies, provide quality education in the public school system, facilitate tutoring for special needs students, and teach modern education related to the century. She believes that education is the cornerstone of society, and her initiatives are working towards ensuring that the education system reflects democratic ideals of respect and understanding of intercultural. These reforms will prepare our youth for the challenges of a globalized and changing world.
Fabiola recognizes the need for gender equality and women's empowerment in achieving sustainable development goals locally and globally. She feels that her greatest identity is being female and that gender equality is a persistent challenge for countries worldwide. She learned that education is a tool for girls in the developing world to control their lives, and access to education reduces rates of child marriage, improves sexual and reproductive health, and decreases maternal deaths. Fabiola's dedication to gender equality and women's empowerment is evident in her decision to attend college for Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, which is vital for success worldwide.
Community service is another area where Fabiola excels. She believes that helping others without expecting anything in return is a powerful tool for strengthening empathy and understanding of the world. She has dedicated her time to work in a medical center, where she collaborated with public employees and medical students to digitize medical records to make future work more manageable. She also painted a mural in a children's hospital to share the message that art is essential, as it brings out our humanity and makes us feel.
Fabiola believes that art is responsible for the structure of how society expresses itself, and her passion for art is the kinetic knowledge her mind keeps seeking. She understands that beauty is art, and the perception of beauty influences the world. Through freedom of expression, humans evoke life as a masterpiece. She plans to study the importance of art during her bachelor's degree trajectory and reinforce the forgotten societal value of art.
This remarkable young woman has taken action to make a difference in society. Her dedication to education, social justice, community service, and art is evident, as she has already made contributions in these areas. After graduating from high school, Fabiola will attend Tulane University, Boston University, or Dartmouth College, where she plans to major in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies and minor in International Relations.
High School: Commonwealth-Parkville School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Fabiola Ferrer is a Latina of exceptional character with a passion for the power of education, social justice, community service, and art. She firmly believes that education is the key to a brighter future for individuals and society as a whole. In her own words, "Education is the hope society has for a promising future. The seed of curiosity demands drainage with knowledge. Knowledge is power."
Not only has Fabiola spoken these words, but she has also taken action towards realizing her vision. As a participant in the Social Justice Global Impact Virtual Internship with Global Leadership Adventures, she worked remotely with a non-profit organization in Morocco, the Institute for Leadership and Communication Studies (ILCS). She dedicated herself to the organization's mission, which invests in the training of competent future leaders and provides the local community with competent and competitive citizens. Her dedication and hard work, combined with her self-guided study and project work, earned her high praise from her direct supervisor, Yente Ooshuysen.
Ooshuysen was impressed by Fabiola's compassionate and kind nature, as well as her self-starter attitude, which made her a solution-oriented leader within the group. In addition to being a talented and intelligent individual, she consistently demonstrated great potential as a future leader. She honed her hard skills, such as project management, public speaking, marketing, and presentation skills, and developed her essential soft skills, such as communication, cultural humility, critical thinking, decision-making, and teamwork. Her participation in the internship has allowed her to apply these skills in future endeavors, whether academic or professional.
Fabiola understands that access to education is not equal in every part of society, and she has taken the initiative to deliver school materials to her community to motivate students to complete their studies, provide quality education in the public school system, facilitate tutoring for special needs students, and teach modern education related to the century. She believes that education is the cornerstone of society, and her initiatives are working towards ensuring that the education system reflects democratic ideals of respect and understanding of intercultural. These reforms will prepare our youth for the challenges of a globalized and changing world.
Fabiola recognizes the need for gender equality and women's empowerment in achieving sustainable development goals locally and globally. She feels that her greatest identity is being female and that gender equality is a persistent challenge for countries worldwide. She learned that education is a tool for girls in the developing world to control their lives, and access to education reduces rates of child marriage, improves sexual and reproductive health, and decreases maternal deaths. Fabiola's dedication to gender equality and women's empowerment is evident in her decision to attend college for Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, which is vital for success worldwide.
Community service is another area where Fabiola excels. She believes that helping others without expecting anything in return is a powerful tool for strengthening empathy and understanding of the world. She has dedicated her time to work in a medical center, where she collaborated with public employees and medical students to digitize medical records to make future work more manageable. She also painted a mural in a children's hospital to share the message that art is essential, as it brings out our humanity and makes us feel.
Fabiola believes that art is responsible for the structure of how society expresses itself, and her passion for art is the kinetic knowledge her mind keeps seeking. She understands that beauty is art, and the perception of beauty influences the world. Through freedom of expression, humans evoke life as a masterpiece. She plans to study the importance of art during her bachelor's degree trajectory and reinforce the forgotten societal value of art.
This remarkable young woman has taken action to make a difference in society. Her dedication to education, social justice, community service, and art is evident, as she has already made contributions in these areas. After graduating from high school, Fabiola will attend Tulane University, Boston University, or Dartmouth College, where she plans to major in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies and minor in International Relations.
SILVER - Eduardo Adriano
Hometown: Caguas, PR
High School: Radians School of Math, Science, and Technology
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Eduardo Adriano’s story is born from a strong sense of duty to Public Service & Social Justice. He is a young man who has dedicated himself to making a positive impact in his community, and his journey has taken him from the halls of Congress to the streets of Puerto Rico. As he has grown and matured, he has never lost sight of his goal to create a better world for all people.
Last year, Eduardo participated in a social experiment that reminded him again why he is an advocate for social justice. The experiment was a metaphor for the way in which socioeconomic chains can hold people back. It is one of Eduardo’s missions to help people realize that there are resources that can help them turn their lives around if they ever feel like they are under those shackles, to be someone that can help others break free from their chains by helping them realize that the chains are in their heads and that they are nothing more than a mentality.
Eduardo has always been interested in public service, and this interest led him to join the office of Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón whom he met while participating in the CHCI's R2L NextGen program in Washington DC. He was so inspired by her commitment to Puerto Rico's welfare that he applied to intern for her office on the island. While working there, he learned how public service operates in our society and how committed individuals like himself can get far in their efforts to help others. He was afraid of answering constituent phone calls at first, but he soon came to understand that his efforts were not useless as those enduring tough situations seek to be heard.
Puerto Rico has been a significant influence on Eduardo’s life, and he has learned valuable lessons from his island. He has seen firsthand the power of unity and how it can lead to change. During Governor Ricardo Roselló’s scandal, Eduardo saw hundreds of thousands of people step out of their homes to protest. He learned that if public service is done right, it can create a nation where the government and its citizens are involved in each other’s affairs. A diverse mindset is needed to defend others’ rights. Public servants must have a genuine commitment to understanding the lives and ideas of the people to properly address both local and national matters.
Eduardo's commitment to public service extends to the issue of access to clean water in Puerto Rico, an issue that has global implications. He joined a global team of high school seniors that researched aqueduct systems used throughout the world to find a solution to the water crisis. He and his team are working on creating a system that redirects excess water into a separate location where it can be properly stored. If successful, it could extract a substantial amount of water that can be later transported to dry regions where it is needed.
Eduardo's love for poetry and literature has been a constant source of inspiration in his journey toward social justice. He writes weekly poems on modern issues through the non-profit organization Gen Z We Are The Future, spreading messages of change and inspiring others to do the same. Eduardo is an active member of Scouts of America, where he conducts some of his most impactful community service projects. His most significant project took place in the orphanage in Hogar Cuna San Cristóbal, where he built two gates to prevent children from wandering into a hazardous area. Eduardo’s experiences have taught him that poetry and community service can be a megaphone to spread a message of change to his surroundings.
With a 4.0 GPA, Eduardo has distinguished himself as a responsible, hardworking, and insightful student throughout his academic career. His high school math teacher, Oswaldo Colón, praised Eduardo's maturity, organization skills, and leadership, as well as his initiative and willingness to go above and beyond in his academic and extracurricular activities. Eduardo's dedication to his school and community has also been evident in his work organizing and planning numerous events and fundraisers.
In the fall, this puertorriqueño of Mexican descent will attend Brown University, Dartmouth College, or Vanderbilt University, where he plans to major in Public Policy and minor in Behavioral Sciences. He is driven by a desire to create a society where individuals are not held back by their circumstances and where everyone has access to the resources they need to succeed. Through his work in public service, writing, and community service, Eduardo is well on his way to achieving this vision.
High School: Radians School of Math, Science, and Technology
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Eduardo Adriano’s story is born from a strong sense of duty to Public Service & Social Justice. He is a young man who has dedicated himself to making a positive impact in his community, and his journey has taken him from the halls of Congress to the streets of Puerto Rico. As he has grown and matured, he has never lost sight of his goal to create a better world for all people.
Last year, Eduardo participated in a social experiment that reminded him again why he is an advocate for social justice. The experiment was a metaphor for the way in which socioeconomic chains can hold people back. It is one of Eduardo’s missions to help people realize that there are resources that can help them turn their lives around if they ever feel like they are under those shackles, to be someone that can help others break free from their chains by helping them realize that the chains are in their heads and that they are nothing more than a mentality.
Eduardo has always been interested in public service, and this interest led him to join the office of Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón whom he met while participating in the CHCI's R2L NextGen program in Washington DC. He was so inspired by her commitment to Puerto Rico's welfare that he applied to intern for her office on the island. While working there, he learned how public service operates in our society and how committed individuals like himself can get far in their efforts to help others. He was afraid of answering constituent phone calls at first, but he soon came to understand that his efforts were not useless as those enduring tough situations seek to be heard.
Puerto Rico has been a significant influence on Eduardo’s life, and he has learned valuable lessons from his island. He has seen firsthand the power of unity and how it can lead to change. During Governor Ricardo Roselló’s scandal, Eduardo saw hundreds of thousands of people step out of their homes to protest. He learned that if public service is done right, it can create a nation where the government and its citizens are involved in each other’s affairs. A diverse mindset is needed to defend others’ rights. Public servants must have a genuine commitment to understanding the lives and ideas of the people to properly address both local and national matters.
Eduardo's commitment to public service extends to the issue of access to clean water in Puerto Rico, an issue that has global implications. He joined a global team of high school seniors that researched aqueduct systems used throughout the world to find a solution to the water crisis. He and his team are working on creating a system that redirects excess water into a separate location where it can be properly stored. If successful, it could extract a substantial amount of water that can be later transported to dry regions where it is needed.
Eduardo's love for poetry and literature has been a constant source of inspiration in his journey toward social justice. He writes weekly poems on modern issues through the non-profit organization Gen Z We Are The Future, spreading messages of change and inspiring others to do the same. Eduardo is an active member of Scouts of America, where he conducts some of his most impactful community service projects. His most significant project took place in the orphanage in Hogar Cuna San Cristóbal, where he built two gates to prevent children from wandering into a hazardous area. Eduardo’s experiences have taught him that poetry and community service can be a megaphone to spread a message of change to his surroundings.
With a 4.0 GPA, Eduardo has distinguished himself as a responsible, hardworking, and insightful student throughout his academic career. His high school math teacher, Oswaldo Colón, praised Eduardo's maturity, organization skills, and leadership, as well as his initiative and willingness to go above and beyond in his academic and extracurricular activities. Eduardo's dedication to his school and community has also been evident in his work organizing and planning numerous events and fundraisers.
In the fall, this puertorriqueño of Mexican descent will attend Brown University, Dartmouth College, or Vanderbilt University, where he plans to major in Public Policy and minor in Behavioral Sciences. He is driven by a desire to create a society where individuals are not held back by their circumstances and where everyone has access to the resources they need to succeed. Through his work in public service, writing, and community service, Eduardo is well on his way to achieving this vision.
BRONZE - Alejandra Caban
Hometown: Moca, PR
High School: Colegio Marista "El Salvador"
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
In seventh grade, Alejandra Cabán began to cultivate a deep interest in social justice. As the years passed, she became even more aware of the world around her and grew increasingly conscious of how systems of power operate in society. Through her academic pursuits, she has taken strides toward fulfilling her desire to bring about meaningful change in her community.
Alejandra's journey took a bigger leap in her junior year of high school when she became more acquainted with the challenges her community was facing, especially regarding the government's treatment of Puerto Ricans. She was moved by the plight of the people who had been dispossessed of their homes, jobs, schools, and livelihoods by a system that favored a privileged few. This realization motivated her to explore the possibility of becoming a lawyer, and she began taking courses in Puerto Rican history and sociology to deepen her understanding of the social justice issues that plague her community.
It was during her sociology class that Alejandra was struck by the interconnectedness of gender, race, and class problems within the Puerto Rican context. She came to appreciate the importance of diversity in creating an environment that encourages learning, understanding, and progress. Her unique experiences growing up in Puerto Rico have given her a perspective that emphasizes rebuilding the existing system, which she sees as outdated and ineffective.
One of Alejandra's primary goals is to work towards eradicating the injustices that disproportionately affect people of color, particularly those within the Latinx community. She recognizes the systemic racism that permeates the justice system and is committed to dismantling it by advocating for adequate representation of marginalized communities, specifically by ensuring that public defenders are well-compensated for their services. She also plans to ban laws that promote discrimination against suspects within a case at a federal level.
As a member of the Girl Scouts, Alejandra has volunteered in food drives and participated in many beach clean-ups on the island. Her most meaningful experience was after Hurricane Maria when her school postponed its annual Christmas dinner and used the money to make plates of food and gift them to people in towns that were still heavily affected by the hurricane. Alejandra, along with her Girl Scout troop, dedicated herself to gifting these meals for the whole day, seeing the joy that even a small gesture can bring to someone in need.
In addition to her volunteer work, Alejandra is also highly active at the Colegio Marista "El Salvador." She is the vice president of her school's student council, tasked with planning various activities such as tournaments and spirit weeks. She is also a member of its National Honor Society chapter, theater club, and art club. Alejandra is a well-rounded student who consistently demonstrates excellence in everything she does.
Nelmarie Franco, Alejandra's AP Spanish teacher and middle and high school coordinator at Colegio Marista "El Salvador," is highly impressed by her academic work and character. She describes Alejandra as an outstanding student who demonstrates originality, intellectual vigor, and clarity of expression. Alejandra's strengths include her intelligence, sense of responsibility, and willingness to help others, making her an exemplary leader.
Upon graduation, Alejandra will attend George Washington University, Villanova University, or Syracuse University. She plans to major in Political Science and minor in Gender Studies. Her education, combined with her personal experiences, will undoubtedly equip her with the tools and knowledge she needs to make a real difference in Puerto Rico and beyond.
High School: Colegio Marista "El Salvador"
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
In seventh grade, Alejandra Cabán began to cultivate a deep interest in social justice. As the years passed, she became even more aware of the world around her and grew increasingly conscious of how systems of power operate in society. Through her academic pursuits, she has taken strides toward fulfilling her desire to bring about meaningful change in her community.
Alejandra's journey took a bigger leap in her junior year of high school when she became more acquainted with the challenges her community was facing, especially regarding the government's treatment of Puerto Ricans. She was moved by the plight of the people who had been dispossessed of their homes, jobs, schools, and livelihoods by a system that favored a privileged few. This realization motivated her to explore the possibility of becoming a lawyer, and she began taking courses in Puerto Rican history and sociology to deepen her understanding of the social justice issues that plague her community.
It was during her sociology class that Alejandra was struck by the interconnectedness of gender, race, and class problems within the Puerto Rican context. She came to appreciate the importance of diversity in creating an environment that encourages learning, understanding, and progress. Her unique experiences growing up in Puerto Rico have given her a perspective that emphasizes rebuilding the existing system, which she sees as outdated and ineffective.
One of Alejandra's primary goals is to work towards eradicating the injustices that disproportionately affect people of color, particularly those within the Latinx community. She recognizes the systemic racism that permeates the justice system and is committed to dismantling it by advocating for adequate representation of marginalized communities, specifically by ensuring that public defenders are well-compensated for their services. She also plans to ban laws that promote discrimination against suspects within a case at a federal level.
As a member of the Girl Scouts, Alejandra has volunteered in food drives and participated in many beach clean-ups on the island. Her most meaningful experience was after Hurricane Maria when her school postponed its annual Christmas dinner and used the money to make plates of food and gift them to people in towns that were still heavily affected by the hurricane. Alejandra, along with her Girl Scout troop, dedicated herself to gifting these meals for the whole day, seeing the joy that even a small gesture can bring to someone in need.
In addition to her volunteer work, Alejandra is also highly active at the Colegio Marista "El Salvador." She is the vice president of her school's student council, tasked with planning various activities such as tournaments and spirit weeks. She is also a member of its National Honor Society chapter, theater club, and art club. Alejandra is a well-rounded student who consistently demonstrates excellence in everything she does.
Nelmarie Franco, Alejandra's AP Spanish teacher and middle and high school coordinator at Colegio Marista "El Salvador," is highly impressed by her academic work and character. She describes Alejandra as an outstanding student who demonstrates originality, intellectual vigor, and clarity of expression. Alejandra's strengths include her intelligence, sense of responsibility, and willingness to help others, making her an exemplary leader.
Upon graduation, Alejandra will attend George Washington University, Villanova University, or Syracuse University. She plans to major in Political Science and minor in Gender Studies. Her education, combined with her personal experiences, will undoubtedly equip her with the tools and knowledge she needs to make a real difference in Puerto Rico and beyond.
Sports & Fitness
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Ramon Rosado
Hometown: Guaynabo, PR
High School: Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican, Cuban, & Spanish
As a little kid, Ramon Rosado’s parents always had involved him in sports. He’s played baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, basketball, and volleyball. While initially drawn to volleyball as it was the sport his friends played, he quickly began to master the sport and wanted to make it his main focus. Ramon years of early morning practices, and sacrifices for the sport he loves has paid off in his seventeen years, Ramon has been able to play for not only his local team, a national team and able to represent Puerto Rico internationally. Just some of Ramon’s accomplishments in the last two years have included, being announced the Varsity Tournament MVP in 2021, representing Puerto Rico by being on the Puerto RicoU23 National team at the NORCECA/PANAM games in 2021, was the MVP in the USAV All Star Boys Select in Orlando, FL, MVP High School National Championship, and represented Puerto Rico in the U19 National Team PANAM Cup in 2022. All of these accomplishments Ramon is thankful for his dads love and support and his dad’s experience as an athlete showcasing the dedication required to excel in sports.
Not only is Ramon a force to be reckoned with on the court, evidenced by his 6’6 stature, but what stands him out the most his presence and attitude on the court. Ramon is always maintaining a high level of play and concentration, open to feedback on how he can improve, and helps his team maintain focus even when the match is not going their way. These skillsets serve him well in encompassing his role as captain of not only his high school team, but when he was selected to be the Puerto Rico U19 National team captain as well.
When not on the court Ramon is a member of the Big Brothers Club, as well as participated in every single volunteer opportunity that his school offers. On his teams’ international tournaments, Ramon has found ways that his team can find volunteer opportunities to give back to the community in that area. Other ways that Ramon has given back was at the start of COVID-19, Ramon and his sister spent most Saturday’s giving out food to those less fortunate in their area. Ramon lives by the Martha Beck quote,” Life is full of tough decisions, and nothing makes them easy”. A quote that most athletes can relate to due to the sacrifices to hone their craft but holds extra meaning for Ramon as believes athletes in Puerto Rico who may have to make do with less opportunities that are offered to their neighbors in the United States.
Ramon is of Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Spanish descent. He plans to attend to study Sports Management at Grand Canyon University, Concordia University, or University of Tampa.
High School: Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican, Cuban, & Spanish
As a little kid, Ramon Rosado’s parents always had involved him in sports. He’s played baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, basketball, and volleyball. While initially drawn to volleyball as it was the sport his friends played, he quickly began to master the sport and wanted to make it his main focus. Ramon years of early morning practices, and sacrifices for the sport he loves has paid off in his seventeen years, Ramon has been able to play for not only his local team, a national team and able to represent Puerto Rico internationally. Just some of Ramon’s accomplishments in the last two years have included, being announced the Varsity Tournament MVP in 2021, representing Puerto Rico by being on the Puerto RicoU23 National team at the NORCECA/PANAM games in 2021, was the MVP in the USAV All Star Boys Select in Orlando, FL, MVP High School National Championship, and represented Puerto Rico in the U19 National Team PANAM Cup in 2022. All of these accomplishments Ramon is thankful for his dads love and support and his dad’s experience as an athlete showcasing the dedication required to excel in sports.
Not only is Ramon a force to be reckoned with on the court, evidenced by his 6’6 stature, but what stands him out the most his presence and attitude on the court. Ramon is always maintaining a high level of play and concentration, open to feedback on how he can improve, and helps his team maintain focus even when the match is not going their way. These skillsets serve him well in encompassing his role as captain of not only his high school team, but when he was selected to be the Puerto Rico U19 National team captain as well.
When not on the court Ramon is a member of the Big Brothers Club, as well as participated in every single volunteer opportunity that his school offers. On his teams’ international tournaments, Ramon has found ways that his team can find volunteer opportunities to give back to the community in that area. Other ways that Ramon has given back was at the start of COVID-19, Ramon and his sister spent most Saturday’s giving out food to those less fortunate in their area. Ramon lives by the Martha Beck quote,” Life is full of tough decisions, and nothing makes them easy”. A quote that most athletes can relate to due to the sacrifices to hone their craft but holds extra meaning for Ramon as believes athletes in Puerto Rico who may have to make do with less opportunities that are offered to their neighbors in the United States.
Ramon is of Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Spanish descent. He plans to attend to study Sports Management at Grand Canyon University, Concordia University, or University of Tampa.
SILVER - Andrea Santos
Hometown: Guaynabo, PR
High School: American Military Academy
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Growing up with athletically inclined parents, Andrea Santos was exposed to various sports from a young age. She would watch her mother do races, admiring her courage and strength, and her passion for running would later influence Andrea in her pursuits in Sports & Fitness. From participating in 5ks with her twin sister to joining the cross country and track and field team in fourth grade, Andrea has come a long way in her athletic journey.
Andrea recalls how running did not come easily to her at first, how her initial struggles in the sport were evident, and how comparing herself to her sister, who she felt was a natural from the beginning, would make her feel frustrated. However, Andrea was determined to work harder, change her mentality, and improve her physical endurance. She learned to push through the pain and persevere, with her hard work eventually paying off. Her proudest achievement in the sport came in the midst of a pandemic. With limited resources and no access to proper training facilities, Andrea trained tirelessly, often watching workout videos on YouTube, to achieve her goals. When the day of the competition she had been preparing for came, she focused on herself, her performance, thought about how much she had sacrificed and devoted herself through hard times, and came out victorious. That day, Andrea became Puerto Rico’s 750m and 1500m national champion. This experience taught her the importance of dedication, perseverance, and turning negative situations into motivation boosters.
As a Latina, Andrea's background has influenced her approach in sports and her desire to represent her island with pride. She recognizes the importance of diverse backgrounds in sports and the need for equal opportunities for all. An issue that she recognizes affects the Hispanic community is that they are often undervalued and discriminated against, resulting in a lack of recognition and diminished opportunities for success. She proposes that it would only take people to take conscience and think beyond themselves to see that people in the Hispanic community are people like themselves, with needs and aspirations.
Andrea's dedication to community service is also noteworthy. She actively engages in her community, participating in food and toy drives and spending time with children in hospitals. These experiences have taught her the importance of giving back and have made her more appreciative of how fortunate she is, which in turn has inspired her to continue serving her community so she can share her good fortune and bring more joy and love into other people’s lives.
The academic record of this dedicated student-athlete is outstanding. She maintains a steady 4.0 GPA in her school’s most demanding curriculum, in a highly competitive and challenging program. A student at the American Military Academy, Andrea is an active member of various clubs, including her school’s Empathy Ambassadors, community service club, and environmental club. She has also been a member of her school’s National Honor Society chapter since the ninth grade, currently serving as its secretary. Besides cross country and track and field, she is also part of her school’s varsity volleyball team.
Alicia Ortiz, Andrea's college counselor, describes her as persevering, kind, and self-confident, and someone who thinks for herself and is not easily influenced by others. She also mentions that Andrea cares about those around her, making people feel appreciated, loved, and seen. Ortiz also notes that Andrea understands the importance of maintaining balance in all aspects of her life, with the beach being the place where she finds peace and relaxation, and where she can work on her mental health.
Andrea's plans after high school include attending Carnegie Mellon University, Thomas Jefferson University, or American University, majoring in Design/Technology, and minoring in Interior Design. She is interested in exploring careers in design, such as industrial design, graphic design, or a creative field that combines computer science and the arts.
Simply put, Andrea is an exceptional student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment, dedication, and strength in her pursuits in Sports & Fitness, academic excellence, community service, and her future career aspirations. Her perseverance in the face of challenges, her positive mentality, and her commitment to giving back to her community are remarkable. Her accomplishments are a testament to her hard work, dedication, and determination. We trust that she will continue to excel in all her future endeavors, and are excited to see the great impact she will have with her talents and passion.
High School: American Military Academy
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Growing up with athletically inclined parents, Andrea Santos was exposed to various sports from a young age. She would watch her mother do races, admiring her courage and strength, and her passion for running would later influence Andrea in her pursuits in Sports & Fitness. From participating in 5ks with her twin sister to joining the cross country and track and field team in fourth grade, Andrea has come a long way in her athletic journey.
Andrea recalls how running did not come easily to her at first, how her initial struggles in the sport were evident, and how comparing herself to her sister, who she felt was a natural from the beginning, would make her feel frustrated. However, Andrea was determined to work harder, change her mentality, and improve her physical endurance. She learned to push through the pain and persevere, with her hard work eventually paying off. Her proudest achievement in the sport came in the midst of a pandemic. With limited resources and no access to proper training facilities, Andrea trained tirelessly, often watching workout videos on YouTube, to achieve her goals. When the day of the competition she had been preparing for came, she focused on herself, her performance, thought about how much she had sacrificed and devoted herself through hard times, and came out victorious. That day, Andrea became Puerto Rico’s 750m and 1500m national champion. This experience taught her the importance of dedication, perseverance, and turning negative situations into motivation boosters.
As a Latina, Andrea's background has influenced her approach in sports and her desire to represent her island with pride. She recognizes the importance of diverse backgrounds in sports and the need for equal opportunities for all. An issue that she recognizes affects the Hispanic community is that they are often undervalued and discriminated against, resulting in a lack of recognition and diminished opportunities for success. She proposes that it would only take people to take conscience and think beyond themselves to see that people in the Hispanic community are people like themselves, with needs and aspirations.
Andrea's dedication to community service is also noteworthy. She actively engages in her community, participating in food and toy drives and spending time with children in hospitals. These experiences have taught her the importance of giving back and have made her more appreciative of how fortunate she is, which in turn has inspired her to continue serving her community so she can share her good fortune and bring more joy and love into other people’s lives.
The academic record of this dedicated student-athlete is outstanding. She maintains a steady 4.0 GPA in her school’s most demanding curriculum, in a highly competitive and challenging program. A student at the American Military Academy, Andrea is an active member of various clubs, including her school’s Empathy Ambassadors, community service club, and environmental club. She has also been a member of her school’s National Honor Society chapter since the ninth grade, currently serving as its secretary. Besides cross country and track and field, she is also part of her school’s varsity volleyball team.
Alicia Ortiz, Andrea's college counselor, describes her as persevering, kind, and self-confident, and someone who thinks for herself and is not easily influenced by others. She also mentions that Andrea cares about those around her, making people feel appreciated, loved, and seen. Ortiz also notes that Andrea understands the importance of maintaining balance in all aspects of her life, with the beach being the place where she finds peace and relaxation, and where she can work on her mental health.
Andrea's plans after high school include attending Carnegie Mellon University, Thomas Jefferson University, or American University, majoring in Design/Technology, and minoring in Interior Design. She is interested in exploring careers in design, such as industrial design, graphic design, or a creative field that combines computer science and the arts.
Simply put, Andrea is an exceptional student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment, dedication, and strength in her pursuits in Sports & Fitness, academic excellence, community service, and her future career aspirations. Her perseverance in the face of challenges, her positive mentality, and her commitment to giving back to her community are remarkable. Her accomplishments are a testament to her hard work, dedication, and determination. We trust that she will continue to excel in all her future endeavors, and are excited to see the great impact she will have with her talents and passion.
BRONZE - Dakoda Keni
Hometown: Kahuku, HI
High School: Kahuku High and Intermediate
Hispanic Heritage: Filipino
Dakoda Keni, affectionately known as Koda, is a dynamic force in her community of Kahuku, Hawaii, displaying unbridled enthusiasm for sports and giving back to those around her. From a young age, Koda's parents instilled in her the value of athleticism and teamwork, encouraging her to try various sports until she found one she loved: volleyball. Her passion for the sport has propelled her to great heights, both as a player and as a leader.
As the captain of her high school volleyball team, Koda found joy in guiding her teammates and helping them refine their techniques and develop their skills through dedicated workouts and drills. Her devotion to the sport and her team helped her achieve one of her greatest high school triumphs: being instrumental in leading her team to win the Oahu Interscholastic Association championship title two years in a row. Competing in the Division 1 category against their rivals made their victory even sweeter. This achievement was especially meaningful for Koda, who felt proud of her contributions in bringing a championship title to her school, which had gone many years without winning.
The proud daughter of a Filipino father and an Australian mother, Koda's unique background as a Filipino-Australian-American has undoubtedly influenced her approach to sports and life in general. From her father, she learned the importance of adaptability and resilience, which have been critical in her journey to becoming a skilled volleyball player, adjusting to different playing styles and strategies. From her mother, Koda learned to maintain a calm and down-to-earth demeanor, which has been instrumental in keeping her team together in times of struggle and stress, a crucial quality for a leader.
Koda's impact extends beyond the court, as she is an active member of her school's chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS), dedicating her time to giving back to her community. As a math whiz, she volunteered as a tutor for students in need of math help, embracing the opportunity to use her academic skills for something greater than herself. For Koda, the act of giving back is a deeply ingrained value that she believes is essential in recognizing the many blessings we receive from the land.
Koda's academic achievements are equally remarkable, as attested to by her math teacher at Kahuku High and Intermediate, Daniel Hwang, who praised her exceptional classroom behavior, preparation, and productivity. She is ranked first out of 196 seniors in her graduating class, with a 4.0 GPA, and has been involved in a diverse array of extracurricular activities aside from NHS, including the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter at her school and its student body government.
As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, Koda is undaunted by the challenges that lie ahead. She plans to attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Seattle Pacific University, or Chadron State College, where she intends to major in Exercise Science and minor in Athletic Training. Koda's unflinching commitment to the sport she loves has inspired her to pursue the path of a college athlete, a journey that promises to be both rewarding and challenging.
Koda is a remarkable young woman who embodies the spirit of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Her contributions to the sports world and her community are a testament to her innate talent and relentless drive to succeed. Whether on the court, in the classroom, or in the service of others, Koda has proven herself to be a formidable force, blazing a trail of excellence that will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
High School: Kahuku High and Intermediate
Hispanic Heritage: Filipino
Dakoda Keni, affectionately known as Koda, is a dynamic force in her community of Kahuku, Hawaii, displaying unbridled enthusiasm for sports and giving back to those around her. From a young age, Koda's parents instilled in her the value of athleticism and teamwork, encouraging her to try various sports until she found one she loved: volleyball. Her passion for the sport has propelled her to great heights, both as a player and as a leader.
As the captain of her high school volleyball team, Koda found joy in guiding her teammates and helping them refine their techniques and develop their skills through dedicated workouts and drills. Her devotion to the sport and her team helped her achieve one of her greatest high school triumphs: being instrumental in leading her team to win the Oahu Interscholastic Association championship title two years in a row. Competing in the Division 1 category against their rivals made their victory even sweeter. This achievement was especially meaningful for Koda, who felt proud of her contributions in bringing a championship title to her school, which had gone many years without winning.
The proud daughter of a Filipino father and an Australian mother, Koda's unique background as a Filipino-Australian-American has undoubtedly influenced her approach to sports and life in general. From her father, she learned the importance of adaptability and resilience, which have been critical in her journey to becoming a skilled volleyball player, adjusting to different playing styles and strategies. From her mother, Koda learned to maintain a calm and down-to-earth demeanor, which has been instrumental in keeping her team together in times of struggle and stress, a crucial quality for a leader.
Koda's impact extends beyond the court, as she is an active member of her school's chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS), dedicating her time to giving back to her community. As a math whiz, she volunteered as a tutor for students in need of math help, embracing the opportunity to use her academic skills for something greater than herself. For Koda, the act of giving back is a deeply ingrained value that she believes is essential in recognizing the many blessings we receive from the land.
Koda's academic achievements are equally remarkable, as attested to by her math teacher at Kahuku High and Intermediate, Daniel Hwang, who praised her exceptional classroom behavior, preparation, and productivity. She is ranked first out of 196 seniors in her graduating class, with a 4.0 GPA, and has been involved in a diverse array of extracurricular activities aside from NHS, including the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter at her school and its student body government.
As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, Koda is undaunted by the challenges that lie ahead. She plans to attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Seattle Pacific University, or Chadron State College, where she intends to major in Exercise Science and minor in Athletic Training. Koda's unflinching commitment to the sport she loves has inspired her to pursue the path of a college athlete, a journey that promises to be both rewarding and challenging.
Koda is a remarkable young woman who embodies the spirit of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Her contributions to the sports world and her community are a testament to her innate talent and relentless drive to succeed. Whether on the court, in the classroom, or in the service of others, Koda has proven herself to be a formidable force, blazing a trail of excellence that will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
Sustainability (Green)
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Adriana Soto
Hometown: Cabo Rojo, PR
High School: Academia de la Inmaculada Concepción
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Adriana Soto's sustainability journey started in elementary school. Her science teacher, Mrs. Rodriguez, encouraged her curiosity in the sciences and inspired her to participate in beach and forest clean-ups. Despite these activities being available only to older students, seeing Adriana's enthusiasm, Mrs. Rodriguez would always make an exception for Adriana and eventually, even allowed her to help organize these events. Together, they also established the school's gardening club, with a focus on teaching students the importance of preserving the environment through hands-on gardening experiences and the 3R initiative—reduce, reuse, and recycle.
With her continued and growing interest in the environment over the years, in ninth grade, Adriana took the opportunity to conduct an investigation on recycling limitations in Puerto Rico with a classmate from her Scientific Exploration class. They interviewed fellow students to gauge their knowledge and asked them to sort common household waste into recyclable and non-recyclable categories. Though their study was cut short by the pandemic, Adriana gained a better understanding of recycling practices in her community.
Adriana's recent foray into hydroponics has been a journey of trial and error and a testament to her entrepreneurial skills and creativity. Adriana and her friend have been experimenting with planting coriander and lettuce seeds using hydroponic methods, and they plan on presenting their harvest to local restaurants as their main supplier of greens and herbs. With success in sight, the duo aspires to expand their hydroponic endeavor to include other vegetables such as parsley, sweet chili peppers, and hot peppers. The project is a step towards reducing dependence on imported products, supporting local businesses, and promoting a circular economy in Puerto Rico.
Growing up in a Hispanic household, Adriana learned the value of reusing and recycling at a young age. Her family's traditions taught her to never waste anything and to always choose durable, long-lasting items over disposable ones. These simple practices instilled in Adriana a respect for the environment and a sense of responsibility to future generations. Her upbringing emphasized the importance of treating possessions with care and passing them down from one generation to the next. For example, old clothes and toys were passed down and found new life in creative ways. Her parents also taught her to minimize waste, like using ceramic plates instead of disposable plastic ones and reusing supermarket containers to store leftovers. These habits and traditions were simple yet powerful reminders of the importance of sustainability and the impact of everyday choices. In her efforts to live sustainably, Adriana embodies the values she learned in her childhood, proving that sustainability is not just for dedicated environmentalists but a way of life for many Hispanics.
As a dedicated community servant, Adriana balances her time to include giving back despite the demands of academics and extracurriculars. "I give back to my community because I care about it and want it to keep standing long after I'm gone," she says. As the president of both her school’s student council and sorority, Adriana has demonstrated her ability to inspire and mobilize her peers through large-scale community service opportunities. She has led successful events such as school-wide donations, blood drives, and volunteering for local organizations like elderly care facilities and animal shelters. On her own, Adriana has been volunteering at an assisted-living facility since her freshman year, lending a hand to care for its residents. She has also contributed to her community through organizations such as her school's National Honor Society, MEDLIFE, and service club, through events like toy drives and beach clean-ups, further showcasing her commitment to helping others and improving her community.
Adriana is not only a phenomenal leader at school, the varsity volleyball and basketball athlete with sky-high grades and a rigorous course schedule, also demonstrates her academic prowess and exceptional character, becoming a symbol of her unyielding dedication and tenacity. With her sight set on pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Cognitive or Behavioral Neuroscience, next fall, Adriana will begin her studies at Villanova University, Columbia University, or the University of Michigan.
High School: Academia de la Inmaculada Concepción
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Adriana Soto's sustainability journey started in elementary school. Her science teacher, Mrs. Rodriguez, encouraged her curiosity in the sciences and inspired her to participate in beach and forest clean-ups. Despite these activities being available only to older students, seeing Adriana's enthusiasm, Mrs. Rodriguez would always make an exception for Adriana and eventually, even allowed her to help organize these events. Together, they also established the school's gardening club, with a focus on teaching students the importance of preserving the environment through hands-on gardening experiences and the 3R initiative—reduce, reuse, and recycle.
With her continued and growing interest in the environment over the years, in ninth grade, Adriana took the opportunity to conduct an investigation on recycling limitations in Puerto Rico with a classmate from her Scientific Exploration class. They interviewed fellow students to gauge their knowledge and asked them to sort common household waste into recyclable and non-recyclable categories. Though their study was cut short by the pandemic, Adriana gained a better understanding of recycling practices in her community.
Adriana's recent foray into hydroponics has been a journey of trial and error and a testament to her entrepreneurial skills and creativity. Adriana and her friend have been experimenting with planting coriander and lettuce seeds using hydroponic methods, and they plan on presenting their harvest to local restaurants as their main supplier of greens and herbs. With success in sight, the duo aspires to expand their hydroponic endeavor to include other vegetables such as parsley, sweet chili peppers, and hot peppers. The project is a step towards reducing dependence on imported products, supporting local businesses, and promoting a circular economy in Puerto Rico.
Growing up in a Hispanic household, Adriana learned the value of reusing and recycling at a young age. Her family's traditions taught her to never waste anything and to always choose durable, long-lasting items over disposable ones. These simple practices instilled in Adriana a respect for the environment and a sense of responsibility to future generations. Her upbringing emphasized the importance of treating possessions with care and passing them down from one generation to the next. For example, old clothes and toys were passed down and found new life in creative ways. Her parents also taught her to minimize waste, like using ceramic plates instead of disposable plastic ones and reusing supermarket containers to store leftovers. These habits and traditions were simple yet powerful reminders of the importance of sustainability and the impact of everyday choices. In her efforts to live sustainably, Adriana embodies the values she learned in her childhood, proving that sustainability is not just for dedicated environmentalists but a way of life for many Hispanics.
As a dedicated community servant, Adriana balances her time to include giving back despite the demands of academics and extracurriculars. "I give back to my community because I care about it and want it to keep standing long after I'm gone," she says. As the president of both her school’s student council and sorority, Adriana has demonstrated her ability to inspire and mobilize her peers through large-scale community service opportunities. She has led successful events such as school-wide donations, blood drives, and volunteering for local organizations like elderly care facilities and animal shelters. On her own, Adriana has been volunteering at an assisted-living facility since her freshman year, lending a hand to care for its residents. She has also contributed to her community through organizations such as her school's National Honor Society, MEDLIFE, and service club, through events like toy drives and beach clean-ups, further showcasing her commitment to helping others and improving her community.
Adriana is not only a phenomenal leader at school, the varsity volleyball and basketball athlete with sky-high grades and a rigorous course schedule, also demonstrates her academic prowess and exceptional character, becoming a symbol of her unyielding dedication and tenacity. With her sight set on pursuing a degree in Biology with a minor in Cognitive or Behavioral Neuroscience, next fall, Adriana will begin her studies at Villanova University, Columbia University, or the University of Michigan.
SILVER - Ailiani Emmanuelli-Ramirez
Hometown: San Lorenzo, PR
High School: Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas y Tecnología
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
After noticing the growing amount of trash littering her community, school, and home, Ailiani Emmanuelli-Ramirez was motivated to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on plastic pollution and single-use items. Ailiani wanted to shed light on the issue and bring attention to the effects of the virus not only on human health but also on the planet's health. Her research earned her recognition at the Regional Metropolitan Science Fair of Puerto Rico, where she won second place. This recognition was just the beginning of Ailiani's mission.
Ailiani's goal is to create awareness and inspire change through increased public understanding and continued research. Her interest in mechanical engineering combined with her passion for sustainability found a harmonious intersection in the Ailiani who sees an opportunity to work toward reducing contamination in the engineering industry, particularly the automotive sector. She is already working towards this goal, with her next research project focusing on environmental engineering.
"The first step to a more sustainable life is being mindful of how much you consume and how you can limit or reuse things from your daily life," says Ailiani. She has expanded her knowledge of eco-friendly alternatives to everyday practices and items, and she eagerly shares this information with those around her in hopes of spreading awareness and inspiring change.
When Ailiani reflects on how her Hispanic heritage has affected her approach to sustainability, she is reminded of her grandparents. Like many Hispanics have been doing for generations, her grandparents have been practicing sustainability as a way of life for generations, without even realizing it. Although it may be difficult to explain the concepts of zero-waste living and upcycling to them, they have already been incorporating many of these practices into their lives, long before they had a name. Much of Ailiani's ingenuity in being resourceful and efficient is due to the lessons she learned from her grandparents, such as using shoeboxes to organize items in her closet instead of buying storage containers and handmaking gifts for her family and friends rather than purchasing them. These small customs have a significant impact and demonstrate that Hispanics have been living sustainably for a long time, before it was even considered a concept.
Ailiani was troubled by the devastating impact the closure of public schools in Puerto Rico was having on her community. Many students were struggling to keep up with their studies, and opportunities for higher education were rapidly diminishing. She saw the injustice of students who wanted to learn but were unable to do so due to a lack of resources. Recognizing her privilege as a student in a private school, she felt a responsibility to use her advantages to help those in situations different from hers. She began offering free virtual classes in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Math, and English to provide a means for students to continue their education despite the obstacles they faced.
Ailiani has always felt a deep connection to her community, especially during the trying times of quarantine. Despite the challenges, she has been determined to give back in any way she can. Her service work is driven by her love for the environment and her desire to give back to her community. As a member of her school's National Honor Society chapter, she has taken part in beach clean-ups throughout the Puerto Rican East Coast. Ailiani has also worked with the Turtle Group of San Juan, 7 Quillas, to protect leatherback turtles and their nests. Through these experiences, she has become more mindful of her surroundings and strives to minimize her impact on the environment.
Ailiani's leadership qualities and drive for excellence are evident in her academic and extracurricular pursuits. At school, where she maintains a 4.0 GPA, she is a remarkable student who stands out from the rest of her peers. In the classroom, she is a curious learner, always seeking to understand the concepts and applications of every topic covered. Her hard work and dedication have made her a respected figure among students and teachers alike. She will undoubtedly continue her successes as she moves on to study Mechanical Engineering and minor in Environmental Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Stanford University, or the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez Campus.
High School: Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas y Tecnología
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
After noticing the growing amount of trash littering her community, school, and home, Ailiani Emmanuelli-Ramirez was motivated to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on plastic pollution and single-use items. Ailiani wanted to shed light on the issue and bring attention to the effects of the virus not only on human health but also on the planet's health. Her research earned her recognition at the Regional Metropolitan Science Fair of Puerto Rico, where she won second place. This recognition was just the beginning of Ailiani's mission.
Ailiani's goal is to create awareness and inspire change through increased public understanding and continued research. Her interest in mechanical engineering combined with her passion for sustainability found a harmonious intersection in the Ailiani who sees an opportunity to work toward reducing contamination in the engineering industry, particularly the automotive sector. She is already working towards this goal, with her next research project focusing on environmental engineering.
"The first step to a more sustainable life is being mindful of how much you consume and how you can limit or reuse things from your daily life," says Ailiani. She has expanded her knowledge of eco-friendly alternatives to everyday practices and items, and she eagerly shares this information with those around her in hopes of spreading awareness and inspiring change.
When Ailiani reflects on how her Hispanic heritage has affected her approach to sustainability, she is reminded of her grandparents. Like many Hispanics have been doing for generations, her grandparents have been practicing sustainability as a way of life for generations, without even realizing it. Although it may be difficult to explain the concepts of zero-waste living and upcycling to them, they have already been incorporating many of these practices into their lives, long before they had a name. Much of Ailiani's ingenuity in being resourceful and efficient is due to the lessons she learned from her grandparents, such as using shoeboxes to organize items in her closet instead of buying storage containers and handmaking gifts for her family and friends rather than purchasing them. These small customs have a significant impact and demonstrate that Hispanics have been living sustainably for a long time, before it was even considered a concept.
Ailiani was troubled by the devastating impact the closure of public schools in Puerto Rico was having on her community. Many students were struggling to keep up with their studies, and opportunities for higher education were rapidly diminishing. She saw the injustice of students who wanted to learn but were unable to do so due to a lack of resources. Recognizing her privilege as a student in a private school, she felt a responsibility to use her advantages to help those in situations different from hers. She began offering free virtual classes in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Math, and English to provide a means for students to continue their education despite the obstacles they faced.
Ailiani has always felt a deep connection to her community, especially during the trying times of quarantine. Despite the challenges, she has been determined to give back in any way she can. Her service work is driven by her love for the environment and her desire to give back to her community. As a member of her school's National Honor Society chapter, she has taken part in beach clean-ups throughout the Puerto Rican East Coast. Ailiani has also worked with the Turtle Group of San Juan, 7 Quillas, to protect leatherback turtles and their nests. Through these experiences, she has become more mindful of her surroundings and strives to minimize her impact on the environment.
Ailiani's leadership qualities and drive for excellence are evident in her academic and extracurricular pursuits. At school, where she maintains a 4.0 GPA, she is a remarkable student who stands out from the rest of her peers. In the classroom, she is a curious learner, always seeking to understand the concepts and applications of every topic covered. Her hard work and dedication have made her a respected figure among students and teachers alike. She will undoubtedly continue her successes as she moves on to study Mechanical Engineering and minor in Environmental Science at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Stanford University, or the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez Campus.
BRONZE - Belimar Davila
Hometown: Caguas, PR
High School: Thomas Alva Edison School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Belimar Dávila is a Latina with exceptional talent and a vision to make a change in the world through her fashion design aspirations. She is deeply concerned about the negative impact of fast fashion on the environment and has become an advocate for responsible fashion through her research and dedication to sustainability, and a voice for change in her community.
Belimar's interest in sustainable fashion was sparked by a conversation she had with a friend about the fast fashion industry and its effect on the environment. Since then, she has actively researched the topic and is writing a monograph on sustainable solutions to the problem.
Belimar's commitment to sustainability is evident in her school work, where she has used her talents and creativity to raise awareness about environmental issues. In her school, she participated in a fashion show where the clothes worn by the models were donated by other students. She not only donated her own clothes and modeled in the show, but also had the opportunity to select and make the clothes she would wear, showcasing both her design skills and sustainability efforts. Belimar is also a gifted writer and her essays on sustainable fashion solutions demonstrate her deep understanding of the issues and her commitment to fighting fast fashion.
In her junior year, she and a group of classmates tackled the issue of deforestation and its effects on biodiversity. Through their research and presentations, they aimed to educate others on the social and environmental repercussions of the issue and propose a plan of action to address the problem. The group took the initiative to implement a project to plant herbs and flowers that would bring biodiversity to the school grounds.
Belimar's dedication to caring for the environment is a reflection of her personal beliefs and values. She has witnessed the effects of deforestation in her native Puerto Rico and has seen the dangers of unchecked development. Belimar understands the importance of preserving natural resources, not just for the environment but also for the safety and well-being of the people and animals that call these places home. She is conscious of the companies she supports and the impact they have on the environment.
Active in her community, Belimar began volunteering during her sophomore year. As she became increasingly involved in serving her community, the experience became transformative. Beside her environmental activism, she has sought out different ways to contribute to her community, such as creating videos of herself reading children's books for younger kids in her school, organizing webinars on dealing with anxiety, and donating supplies to nonprofit organizations that serve meals to children and the elderly. Belimar's motivation to help others is driven by her desire to make a difference and use her time and resources to support those in need. "Knowing that others can benefit from what I do also motivates me to keep helping," says Belimar. Her commitment to community service stems from her desire to give back and help others.
Belimar's academics are just as impressive as her passion for sustainability. Her math teacher, Prof. Gretchen Figueroa Santiago, has nothing but praise for her, highlighting her outstanding performance, exceptional work, and great analytical ability, describing her as an outstanding student with great honesty and integrity in her intellectual pursuits. Passionate about learning and growth in all areas of her life, Belimar is holistic in her pursuits. She excels as an athlete, dancer, and community servant, and is always seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge in technology.
The young student has big plans for the fashion industry and will major in Fashion Design and minor in Fashion Merchandising while attending the Fashion Institute of Technology, The New School, or Thomas Jefferson University. She hopes to launch her own eco-friendly and sustainable fashion brand in the future, using her platform to advocate for responsible fashion practices.
High School: Thomas Alva Edison School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Belimar Dávila is a Latina with exceptional talent and a vision to make a change in the world through her fashion design aspirations. She is deeply concerned about the negative impact of fast fashion on the environment and has become an advocate for responsible fashion through her research and dedication to sustainability, and a voice for change in her community.
Belimar's interest in sustainable fashion was sparked by a conversation she had with a friend about the fast fashion industry and its effect on the environment. Since then, she has actively researched the topic and is writing a monograph on sustainable solutions to the problem.
Belimar's commitment to sustainability is evident in her school work, where she has used her talents and creativity to raise awareness about environmental issues. In her school, she participated in a fashion show where the clothes worn by the models were donated by other students. She not only donated her own clothes and modeled in the show, but also had the opportunity to select and make the clothes she would wear, showcasing both her design skills and sustainability efforts. Belimar is also a gifted writer and her essays on sustainable fashion solutions demonstrate her deep understanding of the issues and her commitment to fighting fast fashion.
In her junior year, she and a group of classmates tackled the issue of deforestation and its effects on biodiversity. Through their research and presentations, they aimed to educate others on the social and environmental repercussions of the issue and propose a plan of action to address the problem. The group took the initiative to implement a project to plant herbs and flowers that would bring biodiversity to the school grounds.
Belimar's dedication to caring for the environment is a reflection of her personal beliefs and values. She has witnessed the effects of deforestation in her native Puerto Rico and has seen the dangers of unchecked development. Belimar understands the importance of preserving natural resources, not just for the environment but also for the safety and well-being of the people and animals that call these places home. She is conscious of the companies she supports and the impact they have on the environment.
Active in her community, Belimar began volunteering during her sophomore year. As she became increasingly involved in serving her community, the experience became transformative. Beside her environmental activism, she has sought out different ways to contribute to her community, such as creating videos of herself reading children's books for younger kids in her school, organizing webinars on dealing with anxiety, and donating supplies to nonprofit organizations that serve meals to children and the elderly. Belimar's motivation to help others is driven by her desire to make a difference and use her time and resources to support those in need. "Knowing that others can benefit from what I do also motivates me to keep helping," says Belimar. Her commitment to community service stems from her desire to give back and help others.
Belimar's academics are just as impressive as her passion for sustainability. Her math teacher, Prof. Gretchen Figueroa Santiago, has nothing but praise for her, highlighting her outstanding performance, exceptional work, and great analytical ability, describing her as an outstanding student with great honesty and integrity in her intellectual pursuits. Passionate about learning and growth in all areas of her life, Belimar is holistic in her pursuits. She excels as an athlete, dancer, and community servant, and is always seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge in technology.
The young student has big plans for the fashion industry and will major in Fashion Design and minor in Fashion Merchandising while attending the Fashion Institute of Technology, The New School, or Thomas Jefferson University. She hopes to launch her own eco-friendly and sustainable fashion brand in the future, using her platform to advocate for responsible fashion practices.
Technology
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Maria Elena Andreu
Hometown: Guaynabo, PR
High School: Colegio Puertorriqueño de Niñas
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
María Elena Andreu's fascination with the world of cybersecurity began in eighth grade when she attended a GenCyber summer program called Ladies Can Code at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. The experience opened her eyes to the endless possibilities that computer science offers and ignited her passion for the field.
As María Elena, or Malena, as she is fondly known, recounts, it was a life-changing experience that set her on the path to her future career. Ever since that fateful summer, she has been laser-focused on pursuing her dream of becoming a cryptographer. Despite the challenges she has faced, including limited computer science courses at her school and the pandemic's impact, she has refused to give up on her goals. Instead, she has sought out opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills, taking programming courses outside of school and participating in summer programs at Syracuse University, Columbia University, and the MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
Malena's proudest achievement in technology so far is being accepted into the CyberOps course at the Beaver Works Summer Institute 2022, which had an exceedingly rigorous application process. Her acceptance into the program was a significant milestone that affirmed her passion for computer science and exposed her to various areas of cybersecurity. Her diverse experiences in the field have made it hard to focus on just one aspect of cybersecurity, but her dedication and focus have enabled her to excel in all of them.
Diversity and collaboration are values that Malena holds dear, and she recognizes their importance in the STEM fields. As a proud Latina, she is well aware of the unique challenges faced by the Hispanic community when it comes to cybersecurity. She is eager to use her knowledge and skills to help educate others and make virtual protection accessible and affordable for everyone. Malena also believes that diversity in STEM environments is crucial, as it fosters innovation and creativity and allows individuals from different backgrounds to bring their unique perspectives to the table.
But Malena's interests and passions extend beyond the world of technology. She is also committed to giving back to her community and has been dedicated in her support for Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico, an organization close to her heart. Through her participation in a leadership program hosted by the nonprofit, Malena helped establish a chapter of the organization at her school and inspired more than fifty fellow students to get involved. Her commitment to helping those in need is truly inspiring and a testament to her character and values.
Malena's teachers and mentors speak highly of her, recognizing her as a standout student with a bright future ahead. Her chemistry teacher at Colegio Puertorriqueño de Niñas, Gwendolyn Toro, notes that Malena is a goal-setter who strives her best to achieve defined goals. Toro describes Malena as a mature, responsible, and determined student who stands out as one of the brightest students she has encountered in her years of teaching. Her academic achievements speak for themselves, as she received numerous accolades for her academic excellence, including receiving the National Hispanic Recognition Award, being recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, and being a National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist. Beyond academics and the demands of her rigorous curriculum, Malena finds time to collaborate with class activities and get involved in clubs and athletic competitions. She is a distinguished athlete on her school's swimming team.
As she looks forward to the next chapter of her life, Malena is determined to continue pursuing her dreams of becoming a cryptographer. She will be attending Princeton University, Northeastern University, or the University of Michigan, where she will focus on majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Creative Writing. Her prospective areas of study will enable her to bring a unique perspective to the technology industry, as she continues to push boundaries and solve complex problems in her field. With her impressive accomplishments, unwavering work ethic, and boundless curiosity and potential, we know that Malena is poised to make a significant impact in the world of tech. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors and look forward to seeing the incredible things she will achieve in her career.
High School: Colegio Puertorriqueño de Niñas
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
María Elena Andreu's fascination with the world of cybersecurity began in eighth grade when she attended a GenCyber summer program called Ladies Can Code at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. The experience opened her eyes to the endless possibilities that computer science offers and ignited her passion for the field.
As María Elena, or Malena, as she is fondly known, recounts, it was a life-changing experience that set her on the path to her future career. Ever since that fateful summer, she has been laser-focused on pursuing her dream of becoming a cryptographer. Despite the challenges she has faced, including limited computer science courses at her school and the pandemic's impact, she has refused to give up on her goals. Instead, she has sought out opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills, taking programming courses outside of school and participating in summer programs at Syracuse University, Columbia University, and the MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
Malena's proudest achievement in technology so far is being accepted into the CyberOps course at the Beaver Works Summer Institute 2022, which had an exceedingly rigorous application process. Her acceptance into the program was a significant milestone that affirmed her passion for computer science and exposed her to various areas of cybersecurity. Her diverse experiences in the field have made it hard to focus on just one aspect of cybersecurity, but her dedication and focus have enabled her to excel in all of them.
Diversity and collaboration are values that Malena holds dear, and she recognizes their importance in the STEM fields. As a proud Latina, she is well aware of the unique challenges faced by the Hispanic community when it comes to cybersecurity. She is eager to use her knowledge and skills to help educate others and make virtual protection accessible and affordable for everyone. Malena also believes that diversity in STEM environments is crucial, as it fosters innovation and creativity and allows individuals from different backgrounds to bring their unique perspectives to the table.
But Malena's interests and passions extend beyond the world of technology. She is also committed to giving back to her community and has been dedicated in her support for Habitat for Humanity of Puerto Rico, an organization close to her heart. Through her participation in a leadership program hosted by the nonprofit, Malena helped establish a chapter of the organization at her school and inspired more than fifty fellow students to get involved. Her commitment to helping those in need is truly inspiring and a testament to her character and values.
Malena's teachers and mentors speak highly of her, recognizing her as a standout student with a bright future ahead. Her chemistry teacher at Colegio Puertorriqueño de Niñas, Gwendolyn Toro, notes that Malena is a goal-setter who strives her best to achieve defined goals. Toro describes Malena as a mature, responsible, and determined student who stands out as one of the brightest students she has encountered in her years of teaching. Her academic achievements speak for themselves, as she received numerous accolades for her academic excellence, including receiving the National Hispanic Recognition Award, being recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, and being a National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist. Beyond academics and the demands of her rigorous curriculum, Malena finds time to collaborate with class activities and get involved in clubs and athletic competitions. She is a distinguished athlete on her school's swimming team.
As she looks forward to the next chapter of her life, Malena is determined to continue pursuing her dreams of becoming a cryptographer. She will be attending Princeton University, Northeastern University, or the University of Michigan, where she will focus on majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Creative Writing. Her prospective areas of study will enable her to bring a unique perspective to the technology industry, as she continues to push boundaries and solve complex problems in her field. With her impressive accomplishments, unwavering work ethic, and boundless curiosity and potential, we know that Malena is poised to make a significant impact in the world of tech. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors and look forward to seeing the incredible things she will achieve in her career.
SILVER - Martin Fantauzzi
Hometown: San Juan, PR
High School: Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Martín Fantauzzi's fascination with technology began at an early age when he realized the endless possibilities it had to offer. He found himself drawn towards the world of computer science, participating in First Lego League tournaments and earning accolades for his innovative designs. His passion for computer science has been a driving force behind him since his early childhood.
In high school, Martín was always eager to learn more and took electives that were directly related to technology and computers. Along with programming in Python, he took up digital art and computer music, allowing him to hone his creative skills while also refining his technical abilities. When it came time to choose an instrument for the school band, he picked up the electric guitar due to the technology involved in its design.
Martín's summer breaks were always spent pursuing his love for technology. He participated in various pre-college programs to gain more exposure. In 2021, he attended a synthetic biology pre-college summer program at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez, where he studied DNA extraction. In 2022, he volunteered at the Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where he sorted cancer cases by their genetic variations through Python programming. He later took part in the AI4ALL pre-college virtual summer program, hosted by Seattle University, where he collaborated with other students to create a Python algorithm intended to reduce racial biases in the identification and classification of hate crimes for the Seattle Police Department.
Despite his many accomplishments, what sets Martín apart is his commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Martín believes that a diverse group of professionals leads to better designs and products that benefit a broader range of people. His participation in AI4ALL taught him the importance of developers from different backgrounds contributing their perspectives when creating algorithms. He advocates for diversity in STEM not just because it is the more practical route, but because he sees it as the most ethical and humane direction for STEM to move toward.
Martín has witnessed firsthand how underrepresented communities lack support networks and opportunities within tech industries. He believes that mentorship programs are key to addressing this issue head-on. His dedication to diversity is not just talk, as he plans to create or join computational associations specifically geared towards Latinx communities while studying Information Sciences at the college level. In this way, he hopes to build strong relationships and provide guidance to those who may be interested in pursuing a career in technology.
Martín's proudest achievement so far has been his internship at CHOP where he worked alongside top researchers involved in computational biology. Initially unsure if he had enough knowledge or experience in Python programming since he had only completed high school programming courses, Martín extended his Python knowledge and wrote his own script that classified over 80,000 cancer cases by their DNA and RNA sequences. This experience boosted Martín's self-confidence, maturity, and independence.
However, what truly made this experience stand out for Martín was how it connected him with something greater than himself - the fight against cancer. Every day on the train ride into the city, he thought about three generations of women in his family who had all received a cancer diagnosis around the same age. Although their cancer was not inherited according to DNA tests, being part of this project made him feel like he could contribute towards finding answers that may one day help future generations avoid similar struggles.
Martín embodies what it means to be a forward-thinking individual who understands that technology can only be truly transformative if we prioritize inclusivity and diversity as core values within STEM fields. As María Aponte Colón, Martín's college counselor at Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola, has said, he is "independent, noble, creative, multifaceted, tenacious, and hardworking." Martín has stood out for being a high-performance athlete, musician, and for being curious about computers, and he has consistently amazed those around him with his versatility and passion.
Martín's plans after graduating high school are clear – he will attend the University of Maryland, the University of Illinois, or the University of Massachusetts, where he plans to pursue an Information Science degree. With his dedication to diversity and inclusion, Martín hopes to become a leading voice in the tech industry, one that advocates for the ethical and humane use of technology. As he continues to learn and grow, Martín remains committed to using his skills to make a positive impact on the world around him, one that is both practical and grounded in empathy.
High School: Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Martín Fantauzzi's fascination with technology began at an early age when he realized the endless possibilities it had to offer. He found himself drawn towards the world of computer science, participating in First Lego League tournaments and earning accolades for his innovative designs. His passion for computer science has been a driving force behind him since his early childhood.
In high school, Martín was always eager to learn more and took electives that were directly related to technology and computers. Along with programming in Python, he took up digital art and computer music, allowing him to hone his creative skills while also refining his technical abilities. When it came time to choose an instrument for the school band, he picked up the electric guitar due to the technology involved in its design.
Martín's summer breaks were always spent pursuing his love for technology. He participated in various pre-college programs to gain more exposure. In 2021, he attended a synthetic biology pre-college summer program at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez, where he studied DNA extraction. In 2022, he volunteered at the Research Institute of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where he sorted cancer cases by their genetic variations through Python programming. He later took part in the AI4ALL pre-college virtual summer program, hosted by Seattle University, where he collaborated with other students to create a Python algorithm intended to reduce racial biases in the identification and classification of hate crimes for the Seattle Police Department.
Despite his many accomplishments, what sets Martín apart is his commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Martín believes that a diverse group of professionals leads to better designs and products that benefit a broader range of people. His participation in AI4ALL taught him the importance of developers from different backgrounds contributing their perspectives when creating algorithms. He advocates for diversity in STEM not just because it is the more practical route, but because he sees it as the most ethical and humane direction for STEM to move toward.
Martín has witnessed firsthand how underrepresented communities lack support networks and opportunities within tech industries. He believes that mentorship programs are key to addressing this issue head-on. His dedication to diversity is not just talk, as he plans to create or join computational associations specifically geared towards Latinx communities while studying Information Sciences at the college level. In this way, he hopes to build strong relationships and provide guidance to those who may be interested in pursuing a career in technology.
Martín's proudest achievement so far has been his internship at CHOP where he worked alongside top researchers involved in computational biology. Initially unsure if he had enough knowledge or experience in Python programming since he had only completed high school programming courses, Martín extended his Python knowledge and wrote his own script that classified over 80,000 cancer cases by their DNA and RNA sequences. This experience boosted Martín's self-confidence, maturity, and independence.
However, what truly made this experience stand out for Martín was how it connected him with something greater than himself - the fight against cancer. Every day on the train ride into the city, he thought about three generations of women in his family who had all received a cancer diagnosis around the same age. Although their cancer was not inherited according to DNA tests, being part of this project made him feel like he could contribute towards finding answers that may one day help future generations avoid similar struggles.
Martín embodies what it means to be a forward-thinking individual who understands that technology can only be truly transformative if we prioritize inclusivity and diversity as core values within STEM fields. As María Aponte Colón, Martín's college counselor at Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola, has said, he is "independent, noble, creative, multifaceted, tenacious, and hardworking." Martín has stood out for being a high-performance athlete, musician, and for being curious about computers, and he has consistently amazed those around him with his versatility and passion.
Martín's plans after graduating high school are clear – he will attend the University of Maryland, the University of Illinois, or the University of Massachusetts, where he plans to pursue an Information Science degree. With his dedication to diversity and inclusion, Martín hopes to become a leading voice in the tech industry, one that advocates for the ethical and humane use of technology. As he continues to learn and grow, Martín remains committed to using his skills to make a positive impact on the world around him, one that is both practical and grounded in empathy.
BRONZE - Paula Perez
Hometown: Caguas, PR
High School: Thomas Alva Edison School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Paula Pérez, a student at Thomas Alva Edison School, is a remarkable puertorriqueña with a strong passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Her journey to becoming a STEM enthusiast began with her Biology class in tenth grade, where she became fascinated with the human body and the world of living things. Since then, Paula has been actively seeking opportunities to learn more about STEM fields, and her hard work and dedication have led to a string of accomplishments.
One of Paula's most significant achievements was being selected to participate in the "Girls in Science: Join the STEM Movement" program sponsored by the Johnson & Johnson Company. The program was designed to empower 25 Puerto Rican girls interested in STEM, and Paula was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the importance of women in STEM careers. Her passion for gender equality and for helping bridge the gender gap in STEM inspired her to deliver a talk to middle and high school girls, encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM.
Paula's interest continued to grow as she participated in a Synthetic Biology program at the University of Puerto Rico, where she learned about bioreactors, biotechnology, biosecurity, sustainability, bioethics, bioinformatics, genetic circuits, and Synthetic Biology Open Language (SBOL). She then participated in the National Student Leadership Conference's Data Science Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she gained experience in Python coding for data cleaning, analysis, and visualization.
Evidently, Paula is keenly aware of the lack of diversity in STEM, which she further assesses contributes to the limited opportunities in science that already exist for people from underrepresented communities. She is committed to contributing to the diversity in STEM careers, not just for other Hispanics like her, but also for girls from all cultures and ethnicities. Paula believes that diversity in different careers is vital to inspiring and breaking down limiting barriers that have been in place for generations.
Paula's passion for STEM is matched by her commitment to community service. She has been actively involved in several community service projects, including giving breakfast to people without homes in her hometown of Caguas, cleaning the beaches on the coasts of Puerto Rico, tutoring fourth to sixth-graders, and organizing library books at her school. One of her most significant community service projects was an investigation project focused on the coexistence of the deaf community and hearing community in Puerto Rico. Her research inspired Paula to learn American Sign Language (ASL) and share her knowledge, which she did through ASL workshops with one of her close friends, teaching ASL grade by grade and group by group at Thomas Alva Edison School with the hope that it would help others become more conscious of what the deaf community on the island experiences and help improve interactions and connections between the deaf and the hearing in PR to foster more inclusivity and a greater sense of belonging for all.
Paula's Spanish teacher, Glorielys Navarro Laurencio, attests to her qualities and values, recognizing that Paula's excellent academic performance, analytical capabilities, her "effervescent mentality in the face of diverse scenarios," and capacity for research and scientific awareness make her stand out as a student. Navarro Laurencio notes that one of Paula's best qualities is her passion for volunteer work and philanthropy, which has allowed her to contribute to society when it has needed it the most. Paula keeps herself active in organizations dedicated to serving her school community as well as her community at large. These include her school’s Together Club, and its chapters of the National Honor Society and MEDLIFE. She is also a representative of her class on its board of directors.
Throughout her academic and personal endeavors, Paula has demonstrated exceptional dedication, talent, and commitment to STEM and community service. Ready to embark on her next journey, she has her sights set on pursuing a degree in Data Science and a minor in Public Health at the University of Florida, the University of Michigan, or Pennsylvania State University. Paula remains focused on her mission to break down barriers and pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in STEM.
High School: Thomas Alva Edison School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
Paula Pérez, a student at Thomas Alva Edison School, is a remarkable puertorriqueña with a strong passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Her journey to becoming a STEM enthusiast began with her Biology class in tenth grade, where she became fascinated with the human body and the world of living things. Since then, Paula has been actively seeking opportunities to learn more about STEM fields, and her hard work and dedication have led to a string of accomplishments.
One of Paula's most significant achievements was being selected to participate in the "Girls in Science: Join the STEM Movement" program sponsored by the Johnson & Johnson Company. The program was designed to empower 25 Puerto Rican girls interested in STEM, and Paula was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the importance of women in STEM careers. Her passion for gender equality and for helping bridge the gender gap in STEM inspired her to deliver a talk to middle and high school girls, encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM.
Paula's interest continued to grow as she participated in a Synthetic Biology program at the University of Puerto Rico, where she learned about bioreactors, biotechnology, biosecurity, sustainability, bioethics, bioinformatics, genetic circuits, and Synthetic Biology Open Language (SBOL). She then participated in the National Student Leadership Conference's Data Science Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she gained experience in Python coding for data cleaning, analysis, and visualization.
Evidently, Paula is keenly aware of the lack of diversity in STEM, which she further assesses contributes to the limited opportunities in science that already exist for people from underrepresented communities. She is committed to contributing to the diversity in STEM careers, not just for other Hispanics like her, but also for girls from all cultures and ethnicities. Paula believes that diversity in different careers is vital to inspiring and breaking down limiting barriers that have been in place for generations.
Paula's passion for STEM is matched by her commitment to community service. She has been actively involved in several community service projects, including giving breakfast to people without homes in her hometown of Caguas, cleaning the beaches on the coasts of Puerto Rico, tutoring fourth to sixth-graders, and organizing library books at her school. One of her most significant community service projects was an investigation project focused on the coexistence of the deaf community and hearing community in Puerto Rico. Her research inspired Paula to learn American Sign Language (ASL) and share her knowledge, which she did through ASL workshops with one of her close friends, teaching ASL grade by grade and group by group at Thomas Alva Edison School with the hope that it would help others become more conscious of what the deaf community on the island experiences and help improve interactions and connections between the deaf and the hearing in PR to foster more inclusivity and a greater sense of belonging for all.
Paula's Spanish teacher, Glorielys Navarro Laurencio, attests to her qualities and values, recognizing that Paula's excellent academic performance, analytical capabilities, her "effervescent mentality in the face of diverse scenarios," and capacity for research and scientific awareness make her stand out as a student. Navarro Laurencio notes that one of Paula's best qualities is her passion for volunteer work and philanthropy, which has allowed her to contribute to society when it has needed it the most. Paula keeps herself active in organizations dedicated to serving her school community as well as her community at large. These include her school’s Together Club, and its chapters of the National Honor Society and MEDLIFE. She is also a representative of her class on its board of directors.
Throughout her academic and personal endeavors, Paula has demonstrated exceptional dedication, talent, and commitment to STEM and community service. Ready to embark on her next journey, she has her sights set on pursuing a degree in Data Science and a minor in Public Health at the University of Florida, the University of Michigan, or Pennsylvania State University. Paula remains focused on her mission to break down barriers and pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in STEM.
