Blue Region
GOLD - Daniel Campos-Morales
SILVER - Valeria Rosado Rodriguez
BRONZE - Samuel Quintanilla
Burgundy Region
GOLD - Samuel Rivas
SILVER - Hailey Muniz
BRONZE - Jazmin Garza
Green Region
GOLD - Frank Gonzalez
SILVER - Liev Martinez Zolotor
BRONZE - Alex Lopez
Orange Region
GOLD - Anna Gordillo
SILVER - Gabriela Phillips
BRONZE - Giovanny Sierra Rojas
Pink Region
GOLD - Sofia Grimm
SILVER - Nubia Zapata
BRONZE - Daniel Palomino Gomez
Purple Region
GOLD - Valeria Ramirez
SILVER - Jared Esquivel
BRONZE - Andrea Escobar
Red Region
GOLD - Arty Basilio
SILVER - Ana Cristina Cervera
BRONZE - Luiz Moreira
Tan Region
GOLD - Briana Maldonado
SILVER - Mauro Colon Cortes
BRONZE - Dylan Panganiban
Teal Region
GOLD - Kaitlin Kendig
SILVER - Ashley Antunez
BRONZE - Hector Barbosa Ramos
Yellow Region
GOLD - Casey Suarez Ortega
SILVER - Skyler Ortega
BRONZE - Dominic Palmer
Blue Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Daniel Campos-Morales
GOLD
Daniel Campos-Morales
College: Virginia Tech, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Major: Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science
High School: McLean High School
Hometown: Falls Church, VA
Hispanic Heritage: Bolivian
"Blasts of fire narrowly missing my face and swirling magical pillars," recalls Daniel Campos-Morales, describing his exhilarating introduction to Unity game development at the Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS). For this young Bolivian-American student, technology became the bridge between imagination and reality, allowing him to code his childhood superhero dreams into existence. What began as intimidation before a blank Unity cube evolved into mastery of C# programming and the creation of his own superhero character, Daniboy, named after his mother’s affectionate nickname for him. For Daniel, technology isn't just about coding and circuits—it's about representation, with Daniboy now living on the TOYZSTEAM platform, allowing children to see themselves reflected in the superhero world.
The son of a single Bolivian mother, Daniel carries the aspirations of his family and community. "I'm her hope of achieving her dreams because I can access the opportunities the 'American Dream' represents," he shares. His mami's lessons about responsibility and community guide his technological pursuits today, as he works to ensure no voice goes unheard.
Recognizing the lack of STEM opportunities in predominantly Hispanic Title 1 schools, Daniel co-founded the Hispanic Youth Initiative. Every Tuesday, he guides students in building structures from everyday materials, simplifying engineering concepts to make them accessible to 550+ students across three Title 1 elementary schools. Through STEAM day outreach events, he has introduced 150+ students to hands-on engineering experiences, which has gained him recognition from his school district's superintendent.
His technological expertise extends beyond his community work. At the Mark Cuban Foundation's AI Bootcamp, Daniel collaborated with computer scientists, software engineers, and fellow students to address socio-economic issues through technology. Their mental health application concept uses generative AI to create therapeutic connections, demonstrating Daniel's ability to apply technology to real-world challenges. This spirit of innovation continues in his high school's makerspace, where he shifts from calculus calculations to hands-on work with wood, drills, circuitry, and programming to bring pinball machines to life.
Daniel's exceptional technical talents have earned him spots in prestigious programs across the nation. He was 1 of only 100 students selected nationwide for MIT's Weekend Immersion in Science and Technology, 1 of about 150 students chosen from over 2,000 applicants for Caltech Up Close, and 1 of 100 selected from over 1,000 applicants for the Seeking Opportunities at Rice program. Similarly, he earned his spot at MIT’s MITES Semester, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund's Youth Leadership Institute, Cornell Catalyst Academy, and Pathways for Future Engineers at Virginia Tech, to name a few.
Not to mention how his list of accomplishments continues to grow: Co-President of the Science National Honor Society at his school, Co-Chair of the Children's Science Center Youth Advisory Board, and one of only 10 recipients of the Leaders of Tomorrow Award at the Hispanic College Institute. He maintains a 3.88 unweighted GPA while excelling in advanced courses including AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Physics C: Mechanics, Multivariable Calculus, and Linear Algebra. His academic excellence has earned him recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Hispanic Recognition Award recipient, a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, and a QuestBridge National College Match Finalist.
Beyond formal education, Daniel applies his technological skills as a self-employed tutor and member of VEX Robotics. Jenny Fernandez, his counselor, describes him perfectly: "He is impressive on paper but he is also so much more. Anyone would be lucky to get to know him, work with him, and learn with him!”
This fall, he will continue his journey at Virginia Tech, Stanford University, or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he plans to major in electrical engineering with a minor in computer science, building upon his mission to ensure that technology serves and represents all communities.
Daniel Campos-Morales
College: Virginia Tech, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Major: Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science
High School: McLean High School
Hometown: Falls Church, VA
Hispanic Heritage: Bolivian
"Blasts of fire narrowly missing my face and swirling magical pillars," recalls Daniel Campos-Morales, describing his exhilarating introduction to Unity game development at the Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS). For this young Bolivian-American student, technology became the bridge between imagination and reality, allowing him to code his childhood superhero dreams into existence. What began as intimidation before a blank Unity cube evolved into mastery of C# programming and the creation of his own superhero character, Daniboy, named after his mother’s affectionate nickname for him. For Daniel, technology isn't just about coding and circuits—it's about representation, with Daniboy now living on the TOYZSTEAM platform, allowing children to see themselves reflected in the superhero world.
The son of a single Bolivian mother, Daniel carries the aspirations of his family and community. "I'm her hope of achieving her dreams because I can access the opportunities the 'American Dream' represents," he shares. His mami's lessons about responsibility and community guide his technological pursuits today, as he works to ensure no voice goes unheard.
Recognizing the lack of STEM opportunities in predominantly Hispanic Title 1 schools, Daniel co-founded the Hispanic Youth Initiative. Every Tuesday, he guides students in building structures from everyday materials, simplifying engineering concepts to make them accessible to 550+ students across three Title 1 elementary schools. Through STEAM day outreach events, he has introduced 150+ students to hands-on engineering experiences, which has gained him recognition from his school district's superintendent.
His technological expertise extends beyond his community work. At the Mark Cuban Foundation's AI Bootcamp, Daniel collaborated with computer scientists, software engineers, and fellow students to address socio-economic issues through technology. Their mental health application concept uses generative AI to create therapeutic connections, demonstrating Daniel's ability to apply technology to real-world challenges. This spirit of innovation continues in his high school's makerspace, where he shifts from calculus calculations to hands-on work with wood, drills, circuitry, and programming to bring pinball machines to life.
Daniel's exceptional technical talents have earned him spots in prestigious programs across the nation. He was 1 of only 100 students selected nationwide for MIT's Weekend Immersion in Science and Technology, 1 of about 150 students chosen from over 2,000 applicants for Caltech Up Close, and 1 of 100 selected from over 1,000 applicants for the Seeking Opportunities at Rice program. Similarly, he earned his spot at MIT’s MITES Semester, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund's Youth Leadership Institute, Cornell Catalyst Academy, and Pathways for Future Engineers at Virginia Tech, to name a few.
Not to mention how his list of accomplishments continues to grow: Co-President of the Science National Honor Society at his school, Co-Chair of the Children's Science Center Youth Advisory Board, and one of only 10 recipients of the Leaders of Tomorrow Award at the Hispanic College Institute. He maintains a 3.88 unweighted GPA while excelling in advanced courses including AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Physics C: Mechanics, Multivariable Calculus, and Linear Algebra. His academic excellence has earned him recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Hispanic Recognition Award recipient, a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, and a QuestBridge National College Match Finalist.
Beyond formal education, Daniel applies his technological skills as a self-employed tutor and member of VEX Robotics. Jenny Fernandez, his counselor, describes him perfectly: "He is impressive on paper but he is also so much more. Anyone would be lucky to get to know him, work with him, and learn with him!”
This fall, he will continue his journey at Virginia Tech, Stanford University, or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he plans to major in electrical engineering with a minor in computer science, building upon his mission to ensure that technology serves and represents all communities.
SILVER - Valeria Rosado Rodriguez
SILVER
Valeria Rosado Rodriguez
College: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Business
High School: Ocean Lakes High School
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
When middle school students across Virginia Beach log into their Technology Education class, many are now learning to code through a curriculum created by Valeria Rosado Rodriguez. She developed a comprehensive coding module that guides students through building their own battle bots, a project she pitched directly to Virginia Beach's Technology Education Coordinator who immediately integrated it into her city's revamped curriculum.
"I remember loving my coding projects in my middle school tech-ed class but I never imagined I could be the person on the other side designing it," Valeria shares about her senior project that beautifully combines her technological skills with community impact. The curriculum she designed gives her peace knowing her work will inspire the next generation of coders.
Valeria's technological journey began at fourteen when an observant Web Design teacher at her local Advanced Technology Center recognized her exceptional ability to grasp coding concepts. "After a few months, she pulled me aside and told me she could see how fast I was picking up code and that she was gonna sign me up for a coding competition," Valeria recalls. This early vote of confidence sparked a string of impressive technical achievements.
Developing her coding prowess through dedicated practice, Valeria earned certifications in HTML, CSS, JavaScript through Microsoft, and C# through NOCTI. Her technical excellence earned her first place at the Virginia Technology Student Association Web Design competition, first place in the WHRO Great Computer Challenge, and the title of Advanced Web Design Student of the Year at her school. At just fifteen, she stood among the nation's best at the Technology Student Association National Competition in Louisville, having guided her team to a state championship as their project manager.
Her success in competitive arenas continues to grow. In 2024, Valeria claimed first place in the Future Business Leader event at the state level Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competition, adding to her 2022 fourth-place finish in Social Media Strategies. Last summer, while completing an engineering program at Virginia Tech, she secured the first-place trophy in an international cyber security competition, further showcasing her technical capabilities.
As the Virginia FBLA State Vice President, Valeria merges her technological talents with leadership skills. She works closely with Project ASK, a non-profit supporting families of children with cancer, creating marketing strategies and organizing fundraisers that have generated over $3,000 and assisted more than 1,000 families annually.
The daughter of a healthcare worker, Valeria inherited her mother's commitment to improving lives. "Growing up, I saw my mother work long hours in the hospital and her lab. I would see the tireless work she put into improving others' lives," she explains. This inspiration fuels her community service, whether developing technology safety presentations for elementary school students or working to expand technology education access to underserved communities.
As a Puerto Rican woman in technology, Valeria recognizes the significance of her presence in a field where Latino representation remains limited. "With my Puerto Rican background, I understand the loneliness of being in a technology field with people who do not look like me," she shares. Rather than being discouraged, she embraces her role as a trailblazer, volunteering at elementary schools, where she gets to become the role model she never had, showing young Latinas they belong in technology careers.
Valeria's school counselor, Angella Heerema, describes her as "extremely focused, compassionate, dedicated and fun-spirited" with an "altruistic leadership style." These qualities shine through her active membership in National Technical Honor Society and Women in Technology, where she helps forge pathways for other young women to succeed in tech fields.
When not coding or leading, Valeria demonstrates her versatility as a varsity lacrosse player at Ocean Lakes High School and ballet dancer at Moonlight Dance Studio. She tackles challenging coursework including Advanced Software and Game Development, AP Physics II, and AP Calculus BC, all while maintaining excellence that earned her the Ocean Lakes Academic Letter.
This fall, Valeria will attend Virginia Tech's College of Engineering to study computer science with a minor in business, expanding her family's educational legacy. Her acceptance—secured through an on-site admissions decision in September—marks a meaningful milestone for her family, making her the first among them to attend college in the US, and a continuation of her mission to increase Hispanic representation in technology.
Valeria Rosado Rodriguez
College: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Business
High School: Ocean Lakes High School
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
When middle school students across Virginia Beach log into their Technology Education class, many are now learning to code through a curriculum created by Valeria Rosado Rodriguez. She developed a comprehensive coding module that guides students through building their own battle bots, a project she pitched directly to Virginia Beach's Technology Education Coordinator who immediately integrated it into her city's revamped curriculum.
"I remember loving my coding projects in my middle school tech-ed class but I never imagined I could be the person on the other side designing it," Valeria shares about her senior project that beautifully combines her technological skills with community impact. The curriculum she designed gives her peace knowing her work will inspire the next generation of coders.
Valeria's technological journey began at fourteen when an observant Web Design teacher at her local Advanced Technology Center recognized her exceptional ability to grasp coding concepts. "After a few months, she pulled me aside and told me she could see how fast I was picking up code and that she was gonna sign me up for a coding competition," Valeria recalls. This early vote of confidence sparked a string of impressive technical achievements.
Developing her coding prowess through dedicated practice, Valeria earned certifications in HTML, CSS, JavaScript through Microsoft, and C# through NOCTI. Her technical excellence earned her first place at the Virginia Technology Student Association Web Design competition, first place in the WHRO Great Computer Challenge, and the title of Advanced Web Design Student of the Year at her school. At just fifteen, she stood among the nation's best at the Technology Student Association National Competition in Louisville, having guided her team to a state championship as their project manager.
Her success in competitive arenas continues to grow. In 2024, Valeria claimed first place in the Future Business Leader event at the state level Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competition, adding to her 2022 fourth-place finish in Social Media Strategies. Last summer, while completing an engineering program at Virginia Tech, she secured the first-place trophy in an international cyber security competition, further showcasing her technical capabilities.
As the Virginia FBLA State Vice President, Valeria merges her technological talents with leadership skills. She works closely with Project ASK, a non-profit supporting families of children with cancer, creating marketing strategies and organizing fundraisers that have generated over $3,000 and assisted more than 1,000 families annually.
The daughter of a healthcare worker, Valeria inherited her mother's commitment to improving lives. "Growing up, I saw my mother work long hours in the hospital and her lab. I would see the tireless work she put into improving others' lives," she explains. This inspiration fuels her community service, whether developing technology safety presentations for elementary school students or working to expand technology education access to underserved communities.
As a Puerto Rican woman in technology, Valeria recognizes the significance of her presence in a field where Latino representation remains limited. "With my Puerto Rican background, I understand the loneliness of being in a technology field with people who do not look like me," she shares. Rather than being discouraged, she embraces her role as a trailblazer, volunteering at elementary schools, where she gets to become the role model she never had, showing young Latinas they belong in technology careers.
Valeria's school counselor, Angella Heerema, describes her as "extremely focused, compassionate, dedicated and fun-spirited" with an "altruistic leadership style." These qualities shine through her active membership in National Technical Honor Society and Women in Technology, where she helps forge pathways for other young women to succeed in tech fields.
When not coding or leading, Valeria demonstrates her versatility as a varsity lacrosse player at Ocean Lakes High School and ballet dancer at Moonlight Dance Studio. She tackles challenging coursework including Advanced Software and Game Development, AP Physics II, and AP Calculus BC, all while maintaining excellence that earned her the Ocean Lakes Academic Letter.
This fall, Valeria will attend Virginia Tech's College of Engineering to study computer science with a minor in business, expanding her family's educational legacy. Her acceptance—secured through an on-site admissions decision in September—marks a meaningful milestone for her family, making her the first among them to attend college in the US, and a continuation of her mission to increase Hispanic representation in technology.
BRONZE - Samuel Quintanilla
BRONZE
Samuel Quintanilla
College: University of Maryland, Baltimore County, University of Maryland - College Park, Montgomery College
Major: Information Systems with minors in Data Science and Mathematics
High School: Wheaton High School
Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
Hispanic Heritage: Peruvian & Salvadoran
During the quiet hours of quarantine when most teenagers simply played games, Samuel Quintanilla became fascinated with something more substantial—the hardware that powered his virtual adventures. "Video over video I got more and more interested," says this remarkable student of Peruvian and Salvadoran heritage, describing how his curiosity about gaming PCs launched him into the world of technology.
When asked about his proudest achievement in the category, Samuel remembers the time when his technological talent shone brightest while at the FDA Code-A-Thon Hackathon in 2024, where his team developed RescueRx—an application prototype designed to combat drug overdoses by providing critical resources to potential victims. "This was the biggest achievement for me because it showed me that I can complete great things for a benevolent cause on a big stage," Samuel reflects. After weeks of intense preparation and numerous Zoom collaborations, his team created an app that balanced maximum reach with profitability, impressing the judges and securing first place.
This victory builds upon Samuel's earlier success in the AP Computer Science Principles Hackathon in 2022, establishing a pattern of excellence in competitive technological environments. His academic achievements match his competitive prowess, earning recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction in 2024, following his AP Scholar with Honor award from 2023. These accolades complement his selection for both the National Hispanic Recognition Program in 2023 and the National First-Generation Recognition Program in 2024.
At Wheaton High School, Samuel maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while pursuing a rigorous schedule, which includes advanced computer science and mathematics coursework. His technical curriculum includes AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Calculus AB, supplemented by dual enrollment classes in Object Oriented Programming with C++, Computer Science 2, Calculus 2, just to name a few. Through these classes, Samuel has mastered multiple programming languages—JavaScript, Java, Python, and C++—creating a strong foundation for his technological future.
"What I really liked about teaching Samuel was his desire to go beyond the curriculum or material being taught," says his calculus teacher Alex Helberg. "He challenged me as a teacher and made me understand items well beyond what I had." In Wheaton's project-based learning environment, Samuel thrives through both leadership and collaboration. Helberg observed that Samuel "understood how to take the lead and direct the group through the work" while also knowing "when to take a backseat and let others lead"—a versatility that serves him well in team settings.
Outside the classroom, Samuel applies his technological knowledge across multiple platforms. He actively participates in the Hardware Club, Computer Science Knights, and Coding & Gaming Club, continuously expanding his technical knowledge. These skills transfer to his job as a Computer Sales Associate, where he guides customers through technological decisions with expertise and patience.
Samuel's commitment to his community manifests through his service as an ambassador for both the Academy of Information Technology and Thomas Edison High School of Technology. In these roles, he delivers presentations about educational opportunities to younger students, ensuring they are aware of and understand pathways he initially found challenging to navigate. "Thus, students would have the opportunity to understand the opportunities that I initially may not have known so they have more of a seamless process when entering their high school experience," he explains.
His service extends to his peers as well, working as a tutor and college resource consultant. Samuel provides free guidance on registering for dual enrollment classes, helping others take advantage of college credit opportunities. "Seeing how my peers enjoy learning through these new experiences has been a blessing," he shares. "I couldn't be happier with the work that I currently do.”
Samuel's Hispanic heritage—a blend of Peruvian and Salvadoran cultures—shapes his perspective on technology and motivates his advocacy. "Relative to other communities, the Latinx/Hispanic community is just a small percentage of the workforce in the technological fields," he notes. This awareness drives his proposals to amplify Hispanic voices in digital workspaces through targeted surveys and partnerships with technology companies, ensuring diverse perspectives shape future innovations.
This fall, Samuel will begin his studies towards an information systems major and minors in data science and mathematics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the University of Maryland - College Park, or Montgomery College. As he moves from gaming enthusiast to award-winning developer, Samuel carries forward both his technological excellence and his mission to increase Hispanic representation in technology fields.
Samuel Quintanilla
College: University of Maryland, Baltimore County, University of Maryland - College Park, Montgomery College
Major: Information Systems with minors in Data Science and Mathematics
High School: Wheaton High School
Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
Hispanic Heritage: Peruvian & Salvadoran
During the quiet hours of quarantine when most teenagers simply played games, Samuel Quintanilla became fascinated with something more substantial—the hardware that powered his virtual adventures. "Video over video I got more and more interested," says this remarkable student of Peruvian and Salvadoran heritage, describing how his curiosity about gaming PCs launched him into the world of technology.
When asked about his proudest achievement in the category, Samuel remembers the time when his technological talent shone brightest while at the FDA Code-A-Thon Hackathon in 2024, where his team developed RescueRx—an application prototype designed to combat drug overdoses by providing critical resources to potential victims. "This was the biggest achievement for me because it showed me that I can complete great things for a benevolent cause on a big stage," Samuel reflects. After weeks of intense preparation and numerous Zoom collaborations, his team created an app that balanced maximum reach with profitability, impressing the judges and securing first place.
This victory builds upon Samuel's earlier success in the AP Computer Science Principles Hackathon in 2022, establishing a pattern of excellence in competitive technological environments. His academic achievements match his competitive prowess, earning recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction in 2024, following his AP Scholar with Honor award from 2023. These accolades complement his selection for both the National Hispanic Recognition Program in 2023 and the National First-Generation Recognition Program in 2024.
At Wheaton High School, Samuel maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while pursuing a rigorous schedule, which includes advanced computer science and mathematics coursework. His technical curriculum includes AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Calculus AB, supplemented by dual enrollment classes in Object Oriented Programming with C++, Computer Science 2, Calculus 2, just to name a few. Through these classes, Samuel has mastered multiple programming languages—JavaScript, Java, Python, and C++—creating a strong foundation for his technological future.
"What I really liked about teaching Samuel was his desire to go beyond the curriculum or material being taught," says his calculus teacher Alex Helberg. "He challenged me as a teacher and made me understand items well beyond what I had." In Wheaton's project-based learning environment, Samuel thrives through both leadership and collaboration. Helberg observed that Samuel "understood how to take the lead and direct the group through the work" while also knowing "when to take a backseat and let others lead"—a versatility that serves him well in team settings.
Outside the classroom, Samuel applies his technological knowledge across multiple platforms. He actively participates in the Hardware Club, Computer Science Knights, and Coding & Gaming Club, continuously expanding his technical knowledge. These skills transfer to his job as a Computer Sales Associate, where he guides customers through technological decisions with expertise and patience.
Samuel's commitment to his community manifests through his service as an ambassador for both the Academy of Information Technology and Thomas Edison High School of Technology. In these roles, he delivers presentations about educational opportunities to younger students, ensuring they are aware of and understand pathways he initially found challenging to navigate. "Thus, students would have the opportunity to understand the opportunities that I initially may not have known so they have more of a seamless process when entering their high school experience," he explains.
His service extends to his peers as well, working as a tutor and college resource consultant. Samuel provides free guidance on registering for dual enrollment classes, helping others take advantage of college credit opportunities. "Seeing how my peers enjoy learning through these new experiences has been a blessing," he shares. "I couldn't be happier with the work that I currently do.”
Samuel's Hispanic heritage—a blend of Peruvian and Salvadoran cultures—shapes his perspective on technology and motivates his advocacy. "Relative to other communities, the Latinx/Hispanic community is just a small percentage of the workforce in the technological fields," he notes. This awareness drives his proposals to amplify Hispanic voices in digital workspaces through targeted surveys and partnerships with technology companies, ensuring diverse perspectives shape future innovations.
This fall, Samuel will begin his studies towards an information systems major and minors in data science and mathematics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the University of Maryland - College Park, or Montgomery College. As he moves from gaming enthusiast to award-winning developer, Samuel carries forward both his technological excellence and his mission to increase Hispanic representation in technology fields.
Burgundy Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Samuel Rivas
GOLD
Samuel Rivas
College: Harvey Mudd College, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Dallas
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Finance
High School: Franklin High School
Hometown: El Paso, TX
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Samuel Rivas's technology journey began with childlike wonder, watching YouTubers and playing games on an Apple tablet at age four. What started with "clicking cookies and shooting angry birds" evolved into something much more sophisticated during his high school years at Franklin High School in El Paso, Texas.
As a tenth grader, Samuel found himself captivated by the binary search algorithm. "It was like an opiate, addictive, trying to understand something so complex," he recalls of the day he spent wrestling with the concept after school. This intellectual fascination marked the beginning of a serious commitment to coding for this remarkable Latino.
The summer before his senior year, Samuel devoted himself to mastering his craft, spending 10 hours daily teaching himself to code. This intensive self-education led to the creation of Harm Scanner. Using Optical Character Recognition technology, Harm Scanner, a web app, compares product labels against California's Proposition 65 list of potentially harmful substances, helping users—particularly pregnant women like his calculus teacher who inspired the project—identify potential health hazards in everyday products.
Samuel's coding excellence has earned him numerous competitive victories. He secured first place at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) in the Team Competitive Programming category in 2022, followed by second place in UIL Computer Science in 2023. His winning streak continued in 2024 with a first-place finish in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Website Coding and Development competition. These achievements showcase his growing mastery of multiple programming languages including JavaScript, React.js, and Java.
While maintaining a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA, Samuel challenges himself with college-level coursework including Calculus III, AP Calculus BC, and Onramps Physics. His academic prowess has earned him recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Merit Scholar Semi-finalist, and a National Hispanic Recognition Program honoree in 2024.
Recognizing the lack of computer science interest in his community, Samuel founded a STEM Club at his high school, mentoring fellow students in coding with Microsoft Visual Studio. This initiative reflects his understanding of the digital divide affecting Latino communities—an awareness shaped by his Mexican heritage and experiences with family members like his grandmother, who uses a flip phone in a town where WiFi is scarce.
Samuel's technical contributions extend beyond his school to the wider programming community. He has contributed to open-source software through the Apache SOLR project by the Apache Software Foundation, gaining real-world experience in collaborative development.
His Computer Science teacher, Daniel Quinones, describes Samuel as "conscientious, creative, disciplined, flexible, honest, humble, optimistic, patient, persistent, resilient, sincere, and having a great sense of ambition." These qualities are evident in Samuel's approach to personal growth: "I strive every single day to work harder than I did the previous day. I strive every day to be smarter than I was the previous day.”
Beyond his technological pursuits, Samuel remains engaged in school activities through participation in FBLA, TSA, National Honor Society, Student Council, and Basketball Club. He also volunteers at Child Protective Services, helping curate school supplies and Christmas presents for foster children.
Looking toward the future, Samuel will study computer science with a minor in finance at Harvey Mudd College, the University of Texas at Austin, or the University of Texas at Dallas. With his technical skills and vision for accessible technology, he aspires to create software solutions for societal challenges, including improving immigration application processes to make them more accessible to people with varying levels of literacy—a goal that combines his technical abilities with his commitment to his community.
Samuel Rivas
College: Harvey Mudd College, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Dallas
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Finance
High School: Franklin High School
Hometown: El Paso, TX
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Samuel Rivas's technology journey began with childlike wonder, watching YouTubers and playing games on an Apple tablet at age four. What started with "clicking cookies and shooting angry birds" evolved into something much more sophisticated during his high school years at Franklin High School in El Paso, Texas.
As a tenth grader, Samuel found himself captivated by the binary search algorithm. "It was like an opiate, addictive, trying to understand something so complex," he recalls of the day he spent wrestling with the concept after school. This intellectual fascination marked the beginning of a serious commitment to coding for this remarkable Latino.
The summer before his senior year, Samuel devoted himself to mastering his craft, spending 10 hours daily teaching himself to code. This intensive self-education led to the creation of Harm Scanner. Using Optical Character Recognition technology, Harm Scanner, a web app, compares product labels against California's Proposition 65 list of potentially harmful substances, helping users—particularly pregnant women like his calculus teacher who inspired the project—identify potential health hazards in everyday products.
Samuel's coding excellence has earned him numerous competitive victories. He secured first place at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) in the Team Competitive Programming category in 2022, followed by second place in UIL Computer Science in 2023. His winning streak continued in 2024 with a first-place finish in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Website Coding and Development competition. These achievements showcase his growing mastery of multiple programming languages including JavaScript, React.js, and Java.
While maintaining a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA, Samuel challenges himself with college-level coursework including Calculus III, AP Calculus BC, and Onramps Physics. His academic prowess has earned him recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Merit Scholar Semi-finalist, and a National Hispanic Recognition Program honoree in 2024.
Recognizing the lack of computer science interest in his community, Samuel founded a STEM Club at his high school, mentoring fellow students in coding with Microsoft Visual Studio. This initiative reflects his understanding of the digital divide affecting Latino communities—an awareness shaped by his Mexican heritage and experiences with family members like his grandmother, who uses a flip phone in a town where WiFi is scarce.
Samuel's technical contributions extend beyond his school to the wider programming community. He has contributed to open-source software through the Apache SOLR project by the Apache Software Foundation, gaining real-world experience in collaborative development.
His Computer Science teacher, Daniel Quinones, describes Samuel as "conscientious, creative, disciplined, flexible, honest, humble, optimistic, patient, persistent, resilient, sincere, and having a great sense of ambition." These qualities are evident in Samuel's approach to personal growth: "I strive every single day to work harder than I did the previous day. I strive every day to be smarter than I was the previous day.”
Beyond his technological pursuits, Samuel remains engaged in school activities through participation in FBLA, TSA, National Honor Society, Student Council, and Basketball Club. He also volunteers at Child Protective Services, helping curate school supplies and Christmas presents for foster children.
Looking toward the future, Samuel will study computer science with a minor in finance at Harvey Mudd College, the University of Texas at Austin, or the University of Texas at Dallas. With his technical skills and vision for accessible technology, he aspires to create software solutions for societal challenges, including improving immigration application processes to make them more accessible to people with varying levels of literacy—a goal that combines his technical abilities with his commitment to his community.
SILVER - Hailey Muniz
SILVER
Hailey Muniz
College: Texas A&M University - San Antonio, University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M University
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Cybersecurity
High School: Travis Early College High School
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
When Hailey Muniz steps into a room of collegiate cybersecurity competitors, few would guess they're facing a high school student. Yet there she stands—ranking in the top 40% of national collegiate teams in HIVESTORM and placing 2228 out of 8502 participants in the National Cyber League. These achievements might seem improbable for a teenager, but they're perfectly in character for this San Antonio native who's quietly building her technical arsenal.
Her journey into technology began with a simple introduction to the family computer by her father—a moment that ignited a spark that would lead to building, coding, and securing digital worlds. From those early moments of curiosity to her current position as a budding cybersecurity expert, Hailey has crafted a path marked by determination and innovation.
Sorting out the future one bin at a time!" That's how Hailey introduced Bin Bot, the AI-powered trash can she helped develop as Chief Technology Officer at the Transformational Leadership Academy. Her technical prowess shone as she created a mockup app enabling remote management of this smart waste-sorting solution. The project culminated in a Shark Tank-style presentation where her team clinched first place at the 2024 Jaguar Innovation Challenge, validating Hailey's ability to create technology with genuine societal impact.
This victory is just one highlight in Hailey's impressive technological portfolio. She earned a Google UX Design Certificate in 2024, dedicating over 200 hours to mastering UX research fundamentals, inclusive design frameworks, and both low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototyping. As part of her certification, she created a comprehensive museum app and website that streamlines the visitor experience, allowing art enthusiasts to discover exhibitions, access information, and schedule visits seamlessly across devices. Her museum project features intuitive navigation and thoughtful design elements aimed at connecting users with content they value.
Despite living away from her parents during the school week to attend Travis Early College High School, Hailey has embraced every opportunity to grow her technical skills. Her mother's words about the value of a college degree helped fortify Hailey's resolve to continue her education. That decision has paid off, as she now stands poised to become the first in her family to graduate from college this May.
Hailey’s academic journey includes dual-credit courses like Introduction to Computing and college-level mathematics through AP Calculus. Impressively, Hailey has earned As in all of her San Antonio College (SAC) course grades, landing her among the top students in her graduating class and consistently on the Presidential List with thirty-one SAC Academic Badges.
Beyond academics, Hailey immerses herself in multiple technology-focused activities. As a member of Girls Who Code, she created three Python projects that combine her cybersecurity knowledge with programming. Through the San Antonio College Cyber Club, she tests her skills in Capture the Flag challenges, where she applies cryptography and problem-solving to identify vulnerabilities. The Travis Computer Science Club provides additional opportunities to expand her Python expertise.
"Growing up, I felt a lack of representation of the Hispanic community in this industry," Hailey notes, recognizing how her Mexican heritage shapes her approach to technology. She points to real-world examples of technology failing diverse users, like an AI application that generated Spanish responses based solely on a worker's Mexican name when English was needed. These observations fuel her commitment to creating more inclusive digital experiences.
Her broad interests include founding the Travis Book Club, where she organizes trips to local book signing and author events and promotes the joy of reading in her community. Her work as a communications intern with San Antonio Independent School District even landed her on local television news. At a district fundraiser, she advocated for the Cyber Bus—a converted bus becoming a mobile computer lab bringing robotics, coding, and cybersecurity to students across her district.
Recognizing the value of representation in technology fields and armed with her impressive technical skills and vision for inclusive technology, Hailey looks toward a future where she can help create educational equity in STEM. This fall, she will attend Texas A&M University-San Antonio, the University of Texas at San Antonio, or Texas A&M University to study computer science with a minor in cybersecurity.
Hailey Muniz
College: Texas A&M University - San Antonio, University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas A&M University
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Cybersecurity
High School: Travis Early College High School
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
When Hailey Muniz steps into a room of collegiate cybersecurity competitors, few would guess they're facing a high school student. Yet there she stands—ranking in the top 40% of national collegiate teams in HIVESTORM and placing 2228 out of 8502 participants in the National Cyber League. These achievements might seem improbable for a teenager, but they're perfectly in character for this San Antonio native who's quietly building her technical arsenal.
Her journey into technology began with a simple introduction to the family computer by her father—a moment that ignited a spark that would lead to building, coding, and securing digital worlds. From those early moments of curiosity to her current position as a budding cybersecurity expert, Hailey has crafted a path marked by determination and innovation.
Sorting out the future one bin at a time!" That's how Hailey introduced Bin Bot, the AI-powered trash can she helped develop as Chief Technology Officer at the Transformational Leadership Academy. Her technical prowess shone as she created a mockup app enabling remote management of this smart waste-sorting solution. The project culminated in a Shark Tank-style presentation where her team clinched first place at the 2024 Jaguar Innovation Challenge, validating Hailey's ability to create technology with genuine societal impact.
This victory is just one highlight in Hailey's impressive technological portfolio. She earned a Google UX Design Certificate in 2024, dedicating over 200 hours to mastering UX research fundamentals, inclusive design frameworks, and both low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototyping. As part of her certification, she created a comprehensive museum app and website that streamlines the visitor experience, allowing art enthusiasts to discover exhibitions, access information, and schedule visits seamlessly across devices. Her museum project features intuitive navigation and thoughtful design elements aimed at connecting users with content they value.
Despite living away from her parents during the school week to attend Travis Early College High School, Hailey has embraced every opportunity to grow her technical skills. Her mother's words about the value of a college degree helped fortify Hailey's resolve to continue her education. That decision has paid off, as she now stands poised to become the first in her family to graduate from college this May.
Hailey’s academic journey includes dual-credit courses like Introduction to Computing and college-level mathematics through AP Calculus. Impressively, Hailey has earned As in all of her San Antonio College (SAC) course grades, landing her among the top students in her graduating class and consistently on the Presidential List with thirty-one SAC Academic Badges.
Beyond academics, Hailey immerses herself in multiple technology-focused activities. As a member of Girls Who Code, she created three Python projects that combine her cybersecurity knowledge with programming. Through the San Antonio College Cyber Club, she tests her skills in Capture the Flag challenges, where she applies cryptography and problem-solving to identify vulnerabilities. The Travis Computer Science Club provides additional opportunities to expand her Python expertise.
"Growing up, I felt a lack of representation of the Hispanic community in this industry," Hailey notes, recognizing how her Mexican heritage shapes her approach to technology. She points to real-world examples of technology failing diverse users, like an AI application that generated Spanish responses based solely on a worker's Mexican name when English was needed. These observations fuel her commitment to creating more inclusive digital experiences.
Her broad interests include founding the Travis Book Club, where she organizes trips to local book signing and author events and promotes the joy of reading in her community. Her work as a communications intern with San Antonio Independent School District even landed her on local television news. At a district fundraiser, she advocated for the Cyber Bus—a converted bus becoming a mobile computer lab bringing robotics, coding, and cybersecurity to students across her district.
Recognizing the value of representation in technology fields and armed with her impressive technical skills and vision for inclusive technology, Hailey looks toward a future where she can help create educational equity in STEM. This fall, she will attend Texas A&M University-San Antonio, the University of Texas at San Antonio, or Texas A&M University to study computer science with a minor in cybersecurity.
BRONZE - Jazmin Garza
BRONZE
Jazmin Garza
College: Columbia University, University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University
Major: Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Engineering
High School: South Texas ISD Science Academy
Hometown: Alamo, TX
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
While watching her grandparents interrupt weekend meals of caldo de pollo to check their glucose levels, Jazmin Garza glimpsed her future. These moments sparked her mission to create medical technology that wouldn't interrupt life's precious moments—technology that would work with humans rather than asking humans to work around it.
This vision came to life when Jazmin was selected as one of just four students for the PATHS-UP Young Scholar program at Texas A&M University's Optical Bio-Sensing Laboratory. There, she developed a wearable heart rate and blood pressure monitor that works by using light to measure changes in blood volume under the wearer’s skin. After weeks of fine-tuning algorithms to improve accuracy, her non-invasive system became reality—earning her a National Science Foundation research award stipend and bringing her one step closer to creating technology that lets people enjoy life uninterrupted.
One of Jazmin's earlier engineering ventures was her "Passive Alerting Device"—a wearable technology designed to help people with hearing impairments detect dangerous sounds. The device worked by alerting users to potential dangers in their environment by vibrating when it detected how loud noises. Using C++ programming, CAD modeling, and circuit design, this invention marked the beginning of her journey in electrical engineering.
Her technical talents have earned Jazmin a number of impressive accolades. She placed third nationally and first at the state level in the Technology Student Association competitions for Data Science and Analytics in 2024. That same year, she was named a National Alternate in AI & Business Prepared Speech, building on her 10th place national finish in Technology Innovation Presentation in 2023. In 2024 she also earned a spot in Columbia University’s selective Engineering Preview at Columbia program, where she had the opportunity to learn more about Columbia Engineering and attend college admissions workshops.
Jazmin's research portfolio continues to grow through her involvement with various programs. As a participant in the NASA High School Aerospace Scholars Program, she pursued aerospace engineering and physics alongside other exceptional students. At the Rice University Genetic Engineering Institute, her work earned her a research award in 2024, with her project poster showcasing her contributions to synthetic biology applications.
At South Texas ISD Science Academy, Jazmin maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while conquering an advanced curriculum that includes dual AP Computer Science courses, AP Physics 2, and AP Calculus BC. Her academic excellence placed her among the Coca-Cola Scholars Semifinalists—an honor extended to merely 1% of applicants.
As President of her school's Girls Who Code chapter for three consecutive years, Jazmin mentors aspiring female engineers and computer scientists. Under her leadership, the chapter explores various technology curricula, with Jazmin personally earning certification in the Data Science & AI track of the program's Summer Self-Paced Program.
For this young Latina, her Mexican heritage provides a source of strength and motivation. She traces her determination to her great-grandfather, a Bracero who left Mexico for opportunities in the United States. Her paper "The Corridos of Braceros," which earned the "Outstanding" title in the Texas Music Teachers Association's state convention Publication Contest, honors this legacy and connects her work ethic to generations past.
When South Texas community leaders and industry representatives gathered to discuss college and career readiness, Jazmin seized the microphone. Speaking on behalf of students in predominantly Hispanic communities, she addressed the underfunding of schools in these areas and how limited educational resources restrict access to advanced courses, modern equipment, and exposure to career pathways. "This was not just a matter of resources," she explains, "it was a barrier to the dreams of countless Hispanic students.”
Beyond her technological and academic pursuits, Jazmin holds multiple leadership positions. As Student Council President, she voices student concerns directly to the Superintendent and helps shape district-wide educational goals through her role on the STISD Educational Improvement Council. She leads the National Honor Society in expanding service projects and serves as Vice President of Business Professionals of America, where she manages chapter operations and prepares members for competitions.
Community service occupies a special place in Jazmin's heart. As President of the Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas for two years, she organized fundraisers to provide mammogram exams for uninsured women—a cause close to her after watching loved ones battle breast cancer. She has also coordinated donation drives for children in local hospitals, ensuring they receive comfort during challenging times.
This fall, Jazmin will begin her studies in electrical and computer engineering at Columbia University, the University of Texas at Austin, or Texas A&M University, where she'll continue developing technology that makes life better for all.
Jazmin Garza
College: Columbia University, University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University
Major: Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Engineering
High School: South Texas ISD Science Academy
Hometown: Alamo, TX
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
While watching her grandparents interrupt weekend meals of caldo de pollo to check their glucose levels, Jazmin Garza glimpsed her future. These moments sparked her mission to create medical technology that wouldn't interrupt life's precious moments—technology that would work with humans rather than asking humans to work around it.
This vision came to life when Jazmin was selected as one of just four students for the PATHS-UP Young Scholar program at Texas A&M University's Optical Bio-Sensing Laboratory. There, she developed a wearable heart rate and blood pressure monitor that works by using light to measure changes in blood volume under the wearer’s skin. After weeks of fine-tuning algorithms to improve accuracy, her non-invasive system became reality—earning her a National Science Foundation research award stipend and bringing her one step closer to creating technology that lets people enjoy life uninterrupted.
One of Jazmin's earlier engineering ventures was her "Passive Alerting Device"—a wearable technology designed to help people with hearing impairments detect dangerous sounds. The device worked by alerting users to potential dangers in their environment by vibrating when it detected how loud noises. Using C++ programming, CAD modeling, and circuit design, this invention marked the beginning of her journey in electrical engineering.
Her technical talents have earned Jazmin a number of impressive accolades. She placed third nationally and first at the state level in the Technology Student Association competitions for Data Science and Analytics in 2024. That same year, she was named a National Alternate in AI & Business Prepared Speech, building on her 10th place national finish in Technology Innovation Presentation in 2023. In 2024 she also earned a spot in Columbia University’s selective Engineering Preview at Columbia program, where she had the opportunity to learn more about Columbia Engineering and attend college admissions workshops.
Jazmin's research portfolio continues to grow through her involvement with various programs. As a participant in the NASA High School Aerospace Scholars Program, she pursued aerospace engineering and physics alongside other exceptional students. At the Rice University Genetic Engineering Institute, her work earned her a research award in 2024, with her project poster showcasing her contributions to synthetic biology applications.
At South Texas ISD Science Academy, Jazmin maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while conquering an advanced curriculum that includes dual AP Computer Science courses, AP Physics 2, and AP Calculus BC. Her academic excellence placed her among the Coca-Cola Scholars Semifinalists—an honor extended to merely 1% of applicants.
As President of her school's Girls Who Code chapter for three consecutive years, Jazmin mentors aspiring female engineers and computer scientists. Under her leadership, the chapter explores various technology curricula, with Jazmin personally earning certification in the Data Science & AI track of the program's Summer Self-Paced Program.
For this young Latina, her Mexican heritage provides a source of strength and motivation. She traces her determination to her great-grandfather, a Bracero who left Mexico for opportunities in the United States. Her paper "The Corridos of Braceros," which earned the "Outstanding" title in the Texas Music Teachers Association's state convention Publication Contest, honors this legacy and connects her work ethic to generations past.
When South Texas community leaders and industry representatives gathered to discuss college and career readiness, Jazmin seized the microphone. Speaking on behalf of students in predominantly Hispanic communities, she addressed the underfunding of schools in these areas and how limited educational resources restrict access to advanced courses, modern equipment, and exposure to career pathways. "This was not just a matter of resources," she explains, "it was a barrier to the dreams of countless Hispanic students.”
Beyond her technological and academic pursuits, Jazmin holds multiple leadership positions. As Student Council President, she voices student concerns directly to the Superintendent and helps shape district-wide educational goals through her role on the STISD Educational Improvement Council. She leads the National Honor Society in expanding service projects and serves as Vice President of Business Professionals of America, where she manages chapter operations and prepares members for competitions.
Community service occupies a special place in Jazmin's heart. As President of the Junior Catholic Daughters of the Americas for two years, she organized fundraisers to provide mammogram exams for uninsured women—a cause close to her after watching loved ones battle breast cancer. She has also coordinated donation drives for children in local hospitals, ensuring they receive comfort during challenging times.
This fall, Jazmin will begin her studies in electrical and computer engineering at Columbia University, the University of Texas at Austin, or Texas A&M University, where she'll continue developing technology that makes life better for all.
Green Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Frank Gonzalez
GOLD
Frank Gonzalez
College: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, California Institute of Technology
Major: Physics and Computer Science with a minor in Quantum Computing
High School: Miami Coral Park Senior Highschool
Hometown: Miami, FL
Hispanic Heritage: Cuban
As a child fascinated by how computers work, Frank Gonzalez peppered his elementary teachers with questions about technology. Today, this curiosity has evolved into groundbreaking research at the Research Science Institute (RSI), where Frank developed a revolutionary "language-hint-solver" that enables humans to guide machine learning models through complex scenarios.
Frank's work tackles a critical challenge in autonomous systems: preventing dangerous failures when vehicles and robots encounter unfamiliar situations. His research creates a communication bridge between humans and machines, potentially saving lives by helping autonomous cars make better decisions in unpredictable circumstances. Beyond his RSI research, Frank's exceptional academic and technical achievements have earned him multiple honors, including the MIT Book Award in 2023 and recognition as an MIT WISE Honoree in 2024.
His academic accolades speak to his exceptional intellectual capacity. As a three-time first-place winner of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ MathMinds Competition, Frank has consistently outpaced peers in mathematical problem-solving. The National Merit Scholarship Program recognized him as a Commended Student, and MIT honored him twice—with their Book Award in 2023 and as a WISE Honoree in 2024. His triumph at the Florida International University High School Programming Competition further solidifies his standing among Florida's young at the top in tech.
At Miami Coral Park Senior High School, Frank wears many leadership hats with grace. He serves as School President of the First Robotics Competition Team, guiding peers through complex engineering challenges. As School President of the National Science Honor Society, he fosters academic excellence while competing actively in Mu Alpha Theta mathematics competitions. His computer science club, Rams that Code, connects students with programming opportunities while his research internship at Tufts University's MULIP Labs allows him to expand his scientific horizons.
Frank's perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA comes while navigating an academic obstacle course of AP and dual enrollment classes, including Physics C, AP Physics 2, AP Calculus BC, and dual enrollment computer science courses. His teacher, Mr. Ricardo Markland, notes that Frank's work is "of such exemplary standards that there is literally no room for criticism" and that his assessments often become "the standard by which others [are] judged.”
Growing up in Miami-Dade's public schools showed Frank both systems' limitations and possibilities. From an elementary classroom funded through GoFundMe to a middle school robotics program sustained by parent donations, he experienced firsthand how community support creates opportunity. These experiences sparked his most meaningful contribution: co-founding Miami VEX Support.
This nonprofit organization has raised over $5,000 to establish robotics programs in resource-constrained schools across Miami. Under Frank's leadership, a team of 20 dedicated students works to equip teachers with educational resources while mentoring young robotics enthusiasts. The organization now supports two elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school, with Frank creating a succession plan to ensure the program continues after his graduation.
"When I see the smiles on kids and teachers faces when they see the resources available to them and the support we plan on bringing, it is the best thing ever," Frank shares. "I would not trade it for anything else in the world.”
Frank's Cuban heritage infuses his approach to technology with cultural richness. His bilingualism allows him to bridge divides and collaborate across perspectives—a skill as valuable in programming as it is in life. He understands that diversity in STEM enriches innovation, allowing for varied approaches to complex problems.
This fall, Frank will continue his academic journey at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, or the California Institute of Technology, studying physics and computer science with a minor in quantum computing. As he moves from high school classrooms to college laboratories, Frank's technological journey continues—powered by the same curiosity, community spirit, and commitment to excellence that have defined his remarkable high school career.
Frank Gonzalez
College: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, California Institute of Technology
Major: Physics and Computer Science with a minor in Quantum Computing
High School: Miami Coral Park Senior Highschool
Hometown: Miami, FL
Hispanic Heritage: Cuban
As a child fascinated by how computers work, Frank Gonzalez peppered his elementary teachers with questions about technology. Today, this curiosity has evolved into groundbreaking research at the Research Science Institute (RSI), where Frank developed a revolutionary "language-hint-solver" that enables humans to guide machine learning models through complex scenarios.
Frank's work tackles a critical challenge in autonomous systems: preventing dangerous failures when vehicles and robots encounter unfamiliar situations. His research creates a communication bridge between humans and machines, potentially saving lives by helping autonomous cars make better decisions in unpredictable circumstances. Beyond his RSI research, Frank's exceptional academic and technical achievements have earned him multiple honors, including the MIT Book Award in 2023 and recognition as an MIT WISE Honoree in 2024.
His academic accolades speak to his exceptional intellectual capacity. As a three-time first-place winner of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ MathMinds Competition, Frank has consistently outpaced peers in mathematical problem-solving. The National Merit Scholarship Program recognized him as a Commended Student, and MIT honored him twice—with their Book Award in 2023 and as a WISE Honoree in 2024. His triumph at the Florida International University High School Programming Competition further solidifies his standing among Florida's young at the top in tech.
At Miami Coral Park Senior High School, Frank wears many leadership hats with grace. He serves as School President of the First Robotics Competition Team, guiding peers through complex engineering challenges. As School President of the National Science Honor Society, he fosters academic excellence while competing actively in Mu Alpha Theta mathematics competitions. His computer science club, Rams that Code, connects students with programming opportunities while his research internship at Tufts University's MULIP Labs allows him to expand his scientific horizons.
Frank's perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA comes while navigating an academic obstacle course of AP and dual enrollment classes, including Physics C, AP Physics 2, AP Calculus BC, and dual enrollment computer science courses. His teacher, Mr. Ricardo Markland, notes that Frank's work is "of such exemplary standards that there is literally no room for criticism" and that his assessments often become "the standard by which others [are] judged.”
Growing up in Miami-Dade's public schools showed Frank both systems' limitations and possibilities. From an elementary classroom funded through GoFundMe to a middle school robotics program sustained by parent donations, he experienced firsthand how community support creates opportunity. These experiences sparked his most meaningful contribution: co-founding Miami VEX Support.
This nonprofit organization has raised over $5,000 to establish robotics programs in resource-constrained schools across Miami. Under Frank's leadership, a team of 20 dedicated students works to equip teachers with educational resources while mentoring young robotics enthusiasts. The organization now supports two elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school, with Frank creating a succession plan to ensure the program continues after his graduation.
"When I see the smiles on kids and teachers faces when they see the resources available to them and the support we plan on bringing, it is the best thing ever," Frank shares. "I would not trade it for anything else in the world.”
Frank's Cuban heritage infuses his approach to technology with cultural richness. His bilingualism allows him to bridge divides and collaborate across perspectives—a skill as valuable in programming as it is in life. He understands that diversity in STEM enriches innovation, allowing for varied approaches to complex problems.
This fall, Frank will continue his academic journey at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, or the California Institute of Technology, studying physics and computer science with a minor in quantum computing. As he moves from high school classrooms to college laboratories, Frank's technological journey continues—powered by the same curiosity, community spirit, and commitment to excellence that have defined his remarkable high school career.
SILVER - Liev Martinez Zolotor
SILVER
Liev Martinez Zolotor
College: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Games and Simulations
High School: Don Soffer Aventura High School
Hometown: Aventura, FL
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
The thrill of creating digital enemies might seem strange to some, but for Liev Martinez Zolotor, watching his programmed character join a live video game marked a triumphant milestone in his technological journey. At his summer internship with an independent game company, weeks of coding and debugging culminated in this moment of accomplishment—a small but significant victory in Liev's expanding tech accomplishments.
Game development captured Liev's imagination after taking Scratch classes in his sophomore year, when he created a complete game featuring his own sprites, music, controls, levels, and menus. This experience, combined with his internship using Unity Engine, has strengthened his interest in pursuing game design professionally.
Growing up with a father who studied computer science at the University of Guadalajara provided Liev with an early technology mentor. This foundation sparked a curiosity that occasionally led to amusing situations, like the time Liev became so engrossed in dismantling a robot's drive base that he missed an entire class period. Such moments reveal his natural attraction to mechanical exploration and problem-solving.
At Don Soffer Aventura High School, Liev has built an impressive academic record while pursuing his technological interests. He earned multiple accolades including being recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, receiving National Hispanic Recognition from College Board, earning a Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education, receiving a Technology Award from his school, and gaining state recognition in the Duke Talent Identification Program.
Liev's technical education includes both classroom learning and hands-on application. He has completed a demanding academic curriculum which includes an array of AP and advanced classes like AP Computer Science A, AP Physics, and AP Calculus AB. As a builder in his school's Robotics Club, he has contributed to award-winning teams that advanced to state-level competition, helping with everything from design and construction to preparing competition fields.
"Working on the robotics team helped refine my technical skills and taught me the value of teamwork," Liev explains. His robotics coach, Fermin Vasquez, praises his problem-solving capabilities and ability to apply technical skills in real-world settings.
Beyond his high school, Liev has sought out specialized programs to expand his knowledge. He participated in Columbia University's Pre-College Python Program, joined the Inspirit AI Scholars program, and was selected for the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) PREFACE program for underrepresented minorities in STEM. During his time at RPI, he toured a nuclear reactor and discovered unexpected fascination with biomedical engineering.
Liev's Latino heritage shapes his perspective on technology and diversity. Learning from his father's experiences facing stereotypes despite being well-educated, Liev values diversity in STEM fields: "When STEM teams reflect the diverse communities they serve, the offerings they create and solutions they propose resonate more deeply with a wider audience.”
Community service has been part of Liev's life since childhood. What began with assembling school supply kits for students in Mexico and Central America has evolved into his current role as Public Relations Lead for his school's Humane Society Club. Using photography and videography skills, he documents events and helps raise awareness. During hurricane preparations, he aided in organizing supplies for animals and educated community members about pet-friendly evacuation options.
This fall, Liev will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, or Worcester Polytechnic Institute to study computer science with a minor in games and simulations. Among his future goals is returning to RPI's PREFACE program as a counselor to mentor younger students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them navigate their own paths in technology just as his counselors did for him.
Liev Martinez Zolotor
College: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Games and Simulations
High School: Don Soffer Aventura High School
Hometown: Aventura, FL
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
The thrill of creating digital enemies might seem strange to some, but for Liev Martinez Zolotor, watching his programmed character join a live video game marked a triumphant milestone in his technological journey. At his summer internship with an independent game company, weeks of coding and debugging culminated in this moment of accomplishment—a small but significant victory in Liev's expanding tech accomplishments.
Game development captured Liev's imagination after taking Scratch classes in his sophomore year, when he created a complete game featuring his own sprites, music, controls, levels, and menus. This experience, combined with his internship using Unity Engine, has strengthened his interest in pursuing game design professionally.
Growing up with a father who studied computer science at the University of Guadalajara provided Liev with an early technology mentor. This foundation sparked a curiosity that occasionally led to amusing situations, like the time Liev became so engrossed in dismantling a robot's drive base that he missed an entire class period. Such moments reveal his natural attraction to mechanical exploration and problem-solving.
At Don Soffer Aventura High School, Liev has built an impressive academic record while pursuing his technological interests. He earned multiple accolades including being recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction, receiving National Hispanic Recognition from College Board, earning a Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education, receiving a Technology Award from his school, and gaining state recognition in the Duke Talent Identification Program.
Liev's technical education includes both classroom learning and hands-on application. He has completed a demanding academic curriculum which includes an array of AP and advanced classes like AP Computer Science A, AP Physics, and AP Calculus AB. As a builder in his school's Robotics Club, he has contributed to award-winning teams that advanced to state-level competition, helping with everything from design and construction to preparing competition fields.
"Working on the robotics team helped refine my technical skills and taught me the value of teamwork," Liev explains. His robotics coach, Fermin Vasquez, praises his problem-solving capabilities and ability to apply technical skills in real-world settings.
Beyond his high school, Liev has sought out specialized programs to expand his knowledge. He participated in Columbia University's Pre-College Python Program, joined the Inspirit AI Scholars program, and was selected for the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) PREFACE program for underrepresented minorities in STEM. During his time at RPI, he toured a nuclear reactor and discovered unexpected fascination with biomedical engineering.
Liev's Latino heritage shapes his perspective on technology and diversity. Learning from his father's experiences facing stereotypes despite being well-educated, Liev values diversity in STEM fields: "When STEM teams reflect the diverse communities they serve, the offerings they create and solutions they propose resonate more deeply with a wider audience.”
Community service has been part of Liev's life since childhood. What began with assembling school supply kits for students in Mexico and Central America has evolved into his current role as Public Relations Lead for his school's Humane Society Club. Using photography and videography skills, he documents events and helps raise awareness. During hurricane preparations, he aided in organizing supplies for animals and educated community members about pet-friendly evacuation options.
This fall, Liev will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, or Worcester Polytechnic Institute to study computer science with a minor in games and simulations. Among his future goals is returning to RPI's PREFACE program as a counselor to mentor younger students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them navigate their own paths in technology just as his counselors did for him.
BRONZE - Alex Lopez
BRONZE
Alex Lopez
College: University of North Florida, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida
Major: Information Technology with a minor in Cybersecurity
High School: Florida Virtual High School
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Hispanic Heritage: Cuban
When new students at Florida Virtual High School felt lost in the digital maze of online learning, Alex Lopez didn't just sympathize—he grabbed his camera and started filming. His series of step-by-step video tutorials guiding students through the learning management system became an essential part of the school's onboarding process, turning technological confusion into clarity for countless peers.
This combination of technical skill and community focus earned Alex recognition as a 2023 Florida Sunshine State Scholar—placing him among the top 0.05% of students statewide. "There are 220,000 11th graders in the state and the top 111 were honored," Alex notes with well-earned pride about this selective STEM achievement.
A digital native in the truest sense, Alex thrives in the virtual learning environment of Florida Virtual High School, maintaining a 3.88 unweighted GPA while simultaneously conquering college-level courses. His academic excellence has secured him spots on both the Principal's List in 2024 and Principal Honor Roll in 2023. By graduation, he'll have accumulated an impressive 56 college credits from Daytona State College, where he's maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA since his sophomore year.
His high school counselor, Jennifer Ludington, praises his "unique blend of talents" and "clear career goals," noting that Alex combines "intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and a strong sense of social responsibility.”
Alex's technological expertise extends across multiple domains. His coursework spans Linux Fundamentals, Introduction to Programming, Applications of Artificial Intelligence, Foundations of Machine Learning, and multiple cybersecurity classes. Beyond formal education, he's completed certifications in CompTIA Security+, Fundamentals, and Social Media, staying at the cutting edge of industry standards.
His Cuban heritage, passed down from his grandfather and father, fuels Alex's drive to excel in technology fields where Latino representation remains limited. "Their immigrant experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of education and innovation to transform lives," he explains. This perspective shapes his approach to creating accessible technological solutions.
Alex's concern for the digital divide affecting Latino communities reflects his awareness of technology's broader social implications. He cites troubling statistics: only 57% of Hispanic adults in the U.S. own a desktop or laptop computer compared to 82% of whites, with similar disparities in broadband access. His proposed solutions include community tech centers in Hispanic neighborhoods, partnerships for computer donations, bilingual digital literacy programs, advocacy for affordable broadband, and mentorship connecting Hispanic tech professionals with youth.
Since 2018, Alex has applied his technological talents as the Audio Visual Director at Fruit Cove Baptist Church. This role goes beyond technical operation—he collaborates with event planners to design custom AV solutions, mentors younger students in the technical aspects of production, and ensures every service runs smoothly.
This fall, Alex will attend the University of North Florida, the University of Central Florida, or the University of South Florida to study information technology with a minor in cybersecurity. His goal: creating a safer digital environment while addressing the challenges of our rapidly evolving technological landscape and continuing to open digital doors for underrepresented communities.
Alex Lopez
College: University of North Florida, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida
Major: Information Technology with a minor in Cybersecurity
High School: Florida Virtual High School
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Hispanic Heritage: Cuban
When new students at Florida Virtual High School felt lost in the digital maze of online learning, Alex Lopez didn't just sympathize—he grabbed his camera and started filming. His series of step-by-step video tutorials guiding students through the learning management system became an essential part of the school's onboarding process, turning technological confusion into clarity for countless peers.
This combination of technical skill and community focus earned Alex recognition as a 2023 Florida Sunshine State Scholar—placing him among the top 0.05% of students statewide. "There are 220,000 11th graders in the state and the top 111 were honored," Alex notes with well-earned pride about this selective STEM achievement.
A digital native in the truest sense, Alex thrives in the virtual learning environment of Florida Virtual High School, maintaining a 3.88 unweighted GPA while simultaneously conquering college-level courses. His academic excellence has secured him spots on both the Principal's List in 2024 and Principal Honor Roll in 2023. By graduation, he'll have accumulated an impressive 56 college credits from Daytona State College, where he's maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA since his sophomore year.
His high school counselor, Jennifer Ludington, praises his "unique blend of talents" and "clear career goals," noting that Alex combines "intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and a strong sense of social responsibility.”
Alex's technological expertise extends across multiple domains. His coursework spans Linux Fundamentals, Introduction to Programming, Applications of Artificial Intelligence, Foundations of Machine Learning, and multiple cybersecurity classes. Beyond formal education, he's completed certifications in CompTIA Security+, Fundamentals, and Social Media, staying at the cutting edge of industry standards.
His Cuban heritage, passed down from his grandfather and father, fuels Alex's drive to excel in technology fields where Latino representation remains limited. "Their immigrant experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of education and innovation to transform lives," he explains. This perspective shapes his approach to creating accessible technological solutions.
Alex's concern for the digital divide affecting Latino communities reflects his awareness of technology's broader social implications. He cites troubling statistics: only 57% of Hispanic adults in the U.S. own a desktop or laptop computer compared to 82% of whites, with similar disparities in broadband access. His proposed solutions include community tech centers in Hispanic neighborhoods, partnerships for computer donations, bilingual digital literacy programs, advocacy for affordable broadband, and mentorship connecting Hispanic tech professionals with youth.
Since 2018, Alex has applied his technological talents as the Audio Visual Director at Fruit Cove Baptist Church. This role goes beyond technical operation—he collaborates with event planners to design custom AV solutions, mentors younger students in the technical aspects of production, and ensures every service runs smoothly.
This fall, Alex will attend the University of North Florida, the University of Central Florida, or the University of South Florida to study information technology with a minor in cybersecurity. His goal: creating a safer digital environment while addressing the challenges of our rapidly evolving technological landscape and continuing to open digital doors for underrepresented communities.
Orange Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Anna Gordillo
GOLD
Anna Gordillo
College: Cornell University, Amherst College, Wake Forest University
Major: Global and Public Health or Biological Sciences
High School: Miss Porter's School
Hometown: Metairie, LA
Hispanic Heritage: Nicaraguan
A required freshman course sparked an unexpected love story between Anna Gordillo and technology. "To my surprise, I enjoyed the class immensely," she says of her Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship class at Miss Porter's School, which strategically introduced young women to tech before stereotypes could take root. From that initial spark, Anna has turned curiosity into tech excellence.
Anna's proudest technological achievement came through MIT’s FutureMakers Mobile App Development with AI program, where she was chosen as one of just 35 high school participants nationwide. During this intensive six-week virtual program, she studied foundational AI concepts, ethical considerations in artificial intelligence, and technical prototype development skills. Working with mentors trained in computer science and AI, Anna learned to build applications from scratch using MIT App Inventor. The program culminated in a Mobile App with AI Design Competition, where her team created WasteWise AI—an application addressing waste management and recycling challenges. Though they didn't win the overall competition, Anna and her team earned recognition as track finalists in the competition.
Anna's technological expedition continued at Stanford's Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging, where she joined an elite group of 36 students chosen from 2,000 applicants. During this Health AI Bootcamp, she explored how artificial intelligence could remove human bias from medical treatment, potentially improving care for underrepresented populations. Her experience proved immediately valuable as she applied this knowledge to create a grant proposal on AI detection of dermatological conditions in her AIS Biology class.
Anna has also participated in Dartmouth's GenCyber program, a five-week cybersecurity course funded by the National Security Agency and National Science Foundation. Moreover, she further honed her mathematical thinking at the University of Nebraska's All Girls All Math program, focusing on cryptography and code mathematics. These specialized training opportunities have equipped Anna with a technical toolkit that spans cybersecurity, app development, and AI applications.
At Miss Porter's School, Anna balances her 3.95 unweighted GPA with numerous leadership responsibilities. As Head of Student Activities, she orchestrates over 200 events annually, creating opportunities for her classmates to bond outside the classroom.
Anna's technological abilities complement her commitment to representation in STEM. "Traditionally, Hispanics have not been well-represented in STEM, and the numbers of Hispanic females is even lower," she notes. Through membership in the Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers and following Latinas in STEM online, Anna connects with mentors who share her background while preparing to become one herself. Her participation in HOLA, Miss Porter's Hispanic affinity group, allows her to support fellow Hispanic students while educating the broader community about Hispanic culture.
Athletic accomplishments round out Anna's portfolio of talents. She competed on the Varsity Tennis team throughout high school, played Varsity Volleyball for two years, and served as Co-Captain of JV Field Hockey. These roles accompany her selection as a Trustee Scholar—Miss Porter's highest merit scholarship awarded to fewer than ten incoming students annually in recognition of academic excellence and significant accomplishments.
Anna's understanding of technology's potential to address healthcare inequities will guide her university studies at Cornell University, Amherst College, or Wake Forest University. Pursuing global and public health or biological sciences, she aims to create technological solutions that are "relationship-centered, culturally and linguistically appropriate, and data-driven"—addressing the healthcare disparities she witnessed growing up in Louisiana, where environmental and health issues disproportionately affect communities of color. With her combined technological expertise and cultural awareness, Anna stands ready to code a more equitable future.
Anna Gordillo
College: Cornell University, Amherst College, Wake Forest University
Major: Global and Public Health or Biological Sciences
High School: Miss Porter's School
Hometown: Metairie, LA
Hispanic Heritage: Nicaraguan
A required freshman course sparked an unexpected love story between Anna Gordillo and technology. "To my surprise, I enjoyed the class immensely," she says of her Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship class at Miss Porter's School, which strategically introduced young women to tech before stereotypes could take root. From that initial spark, Anna has turned curiosity into tech excellence.
Anna's proudest technological achievement came through MIT’s FutureMakers Mobile App Development with AI program, where she was chosen as one of just 35 high school participants nationwide. During this intensive six-week virtual program, she studied foundational AI concepts, ethical considerations in artificial intelligence, and technical prototype development skills. Working with mentors trained in computer science and AI, Anna learned to build applications from scratch using MIT App Inventor. The program culminated in a Mobile App with AI Design Competition, where her team created WasteWise AI—an application addressing waste management and recycling challenges. Though they didn't win the overall competition, Anna and her team earned recognition as track finalists in the competition.
Anna's technological expedition continued at Stanford's Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging, where she joined an elite group of 36 students chosen from 2,000 applicants. During this Health AI Bootcamp, she explored how artificial intelligence could remove human bias from medical treatment, potentially improving care for underrepresented populations. Her experience proved immediately valuable as she applied this knowledge to create a grant proposal on AI detection of dermatological conditions in her AIS Biology class.
Anna has also participated in Dartmouth's GenCyber program, a five-week cybersecurity course funded by the National Security Agency and National Science Foundation. Moreover, she further honed her mathematical thinking at the University of Nebraska's All Girls All Math program, focusing on cryptography and code mathematics. These specialized training opportunities have equipped Anna with a technical toolkit that spans cybersecurity, app development, and AI applications.
At Miss Porter's School, Anna balances her 3.95 unweighted GPA with numerous leadership responsibilities. As Head of Student Activities, she orchestrates over 200 events annually, creating opportunities for her classmates to bond outside the classroom.
Anna's technological abilities complement her commitment to representation in STEM. "Traditionally, Hispanics have not been well-represented in STEM, and the numbers of Hispanic females is even lower," she notes. Through membership in the Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers and following Latinas in STEM online, Anna connects with mentors who share her background while preparing to become one herself. Her participation in HOLA, Miss Porter's Hispanic affinity group, allows her to support fellow Hispanic students while educating the broader community about Hispanic culture.
Athletic accomplishments round out Anna's portfolio of talents. She competed on the Varsity Tennis team throughout high school, played Varsity Volleyball for two years, and served as Co-Captain of JV Field Hockey. These roles accompany her selection as a Trustee Scholar—Miss Porter's highest merit scholarship awarded to fewer than ten incoming students annually in recognition of academic excellence and significant accomplishments.
Anna's understanding of technology's potential to address healthcare inequities will guide her university studies at Cornell University, Amherst College, or Wake Forest University. Pursuing global and public health or biological sciences, she aims to create technological solutions that are "relationship-centered, culturally and linguistically appropriate, and data-driven"—addressing the healthcare disparities she witnessed growing up in Louisiana, where environmental and health issues disproportionately affect communities of color. With her combined technological expertise and cultural awareness, Anna stands ready to code a more equitable future.
SILVER - Gabriela Phillips
SILVER
Gabriela Phillips
College: Mississippi State University, University of Alabama, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Major: Cybersecurity with a minor in Mechanical Engineering or Business
High School: Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering
Hometown: Harvest, AL
Hispanic Heritage: Colombian
Microsoft Paint on her mother's computer ignited Gabriela Phillips' technology journey—hours of curious exploration that would evolve into a cybersecurity career path. Growing up in Harvest, Alabama with Colombian roots, Gabriela built her technical foundation through an impressive progression: Rocket Club in elementary school, Microsoft classes with her mother, and earning her HAM Radio Technician license alongside her father. When the world went into lockdown, she turned quarantine into opportunity, teaching herself Python and exploring Raspberry Pi projects. Now a senior at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, Gabriela captains an all-girls CyberPatriot team, serves as HAM Radio Club president, and holds an internship at SAIC where she analyzes data and creates user interfaces. Her technical achievements have garnered recognition from the National Hispanic Recognition Program in 2024 and the National Center for Women & Information Technology, where she won the Northern Alabama Affiliate Award after receiving an Honorable Mention in 2022.
Gabriela's proudest technological accomplishment came when she coordinated a live conversation between the International Space Station and her school. The ARISS Contact program required months of preparation: writing proposals, creating educational content, scheduling speakers, arranging media coverage, and producing a livestream. Beyond the technical triumph, Gabriela treasures the human connections formed: "I spoke with people whose dreams included talking to an astronaut someday, as well as those who aspired to become astronauts themselves. Being a part of their journey towards realizing their dreams and helping to motivate them filled me with joy.”
Her Colombian heritage gives Gabriela a unique lens on technology development. During a school presentation by a social engineer, her classmates immediately associated the profession of "maid" with Hispanic identities. "My heart sank," Gabriela recalls. "I was asking myself how such thinking that has harmed communities for ages can be praised for such a valued job in tech." This incident illuminated her understanding of how biases infiltrate our technologies—from AI systems to voice recognition software—reflecting the limited perspectives of their creators. Her experiences with stereotyping in Alabama fuel her commitment to bringing diverse voices into technology development.
At the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, Gabriela thrives in advanced coursework while maintaining a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA. Her technical education spans AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, and specialized cybersecurity classes including Cybersecurity Analysis and Offensive Security & Assurance. She further expanded her knowledge through MIT's "Girls Who Program Autonomous Cars" course, where she coded within a virtual machine and won first place in the program's grand prix—earning a quirky 3D-printed beaver trophy atop a car.
Gabriela balances her technical pursuits with leadership roles across campus. Beyond captaining her CyberPatriot team and presiding over the HAM Radio Club, she co-founded the Literary Club, competes in varsity cross country, participates in Mu Alpha Theta, and serves as captain of Admission Student Leaders. For her senior capstone project, she leads the sensor team for a greenhouse initiative, designing monitoring systems for plants and automating vent operations—blending technology with environmental sustainability.
Community service weaves through Gabriela's life, inspired by her mother's work as a dental hygienist for underserved children. Following this example, she volunteers with HEALS while also participating in a children's museum's Teen Leadership program, creating STEM activities for young visitors. She has helped Girl Scouts earn robotics badges and taught elementary students to build rockets through the Boys and Girls Club.
Beyond technology and community service, Gabriela brings an interdisciplinary mindset to her education. Her Biotechnology instructor, Jennifer Carden, describes her as a student who "always sought to dig deeper and connect what we were learning to the world around us." This intellectual curiosity allows Gabriela to bridge her cybersecurity knowledge with biological systems, understanding the fascinating intersections where technology, engineering, and living organisms converge. Carden highlights how Gabriela explores these connections "in ways that surpass those of her classmates," applying the same analytical thinking that makes her excellent in computer science to understand complex biological principles. This ability to synthesize diverse fields of knowledge strengthens her technological innovations and will serve her well in her future studies.
With her technological expertise in one hand and cultural insight in the other, Gabriela will pursue cybersecurity with a minor in mechanical engineering or business at Mississippi State University, the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Equipped with both her coding skills and amateur radio knowledge, she's ready to secure systems while opening doors for the next generation—proving that sometimes the most powerful signal comes from amplifying others' voices.
Gabriela Phillips
College: Mississippi State University, University of Alabama, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Major: Cybersecurity with a minor in Mechanical Engineering or Business
High School: Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering
Hometown: Harvest, AL
Hispanic Heritage: Colombian
Microsoft Paint on her mother's computer ignited Gabriela Phillips' technology journey—hours of curious exploration that would evolve into a cybersecurity career path. Growing up in Harvest, Alabama with Colombian roots, Gabriela built her technical foundation through an impressive progression: Rocket Club in elementary school, Microsoft classes with her mother, and earning her HAM Radio Technician license alongside her father. When the world went into lockdown, she turned quarantine into opportunity, teaching herself Python and exploring Raspberry Pi projects. Now a senior at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, Gabriela captains an all-girls CyberPatriot team, serves as HAM Radio Club president, and holds an internship at SAIC where she analyzes data and creates user interfaces. Her technical achievements have garnered recognition from the National Hispanic Recognition Program in 2024 and the National Center for Women & Information Technology, where she won the Northern Alabama Affiliate Award after receiving an Honorable Mention in 2022.
Gabriela's proudest technological accomplishment came when she coordinated a live conversation between the International Space Station and her school. The ARISS Contact program required months of preparation: writing proposals, creating educational content, scheduling speakers, arranging media coverage, and producing a livestream. Beyond the technical triumph, Gabriela treasures the human connections formed: "I spoke with people whose dreams included talking to an astronaut someday, as well as those who aspired to become astronauts themselves. Being a part of their journey towards realizing their dreams and helping to motivate them filled me with joy.”
Her Colombian heritage gives Gabriela a unique lens on technology development. During a school presentation by a social engineer, her classmates immediately associated the profession of "maid" with Hispanic identities. "My heart sank," Gabriela recalls. "I was asking myself how such thinking that has harmed communities for ages can be praised for such a valued job in tech." This incident illuminated her understanding of how biases infiltrate our technologies—from AI systems to voice recognition software—reflecting the limited perspectives of their creators. Her experiences with stereotyping in Alabama fuel her commitment to bringing diverse voices into technology development.
At the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, Gabriela thrives in advanced coursework while maintaining a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA. Her technical education spans AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, and specialized cybersecurity classes including Cybersecurity Analysis and Offensive Security & Assurance. She further expanded her knowledge through MIT's "Girls Who Program Autonomous Cars" course, where she coded within a virtual machine and won first place in the program's grand prix—earning a quirky 3D-printed beaver trophy atop a car.
Gabriela balances her technical pursuits with leadership roles across campus. Beyond captaining her CyberPatriot team and presiding over the HAM Radio Club, she co-founded the Literary Club, competes in varsity cross country, participates in Mu Alpha Theta, and serves as captain of Admission Student Leaders. For her senior capstone project, she leads the sensor team for a greenhouse initiative, designing monitoring systems for plants and automating vent operations—blending technology with environmental sustainability.
Community service weaves through Gabriela's life, inspired by her mother's work as a dental hygienist for underserved children. Following this example, she volunteers with HEALS while also participating in a children's museum's Teen Leadership program, creating STEM activities for young visitors. She has helped Girl Scouts earn robotics badges and taught elementary students to build rockets through the Boys and Girls Club.
Beyond technology and community service, Gabriela brings an interdisciplinary mindset to her education. Her Biotechnology instructor, Jennifer Carden, describes her as a student who "always sought to dig deeper and connect what we were learning to the world around us." This intellectual curiosity allows Gabriela to bridge her cybersecurity knowledge with biological systems, understanding the fascinating intersections where technology, engineering, and living organisms converge. Carden highlights how Gabriela explores these connections "in ways that surpass those of her classmates," applying the same analytical thinking that makes her excellent in computer science to understand complex biological principles. This ability to synthesize diverse fields of knowledge strengthens her technological innovations and will serve her well in her future studies.
With her technological expertise in one hand and cultural insight in the other, Gabriela will pursue cybersecurity with a minor in mechanical engineering or business at Mississippi State University, the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Equipped with both her coding skills and amateur radio knowledge, she's ready to secure systems while opening doors for the next generation—proving that sometimes the most powerful signal comes from amplifying others' voices.
BRONZE - Giovanny Sierra Rojas
BRONZE
Giovanny Sierra Rojas
College: University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of Michigan, North Carolina State University
Major: Industrial Engineering with a minor in Chemistry
High School: Seaforth High School
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
The sound of keystrokes filled Giovanny Sierra Rojas's room as Journey's rock anthems played in the background—a fitting soundtrack for his first foray into app development. Through Smart Hacks, a program designed to develop future software engineers, Giovanny and his team created an application that could identify flowers in nature while providing facts about their regional habitats. "To me, this achievement of making my first app was such a milestone," Giovanny shares. "I discovered my first step towards finding my interest in engineering." This early technological exploration taught him essential skills in coding, circuit creation, and using platforms like GitHub, launching his journey into the world of technology and engineering.
A conversation with a mentor during the Caminos program further shaped Giovanny's technological path. When he asked about industrial engineering, her description of a field that blends communication, critical thinking, and system innovation immediately captured his interest. The versatility of industrial engineering—its applications spanning medical, manufacturing, electrical, and healthcare systems—aligned perfectly with Giovanny's desire to help people through technological innovation. This discovery prompted him to expand his network, connecting with practicing industrial engineers to learn more about workplace environments and industry realities.
At Seaforth High School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Giovanny's academic excellence has earned him numerous distinctions, including Math 1 Student of the Year in 2022 and consistent placement on the A-Honor Roll. His selection as a Junior Marshal in 2024 recognizes his standing among the top students in his class. While pursuing challenging coursework, including AP Precalculus, he maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA. Sarah Harris, his AVID Coordinator, describes him as "a standout student in every sense" with "a natural curiosity that extends beyond the classroom.”
Giovanny's Mexican heritage shapes his approach to technology and problem-solving. "The several obstacles I have faced in my life have given me values and characteristics that I am proud of as a Latino," he explains. Chief among these is his tenacity—a quality that helps him overcome academic challenges and see engineering as "a world where several problems are trying to be solved." This perspective underscores his belief in the importance of diversity in STEM fields: different backgrounds bring unique viewpoints to technological challenges, potentially leading to innovative solutions that might otherwise remain undiscovered.
His dedication to cultural exchange extends beyond the classroom. As a member of Orgullo Latinx Pride and the Dual Language Club, Giovanny celebrates his heritage while creating spaces for cross-cultural understanding. His bilingualism represents more than just language proficiency—it embodies a dual cultural identity that his teacher describes as "an incredibly important part of what makes Giovanny an individual.”
Beyond his technological and academic pursuits, Giovanny channels his talents into community service that bridges cultural divides. At Fiesta celebrations, he helps vendors set up displays, sells raffle tickets, and assists Spanish speakers with translation—all while watching people from various backgrounds explore Latino culture through food, music, and dance. His participation in Juneteenth events similarly allows him to experience and appreciate African American culture. "For me participating in these events, even if they just lasted a few hours, felt like a utopia," he reflects, "where everyone was happy while I was able to teach them and show them culture.”
Giovanny also lends his voice to addressing challenges within the Hispanic community, particularly the stigma surrounding mental health among Latino males. Having observed how cultural expectations of strength can prevent men from seeking help, he advocates for changing these perspectives to prevent the tragic consequences of untreated mental health issues. His awareness of such issues reflects his thoughtful engagement with both technological and social challenges.
Looking toward the next stage of his journey, Giovanny will pursue industrial engineering with a minor in chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the University of Michigan, or North Carolina State University. While his educational path leads toward engineering, his technological foundation—coding experience, system analysis skills, and problem-solving approach—will no doubt remain central to his work.
Giovanny Sierra Rojas
College: University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of Michigan, North Carolina State University
Major: Industrial Engineering with a minor in Chemistry
High School: Seaforth High School
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
The sound of keystrokes filled Giovanny Sierra Rojas's room as Journey's rock anthems played in the background—a fitting soundtrack for his first foray into app development. Through Smart Hacks, a program designed to develop future software engineers, Giovanny and his team created an application that could identify flowers in nature while providing facts about their regional habitats. "To me, this achievement of making my first app was such a milestone," Giovanny shares. "I discovered my first step towards finding my interest in engineering." This early technological exploration taught him essential skills in coding, circuit creation, and using platforms like GitHub, launching his journey into the world of technology and engineering.
A conversation with a mentor during the Caminos program further shaped Giovanny's technological path. When he asked about industrial engineering, her description of a field that blends communication, critical thinking, and system innovation immediately captured his interest. The versatility of industrial engineering—its applications spanning medical, manufacturing, electrical, and healthcare systems—aligned perfectly with Giovanny's desire to help people through technological innovation. This discovery prompted him to expand his network, connecting with practicing industrial engineers to learn more about workplace environments and industry realities.
At Seaforth High School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Giovanny's academic excellence has earned him numerous distinctions, including Math 1 Student of the Year in 2022 and consistent placement on the A-Honor Roll. His selection as a Junior Marshal in 2024 recognizes his standing among the top students in his class. While pursuing challenging coursework, including AP Precalculus, he maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA. Sarah Harris, his AVID Coordinator, describes him as "a standout student in every sense" with "a natural curiosity that extends beyond the classroom.”
Giovanny's Mexican heritage shapes his approach to technology and problem-solving. "The several obstacles I have faced in my life have given me values and characteristics that I am proud of as a Latino," he explains. Chief among these is his tenacity—a quality that helps him overcome academic challenges and see engineering as "a world where several problems are trying to be solved." This perspective underscores his belief in the importance of diversity in STEM fields: different backgrounds bring unique viewpoints to technological challenges, potentially leading to innovative solutions that might otherwise remain undiscovered.
His dedication to cultural exchange extends beyond the classroom. As a member of Orgullo Latinx Pride and the Dual Language Club, Giovanny celebrates his heritage while creating spaces for cross-cultural understanding. His bilingualism represents more than just language proficiency—it embodies a dual cultural identity that his teacher describes as "an incredibly important part of what makes Giovanny an individual.”
Beyond his technological and academic pursuits, Giovanny channels his talents into community service that bridges cultural divides. At Fiesta celebrations, he helps vendors set up displays, sells raffle tickets, and assists Spanish speakers with translation—all while watching people from various backgrounds explore Latino culture through food, music, and dance. His participation in Juneteenth events similarly allows him to experience and appreciate African American culture. "For me participating in these events, even if they just lasted a few hours, felt like a utopia," he reflects, "where everyone was happy while I was able to teach them and show them culture.”
Giovanny also lends his voice to addressing challenges within the Hispanic community, particularly the stigma surrounding mental health among Latino males. Having observed how cultural expectations of strength can prevent men from seeking help, he advocates for changing these perspectives to prevent the tragic consequences of untreated mental health issues. His awareness of such issues reflects his thoughtful engagement with both technological and social challenges.
Looking toward the next stage of his journey, Giovanny will pursue industrial engineering with a minor in chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the University of Michigan, or North Carolina State University. While his educational path leads toward engineering, his technological foundation—coding experience, system analysis skills, and problem-solving approach—will no doubt remain central to his work.
Pink Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Sofia Grimm
GOLD
Sofia Grimm
College: Brown University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University
Major: Chemistry with a minor in Biomedical Engineering
High School: Latin School of Chicago
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Behind every scientific discovery lies a crucial question—not just what was found, but how it was found. This fascination with scientific methodology propelled Sofia Grimm into the world of technology, where she discovered that modern breakthroughs are increasingly powered by technological tools. "I think that the most inspiring aspect of the field is learning how scientists make their discoveries—through technology," Sofia explains. From mapping relationships between variables to approximating universal constants and automating data analysis, she has explored how technology accelerates scientific discovery. Her technological journey has taken her from learning the JUMP programming language to optimize public transportation routes at Cambridge to becoming a paid intern at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, where she collaborated on creating a benchmark dataset of over 40,000 simulated images of Double-Source Plane Lenses and Einstein Rings. Her research garnered recognition as she co-presented at the Fermilab/Quarknet 2023 Teacher's Workshop, presented a poster at the DeepSkies Symposium, and had her abstract accepted to the American Geophysical Union's 2023 Annual Meeting—where she was named a co-first author.
Sofia's first adventure in a professional laboratory environment proved to be her proudest technological accomplishment. At Fermilab, she discovered the power of perseverance as she adapted to the demands of high-level research. Working alongside another student under the guidance of Dr. Brian Nord and Dr. Aleksandra Ciprijanovic, she utilized the software deeplenstronomy to create thousands of simulated images by varying the redshift of sources and lenses. While not her first research experience, this professional setting pushed her to develop new skills, including presenting complex research. "Through dedication and grit, I was able to adjust to and succeed within the professional laboratory setting," Sofia reflects on her Fermilab experience, acknowledging both the challenges and triumphs of scientific communication.
Her Mexican heritage has shaped Sofia's approach to technology and problem-solving. She believes strongly in the importance of diverse perspectives in STEM fields, noting that "every person truly brings something different to the table." This conviction drives her technological work, including her leadership of a Conrad Challenge team that prototyped an app using machine learning to detect skin cancer biomarkers. Designed as a free screening tool, this project reflects Sofia's commitment to using technology to address healthcare barriers faced by underserved communities. "By having STEM professionals come from various different communities," she explains, "we can expand the number of communities' needs we are addressing and how effectively we address them." For Sofia, technological innovation isn't just about advancing science—it's about ensuring these advances serve everyone, particularly those who have historically lacked access.
At the Latin School of Chicago, Sofia founded and presides over the Physics Club while maintaining a rigorous academic schedule filled with advanced coursework. Her transcript boasts Computer Science Principles, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Calculus BC, and Honors Research in Molecular Genetics, among others. Her excellence has earned her numerous distinctions, including being named a 2025 National Merit Semifinalist, receiving the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing National Honorable Mention, and being selected as a RISE Finalist by Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust in 2023. Her technological prowess extends to practical applications: she engineered an automated recycling can using Arduino, a motor mechanism, and a visual input machine learning model—overcoming numerous challenges through persistence and creative problem-solving.
Beyond her technological achievements, Sofia has established herself as a leader across disciplines. As Co-Head of Model United Nations and Opinions Editor for her school newspaper, she channels her analytical thinking into global issues and persuasive writing. Her participation in the Latin School Investment Fund demonstrates her ability to apply technological analysis to financial decisions. Even her involvement in dance company shows her versatility, balancing technical precision with artistic expression.
Community service forms a cornerstone of Sofia's life, earning her the Gold President's Volunteer Service Award in 2023. "Community service is truly a lifelong commitment to me," she shares. Her volunteer work spans continents—from helping build houses with Habitat for Humanity Chicago to providing health check-ups in rural Bali. As a Student Visionary of the Year Candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, she led a team that raised over $8,400 for blood cancer research and patient support, personally contributing more than $5,800 while volunteering over 100 hours. During the challenging period of Ukrainian refugee displacement, she developed ESL lesson plans and tutored refugees weekly in English, creating interactive vocabulary sets to help newcomers adapt to their new environment.
Sofia's has left a remarkable impression on her teachers. After 47 years at the Latin School of Chicago, Ingrid Dorer Fitzpatrick, Director of Academic Initiatives and History and Neuroscience Teacher, states categorically that Sofia "possesses one of the most powerful intellects [she has] encountered in [her] career." When Sofia joined a virtual exchange with Erudito, Lithuania's strongest secondary school, she quickly became "the driving force" behind creating a website to help thousands of people dislocated by Pakistan flooding find aid resources. Her technological genius became evident as faculty from both countries recognized her exceptional problem-solving abilities. The chair of the computer science department even admitted, "I've stopped being able to teach Sofia anything; by second semester last year, I let her teach me.”
Sofia Grimm will pursue chemistry with a minor in biomedical engineering at Brown University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or Northwestern University. Ms. Fitzpatrick, offers perhaps the most compelling vision of Sofia's future: "I can imagine her leading an international team of biomedical scientists who win a Nobel prize for their extraordinary life-saving research." With her technological expertise and unwavering dedication to serving others, Sofia stands ready to create scientific breakthroughs that will serve communities around the globe—proving that when brilliance meets compassion, the possibilities are limitless.
Sofia Grimm
College: Brown University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University
Major: Chemistry with a minor in Biomedical Engineering
High School: Latin School of Chicago
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Behind every scientific discovery lies a crucial question—not just what was found, but how it was found. This fascination with scientific methodology propelled Sofia Grimm into the world of technology, where she discovered that modern breakthroughs are increasingly powered by technological tools. "I think that the most inspiring aspect of the field is learning how scientists make their discoveries—through technology," Sofia explains. From mapping relationships between variables to approximating universal constants and automating data analysis, she has explored how technology accelerates scientific discovery. Her technological journey has taken her from learning the JUMP programming language to optimize public transportation routes at Cambridge to becoming a paid intern at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, where she collaborated on creating a benchmark dataset of over 40,000 simulated images of Double-Source Plane Lenses and Einstein Rings. Her research garnered recognition as she co-presented at the Fermilab/Quarknet 2023 Teacher's Workshop, presented a poster at the DeepSkies Symposium, and had her abstract accepted to the American Geophysical Union's 2023 Annual Meeting—where she was named a co-first author.
Sofia's first adventure in a professional laboratory environment proved to be her proudest technological accomplishment. At Fermilab, she discovered the power of perseverance as she adapted to the demands of high-level research. Working alongside another student under the guidance of Dr. Brian Nord and Dr. Aleksandra Ciprijanovic, she utilized the software deeplenstronomy to create thousands of simulated images by varying the redshift of sources and lenses. While not her first research experience, this professional setting pushed her to develop new skills, including presenting complex research. "Through dedication and grit, I was able to adjust to and succeed within the professional laboratory setting," Sofia reflects on her Fermilab experience, acknowledging both the challenges and triumphs of scientific communication.
Her Mexican heritage has shaped Sofia's approach to technology and problem-solving. She believes strongly in the importance of diverse perspectives in STEM fields, noting that "every person truly brings something different to the table." This conviction drives her technological work, including her leadership of a Conrad Challenge team that prototyped an app using machine learning to detect skin cancer biomarkers. Designed as a free screening tool, this project reflects Sofia's commitment to using technology to address healthcare barriers faced by underserved communities. "By having STEM professionals come from various different communities," she explains, "we can expand the number of communities' needs we are addressing and how effectively we address them." For Sofia, technological innovation isn't just about advancing science—it's about ensuring these advances serve everyone, particularly those who have historically lacked access.
At the Latin School of Chicago, Sofia founded and presides over the Physics Club while maintaining a rigorous academic schedule filled with advanced coursework. Her transcript boasts Computer Science Principles, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Calculus BC, and Honors Research in Molecular Genetics, among others. Her excellence has earned her numerous distinctions, including being named a 2025 National Merit Semifinalist, receiving the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing National Honorable Mention, and being selected as a RISE Finalist by Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust in 2023. Her technological prowess extends to practical applications: she engineered an automated recycling can using Arduino, a motor mechanism, and a visual input machine learning model—overcoming numerous challenges through persistence and creative problem-solving.
Beyond her technological achievements, Sofia has established herself as a leader across disciplines. As Co-Head of Model United Nations and Opinions Editor for her school newspaper, she channels her analytical thinking into global issues and persuasive writing. Her participation in the Latin School Investment Fund demonstrates her ability to apply technological analysis to financial decisions. Even her involvement in dance company shows her versatility, balancing technical precision with artistic expression.
Community service forms a cornerstone of Sofia's life, earning her the Gold President's Volunteer Service Award in 2023. "Community service is truly a lifelong commitment to me," she shares. Her volunteer work spans continents—from helping build houses with Habitat for Humanity Chicago to providing health check-ups in rural Bali. As a Student Visionary of the Year Candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, she led a team that raised over $8,400 for blood cancer research and patient support, personally contributing more than $5,800 while volunteering over 100 hours. During the challenging period of Ukrainian refugee displacement, she developed ESL lesson plans and tutored refugees weekly in English, creating interactive vocabulary sets to help newcomers adapt to their new environment.
Sofia's has left a remarkable impression on her teachers. After 47 years at the Latin School of Chicago, Ingrid Dorer Fitzpatrick, Director of Academic Initiatives and History and Neuroscience Teacher, states categorically that Sofia "possesses one of the most powerful intellects [she has] encountered in [her] career." When Sofia joined a virtual exchange with Erudito, Lithuania's strongest secondary school, she quickly became "the driving force" behind creating a website to help thousands of people dislocated by Pakistan flooding find aid resources. Her technological genius became evident as faculty from both countries recognized her exceptional problem-solving abilities. The chair of the computer science department even admitted, "I've stopped being able to teach Sofia anything; by second semester last year, I let her teach me.”
Sofia Grimm will pursue chemistry with a minor in biomedical engineering at Brown University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or Northwestern University. Ms. Fitzpatrick, offers perhaps the most compelling vision of Sofia's future: "I can imagine her leading an international team of biomedical scientists who win a Nobel prize for their extraordinary life-saving research." With her technological expertise and unwavering dedication to serving others, Sofia stands ready to create scientific breakthroughs that will serve communities around the globe—proving that when brilliance meets compassion, the possibilities are limitless.
SILVER - Nubia Zapata
SILVER
Nubia Zapata
College: Purdue University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Northwestern University
Major: Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science
High School: Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy
Hometown: Westchester, IL
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
For Nubia Zapata, technology glowed brightest through the screen of an Arduino board at Fermilab, where she wired and programmed a robotic arm for use in a particle accelerator. This remarkable Latina from Westchester, Illinois, tackled stepper motor control and user interface design, contributing to tools that would advance scientific discovery. Between coding sessions and circuit builds, she discovered another kind of connection—forming lasting friendships with fellow interns who shared her love for innovation.
Her journey into technology began at age 10, commanding Minecraft characters through block code. Those early victories sparked a quest to learn multiple programming languages: Java, JavaScript, Python, HTML, and CSS. Now at Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy, she channels this knowledge into the robotics team, where she rose from an overlooked freshman to department lead through persistence and technical skill.
Through programs like the University of Illinois Chicago’s (UIC) Girls Who Code and the UIC Women in Engineering summer program, Nubia explores cutting-edge technology while advocating for diversity in STEM. Her analysis of AI bias in facial recognition systems highlights why varied perspectives must shape future innovations. This commitment to inclusion earned her the Society of Women Engineers High Honors in 2022.
When not coding or building robots, Nubia fills her schedule with activities that showcase her range. At Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy, she plays flute in concert band, competes in golf and softball, and serves in the National Honor Society. Her perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA comes while tackling advanced coursework including AP Computer Science A, AP Calculus BC, and AP Biology. Her academic brilliance placed her among the top five PSAT scorers at her school and earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, and an Illinois Student Assistance Commission State Scholar.
Nubia’s dedication to inspiring young minds reveals itself through volunteer work with robotics workshops for children. She channels her technological knowledge into inspiring younger students, through workshops where she guides children in building and programming their first robots. "Seeing kids' eyes light up with excitement," she shares, "reminded me of when I built my first robot,” remembering her own journey that began with a Wall-E inspired creation in middle school. Through the Necahual Foundation, she also raises funds to provide educational opportunities for children in orphanages, combining her technical skills with community impact.
Michael Bokar, her AP Calculus teacher, captures her spirit in words: "Nubia's greatest trait is that she does not get defeated when she has a setback, instead she looks to see where she made a mistake or ultimately finds a new pathway to a solution." It's this resilience that earned her the Society of Women Engineers High Honors and selection as a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar.
Rising above early experiences of being dismissed in technical settings, Nubia creates inclusive environments where all voices matter. She understands how representation shapes technology's future, from AI systems to robotics. As she progresses toward electrical engineering studies with a computer science minor at Purdue University, the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, or Northwestern University, Nubia stands ready to bring her technical brilliance and collaborative spirit to new challenges.
Nubia Zapata
College: Purdue University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Northwestern University
Major: Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science
High School: Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy
Hometown: Westchester, IL
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
For Nubia Zapata, technology glowed brightest through the screen of an Arduino board at Fermilab, where she wired and programmed a robotic arm for use in a particle accelerator. This remarkable Latina from Westchester, Illinois, tackled stepper motor control and user interface design, contributing to tools that would advance scientific discovery. Between coding sessions and circuit builds, she discovered another kind of connection—forming lasting friendships with fellow interns who shared her love for innovation.
Her journey into technology began at age 10, commanding Minecraft characters through block code. Those early victories sparked a quest to learn multiple programming languages: Java, JavaScript, Python, HTML, and CSS. Now at Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy, she channels this knowledge into the robotics team, where she rose from an overlooked freshman to department lead through persistence and technical skill.
Through programs like the University of Illinois Chicago’s (UIC) Girls Who Code and the UIC Women in Engineering summer program, Nubia explores cutting-edge technology while advocating for diversity in STEM. Her analysis of AI bias in facial recognition systems highlights why varied perspectives must shape future innovations. This commitment to inclusion earned her the Society of Women Engineers High Honors in 2022.
When not coding or building robots, Nubia fills her schedule with activities that showcase her range. At Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy, she plays flute in concert band, competes in golf and softball, and serves in the National Honor Society. Her perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA comes while tackling advanced coursework including AP Computer Science A, AP Calculus BC, and AP Biology. Her academic brilliance placed her among the top five PSAT scorers at her school and earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, and an Illinois Student Assistance Commission State Scholar.
Nubia’s dedication to inspiring young minds reveals itself through volunteer work with robotics workshops for children. She channels her technological knowledge into inspiring younger students, through workshops where she guides children in building and programming their first robots. "Seeing kids' eyes light up with excitement," she shares, "reminded me of when I built my first robot,” remembering her own journey that began with a Wall-E inspired creation in middle school. Through the Necahual Foundation, she also raises funds to provide educational opportunities for children in orphanages, combining her technical skills with community impact.
Michael Bokar, her AP Calculus teacher, captures her spirit in words: "Nubia's greatest trait is that she does not get defeated when she has a setback, instead she looks to see where she made a mistake or ultimately finds a new pathway to a solution." It's this resilience that earned her the Society of Women Engineers High Honors and selection as a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar.
Rising above early experiences of being dismissed in technical settings, Nubia creates inclusive environments where all voices matter. She understands how representation shapes technology's future, from AI systems to robotics. As she progresses toward electrical engineering studies with a computer science minor at Purdue University, the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, or Northwestern University, Nubia stands ready to bring her technical brilliance and collaborative spirit to new challenges.
BRONZE - Daniel Palomino Gomez
BRONZE
Daniel Palomino Gomez
College: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Chicago, Purdue University
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Cybersecurity
High School: Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy
Hometown: Melrose Park, IL
Zip Code: 60160
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
While a squadron of middle schoolers raced to finish their STEM assignments, Daniel Palomino Gomez discovered a world hiding in plain sight. That semester spent learning programming through Code.org wasn't just classwork—it was revelation. "I found the class to be extremely fun and interesting," Daniel recalls, that initial brush with coding unfurling into a quest to understand the technology surrounding his everyday life.
At Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy, Daniel commands his school's FIRST Robotics Competition team as Programming Captain. His journey through the ranks—from freshman Programmer to sophomore Co-Captain to Programming Captain since junior year—marks steady growth in both leadership and technical mastery. His proudest technological feat? Successfully implementing a Limelight 3.0 camera system that finally cracked the code of autonomous navigation. For years, the team had struggled with the competition's dreaded 15-second autonomous period, when robots must operate without human guidance. Daniel's solution allowed their robot to read April Tags (similar to QR codes) and navigate with newfound precision. "It felt great to program the robot to move by itself using the coordinates the limelight gave it," he shares.
The time investment required by robotics demands quite the commitment. During the three-month build season from January through March, Daniel spends nearly four hours after school Monday through Thursday in the robotics lab. This schedule dramatically compresses his available time for homework and other responsibilities, yet his academic performance never wavers. He maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while conquering challenging courses like AP Computer Science A, AP Calculus AB, AP Research, and more. His quest for knowledge even led him beyond campus to take Basic Electricity Fundamentals at Triton College.
His academic achievements have earned him recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Hispanic Recognition Program Award recipient, a National First-Generation Recognition Program honoree, and a 2025-26 Illinois State Scholar. In 2022, the American Association of Physics Teachers named him Outstanding Physics Student of the Year—further validation of his computational brilliance.
His AP Calculus teacher, Michael Bokar, notes Daniel's "exceptional academic talents" and "unique ability to help peers grasp challenging material” while maintaining excellence in his own studies. As a leader in both the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society, he champions both academic excellence and cultural connection while advocating for increased Hispanic representation in STEM fields. His leadership style, as Mr. Bokar notes, "fosters collaboration and inclusivity, encouraging team members to contribute their ideas and develop their skills.”
The path to Daniel's technological success winds back to his Mexican heritage, which provides him with both motivation and perspective. His parents, who grew up in rural towns in Michoacan, Mexico, had limited access to education and technology. “The most significant way that my Hispanic background has influenced my approach to technology is through the support of my parents,” Daniel shares. Their encouragement of his robotics involvement reflects their hopes for his future, wanting him to have opportunities they didn't. “They are glad that I am taking this opportunity to approach and learn more about technology, which has helped me develop skills which I need for my future in computer science,” he explains. From their support blooms a broader mission: expanding technology's reach across all communities. “Having more diverse backgrounds in STEM fields introduces a wider variety of perspectives,” he notes, seeing in each unique viewpoint the potential for innovative solutions to community challenges. Their steadfast belief in his potential fuels his drive to excel, becoming the background process running constantly as he pursues computer science.
Beyond his programming feats, Daniel dedicates his time to helping others grow. During summer 2022, he spent 66 hours mentoring students through two programs at Triton College—GADgET and GLoW—teaching manufacturing skills ranging from MIG welding to laser cutting. "I overall loved the experience," he shares, "as it was nice to see the mentees learn of all these new concepts while they were working on their projects." He hopes his guidance helped some students discover new interests, just as his middle school STEM class once sparked his own passion for technology.
With programming skills honed through robotics, vision shaped by community service, and drive inspired by his parents' sacrifices, Daniel moves toward the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Chicago, or Purdue University. Pursuing computer science with a minor in cybersecurity, he'll continue crafting code that connects technology with purpose.
Daniel Palomino Gomez
College: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Chicago, Purdue University
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Cybersecurity
High School: Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy
Hometown: Melrose Park, IL
Zip Code: 60160
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
While a squadron of middle schoolers raced to finish their STEM assignments, Daniel Palomino Gomez discovered a world hiding in plain sight. That semester spent learning programming through Code.org wasn't just classwork—it was revelation. "I found the class to be extremely fun and interesting," Daniel recalls, that initial brush with coding unfurling into a quest to understand the technology surrounding his everyday life.
At Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy, Daniel commands his school's FIRST Robotics Competition team as Programming Captain. His journey through the ranks—from freshman Programmer to sophomore Co-Captain to Programming Captain since junior year—marks steady growth in both leadership and technical mastery. His proudest technological feat? Successfully implementing a Limelight 3.0 camera system that finally cracked the code of autonomous navigation. For years, the team had struggled with the competition's dreaded 15-second autonomous period, when robots must operate without human guidance. Daniel's solution allowed their robot to read April Tags (similar to QR codes) and navigate with newfound precision. "It felt great to program the robot to move by itself using the coordinates the limelight gave it," he shares.
The time investment required by robotics demands quite the commitment. During the three-month build season from January through March, Daniel spends nearly four hours after school Monday through Thursday in the robotics lab. This schedule dramatically compresses his available time for homework and other responsibilities, yet his academic performance never wavers. He maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while conquering challenging courses like AP Computer Science A, AP Calculus AB, AP Research, and more. His quest for knowledge even led him beyond campus to take Basic Electricity Fundamentals at Triton College.
His academic achievements have earned him recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Hispanic Recognition Program Award recipient, a National First-Generation Recognition Program honoree, and a 2025-26 Illinois State Scholar. In 2022, the American Association of Physics Teachers named him Outstanding Physics Student of the Year—further validation of his computational brilliance.
His AP Calculus teacher, Michael Bokar, notes Daniel's "exceptional academic talents" and "unique ability to help peers grasp challenging material” while maintaining excellence in his own studies. As a leader in both the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society, he champions both academic excellence and cultural connection while advocating for increased Hispanic representation in STEM fields. His leadership style, as Mr. Bokar notes, "fosters collaboration and inclusivity, encouraging team members to contribute their ideas and develop their skills.”
The path to Daniel's technological success winds back to his Mexican heritage, which provides him with both motivation and perspective. His parents, who grew up in rural towns in Michoacan, Mexico, had limited access to education and technology. “The most significant way that my Hispanic background has influenced my approach to technology is through the support of my parents,” Daniel shares. Their encouragement of his robotics involvement reflects their hopes for his future, wanting him to have opportunities they didn't. “They are glad that I am taking this opportunity to approach and learn more about technology, which has helped me develop skills which I need for my future in computer science,” he explains. From their support blooms a broader mission: expanding technology's reach across all communities. “Having more diverse backgrounds in STEM fields introduces a wider variety of perspectives,” he notes, seeing in each unique viewpoint the potential for innovative solutions to community challenges. Their steadfast belief in his potential fuels his drive to excel, becoming the background process running constantly as he pursues computer science.
Beyond his programming feats, Daniel dedicates his time to helping others grow. During summer 2022, he spent 66 hours mentoring students through two programs at Triton College—GADgET and GLoW—teaching manufacturing skills ranging from MIG welding to laser cutting. "I overall loved the experience," he shares, "as it was nice to see the mentees learn of all these new concepts while they were working on their projects." He hopes his guidance helped some students discover new interests, just as his middle school STEM class once sparked his own passion for technology.
With programming skills honed through robotics, vision shaped by community service, and drive inspired by his parents' sacrifices, Daniel moves toward the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Chicago, or Purdue University. Pursuing computer science with a minor in cybersecurity, he'll continue crafting code that connects technology with purpose.
Purple Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Valeria Ramirez
GOLD
Valeria Ramirez
College: California State University San Bernardino; California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Major: Information Systems and Technology
High School: Oak Hills High School
Hometown: Victorville, CA
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Under the mentorship of Cisco Academy Instructor Mark Smith, Valeria Ramirez discovered her calling in technology, rising from curious student to cybersecurity leader at Oak Hills High School. Her sophomore year brought a milestone that confirmed her path—becoming one of the youngest recipients of the CompTIA ITF+ certification, an industry credential typically earned by working professionals.
Her technological excellence shines through multiple leadership roles in the 3ncrypt3d Club, where she advanced from Treasurer to Vice-President to President. Valeria consistently ranks in Platinum tier for CyberPatriot competitions and secured a spot in the 2024 SoCal Cyber Cup Final Round, proving her skills in penetration testing and defensive scripting.
At Stanford's AI Camp, where she earned a full scholarship, Valeria developed LeafLex—an AI-powered plant identification system. Working in the computer vision department, she led her team, the VortexVultures, through the complexities of machine learning applications. Her growing expertise spans networking principles, Linux systems, and database management.
Through the Early College Academy, Valeria pursues both her associate's degree and high school diploma. Her rigorous course load includes advanced study in network fundamentals, database management systems, and computer programming. Her first-place victory in the MDCP Hackathon and completion of CCNAv7: Introduction to Networks add to her growing list of technical credentials.
In the classroom, Valeria maintains a 3.93 unweighted GPA while serving as a Lab Assistant for IT Essentials, where she guides peers through computer building, operating system installation, and network troubleshooting. Her natural leadership draws teammates who see her as a mentor. Mark Smith, ranks her among the top 5% of students in Oak Hills' IT program, noting how she leads without condescension and freely shares her knowledge with others.
As a Latina in technology, Valeria faces challenges head-on: "I will not tolerate being looked at as lesser than." She advocates for tolerance and open-mindedness in the workplace, letting her accomplishments speak for themselves. Her success opens doors for future Hispanic women in technology fields.
Beyond technology, Valeria brings leadership to her faith community. As altar server coordinator at Holy Family Parish and leader in the Soldiers for Christ youth group, she manages events while playing violin in the church choir. When two young girls joined the children's choir citing her influence, Valeria understood how representation creates ripples of inspiration.
Her service extends beyond church walls through consistent involvement in soup kitchen initiatives and fundraising events. "What inspires me to give back is the community and love that is given to me and others," she explains, approaching service with the same dedication she brings to technology.
Valeria approaches technology with clear purpose: "I want to make the world safe now that we live in a technology-based world." She will pursue information systems and technology at California State University San Bernardino, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, or California State Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo, bringing her blend of technical skill and collaborative leadership to new challenges.
Valeria Ramirez
College: California State University San Bernardino; California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Major: Information Systems and Technology
High School: Oak Hills High School
Hometown: Victorville, CA
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Under the mentorship of Cisco Academy Instructor Mark Smith, Valeria Ramirez discovered her calling in technology, rising from curious student to cybersecurity leader at Oak Hills High School. Her sophomore year brought a milestone that confirmed her path—becoming one of the youngest recipients of the CompTIA ITF+ certification, an industry credential typically earned by working professionals.
Her technological excellence shines through multiple leadership roles in the 3ncrypt3d Club, where she advanced from Treasurer to Vice-President to President. Valeria consistently ranks in Platinum tier for CyberPatriot competitions and secured a spot in the 2024 SoCal Cyber Cup Final Round, proving her skills in penetration testing and defensive scripting.
At Stanford's AI Camp, where she earned a full scholarship, Valeria developed LeafLex—an AI-powered plant identification system. Working in the computer vision department, she led her team, the VortexVultures, through the complexities of machine learning applications. Her growing expertise spans networking principles, Linux systems, and database management.
Through the Early College Academy, Valeria pursues both her associate's degree and high school diploma. Her rigorous course load includes advanced study in network fundamentals, database management systems, and computer programming. Her first-place victory in the MDCP Hackathon and completion of CCNAv7: Introduction to Networks add to her growing list of technical credentials.
In the classroom, Valeria maintains a 3.93 unweighted GPA while serving as a Lab Assistant for IT Essentials, where she guides peers through computer building, operating system installation, and network troubleshooting. Her natural leadership draws teammates who see her as a mentor. Mark Smith, ranks her among the top 5% of students in Oak Hills' IT program, noting how she leads without condescension and freely shares her knowledge with others.
As a Latina in technology, Valeria faces challenges head-on: "I will not tolerate being looked at as lesser than." She advocates for tolerance and open-mindedness in the workplace, letting her accomplishments speak for themselves. Her success opens doors for future Hispanic women in technology fields.
Beyond technology, Valeria brings leadership to her faith community. As altar server coordinator at Holy Family Parish and leader in the Soldiers for Christ youth group, she manages events while playing violin in the church choir. When two young girls joined the children's choir citing her influence, Valeria understood how representation creates ripples of inspiration.
Her service extends beyond church walls through consistent involvement in soup kitchen initiatives and fundraising events. "What inspires me to give back is the community and love that is given to me and others," she explains, approaching service with the same dedication she brings to technology.
Valeria approaches technology with clear purpose: "I want to make the world safe now that we live in a technology-based world." She will pursue information systems and technology at California State University San Bernardino, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, or California State Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo, bringing her blend of technical skill and collaborative leadership to new challenges.
SILVER - Jared Esquivel
SILVER
Jared Esquivel
College: Stanford University ; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Data Science
High School: Watsonville High School
Hometown: Watsonville, CA
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
A middle school coding club sparked something electric in Jared Esquivel. Hours disappeared into Scratch programming as he created games, animations, and songs, discovering technology's boundless possibilities. Today, this remarkable student from Watsonville, California brings that same passion to web development internships and community technology initiatives.
At Digital NEST, a nonprofit empowering Hispanic youth, Jared excels in front-end development, building advanced skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. His instructor, Leo Villalobos, notes how Jared consistently works beyond required hours, adding features to projects and expanding his knowledge. This dedication earned him a competitive web development internship with Pajaro Valley Unified School District, where he helps create interactive resources for students and faculty.
The City of Watsonville's IT department recognized Jared's technical talents with a summer internship, where he managed hardware setup and software support for municipal employees. His contributions earned recognition from the Mayor's office, marking his growing impact in local government technology systems.
Through Digital NEST's Quest Club, Jared's leadership abilities flourished as project manager for "NEST NIGHT," where he coordinated budgets, facilitated meetings, and brought technology resources to community members. His ability to keep team members on track while managing complex event logistics earned praise from program directors.
At Watsonville High School, Jared maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while pursuing advanced coursework in programming and calculus. His academic excellence earned him the Principal's Scholar Award, Wildcatz Scholar Award, and membership in the National Society of High School Scholars. Between classes, he attends computer science workshops through Stanford Splash and manages audio-visual systems at his church.
Coming from a city that's 82% Hispanic, Jared sees beyond common stereotypes about his community. "When people think of Watsonville, they mainly think about agriculture, gang violence, and poverty," he shares. "There are intelligent and innovative minds all around Watsonville just waiting for the chance to prove themselves.”
His vision extends to addressing technology access gaps. After witnessing economic challenges in his community, Jared dedicated nearly 200 hours to service work. Through Digital NEST, he helps connect youth with career-building resources, understanding how technology education can break cycles of limited opportunity.
His experience managing the NEST NIGHT event revealed another strength—bringing technical expertise to community needs. From budgeting to team coordination, Jared ensured every aspect ran smoothly while supporting fellow members who needed additional guidance. "This experience made me feel inspired," he reflects. "I enjoyed being able to give a memorable night to the community and sharing the technological resources that Digital NEST had to offer.”
Beyond individual achievements, Jared focuses on systemic change. Noting that Hispanic communities comprise only 8% of the technology workforce, he advocates for expanded access to technical education and career pathways. His own journey from middle school coder to accomplished web developer serves as a blueprint for others.
With admissions pending at Stanford University; the University of California, Berkeley; or the University of California, Los Angeles, Jared plans to study computer science with a minor in data science. His mission remains clear: using technology to create opportunities that benefit everyone, proving the potential within every community.
Jared Esquivel
College: Stanford University ; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Data Science
High School: Watsonville High School
Hometown: Watsonville, CA
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
A middle school coding club sparked something electric in Jared Esquivel. Hours disappeared into Scratch programming as he created games, animations, and songs, discovering technology's boundless possibilities. Today, this remarkable student from Watsonville, California brings that same passion to web development internships and community technology initiatives.
At Digital NEST, a nonprofit empowering Hispanic youth, Jared excels in front-end development, building advanced skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. His instructor, Leo Villalobos, notes how Jared consistently works beyond required hours, adding features to projects and expanding his knowledge. This dedication earned him a competitive web development internship with Pajaro Valley Unified School District, where he helps create interactive resources for students and faculty.
The City of Watsonville's IT department recognized Jared's technical talents with a summer internship, where he managed hardware setup and software support for municipal employees. His contributions earned recognition from the Mayor's office, marking his growing impact in local government technology systems.
Through Digital NEST's Quest Club, Jared's leadership abilities flourished as project manager for "NEST NIGHT," where he coordinated budgets, facilitated meetings, and brought technology resources to community members. His ability to keep team members on track while managing complex event logistics earned praise from program directors.
At Watsonville High School, Jared maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while pursuing advanced coursework in programming and calculus. His academic excellence earned him the Principal's Scholar Award, Wildcatz Scholar Award, and membership in the National Society of High School Scholars. Between classes, he attends computer science workshops through Stanford Splash and manages audio-visual systems at his church.
Coming from a city that's 82% Hispanic, Jared sees beyond common stereotypes about his community. "When people think of Watsonville, they mainly think about agriculture, gang violence, and poverty," he shares. "There are intelligent and innovative minds all around Watsonville just waiting for the chance to prove themselves.”
His vision extends to addressing technology access gaps. After witnessing economic challenges in his community, Jared dedicated nearly 200 hours to service work. Through Digital NEST, he helps connect youth with career-building resources, understanding how technology education can break cycles of limited opportunity.
His experience managing the NEST NIGHT event revealed another strength—bringing technical expertise to community needs. From budgeting to team coordination, Jared ensured every aspect ran smoothly while supporting fellow members who needed additional guidance. "This experience made me feel inspired," he reflects. "I enjoyed being able to give a memorable night to the community and sharing the technological resources that Digital NEST had to offer.”
Beyond individual achievements, Jared focuses on systemic change. Noting that Hispanic communities comprise only 8% of the technology workforce, he advocates for expanded access to technical education and career pathways. His own journey from middle school coder to accomplished web developer serves as a blueprint for others.
With admissions pending at Stanford University; the University of California, Berkeley; or the University of California, Los Angeles, Jared plans to study computer science with a minor in data science. His mission remains clear: using technology to create opportunities that benefit everyone, proving the potential within every community.
BRONZE - Andrea Escobar
BRONZE
Andrea Escobar
College: Pepperdine University; California Institute of Technology; University of Southern California
Major: Biophysics or Biochemistry with a minor in Bioinformatics or Medical Physics
High School: Granada Hills Charter High School
Hometown: Sylmar, CA
Hispanic Heritage: Salvadoran
During the pandemic, locked in her home like millions of others, Andrea Escobar had two options: Netflix binge or self-reinvention. She chose the latter. "I taught myself to code and sign language during the pandemic because it's all I had access to, so I took advantage of it!" This decision sparked a technological journey that would soon touch hundreds of young lives throughout Los Angeles.
Two years later, Andrea launched SignABook, translating classic stories into American Sign Language videos hosted on a website she built herself. This fusion of coding skills and ASL knowledge exemplifies her approach to technology: creating solutions that expand access and opportunity for underserved communities.
As president of Girls++, Andrea doubled her team's size and event dates while somehow keeping the budget unchanged—a minor miracle in educational programming. Her STEM camp for young Hispanic girls now features virtual panels, hackathon competitions, and specialized workshops exploring technology's applications in arts, science, and medicine. This leadership earned her organization $1,000 stipends from La Promise Fund's GirlsBuild program for two consecutive years.
Not content with just one technological initiative, Andrea founded STEM Ahead, organizing workshops at her former elementary school and LAPD PALS. These sessions introduce concepts like capillary action and strawberry DNA extraction to students who, like her younger self, lacked access to hands-on STEM experiences. Her nonprofit later expanded through collaborations with EcquaLA and the World Wide Water Project, adding environmental sustainability and water conservation to its educational mission.
Andrea's technological portfolio includes certifications in web development and data analysis from Girls Who Code, personality quizzes coded from scratch, and websites designed for small businesses. One visit to her code repositories reveals projects ranging from simple encouragement pages to multilingual interactive experiences—each reflecting her growing technological capabilities.
At Granada Hills Charter High School, Andrea became valedictorian while completing four events in Science Olympiad and maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her course load reads like a STEM student's wish list: AP Physics C, IB Higher Level Physics, IB Higher Level Math Analysis, AP Chemistry, and numerous other advanced classes. These achievements earned her recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, a College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award, and selection as a Posse Foundation Finalist for Pepperdine University.
"Physics—I can never escape it! In fact, I can never run from it," Andrea writes, describing her gravitational pull toward a subject that bridges her technological interests with her passion for medicine. This connection became personal when her mother underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, an experience that inspired Andrea to complete a Certified Nursing Assistant program. She envisions technology playing a crucial role in healthcare, particularly in addressing language barriers she encountered during her clinical rotations. "Technology can help us keep the privacy of patients while providing reliable services," she notes.
Between coding sessions, Andrea finds time to serve as a Mattel Youth Ambassador creating crochet items for hospitalized children, a Schoolhouse SAT Math tutor, an Academic Commissioner organizing class-wide tutoring sessions, and a dance mentor at the nonprofit Baila Conmigo. These efforts earned her the Presidential Volunteer Service Award at both silver and bronze levels and the InnerView Ambassador Level Community Service Award.
Leadership comes naturally to Andrea, who serves as an Academic Commissioner and Link Crew Leader organizing class-wide tutoring sessions. She participates in Model United Nations, earning both research awards and verbal commendations for her work on topics including vector-borne diseases and food insecurity. Her volunteer work at Discovery Cube Los Angeles allows her to share her love of science with younger students through STEM demonstrations.
The next chapter of Andrea's journey leads to Pepperdine University, the California Institute of Technology, or the University of Southern California, where she will study biophysics or biochemistry with a minor in bioinformatics or medical physics, combining scientific rigor with technological innovation.
Andrea Escobar
College: Pepperdine University; California Institute of Technology; University of Southern California
Major: Biophysics or Biochemistry with a minor in Bioinformatics or Medical Physics
High School: Granada Hills Charter High School
Hometown: Sylmar, CA
Hispanic Heritage: Salvadoran
During the pandemic, locked in her home like millions of others, Andrea Escobar had two options: Netflix binge or self-reinvention. She chose the latter. "I taught myself to code and sign language during the pandemic because it's all I had access to, so I took advantage of it!" This decision sparked a technological journey that would soon touch hundreds of young lives throughout Los Angeles.
Two years later, Andrea launched SignABook, translating classic stories into American Sign Language videos hosted on a website she built herself. This fusion of coding skills and ASL knowledge exemplifies her approach to technology: creating solutions that expand access and opportunity for underserved communities.
As president of Girls++, Andrea doubled her team's size and event dates while somehow keeping the budget unchanged—a minor miracle in educational programming. Her STEM camp for young Hispanic girls now features virtual panels, hackathon competitions, and specialized workshops exploring technology's applications in arts, science, and medicine. This leadership earned her organization $1,000 stipends from La Promise Fund's GirlsBuild program for two consecutive years.
Not content with just one technological initiative, Andrea founded STEM Ahead, organizing workshops at her former elementary school and LAPD PALS. These sessions introduce concepts like capillary action and strawberry DNA extraction to students who, like her younger self, lacked access to hands-on STEM experiences. Her nonprofit later expanded through collaborations with EcquaLA and the World Wide Water Project, adding environmental sustainability and water conservation to its educational mission.
Andrea's technological portfolio includes certifications in web development and data analysis from Girls Who Code, personality quizzes coded from scratch, and websites designed for small businesses. One visit to her code repositories reveals projects ranging from simple encouragement pages to multilingual interactive experiences—each reflecting her growing technological capabilities.
At Granada Hills Charter High School, Andrea became valedictorian while completing four events in Science Olympiad and maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her course load reads like a STEM student's wish list: AP Physics C, IB Higher Level Physics, IB Higher Level Math Analysis, AP Chemistry, and numerous other advanced classes. These achievements earned her recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, a College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award, and selection as a Posse Foundation Finalist for Pepperdine University.
"Physics—I can never escape it! In fact, I can never run from it," Andrea writes, describing her gravitational pull toward a subject that bridges her technological interests with her passion for medicine. This connection became personal when her mother underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, an experience that inspired Andrea to complete a Certified Nursing Assistant program. She envisions technology playing a crucial role in healthcare, particularly in addressing language barriers she encountered during her clinical rotations. "Technology can help us keep the privacy of patients while providing reliable services," she notes.
Between coding sessions, Andrea finds time to serve as a Mattel Youth Ambassador creating crochet items for hospitalized children, a Schoolhouse SAT Math tutor, an Academic Commissioner organizing class-wide tutoring sessions, and a dance mentor at the nonprofit Baila Conmigo. These efforts earned her the Presidential Volunteer Service Award at both silver and bronze levels and the InnerView Ambassador Level Community Service Award.
Leadership comes naturally to Andrea, who serves as an Academic Commissioner and Link Crew Leader organizing class-wide tutoring sessions. She participates in Model United Nations, earning both research awards and verbal commendations for her work on topics including vector-borne diseases and food insecurity. Her volunteer work at Discovery Cube Los Angeles allows her to share her love of science with younger students through STEM demonstrations.
The next chapter of Andrea's journey leads to Pepperdine University, the California Institute of Technology, or the University of Southern California, where she will study biophysics or biochemistry with a minor in bioinformatics or medical physics, combining scientific rigor with technological innovation.
Red Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Arty Basilio
GOLD
Arty Basilio
College: University of Rochester, Stanford University, Duke University
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Dance or Sustainability
High School: Columbia Secondary School
Hometown: New York, NY
Hispanic Heritage: Colombian & Mexican
The lumber-scented aisles of Home Depot became eight-year-old Arty Basilio's first laboratory. When her family couldn't afford traditional extracurriculars, these free weekend workshops became her creative sanctuary. Every Saturday morning, she'd arrive ready to hammer, glue, and create during free workshops that sparked her lifelong love of creating. "Home depot workshops... is what sparked my interest in building," she recalls. Surrounded by wood scraps and craft supplies, Arty discovered the joy of turning raw materials into something new. Sawdust and sandpaper laid the foundation for a journey that would eventually trade wooden creations for lines of elegant code.
The daughter of Colombian and Mexican parents, Arty discovered coding in 9th grade and never looked back. By 11th grade, she was developing impressive apps through Google Code Next. She focused on Swift UI, creating multiple apps throughout the year, including "Artemis"—a platform connecting NYC students to extracurriculars based on potential majors, borough preferences, and grade levels. This four-month project culminated in a presentation to over 100 students, families, and staff at Google's winter showcase.
Arty's technological achievements tech achievements reach impressive heights with her AI algorithm using convolutional neural networks to analyze and categorize images of trash. Developed under the mentorship of a Pomona University professor through her fully-funded Curious Cardinals scholarship, this project reflects the intersection of her twin interests: sustainability and technology. Her model uses convolutional layers to extract image features and pooling layers to reduce quality to essential elements, allowing it to recognize similar items despite variations. With 254 million tons of plastic entering landfills annually, Arty's work addresses critical environmental challenges through technological innovation.
Yet Arty's journey in tech hasn't been without obstacles. Family members steeped in traditional views questioned her career choice with dismissive comments about women in tech. Rather than planting roots on doubt in her, these comments strengthened her resolve. "My journey has been about proving that Hispanic women can be at the forefront of change,” she reflects. While relatives pushed her toward "acceptable" careers like teaching or nursing, she saw technology's power to change the future and address global challenges. This tension between cultural expectations and personal calling shaped a technologist who codes not just for innovation but for representation.
Beyond coding, Arty is also a tech entrepreneur with a unique vision. Seeing that "7 in 10 girls aren't confident" according to Dove's research, Arty created GirlsWithCharms—a digital platform where users collect achievement badges much like Pokémon cards. "I wanted to create a space where girls can feel proud of their accomplishments no matter how big or small," she explains. This concept won third place and $2,000 in funding at the national 10x competition with Seeds of Fortune, earning recognition from Nitiya Walker, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.
At Columbia Secondary School, Arty maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while balancing technology explorations with home responsibilities—helping her younger brother with homework and caring for her grandmother daily. Her course load includes AP Computer Science A, AP Calculus AB, university-level courses at Columbia University, and specialized classes like Intro to Game Programming at City College. Her commitment to academic excellence has earned her recognition as a QuestBridge National Match Finalist, QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, William and Mary Leadership Award recipient, and National Hispanic Recognition Program honoree.
Arty's technological vision extends to addressing educational inequities she witnessed firsthand. While her siblings dropped out of expensive colleges due to lack of financial guidance—a common story in Hispanic communities—Arty joined YES Youth Leadership Board to create solutions. Her current project involves developing a matching system connecting 40+ NYC low-income students with extracurricular activities and internships aligned with their interests, starting at her school where over 45% of students are low-income and primarily Latino.
Her technological expertise encompasses multiple platforms and languages. Beyond Swift UI, she's participated in Kode with Klossy Data Science Camp, Girls Who Code Self Immersion, and CompTIA A+ Introduction to Computers at Borough of Manhattan Community College. As part of the Columbia Secondary School Tech Crew, she applies her skills to school productions and events, while also participating in the Columbia University Astronomy Research Program to explore space-related technologies.
When not coding, Arty channels her energy into athletics and arts, playing for Columbia Secondary School's Varsity Rugby team and dancing at Broadway Dance Center in Hip-Hop II classes. She co-founded Project Stars, an organization aimed at transforming perceptions of neurological conditions and disabilities, where she serves as Vice President overseeing chapters and volunteers.
With every line of code, Arty builds a bridge between what is and what could be. Her technological journey moves next to University of Rochester, Stanford University, or Duke University, where she'll pursue computer science with a minor in dance or sustainability. Whether coding apps to connect students with opportunities, developing AI to sort waste, or creating digital platforms that celebrate achievements, Arty wields technology as both tool and statement—crafting solutions while rewriting cultural scripts about who belongs in tech fields.
Arty Basilio
College: University of Rochester, Stanford University, Duke University
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Dance or Sustainability
High School: Columbia Secondary School
Hometown: New York, NY
Hispanic Heritage: Colombian & Mexican
The lumber-scented aisles of Home Depot became eight-year-old Arty Basilio's first laboratory. When her family couldn't afford traditional extracurriculars, these free weekend workshops became her creative sanctuary. Every Saturday morning, she'd arrive ready to hammer, glue, and create during free workshops that sparked her lifelong love of creating. "Home depot workshops... is what sparked my interest in building," she recalls. Surrounded by wood scraps and craft supplies, Arty discovered the joy of turning raw materials into something new. Sawdust and sandpaper laid the foundation for a journey that would eventually trade wooden creations for lines of elegant code.
The daughter of Colombian and Mexican parents, Arty discovered coding in 9th grade and never looked back. By 11th grade, she was developing impressive apps through Google Code Next. She focused on Swift UI, creating multiple apps throughout the year, including "Artemis"—a platform connecting NYC students to extracurriculars based on potential majors, borough preferences, and grade levels. This four-month project culminated in a presentation to over 100 students, families, and staff at Google's winter showcase.
Arty's technological achievements tech achievements reach impressive heights with her AI algorithm using convolutional neural networks to analyze and categorize images of trash. Developed under the mentorship of a Pomona University professor through her fully-funded Curious Cardinals scholarship, this project reflects the intersection of her twin interests: sustainability and technology. Her model uses convolutional layers to extract image features and pooling layers to reduce quality to essential elements, allowing it to recognize similar items despite variations. With 254 million tons of plastic entering landfills annually, Arty's work addresses critical environmental challenges through technological innovation.
Yet Arty's journey in tech hasn't been without obstacles. Family members steeped in traditional views questioned her career choice with dismissive comments about women in tech. Rather than planting roots on doubt in her, these comments strengthened her resolve. "My journey has been about proving that Hispanic women can be at the forefront of change,” she reflects. While relatives pushed her toward "acceptable" careers like teaching or nursing, she saw technology's power to change the future and address global challenges. This tension between cultural expectations and personal calling shaped a technologist who codes not just for innovation but for representation.
Beyond coding, Arty is also a tech entrepreneur with a unique vision. Seeing that "7 in 10 girls aren't confident" according to Dove's research, Arty created GirlsWithCharms—a digital platform where users collect achievement badges much like Pokémon cards. "I wanted to create a space where girls can feel proud of their accomplishments no matter how big or small," she explains. This concept won third place and $2,000 in funding at the national 10x competition with Seeds of Fortune, earning recognition from Nitiya Walker, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.
At Columbia Secondary School, Arty maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while balancing technology explorations with home responsibilities—helping her younger brother with homework and caring for her grandmother daily. Her course load includes AP Computer Science A, AP Calculus AB, university-level courses at Columbia University, and specialized classes like Intro to Game Programming at City College. Her commitment to academic excellence has earned her recognition as a QuestBridge National Match Finalist, QuestBridge College Prep Scholar, William and Mary Leadership Award recipient, and National Hispanic Recognition Program honoree.
Arty's technological vision extends to addressing educational inequities she witnessed firsthand. While her siblings dropped out of expensive colleges due to lack of financial guidance—a common story in Hispanic communities—Arty joined YES Youth Leadership Board to create solutions. Her current project involves developing a matching system connecting 40+ NYC low-income students with extracurricular activities and internships aligned with their interests, starting at her school where over 45% of students are low-income and primarily Latino.
Her technological expertise encompasses multiple platforms and languages. Beyond Swift UI, she's participated in Kode with Klossy Data Science Camp, Girls Who Code Self Immersion, and CompTIA A+ Introduction to Computers at Borough of Manhattan Community College. As part of the Columbia Secondary School Tech Crew, she applies her skills to school productions and events, while also participating in the Columbia University Astronomy Research Program to explore space-related technologies.
When not coding, Arty channels her energy into athletics and arts, playing for Columbia Secondary School's Varsity Rugby team and dancing at Broadway Dance Center in Hip-Hop II classes. She co-founded Project Stars, an organization aimed at transforming perceptions of neurological conditions and disabilities, where she serves as Vice President overseeing chapters and volunteers.
With every line of code, Arty builds a bridge between what is and what could be. Her technological journey moves next to University of Rochester, Stanford University, or Duke University, where she'll pursue computer science with a minor in dance or sustainability. Whether coding apps to connect students with opportunities, developing AI to sort waste, or creating digital platforms that celebrate achievements, Arty wields technology as both tool and statement—crafting solutions while rewriting cultural scripts about who belongs in tech fields.
SILVER - Ana Cristina Cervera
SILVER
Ana Cristina Cervera
College: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California Los Angeles, Carnegie Mellon University
Major: Astrophysics with a minor in Engineering
High School: Arlington High School
Hometown: Arlington, MA
Hispanic Heritage: Spanish & Costa Rican
Ten-year-old Ana Cristina Cervera sat mesmerized as her grandfather shared tales of his work at NASA, planting cosmic dreams in a mind just beginning to grasp the universe's vastness. When he passed away, she inherited more than memories—she received his NASA documents, which she devoured with growing fascination. "After spending hours researching all I could about the universe, I realized that I wanted to pursue this field in my career," she explains. This stellar inheritance set her on a mission to build rovers and satellites for space discovery, a goal she pursues through rigorous academics and hands-on technology experiences.
In a sophomore year programming big bang, Ana Cristina took both AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A simultaneously—an educational double feature that revealed her coding talents. This digital foundation led to her proudest technological achievement: designing her own video game. What started as a class assignment quickly escaped school boundaries, becoming a labor of love that consumed her free time. "I fell in love with the burst of excitement I felt when I made progress or finally fixed a bug," she shares, capturing that eureka moment every programmer knows—when a stubborn error finally surrenders to solution.
Her technological excellence caught the attention of MIT Beaver Works Cybersecurity Program instructors, who appointed her class leader after witnessing her superior problem-solving abilities. In this role, Ana Cristina guided classmates through complex challenges, receiving glowing feedback on her leadership skills. This early command experience complements her 2023 Hackathon Champion title—two achievements that speak to both her individual excellence and team leadership abilities.
Beyond coding, Ana Cristina directs live television for Arlington Community Media Inc. (ACMI), using technology to connect people with their community. Through this non-profit, she films town events, spotlights local businesses, and documents meetings—creating digital bridges between people and places. "Thanks to us, local businesses thrive, and the football captain's grandma from Guatemala can cheer him on in his final game," she remarks, noting how technology can shrinks distances between loved ones across continents.
Ana Cristina's technical talents harmonize with her musical abilities. Once hesitant about performing, she now fronts her own band as lead singer and guitarist, with appearances at venues like the Burren in Somerville and Tufts Distler performance center. Her voice teacher, Colleen Nicholas, recalls how Ana Cristina "took every opportunity she could to perform in front of an audience" to conquer her stage fright—applying the same methodical persistence to music that makes her successful in technology.
As Ceramics Club leader, Ana Cristina molds clay into community service. Her club creates pieces with inspirational messages, donating them to those who can't afford high-quality ceramics. Inspired by her cousin's work with Ukrainian refugees in Poland, she believes small acts create ripple effects: "If we can make just one person's day just a little bit brighter, then they will be inspired to also help make their town an even more positive place to be.”
Her academic achievements match her extracurricular excellence. With a 3.97 unweighted GPA, Ana Cristina has earned recognition through the National Hispanic Recognition Program, National Honors Society membership, and status as an AP Scholar with Distinction. She balances challenging courses like AP Physics 2 and AP BC Calculus while maintaining her various leadership roles.
As a Hispanic woman aiming for a STEM career, Ana Cristina acknowledges the rarity of her position. "It is so rare to see a Hispanic woman in STEM, much less those who are leaders," she observes. Rather than being deterred by this reality, she channels it into motivation to become "a role model for every child who is scared to take that scary first step into the STEM field," recognizing that diverse voices are essential in shaping technology's future.
Ana Cristina's grandfather once showed her the stars through stories; now she aims to explore them herself. She will pursue astrophysics with a minor in engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; the University of California, Los Angeles; or Carnegie Mellon University. Her dream of building rovers and satellites for space discovery carries forward her grandfather's legacy while creating her own—writing a new chapter in the still-too-short story of Hispanic women in space technology.
Ana Cristina Cervera
College: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California Los Angeles, Carnegie Mellon University
Major: Astrophysics with a minor in Engineering
High School: Arlington High School
Hometown: Arlington, MA
Hispanic Heritage: Spanish & Costa Rican
Ten-year-old Ana Cristina Cervera sat mesmerized as her grandfather shared tales of his work at NASA, planting cosmic dreams in a mind just beginning to grasp the universe's vastness. When he passed away, she inherited more than memories—she received his NASA documents, which she devoured with growing fascination. "After spending hours researching all I could about the universe, I realized that I wanted to pursue this field in my career," she explains. This stellar inheritance set her on a mission to build rovers and satellites for space discovery, a goal she pursues through rigorous academics and hands-on technology experiences.
In a sophomore year programming big bang, Ana Cristina took both AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A simultaneously—an educational double feature that revealed her coding talents. This digital foundation led to her proudest technological achievement: designing her own video game. What started as a class assignment quickly escaped school boundaries, becoming a labor of love that consumed her free time. "I fell in love with the burst of excitement I felt when I made progress or finally fixed a bug," she shares, capturing that eureka moment every programmer knows—when a stubborn error finally surrenders to solution.
Her technological excellence caught the attention of MIT Beaver Works Cybersecurity Program instructors, who appointed her class leader after witnessing her superior problem-solving abilities. In this role, Ana Cristina guided classmates through complex challenges, receiving glowing feedback on her leadership skills. This early command experience complements her 2023 Hackathon Champion title—two achievements that speak to both her individual excellence and team leadership abilities.
Beyond coding, Ana Cristina directs live television for Arlington Community Media Inc. (ACMI), using technology to connect people with their community. Through this non-profit, she films town events, spotlights local businesses, and documents meetings—creating digital bridges between people and places. "Thanks to us, local businesses thrive, and the football captain's grandma from Guatemala can cheer him on in his final game," she remarks, noting how technology can shrinks distances between loved ones across continents.
Ana Cristina's technical talents harmonize with her musical abilities. Once hesitant about performing, she now fronts her own band as lead singer and guitarist, with appearances at venues like the Burren in Somerville and Tufts Distler performance center. Her voice teacher, Colleen Nicholas, recalls how Ana Cristina "took every opportunity she could to perform in front of an audience" to conquer her stage fright—applying the same methodical persistence to music that makes her successful in technology.
As Ceramics Club leader, Ana Cristina molds clay into community service. Her club creates pieces with inspirational messages, donating them to those who can't afford high-quality ceramics. Inspired by her cousin's work with Ukrainian refugees in Poland, she believes small acts create ripple effects: "If we can make just one person's day just a little bit brighter, then they will be inspired to also help make their town an even more positive place to be.”
Her academic achievements match her extracurricular excellence. With a 3.97 unweighted GPA, Ana Cristina has earned recognition through the National Hispanic Recognition Program, National Honors Society membership, and status as an AP Scholar with Distinction. She balances challenging courses like AP Physics 2 and AP BC Calculus while maintaining her various leadership roles.
As a Hispanic woman aiming for a STEM career, Ana Cristina acknowledges the rarity of her position. "It is so rare to see a Hispanic woman in STEM, much less those who are leaders," she observes. Rather than being deterred by this reality, she channels it into motivation to become "a role model for every child who is scared to take that scary first step into the STEM field," recognizing that diverse voices are essential in shaping technology's future.
Ana Cristina's grandfather once showed her the stars through stories; now she aims to explore them herself. She will pursue astrophysics with a minor in engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; the University of California, Los Angeles; or Carnegie Mellon University. Her dream of building rovers and satellites for space discovery carries forward her grandfather's legacy while creating her own—writing a new chapter in the still-too-short story of Hispanic women in space technology.
BRONZE - Luiz Moreira
BRONZE
Luiz Moreira
College: University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Boston University
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Theater Arts and Music
High School: Stoneham High School
Hometown: Stoneham, MA
Hispanic Heritage: Brazilian & Filipino
Long before mastering Python or C#, Luiz Moreira had already conquered his first technological challenge: learning to read. Not for books, but for Google. "My mom always tells me about how I learned to read just so I could use Google," he laughs—a pint-sized programmer with search engine dreams. With parents who welcomed his digital curiosity instead of limiting screen time, Luiz discovered a universe of knowledge at his fingertips. By 10th grade, he had developed an Android app using MIT App Inventor. The moment clicked like a perfect line of code, and he knew programming would be his path forward. "From there, I didn't miss a beat," he explains, "expanding my skills by taking on projects outside of class.”
Most teenagers wait for classroom instruction—Luiz went hunting for knowledge armed with only a Wi-Fi connection. He taught himself Python through YouTube tutorials and tackled Harvard's CS50 course solo, treating computer science concepts like puzzles to solve between homework assignments. Game development caught his imagination, prompting him to experiment with Unity and C# programming to create interactive experiences. Paula Hamel, his AP Computer Science Principles teacher at Stoneham High School, noted this self-starter spirit immediately, writing that Luiz arrived to class "well-prepared, having taken the initiative to complete a Python course over the summer," giving him a runtime advantage and allowing him to engage with advanced concepts from day one.
While attending Sesi Mariza Araújo school in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, Luiz was part of his school’s robotics team. When the pandemic unfolded, his team had to adapt and tackle a new obstacle: participating in robotics competitions during pandemic restrictions. During this time, collaboration meant Google Meets instead of workshop sessions for his team, which had narrowed down to fewer than five students. Working remotely, Luiz and his team designed an ingenious solution that won "Best Innovation Idea" at their regional competition. Their creation? A public pedal structure that generates electricity to charge phones while encouraging physical activity—addressing environmental sustainability and sedentary lifestyles simultaneously.
What makes Luiz's technological achievements particularly remarkable is the context of his educational journey. "I studied at a public school in Brazil for the biggest part of my life," he explains, "and there weren't always opportunities to explore technology." Only in 8th grade, after receiving scholarships to attend a low-cost private school, did he gain access to resources like the school's robotics team. This experience shaped his perspective on the importance of diversity in STEM fields: "Coming from a background where access to tech felt like a privilege, I know firsthand why diversity in STEM is so important.”
Beyond his technical skills, Luiz exhibits exceptional communication abilities and collaborative spirit. Ms. Hamel describes him as "a strong communicator and an active listener, able to articulate complex ideas with clarity and enthusiasm." During code reviews, he openly discusses different programming approaches—debugging his own thinking while helping classmates strengthen their skills and showcasing a willingness to learn that inspires his classmates while improving his own skills.
Luiz brings this same collaborative mindset to helping others. In Brazil, he organized programming study groups where peers could practice coding together, creating a supportive network of young tech enthusiasts. "I shared what I knew and learned from others," he explains, "making the subjects we studied in school feel both relevant and exciting outside the classroom." His goal wasn't just knowledge transfer but inspiration—helping classmates see how technical skills could compile into successful futures, particularly important in communities where educational optimism can oftentimes waver.
His commitment to helping others extends beyond academics. Despite having limited resources himself, Luiz regularly donated clothes, toys, and items to local churches and community centers in Brazil. Guided by his family's principle to "love your neighbor as yourself," he found ways to support those around him even when his own circumstances were modest.
At Stoneham High School, Luiz maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking challenging courses like AP Calculus and Forensic Science Honors. His academic excellence has earned him spots on the High Honor Roll for multiple quarters. He is also involved with his school’s drama club, adding another dimension to his creative interests and complementing his endeavors in tech with theatrical expression.
The boy who once typed clumsy searches into Google will pursue computer science with a minor in theater arts and music at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, or Boston University. His journey from limited technology access in Brazil to coding and excelling in tech in America represents the bridge he hopes to build for others—creating pathways where curiosity meets opportunity, one keyboard stroke at a time.
Luiz Moreira
College: University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Boston University
Major: Computer Science with a minor in Theater Arts and Music
High School: Stoneham High School
Hometown: Stoneham, MA
Hispanic Heritage: Brazilian & Filipino
Long before mastering Python or C#, Luiz Moreira had already conquered his first technological challenge: learning to read. Not for books, but for Google. "My mom always tells me about how I learned to read just so I could use Google," he laughs—a pint-sized programmer with search engine dreams. With parents who welcomed his digital curiosity instead of limiting screen time, Luiz discovered a universe of knowledge at his fingertips. By 10th grade, he had developed an Android app using MIT App Inventor. The moment clicked like a perfect line of code, and he knew programming would be his path forward. "From there, I didn't miss a beat," he explains, "expanding my skills by taking on projects outside of class.”
Most teenagers wait for classroom instruction—Luiz went hunting for knowledge armed with only a Wi-Fi connection. He taught himself Python through YouTube tutorials and tackled Harvard's CS50 course solo, treating computer science concepts like puzzles to solve between homework assignments. Game development caught his imagination, prompting him to experiment with Unity and C# programming to create interactive experiences. Paula Hamel, his AP Computer Science Principles teacher at Stoneham High School, noted this self-starter spirit immediately, writing that Luiz arrived to class "well-prepared, having taken the initiative to complete a Python course over the summer," giving him a runtime advantage and allowing him to engage with advanced concepts from day one.
While attending Sesi Mariza Araújo school in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, Luiz was part of his school’s robotics team. When the pandemic unfolded, his team had to adapt and tackle a new obstacle: participating in robotics competitions during pandemic restrictions. During this time, collaboration meant Google Meets instead of workshop sessions for his team, which had narrowed down to fewer than five students. Working remotely, Luiz and his team designed an ingenious solution that won "Best Innovation Idea" at their regional competition. Their creation? A public pedal structure that generates electricity to charge phones while encouraging physical activity—addressing environmental sustainability and sedentary lifestyles simultaneously.
What makes Luiz's technological achievements particularly remarkable is the context of his educational journey. "I studied at a public school in Brazil for the biggest part of my life," he explains, "and there weren't always opportunities to explore technology." Only in 8th grade, after receiving scholarships to attend a low-cost private school, did he gain access to resources like the school's robotics team. This experience shaped his perspective on the importance of diversity in STEM fields: "Coming from a background where access to tech felt like a privilege, I know firsthand why diversity in STEM is so important.”
Beyond his technical skills, Luiz exhibits exceptional communication abilities and collaborative spirit. Ms. Hamel describes him as "a strong communicator and an active listener, able to articulate complex ideas with clarity and enthusiasm." During code reviews, he openly discusses different programming approaches—debugging his own thinking while helping classmates strengthen their skills and showcasing a willingness to learn that inspires his classmates while improving his own skills.
Luiz brings this same collaborative mindset to helping others. In Brazil, he organized programming study groups where peers could practice coding together, creating a supportive network of young tech enthusiasts. "I shared what I knew and learned from others," he explains, "making the subjects we studied in school feel both relevant and exciting outside the classroom." His goal wasn't just knowledge transfer but inspiration—helping classmates see how technical skills could compile into successful futures, particularly important in communities where educational optimism can oftentimes waver.
His commitment to helping others extends beyond academics. Despite having limited resources himself, Luiz regularly donated clothes, toys, and items to local churches and community centers in Brazil. Guided by his family's principle to "love your neighbor as yourself," he found ways to support those around him even when his own circumstances were modest.
At Stoneham High School, Luiz maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking challenging courses like AP Calculus and Forensic Science Honors. His academic excellence has earned him spots on the High Honor Roll for multiple quarters. He is also involved with his school’s drama club, adding another dimension to his creative interests and complementing his endeavors in tech with theatrical expression.
The boy who once typed clumsy searches into Google will pursue computer science with a minor in theater arts and music at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, or Boston University. His journey from limited technology access in Brazil to coding and excelling in tech in America represents the bridge he hopes to build for others—creating pathways where curiosity meets opportunity, one keyboard stroke at a time.
Tan Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Briana Maldonado
GOLD
Briana Maldonado
College: Purdue University, Georgia Tech, University of California Berkley
Major: Computer Engineering with a minor in Data Science
High School: Radians School
Hometown: Cayey, PR
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
The summer temperatures in Puerto Rico climb relentlessly, but it wasn't the heat that sparked Briana Maldonado's technological breakthrough—it was the need to control it. Her fan automation system, crafted from an Arduino UNO, breadboard, DC motor and temperature sensor, earned first place in Embedded Systems at her science fair, as well as a Yale Science & Engineering Association's Award.
The interest that eventually led Briana to creating this award-winning innovation began a few years earlier with a simple adolescent realization: video games are more fun to build than to play. At 14, Briana wandered beyond the gaming screen, teaching herself variables and functions through YouTube tutorials until she coded her own obstacle game—her first digital creation in a technological portfolio that would soon include Arduino programming, database development, and 3D modeling expertise.
The frequent power outages that plague Puerto Rico's electrical grid became more than inconveniences to Briana—they became engineering challenges. "In my community, power outages occur on a daily basis because of how fragile electrical systems have become as a result of various storms and hurricanes," she explains. This reality inspired her to imagine solutions: microgrids powered by windmills and solar panels that could maintain essential services during blackouts. Her technological vision jumps from theory into practice, with her Arduino fan system programmed in C++ after countless hours of coding and testing, designed specifically to help "industries maintain their products at healthy temperatures in a more efficient and effective way.”
Briana's digital toolkit expanded dramatically when an IT Director noticed her talents and offered an internship developing a visitor management system for a residential community. Her background in C programming translated smoothly to C# as she built databases and designed user interfaces with SQLite and Visual Studio. Meanwhile, at Radians School, her computer science courses challenged her to create practical applications like a personalized Scrabble scoring system, merging game theory with coding practice.
Virtual architectural spaces took shape under Briana's skilled mouse clicks as she mastered 3D modeling. Beginning with Blender for her video games, she graduated to CAD for more complex designs. During Purdue University's summer program, she served as CAD developer for a glider project, creating digital models that guided physical construction. Her expertise now reaches beyond her own projects as she conducts CAD workshops at school, teaching others to navigate dimensional design.
Maintaining a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking advanced courses like AP Calculus, Briana has earned Honor Roll recognition and the admiration of science professor José Caballero Martínez, who praises her analytical thinking and leadership abilities. Her leadership extends to her roles in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Radians Student Council, and service organizations like Equipo Dedicado al Servicio y Empatía (EDSE) and Golden Age clubs, where she organizes support for pediatric cancer patients and maintains facilities at the Ronald McDonald House.
Growing up in Puerto Rico, where technological infrastructure faces constant challenges from natural disasters, has shaped Briana's understanding of technology's purpose. She knows that many of the problems that affect communities like those on the island often come down to lack of representation. "Most of the problems surrounding these communities are not addressed just because they are not known," she observes, noting issues affecting Hispanic communities are not always addressed by larger tech companies. This perspective drives her determination to increase diversity in STEM fields: "Multiple mindsets and collaboration from people with diverse backgrounds can bring efficient problem-solving to create long-lasting and inclusive solutions where every community is heard and assisted.”
With dreams of making technology more accessible and reliable in communities like hers, Briana will pursue computer engineering with a minor in data science at Purdue University, Georgia Tech, or the University of California, Berkeley. Her goal transcends personal success: to provide "affordable devices, fix electrical and power systems, and implement updated technologies" for Latino and Hispanic communities. In a place where power flickers but innovation shines, Briana stands ready to ensure that "the future is equally promising everywhere"—especially in the communities that technology has left in the dark.
Briana Maldonado
College: Purdue University, Georgia Tech, University of California Berkley
Major: Computer Engineering with a minor in Data Science
High School: Radians School
Hometown: Cayey, PR
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
The summer temperatures in Puerto Rico climb relentlessly, but it wasn't the heat that sparked Briana Maldonado's technological breakthrough—it was the need to control it. Her fan automation system, crafted from an Arduino UNO, breadboard, DC motor and temperature sensor, earned first place in Embedded Systems at her science fair, as well as a Yale Science & Engineering Association's Award.
The interest that eventually led Briana to creating this award-winning innovation began a few years earlier with a simple adolescent realization: video games are more fun to build than to play. At 14, Briana wandered beyond the gaming screen, teaching herself variables and functions through YouTube tutorials until she coded her own obstacle game—her first digital creation in a technological portfolio that would soon include Arduino programming, database development, and 3D modeling expertise.
The frequent power outages that plague Puerto Rico's electrical grid became more than inconveniences to Briana—they became engineering challenges. "In my community, power outages occur on a daily basis because of how fragile electrical systems have become as a result of various storms and hurricanes," she explains. This reality inspired her to imagine solutions: microgrids powered by windmills and solar panels that could maintain essential services during blackouts. Her technological vision jumps from theory into practice, with her Arduino fan system programmed in C++ after countless hours of coding and testing, designed specifically to help "industries maintain their products at healthy temperatures in a more efficient and effective way.”
Briana's digital toolkit expanded dramatically when an IT Director noticed her talents and offered an internship developing a visitor management system for a residential community. Her background in C programming translated smoothly to C# as she built databases and designed user interfaces with SQLite and Visual Studio. Meanwhile, at Radians School, her computer science courses challenged her to create practical applications like a personalized Scrabble scoring system, merging game theory with coding practice.
Virtual architectural spaces took shape under Briana's skilled mouse clicks as she mastered 3D modeling. Beginning with Blender for her video games, she graduated to CAD for more complex designs. During Purdue University's summer program, she served as CAD developer for a glider project, creating digital models that guided physical construction. Her expertise now reaches beyond her own projects as she conducts CAD workshops at school, teaching others to navigate dimensional design.
Maintaining a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking advanced courses like AP Calculus, Briana has earned Honor Roll recognition and the admiration of science professor José Caballero Martínez, who praises her analytical thinking and leadership abilities. Her leadership extends to her roles in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Radians Student Council, and service organizations like Equipo Dedicado al Servicio y Empatía (EDSE) and Golden Age clubs, where she organizes support for pediatric cancer patients and maintains facilities at the Ronald McDonald House.
Growing up in Puerto Rico, where technological infrastructure faces constant challenges from natural disasters, has shaped Briana's understanding of technology's purpose. She knows that many of the problems that affect communities like those on the island often come down to lack of representation. "Most of the problems surrounding these communities are not addressed just because they are not known," she observes, noting issues affecting Hispanic communities are not always addressed by larger tech companies. This perspective drives her determination to increase diversity in STEM fields: "Multiple mindsets and collaboration from people with diverse backgrounds can bring efficient problem-solving to create long-lasting and inclusive solutions where every community is heard and assisted.”
With dreams of making technology more accessible and reliable in communities like hers, Briana will pursue computer engineering with a minor in data science at Purdue University, Georgia Tech, or the University of California, Berkeley. Her goal transcends personal success: to provide "affordable devices, fix electrical and power systems, and implement updated technologies" for Latino and Hispanic communities. In a place where power flickers but innovation shines, Briana stands ready to ensure that "the future is equally promising everywhere"—especially in the communities that technology has left in the dark.
SILVER - Mauro Colon Cortes
SILVER
Mauro Colon Cortes
College: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Purdue University
Major: Computer Engineering with a minor in Software Development
High School: Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas y Tecnología
Hometown: Caguas, PR
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
LEGOs, electric circuits, and a mind that yearned to understand the internal workings of everything around him—Mauro Colón Cortés's technological journey began with these simple building blocks of curiosity. "From an early age, I enjoyed building complex LEGO sets and had worked with electric circuits using Snap Circuits kits for kids," he explains, revealing the foundations of an engineering mindset that would one day dominate robotics competitions across Puerto Rico. This innate fascination with mechanisms led Mauro to teach himself block programming and participate in numerous summer engineering and robotics programs, constantly expanding his technical knowledge beyond traditional boundaries.
Numbers and patterns have always clicked in Mauro's mind. So much so that in first grade, he was placed two grades ahead in math and science before leapfrogging directly to third grade. This early acceleration gave him ample time to teach himself block programming while attending summer engineering programs, laying groundwork for increasingly intricate technical projects.
When his sixth-grade class tackled redesigning the school's recreational area, Mauro had just learned 3D modeling at a technology camp. He immediately applied these fresh SketchUp skills to visualize each proposed section—transforming abstract concepts into virtual models that guided the renovation. This knack for spatial design resurfaced in high school's SolidWorks club, where he consistently finished projects first, then circulated to assist classmates struggling with the software's complexity.
His childhood fascination with LEGO sets and Snap Circuits kits has evolved into championship-level robotics programming that now commands VEX Robotics Team 2252Y to victory after victory. In 2024 alone, Mauro's digital choreography has captured the VEX Robotics Competition Puerto Rico National Championship Tournament title, Skills Championship, and the Excellence Award for overall robotics mastery. Behind these trophies lies a programmer who crafts PID control systems in Python when most references exist only in C++, and a strategist who keeps his team winning even as roster changes threatened their momentum. These victories join a trophy case of over 17 awards across multiple seasons, including the MathWorks Follow the Path Challenge at the 2023 VEX Robotics World Championship—a competition where Team 2252Y has qualified two consecutive years.
Living where hurricanes regularly reshape the landscape has given Mauro a practical perspective on technology's purpose. During Stanford University's selective Qualia Global Scholars Program in summer 2023, he researched disaster response and designed an AI-powered application to warn residents about incoming natural disasters, generate evacuation routes, and coordinate supply deliveries. His insistence on multilingual accessibility comes from personal understanding: "As someone bilingual, I am aware of the importance of communication and minimizing language barriers in order for a solution to be more effective.”
The programmer of automated systems also creates music with soulful precision. Beginning viola at age four, Mauro joined the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico's elementary string orchestra at six—their youngest member. Through methodical practice, he earned the lead viola position in the intermediate orchestra for three years before ascending to the same leadership role in the advanced string orchestra. His musical range expanded to include piano and drums, with opportunities to compose original pieces including soundtracks for a video game project—fusing his technological and artistic talents.
At Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas y Tecnología (CIMATEC), Mauro maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while excelling in courses like AP Chemistry and university-level Calculus I. His academic achievements have earned him the National Hispanic Recognition Award in 2023.
Beyond robotics and academics, Mauro dedicates time to improving his community. He volunteers at Escuela Montessori San Cristobal, a school serving children from rural areas and temporary homes due to violence, where he performs viola for students and helps prepare the campus during summer. After taking the SAT, he created a Math bootcamp on the Schoolhouse platform to help students worldwide prepare for the test. "I enjoy contributing to people's lives by providing help to prepare for challenges and inspiring them to work hard to accomplish their goals," he shares.
Mauro's awareness of educational disparities faced by Hispanic students informs his perspective on technology's role in creating more equitable systems. He notes that language barriers affect standardized testing, university admission, and even everyday communication: "Standardized tests such as the SAT are taken in English, as they are designed by and for native English speakers." This recognition that technology and education must work together to solve systemic challenges reflects his holistic understanding that diverse backgrounds contribute essential perspectives when addressing complex problems.
Mauro will pursue computer engineering with a minor in software development at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Georgia Institute of Technology, or Purdue University. Whether through programming robots, playing viola, or helping community members, he creates solutions that blend technical precision with human compassion.
Mauro Colon Cortes
College: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Purdue University
Major: Computer Engineering with a minor in Software Development
High School: Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas y Tecnología
Hometown: Caguas, PR
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican
LEGOs, electric circuits, and a mind that yearned to understand the internal workings of everything around him—Mauro Colón Cortés's technological journey began with these simple building blocks of curiosity. "From an early age, I enjoyed building complex LEGO sets and had worked with electric circuits using Snap Circuits kits for kids," he explains, revealing the foundations of an engineering mindset that would one day dominate robotics competitions across Puerto Rico. This innate fascination with mechanisms led Mauro to teach himself block programming and participate in numerous summer engineering and robotics programs, constantly expanding his technical knowledge beyond traditional boundaries.
Numbers and patterns have always clicked in Mauro's mind. So much so that in first grade, he was placed two grades ahead in math and science before leapfrogging directly to third grade. This early acceleration gave him ample time to teach himself block programming while attending summer engineering programs, laying groundwork for increasingly intricate technical projects.
When his sixth-grade class tackled redesigning the school's recreational area, Mauro had just learned 3D modeling at a technology camp. He immediately applied these fresh SketchUp skills to visualize each proposed section—transforming abstract concepts into virtual models that guided the renovation. This knack for spatial design resurfaced in high school's SolidWorks club, where he consistently finished projects first, then circulated to assist classmates struggling with the software's complexity.
His childhood fascination with LEGO sets and Snap Circuits kits has evolved into championship-level robotics programming that now commands VEX Robotics Team 2252Y to victory after victory. In 2024 alone, Mauro's digital choreography has captured the VEX Robotics Competition Puerto Rico National Championship Tournament title, Skills Championship, and the Excellence Award for overall robotics mastery. Behind these trophies lies a programmer who crafts PID control systems in Python when most references exist only in C++, and a strategist who keeps his team winning even as roster changes threatened their momentum. These victories join a trophy case of over 17 awards across multiple seasons, including the MathWorks Follow the Path Challenge at the 2023 VEX Robotics World Championship—a competition where Team 2252Y has qualified two consecutive years.
Living where hurricanes regularly reshape the landscape has given Mauro a practical perspective on technology's purpose. During Stanford University's selective Qualia Global Scholars Program in summer 2023, he researched disaster response and designed an AI-powered application to warn residents about incoming natural disasters, generate evacuation routes, and coordinate supply deliveries. His insistence on multilingual accessibility comes from personal understanding: "As someone bilingual, I am aware of the importance of communication and minimizing language barriers in order for a solution to be more effective.”
The programmer of automated systems also creates music with soulful precision. Beginning viola at age four, Mauro joined the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico's elementary string orchestra at six—their youngest member. Through methodical practice, he earned the lead viola position in the intermediate orchestra for three years before ascending to the same leadership role in the advanced string orchestra. His musical range expanded to include piano and drums, with opportunities to compose original pieces including soundtracks for a video game project—fusing his technological and artistic talents.
At Escuela Secundaria Especializada en Ciencias, Matemáticas y Tecnología (CIMATEC), Mauro maintains a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA while excelling in courses like AP Chemistry and university-level Calculus I. His academic achievements have earned him the National Hispanic Recognition Award in 2023.
Beyond robotics and academics, Mauro dedicates time to improving his community. He volunteers at Escuela Montessori San Cristobal, a school serving children from rural areas and temporary homes due to violence, where he performs viola for students and helps prepare the campus during summer. After taking the SAT, he created a Math bootcamp on the Schoolhouse platform to help students worldwide prepare for the test. "I enjoy contributing to people's lives by providing help to prepare for challenges and inspiring them to work hard to accomplish their goals," he shares.
Mauro's awareness of educational disparities faced by Hispanic students informs his perspective on technology's role in creating more equitable systems. He notes that language barriers affect standardized testing, university admission, and even everyday communication: "Standardized tests such as the SAT are taken in English, as they are designed by and for native English speakers." This recognition that technology and education must work together to solve systemic challenges reflects his holistic understanding that diverse backgrounds contribute essential perspectives when addressing complex problems.
Mauro will pursue computer engineering with a minor in software development at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Georgia Institute of Technology, or Purdue University. Whether through programming robots, playing viola, or helping community members, he creates solutions that blend technical precision with human compassion.
BRONZE - Dylan Panganiban
BRONZE
Dylan Panganiban
College: Cornell University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Boston University
Major: Computer Engineering with a minor in Economics
High School: Dorado Academy
Hometown: Dorado, PR
Hispanic Heritage: Filipino
The pitch-black Puerto Rican sky after Hurricane Maria gave ten-year-old Dylan Panganiban an unexpected technology lesson. As neighbors lugged old car batteries on children's wagons to power evening board games during months without electricity, this young Filipino transplant discovered what would become his technological philosophy: ingenuity shines brightest in the dark. "Though the hurricane had ravaged our community, our shared struggles... brought us closer together to overcome our adversity," Dylan recalls. "At that moment, I found my new home.”
This early experience with creative problem-solving sparked Dylan's fascination with what becomes possible when necessity meets imagination. He founded FIRST Lego League's first homeschool robotics team in Dorado, gathering donated parts and pieces to build machines that competed against well-funded opponents. "I liked the thrill of rummaging through donated parts and pieces to build a fully functioning robot," he remembers.
Dylan's robotics designs often channel his childhood play—a turret crafted from C channels that works like his old slingshot, or a robot arm fashioned after Batman's grappling hook to create a clever suspension mechanism. These playful approaches to serious engineering have garnered impressive results, including the 2024 FIRST Tech Challenge Innovation Award and the 2023 FIRST LEGO League Innovation Project Award.
After six years climbing the FIRST robotics ranks from rookie participant to youth mentor, Dylan's selection as captain of Puerto Rico's National Robotics Team marked his proudest achievement. Leading the team to Singapore for the FIRST Global Challenge—an Olympic-style competition with 190 countries—Dylan coordinated the design, building, programming, and stress-testing of their REV robot while spearheading fundraising efforts for their 50-hour journey.
The Singapore competition offered unexpected lessons about technology's unifying power. "We were in the middle of competition in October 2023 when news of the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out," Dylan notes. "Seeing how teams from these war-torn countries continued to work together as an alliance made me truly see the power of STEM as a bridge that unites nations.”
At Dorado Academy, Dylan astounded his college counselor, María Teresa Durán, when he walked into her office as a tenth-grader requesting to take a self-taught AP test—a pattern he repeated in 11th grade. These early initiatives position him to become the first student in his school's history to achieve AP Scholar with Distinction recognition.
Beyond his coursework, Dylan serves as a STEM Youth Ambassador, introducing coding to disadvantaged public elementary schools and mentoring younger robotics teams throughout Puerto Rico. His appearances on media outlets like TeleOnce and partnerships with the municipalities of San Juan and Dorado have helped raise over $30,000 for FIRST Robotics Puerto Rico programs.
Dylan's technological vision extends to addressing practical challenges on his island home. He has designed an emergency solar fanny pack for use during natural disasters and an underwater robot prototype to clean polluted waterways. "I appreciate STEM as a catalyst for change," he shares, quoting Gandhi's philosophy to "be the change you wish to see in the world.”
His Filipino heritage and Puerto Rican experience combine to create a unique approach to technology. Dylan prioritizes diversity in his robotics teams, maintaining gender balance and including students with various learning abilities. He explains, "It was refreshing to hear ideas from unique perspectives, and it allowed us to explore different angles of a problem.”
Between coding sessions and robot adjustments, Dylan practices Shaolin Wushu martial arts, serves in student council, participates in the National Honor Society, and volunteers with Chelonia Turtle Conservation protecting endangered leatherback sea turtles on local beaches. His summers include mentoring young art students at the Dali Museum in Florida as a camp counselor.
Dylan will attend Cornell University, Georgia Institute of Technology, or Boston University to study computer engineering with a minor in economics. Mew horizons await this promising young engineer as he prepares for the next chapter in his career.
Dylan Panganiban
College: Cornell University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Boston University
Major: Computer Engineering with a minor in Economics
High School: Dorado Academy
Hometown: Dorado, PR
Hispanic Heritage: Filipino
The pitch-black Puerto Rican sky after Hurricane Maria gave ten-year-old Dylan Panganiban an unexpected technology lesson. As neighbors lugged old car batteries on children's wagons to power evening board games during months without electricity, this young Filipino transplant discovered what would become his technological philosophy: ingenuity shines brightest in the dark. "Though the hurricane had ravaged our community, our shared struggles... brought us closer together to overcome our adversity," Dylan recalls. "At that moment, I found my new home.”
This early experience with creative problem-solving sparked Dylan's fascination with what becomes possible when necessity meets imagination. He founded FIRST Lego League's first homeschool robotics team in Dorado, gathering donated parts and pieces to build machines that competed against well-funded opponents. "I liked the thrill of rummaging through donated parts and pieces to build a fully functioning robot," he remembers.
Dylan's robotics designs often channel his childhood play—a turret crafted from C channels that works like his old slingshot, or a robot arm fashioned after Batman's grappling hook to create a clever suspension mechanism. These playful approaches to serious engineering have garnered impressive results, including the 2024 FIRST Tech Challenge Innovation Award and the 2023 FIRST LEGO League Innovation Project Award.
After six years climbing the FIRST robotics ranks from rookie participant to youth mentor, Dylan's selection as captain of Puerto Rico's National Robotics Team marked his proudest achievement. Leading the team to Singapore for the FIRST Global Challenge—an Olympic-style competition with 190 countries—Dylan coordinated the design, building, programming, and stress-testing of their REV robot while spearheading fundraising efforts for their 50-hour journey.
The Singapore competition offered unexpected lessons about technology's unifying power. "We were in the middle of competition in October 2023 when news of the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out," Dylan notes. "Seeing how teams from these war-torn countries continued to work together as an alliance made me truly see the power of STEM as a bridge that unites nations.”
At Dorado Academy, Dylan astounded his college counselor, María Teresa Durán, when he walked into her office as a tenth-grader requesting to take a self-taught AP test—a pattern he repeated in 11th grade. These early initiatives position him to become the first student in his school's history to achieve AP Scholar with Distinction recognition.
Beyond his coursework, Dylan serves as a STEM Youth Ambassador, introducing coding to disadvantaged public elementary schools and mentoring younger robotics teams throughout Puerto Rico. His appearances on media outlets like TeleOnce and partnerships with the municipalities of San Juan and Dorado have helped raise over $30,000 for FIRST Robotics Puerto Rico programs.
Dylan's technological vision extends to addressing practical challenges on his island home. He has designed an emergency solar fanny pack for use during natural disasters and an underwater robot prototype to clean polluted waterways. "I appreciate STEM as a catalyst for change," he shares, quoting Gandhi's philosophy to "be the change you wish to see in the world.”
His Filipino heritage and Puerto Rican experience combine to create a unique approach to technology. Dylan prioritizes diversity in his robotics teams, maintaining gender balance and including students with various learning abilities. He explains, "It was refreshing to hear ideas from unique perspectives, and it allowed us to explore different angles of a problem.”
Between coding sessions and robot adjustments, Dylan practices Shaolin Wushu martial arts, serves in student council, participates in the National Honor Society, and volunteers with Chelonia Turtle Conservation protecting endangered leatherback sea turtles on local beaches. His summers include mentoring young art students at the Dali Museum in Florida as a camp counselor.
Dylan will attend Cornell University, Georgia Institute of Technology, or Boston University to study computer engineering with a minor in economics. Mew horizons await this promising young engineer as he prepares for the next chapter in his career.
Teal Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Kaitlin Kendig
GOLD
Kaitlin Kendig
College: Kansas State University; Kansas University; Wichita State University
Major: Cybersecurity with a minor in Business
High School: Osborne Junior/Senior High School
Hometown: Osborne, KS
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
In the halls of Osborne Junior/Senior High School, where students number just a handful per class, Kaitlin Kendig is rewriting expectations about rural education and Latinas in tech.
Numbers speak to Kaitlin in a way that most people will never understand. Perhaps that's why this Osborne, Kansas student found her calling when binary code entered her life through dual credit computer courses at her school. "I fell in love with their intricate structure," Kaitlin shares, recalling the moment technology captured her imagination. With a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and an exceptional 35 ACT score, Kaitlin's analytical mind finds its ideal match in the structured logic of computer systems, where "every action has a cause, all things can be reasoned through.”
What others expected would take six months, Kaitlin conquered in just over three. Her Google IT Support Professional Certification journey became a 270-hour immersion through the digital landscape of computer infrastructure, network protocols, encryption algorithms, and disaster recovery as the foundation for her future security work. While some might call this dedication, Kaitlin simply calls it following her fascination. "The certification granted me a strong foundation from which I will launch the rest of my post-secondary learning," she says, already seeing the digital doorways this achievement has unlocked.
Alarmed by ransomware threats to critical infrastructure, Kaitlin aims to join the front lines of digital defenders. Her concern isn't abstract—it's part of her vision for social good. Statistics about discrimination against Hispanic populations fuel her conviction that technological protection must extend to all communities, regardless of background.
Mathematical excellence characterizes her academic journey. Kaitlin's calculations helped secure her team's victories at the Fort Hays State University Math Relays—1st Place in 2022 and 3rd in 2023—and propelled her Scholar Bowl team to a Regional Championship in 2023 under her captainship. These achievements accompanied her recognition as a National Merit Scholar Commended Student, National Hispanic Recognition Program awardee, and a College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition recipient in 2024.
When she's not coding or calculating, Kaitlin runs—literally—toward success. Her athletic accomplishments include a 1st Place 4x800m Team State Track title in 2024, 3rd Place Cross Country State Team finish in 2022, and multiple individual State Track honors in the 1600m and 3200m events that earned her All-State recognition in both sports.
With over 145 volunteer hours logged and counting, she contributes to Red Cross blood drives, the Osborne Chamber of Commerce, St. Aloysius Catholic Church, and numerous community improvement initiatives. "Leaving a positive impact on my community is a rewarding endeavor that instills a sense of pride in myself and connection with those around me," she reflects.
Community needs spark Kaitlin's innovation. When local youth lacked recreational outlets, she created Osborne Shooting Sports, a youth program focused on clay target shooting, gun safety, and positive connections. She secured over $5,500 in grants for equipment and league fees, creating opportunities for young people in her rural community while earning herself a seat on the NCK Outdoors board of directors, where she helps shape regional outdoor programming.
Leadership comes naturally to Kaitlin, who juggles multiple officer positions. As vice president of the Kansas Association for Youth, she organizes volunteer activities and charitable fundraisers. Her role as school president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes involves leading bi-monthly meetings and coordinating events. She also manages finances as treasurer of Family Career and Community Leaders of America, and records meetings as class secretary.
As a Latina in technology, Kaitlin recognizes the industry's diversity challenges. "Among every ten public high tech executives, about eight are men and two are women," she notes, with even fewer representing minority backgrounds. Rather than being discouraged, she's motivated to create change, committed to fight for equal opportunity in an industry where Latino representation remains limited.
Combining rural values with a global vision, Kaitlin Kendig prepares to study cybersecurity with a business minor at Kansas State University, Kansas University, or Wichita State University. She stands ready to protect digital infrastructure while breaking barriers for Latinas in tech—proving that tomorrow's digital pioneers can emerge from anywhere regardless of background, gender, or geography, even from America's heartland.
Kaitlin Kendig
College: Kansas State University; Kansas University; Wichita State University
Major: Cybersecurity with a minor in Business
High School: Osborne Junior/Senior High School
Hometown: Osborne, KS
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
In the halls of Osborne Junior/Senior High School, where students number just a handful per class, Kaitlin Kendig is rewriting expectations about rural education and Latinas in tech.
Numbers speak to Kaitlin in a way that most people will never understand. Perhaps that's why this Osborne, Kansas student found her calling when binary code entered her life through dual credit computer courses at her school. "I fell in love with their intricate structure," Kaitlin shares, recalling the moment technology captured her imagination. With a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and an exceptional 35 ACT score, Kaitlin's analytical mind finds its ideal match in the structured logic of computer systems, where "every action has a cause, all things can be reasoned through.”
What others expected would take six months, Kaitlin conquered in just over three. Her Google IT Support Professional Certification journey became a 270-hour immersion through the digital landscape of computer infrastructure, network protocols, encryption algorithms, and disaster recovery as the foundation for her future security work. While some might call this dedication, Kaitlin simply calls it following her fascination. "The certification granted me a strong foundation from which I will launch the rest of my post-secondary learning," she says, already seeing the digital doorways this achievement has unlocked.
Alarmed by ransomware threats to critical infrastructure, Kaitlin aims to join the front lines of digital defenders. Her concern isn't abstract—it's part of her vision for social good. Statistics about discrimination against Hispanic populations fuel her conviction that technological protection must extend to all communities, regardless of background.
Mathematical excellence characterizes her academic journey. Kaitlin's calculations helped secure her team's victories at the Fort Hays State University Math Relays—1st Place in 2022 and 3rd in 2023—and propelled her Scholar Bowl team to a Regional Championship in 2023 under her captainship. These achievements accompanied her recognition as a National Merit Scholar Commended Student, National Hispanic Recognition Program awardee, and a College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition recipient in 2024.
When she's not coding or calculating, Kaitlin runs—literally—toward success. Her athletic accomplishments include a 1st Place 4x800m Team State Track title in 2024, 3rd Place Cross Country State Team finish in 2022, and multiple individual State Track honors in the 1600m and 3200m events that earned her All-State recognition in both sports.
With over 145 volunteer hours logged and counting, she contributes to Red Cross blood drives, the Osborne Chamber of Commerce, St. Aloysius Catholic Church, and numerous community improvement initiatives. "Leaving a positive impact on my community is a rewarding endeavor that instills a sense of pride in myself and connection with those around me," she reflects.
Community needs spark Kaitlin's innovation. When local youth lacked recreational outlets, she created Osborne Shooting Sports, a youth program focused on clay target shooting, gun safety, and positive connections. She secured over $5,500 in grants for equipment and league fees, creating opportunities for young people in her rural community while earning herself a seat on the NCK Outdoors board of directors, where she helps shape regional outdoor programming.
Leadership comes naturally to Kaitlin, who juggles multiple officer positions. As vice president of the Kansas Association for Youth, she organizes volunteer activities and charitable fundraisers. Her role as school president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes involves leading bi-monthly meetings and coordinating events. She also manages finances as treasurer of Family Career and Community Leaders of America, and records meetings as class secretary.
As a Latina in technology, Kaitlin recognizes the industry's diversity challenges. "Among every ten public high tech executives, about eight are men and two are women," she notes, with even fewer representing minority backgrounds. Rather than being discouraged, she's motivated to create change, committed to fight for equal opportunity in an industry where Latino representation remains limited.
Combining rural values with a global vision, Kaitlin Kendig prepares to study cybersecurity with a business minor at Kansas State University, Kansas University, or Wichita State University. She stands ready to protect digital infrastructure while breaking barriers for Latinas in tech—proving that tomorrow's digital pioneers can emerge from anywhere regardless of background, gender, or geography, even from America's heartland.
SILVER - Ashley Antunez
SILVER
Ashley Antunez
College: University of Nebraska Omaha; University of Nebraska Lincoln; Bellevue University
Major: Cybersecurity with a minor in Computer Science
High School: Bryan High School
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Ashley Antunez never expected to fall for technology when she reluctantly signed up for AP Computer Science as a junior at Bryan High School in Omaha, Nebraska. "I had no interest in technology and thought it was a useless and boring concept," she confesses. But as her teacher introduced the fundamentals of JavaScript, something clicked. What began as simple variable naming grew into genuine fascination, catching her teacher's attention and leading to her first technology accolade—the Aspirations in Computing High School Award.
From dismissing coding as "useless" to becoming a force in technology competitions, Ashley's journey unfolded once she decided to take the leap into her newly discovered her unexpected passion. At the Nebraska Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference, she claimed an impressive slate of victories: 3rd Place in Mobile Application Development—automatically qualifying for nationals—4th Place in Coding and Programming, 4th Place in Network Design, and 8th Place in Management Information Systems. These achievements carried her to the National FBLA Conference in Orlando, Florida during the summer of 2024, where she represented her school on the national stage.
The moment she realized her potential remains crystal clear in her memory. "I was sitting in a room filled with smart kids from various schools in Nebraska, we had all poured our blood, sweat, and tears for months into our projects," Ashley recalls. As names from prestigious schools echoed through the room once the announcer began naming the top eight competitors in her category, doubt crept in—until she heard her own name called. Walking to the stage, she made an observation that would fuel her future mission: "I realized I was the only Hispanic female, which made me incredibly proud as I felt like I was breaking barriers for Hispanic women in STEM.”
As the twice-elected President of her school's FBLA chapter, Ashley leads with enthusiasm. Her business acumen goes beyond coding competitions—she's earned multiple Microsoft Office Specialist certifications, including Word Associate and PowerPoint Associate. She currently serves as both President of her school's DECA chapter and Store Manager for the school's DECA program, where her leadership earned her the Living a Legacy award at the DECA State Career Development Conference, another automatic national qualifier.
Technology might have captured Ashley's heart, but her involvement extends throughout her school community. She balances her technical pursuits with participation in Aim Upward Bound, Art Club, the Tennis team, Educators Rising, Nebraska Civic Leadership Program, and Robotics, all while maintaining her standing in the National Honors Society. Her academic schedule remains equally ambitious, with multiple AP courses including Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, and Physics.
Community service provides another avenue for Ashley's leadership. Her favorite event is Bryan High School's annual "Boo Bash" Halloween celebration, where attendees donate food or clothing items that are later distributed to local shelters. "Each club receives a stash of candy to hand out, and we interact with the kids, complimenting their costumes," she explains. "Seeing their happy faces as we hand out candy brings a lot of joy." She has participated every year of her high school career, cherishing the opportunity to strengthen school community bonds while supporting those in need.
As a Hispanic woman in technology, Ashley recognizes the field's gender imbalance. "While seeking assistance, it was always a guy helping me," she notes, adding that while not inherently problematic, "this male-dominated perception can easily discourage women, especially coming from a Hispanic background." Rather than accepting this status quo, she's determined to change it by succeeding in spaces where Hispanic women remain underrepresented.
The journey from reluctant student to award-winning coder exemplifies Ashley Antunez's technological evolution. As she looks toward studying cybersecurity with a minor in computer science at the University of Nebraska Omaha, University of Nebraska Lincoln, or Bellevue University, she carries with her more than just coding skills—she brings the lived experience of a Latina who refused to let stereotypes dictate her path. As she advances her education, Ashley aims to create a future where being "the only Hispanic female" on stage becomes a relic of the past—replaced by technology spaces as diverse as the communities they serve.
Ashley Antunez
College: University of Nebraska Omaha; University of Nebraska Lincoln; Bellevue University
Major: Cybersecurity with a minor in Computer Science
High School: Bryan High School
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Ashley Antunez never expected to fall for technology when she reluctantly signed up for AP Computer Science as a junior at Bryan High School in Omaha, Nebraska. "I had no interest in technology and thought it was a useless and boring concept," she confesses. But as her teacher introduced the fundamentals of JavaScript, something clicked. What began as simple variable naming grew into genuine fascination, catching her teacher's attention and leading to her first technology accolade—the Aspirations in Computing High School Award.
From dismissing coding as "useless" to becoming a force in technology competitions, Ashley's journey unfolded once she decided to take the leap into her newly discovered her unexpected passion. At the Nebraska Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference, she claimed an impressive slate of victories: 3rd Place in Mobile Application Development—automatically qualifying for nationals—4th Place in Coding and Programming, 4th Place in Network Design, and 8th Place in Management Information Systems. These achievements carried her to the National FBLA Conference in Orlando, Florida during the summer of 2024, where she represented her school on the national stage.
The moment she realized her potential remains crystal clear in her memory. "I was sitting in a room filled with smart kids from various schools in Nebraska, we had all poured our blood, sweat, and tears for months into our projects," Ashley recalls. As names from prestigious schools echoed through the room once the announcer began naming the top eight competitors in her category, doubt crept in—until she heard her own name called. Walking to the stage, she made an observation that would fuel her future mission: "I realized I was the only Hispanic female, which made me incredibly proud as I felt like I was breaking barriers for Hispanic women in STEM.”
As the twice-elected President of her school's FBLA chapter, Ashley leads with enthusiasm. Her business acumen goes beyond coding competitions—she's earned multiple Microsoft Office Specialist certifications, including Word Associate and PowerPoint Associate. She currently serves as both President of her school's DECA chapter and Store Manager for the school's DECA program, where her leadership earned her the Living a Legacy award at the DECA State Career Development Conference, another automatic national qualifier.
Technology might have captured Ashley's heart, but her involvement extends throughout her school community. She balances her technical pursuits with participation in Aim Upward Bound, Art Club, the Tennis team, Educators Rising, Nebraska Civic Leadership Program, and Robotics, all while maintaining her standing in the National Honors Society. Her academic schedule remains equally ambitious, with multiple AP courses including Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, and Physics.
Community service provides another avenue for Ashley's leadership. Her favorite event is Bryan High School's annual "Boo Bash" Halloween celebration, where attendees donate food or clothing items that are later distributed to local shelters. "Each club receives a stash of candy to hand out, and we interact with the kids, complimenting their costumes," she explains. "Seeing their happy faces as we hand out candy brings a lot of joy." She has participated every year of her high school career, cherishing the opportunity to strengthen school community bonds while supporting those in need.
As a Hispanic woman in technology, Ashley recognizes the field's gender imbalance. "While seeking assistance, it was always a guy helping me," she notes, adding that while not inherently problematic, "this male-dominated perception can easily discourage women, especially coming from a Hispanic background." Rather than accepting this status quo, she's determined to change it by succeeding in spaces where Hispanic women remain underrepresented.
The journey from reluctant student to award-winning coder exemplifies Ashley Antunez's technological evolution. As she looks toward studying cybersecurity with a minor in computer science at the University of Nebraska Omaha, University of Nebraska Lincoln, or Bellevue University, she carries with her more than just coding skills—she brings the lived experience of a Latina who refused to let stereotypes dictate her path. As she advances her education, Ashley aims to create a future where being "the only Hispanic female" on stage becomes a relic of the past—replaced by technology spaces as diverse as the communities they serve.
BRONZE - Hector Barbosa Ramos
BRONZE
Hector Barbosa Ramos
College: University of Nebraska-Lincoln; University of Nebraska-Omaha; University of Nebraska-Kearney
Major: Software Engineering with a minor in Business
High School: Pius X High School
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Zip Code: 68521
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Video games first pulled Hector Barbosa Ramos into the world of technology, but his curiosity quickly expanded beyond the screen to explore how software shapes our digital landscape. "Seeing how technology runs and the structure behind it has captivated me," shares this emerging programmer from Pius X High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, whose fascination with code now drives him to understand every layer of software architecture.
His skills in HTML programming came alive during his sophomore year Web Design class, where he created an interactive tribute to his favorite Regional Mexican bant, Ariel Camacho y los Plebes del Rancho. Using WordPress and HTML, he created a web page that included streaming previews of their top songs, band histories, and a tribute to their lead singer’s legacy—technical features that required careful coding to implement smoothly and showcased Hector's growing command of web development. "I felt delighted with my work because I was able to bring the two things I love the most together, music and software," Hector recalls.
In Introduction to Programming, Hector created a Python-based pizza ordering system that handles multiple user inputs—a project requiring precise variable management and clean code structure. Through additional coursework in Web Design, Multimedia Applications, and Computer Science, he has expanded his programming language repertoire while maintaining top marks under stringent grading criteria. His dedication to understanding software design principles drives him to conduct independent research into application development, focusing on how technology can create meaningful connections between users.
Physics instructor at Pius X High School, John Cox, notes something specia. about Hector's learning approach: "When a student does not understand a new concept, few people will admit this fact in front of peers. Hector Ramos does." This intellectual honesty, combined with persistent questioning until concepts click, powers his perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and consistent "A" Honor Roll achievements.
In Hector's hands, technology becomes a bridge between generations. A first-generation student, he builds digital spaces that connect communities—a calling inspired by parents and grandfather who paved his path through sacrifice. He carries forward the same spirit that brought his family to the United States, their determination to plant seeds of opportunity despite facing educational barriers themselves. Their sacrifice blooms in his dedication to creating inclusive digital spaces. "My family often reminds me to always do the best I can in school or whatever it is I want to do," he shares, "and I take that to heart especially when it comes to technology." His Mexican heritage guides his mission of extending their dream of opening doors, using technology to create opportunities for others.
Through Chess Club, Hector hones the same strategic thinking skills essential for complex programming challenges. His involvement in Amigos Globales provides cultural insights that influence his user-centered approach to software design. Named Lincoln Elks Lodge #80 Teen of the Year and honored by the National Honor Society, Hector adds Outstanding AP U.S. History Student to his accolades. He balances his academic and technical pursuits with community service, including volunteering at Knights of Columbus events and school functions— experiences that reinforce his vision of technology as a tool for human connection.
Choosing between University of Nebraska campuses in Lincoln, Omaha, or Kearney, Hector plans to study software engineering with a minor in business. For this promising Latino programmer, each line of code moves him closer to his goal: creating technology that unites communities and opens doors for others as it did for him.
Hector Barbosa Ramos
College: University of Nebraska-Lincoln; University of Nebraska-Omaha; University of Nebraska-Kearney
Major: Software Engineering with a minor in Business
High School: Pius X High School
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Zip Code: 68521
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Video games first pulled Hector Barbosa Ramos into the world of technology, but his curiosity quickly expanded beyond the screen to explore how software shapes our digital landscape. "Seeing how technology runs and the structure behind it has captivated me," shares this emerging programmer from Pius X High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, whose fascination with code now drives him to understand every layer of software architecture.
His skills in HTML programming came alive during his sophomore year Web Design class, where he created an interactive tribute to his favorite Regional Mexican bant, Ariel Camacho y los Plebes del Rancho. Using WordPress and HTML, he created a web page that included streaming previews of their top songs, band histories, and a tribute to their lead singer’s legacy—technical features that required careful coding to implement smoothly and showcased Hector's growing command of web development. "I felt delighted with my work because I was able to bring the two things I love the most together, music and software," Hector recalls.
In Introduction to Programming, Hector created a Python-based pizza ordering system that handles multiple user inputs—a project requiring precise variable management and clean code structure. Through additional coursework in Web Design, Multimedia Applications, and Computer Science, he has expanded his programming language repertoire while maintaining top marks under stringent grading criteria. His dedication to understanding software design principles drives him to conduct independent research into application development, focusing on how technology can create meaningful connections between users.
Physics instructor at Pius X High School, John Cox, notes something specia. about Hector's learning approach: "When a student does not understand a new concept, few people will admit this fact in front of peers. Hector Ramos does." This intellectual honesty, combined with persistent questioning until concepts click, powers his perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and consistent "A" Honor Roll achievements.
In Hector's hands, technology becomes a bridge between generations. A first-generation student, he builds digital spaces that connect communities—a calling inspired by parents and grandfather who paved his path through sacrifice. He carries forward the same spirit that brought his family to the United States, their determination to plant seeds of opportunity despite facing educational barriers themselves. Their sacrifice blooms in his dedication to creating inclusive digital spaces. "My family often reminds me to always do the best I can in school or whatever it is I want to do," he shares, "and I take that to heart especially when it comes to technology." His Mexican heritage guides his mission of extending their dream of opening doors, using technology to create opportunities for others.
Through Chess Club, Hector hones the same strategic thinking skills essential for complex programming challenges. His involvement in Amigos Globales provides cultural insights that influence his user-centered approach to software design. Named Lincoln Elks Lodge #80 Teen of the Year and honored by the National Honor Society, Hector adds Outstanding AP U.S. History Student to his accolades. He balances his academic and technical pursuits with community service, including volunteering at Knights of Columbus events and school functions— experiences that reinforce his vision of technology as a tool for human connection.
Choosing between University of Nebraska campuses in Lincoln, Omaha, or Kearney, Hector plans to study software engineering with a minor in business. For this promising Latino programmer, each line of code moves him closer to his goal: creating technology that unites communities and opens doors for others as it did for him.
Yellow Region
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Casey Suarez Ortega
GOLD
Casey Suarez Ortega
College: Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona
Major: Software Engineering with a minor in Computer Science
High School: Metro Tech High School
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
The rhythm of Casey Suarez Ortega's heart accelerated as she tiptoed into her mom's room, risking discovery for just one more chance to play Purble Place on her computer. What started as creating silly avatars and virtual baking evolved into fascination with technology itself—how it functioned and evolved, while marveling at how games no longer required CDs or tangles of wires. This childhood gaming obsession sparked a technological journey that would lead Casey to win the 2023 Congressional App Challenge, become vice-president of her school's SkillsUSA club, earn certifications in HTML, CSS, and Python, and help establish the Women in Computer Science club at Metro Tech High School.
"The hum of the computer filled the room as I anxiously clicked 'submit'," Casey recalls of her proudest technological moment—entering the Congressional App Challenge. After marathon hours of coding, debugging, and refining an app designed to help teens practice road safety, she and her team claimed second place in Representative Ruben Gallego's district. During development, Casey discovered that coding wasn't just a school assignment but a calling that transcended class periods: "I realized I wanted to keep learning more each day, no matter if the bell for class rang or school day ended, I yearned for more knowledge." What began as a class project had become a life's mission.
This technological passion flourishes despite barriers Casey faces as a Latina in STEM. "As I looked up 'Software Engineer' online, I realized how none of the pictures depicted women coding," she notes, identifying the underrepresentation of women—particularly Latinas—in technology fields. Rather than accepting this status quo, Casey helped establish the Women in Computer Science Club at Metro Tech, creating space for girls who might otherwise feel excluded. "As I pulled in some girls with a warm smile, some were hesitant to head over, scared to be seen heading to a table that mentioned computer science," she observes, recognizing the social pressures that discourage women from pursuing tech careers.
Casey's technological talent caught the attention of her Software & App Design teacher, Chad Renning, who notes that her projects "stood out, whether it was because of her creativity or her abilities." He particularly remembers a website she built for a class club where "she was able to add elements [they had] not cover in class, but ones she researched on her own to help improve the functionality of the site." This self-directed learning approach carries into her current efforts to earn CompTIA ITF+ and several Certiport ITS certifications, building on credentials she earned previously.
Beyond coding, Casey brings her technological skills to leadership roles across campus. As vice-president of SkillsUSA, she organizes activities focused on teamwork and attended the state chapter conference at the Phoenix Convention Center, connecting with "thousands of other brilliant minds with powerful passions" like her own. Her participation in MECHA and National Honors Society rounds out a campus presence that extends beyond technical courses to broader leadership.
“Volunteering is a part of me and spending time in my community to bring a change is my commitment,“ remarks Casey. Volunteering is not just something I do—it's an essential part of who I am," reflects Casey. Since the age of 14, she has served at St. Vincent De Paul, distributing meals, preparing care packages, and engaging children through activities. Her service represents a cycle of reciprocity—giving back to the organization that once sustained her own family during times of need. Where once she received nourishment, she now offers it to others—helping foster the same sense of dignity and belonging that carried her family through times of economic hardship. In this exchange of giving and receiving, Casey has discovered a deeper truth: that in serving others, we often find our most authentic selves.
Having the support and encouragement of her family has strengthened her journey and fueled her technological drive while propelling her forward. Their words echoing in her mind during challenging moments. "Sí se puede! Sí se puede!" her dad shouts when he sees her struggling with homework. "Si lo puedes soñar, lo puedes hacer," her parents assured her when she shared her interest in technology. These affirmations carry special weight from parents whose own educational opportunities were shaped by different circumstances, instilling in Casey a hunger for knowledge and determination to pursue educational horizons that honor their sacrifices and hopes. Inspired by this foundation, she treats each chance to learn as precious—challenging herself through a rigorous schedule full of advanced and college-level courses. This shared journey of faith and effort has led to achievements that speak volumes: a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and the honor of standing at the top of her class, ranking first among 564 students.
This remarkable Latina plans to attend Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or University of Arizona, pursuing software engineering with a minor in computer science. As a first-generation college student, she aims to create new possibilities for her family and community—breaking barriers and opening doors for other Latinas to follow.
Casey Suarez Ortega
College: Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, University of Arizona
Major: Software Engineering with a minor in Computer Science
High School: Metro Tech High School
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
The rhythm of Casey Suarez Ortega's heart accelerated as she tiptoed into her mom's room, risking discovery for just one more chance to play Purble Place on her computer. What started as creating silly avatars and virtual baking evolved into fascination with technology itself—how it functioned and evolved, while marveling at how games no longer required CDs or tangles of wires. This childhood gaming obsession sparked a technological journey that would lead Casey to win the 2023 Congressional App Challenge, become vice-president of her school's SkillsUSA club, earn certifications in HTML, CSS, and Python, and help establish the Women in Computer Science club at Metro Tech High School.
"The hum of the computer filled the room as I anxiously clicked 'submit'," Casey recalls of her proudest technological moment—entering the Congressional App Challenge. After marathon hours of coding, debugging, and refining an app designed to help teens practice road safety, she and her team claimed second place in Representative Ruben Gallego's district. During development, Casey discovered that coding wasn't just a school assignment but a calling that transcended class periods: "I realized I wanted to keep learning more each day, no matter if the bell for class rang or school day ended, I yearned for more knowledge." What began as a class project had become a life's mission.
This technological passion flourishes despite barriers Casey faces as a Latina in STEM. "As I looked up 'Software Engineer' online, I realized how none of the pictures depicted women coding," she notes, identifying the underrepresentation of women—particularly Latinas—in technology fields. Rather than accepting this status quo, Casey helped establish the Women in Computer Science Club at Metro Tech, creating space for girls who might otherwise feel excluded. "As I pulled in some girls with a warm smile, some were hesitant to head over, scared to be seen heading to a table that mentioned computer science," she observes, recognizing the social pressures that discourage women from pursuing tech careers.
Casey's technological talent caught the attention of her Software & App Design teacher, Chad Renning, who notes that her projects "stood out, whether it was because of her creativity or her abilities." He particularly remembers a website she built for a class club where "she was able to add elements [they had] not cover in class, but ones she researched on her own to help improve the functionality of the site." This self-directed learning approach carries into her current efforts to earn CompTIA ITF+ and several Certiport ITS certifications, building on credentials she earned previously.
Beyond coding, Casey brings her technological skills to leadership roles across campus. As vice-president of SkillsUSA, she organizes activities focused on teamwork and attended the state chapter conference at the Phoenix Convention Center, connecting with "thousands of other brilliant minds with powerful passions" like her own. Her participation in MECHA and National Honors Society rounds out a campus presence that extends beyond technical courses to broader leadership.
“Volunteering is a part of me and spending time in my community to bring a change is my commitment,“ remarks Casey. Volunteering is not just something I do—it's an essential part of who I am," reflects Casey. Since the age of 14, she has served at St. Vincent De Paul, distributing meals, preparing care packages, and engaging children through activities. Her service represents a cycle of reciprocity—giving back to the organization that once sustained her own family during times of need. Where once she received nourishment, she now offers it to others—helping foster the same sense of dignity and belonging that carried her family through times of economic hardship. In this exchange of giving and receiving, Casey has discovered a deeper truth: that in serving others, we often find our most authentic selves.
Having the support and encouragement of her family has strengthened her journey and fueled her technological drive while propelling her forward. Their words echoing in her mind during challenging moments. "Sí se puede! Sí se puede!" her dad shouts when he sees her struggling with homework. "Si lo puedes soñar, lo puedes hacer," her parents assured her when she shared her interest in technology. These affirmations carry special weight from parents whose own educational opportunities were shaped by different circumstances, instilling in Casey a hunger for knowledge and determination to pursue educational horizons that honor their sacrifices and hopes. Inspired by this foundation, she treats each chance to learn as precious—challenging herself through a rigorous schedule full of advanced and college-level courses. This shared journey of faith and effort has led to achievements that speak volumes: a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and the honor of standing at the top of her class, ranking first among 564 students.
This remarkable Latina plans to attend Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or University of Arizona, pursuing software engineering with a minor in computer science. As a first-generation college student, she aims to create new possibilities for her family and community—breaking barriers and opening doors for other Latinas to follow.
SILVER - Skyler Ortega
SILVER
Skyler Ortega
College: Merrimack College, Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Major: Chemistry with a minor in Sports Management
High School: Notre Dame Preparatory High School
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican & Spanish
Technology and tenacity collide in Skyler Ortega's world. After fainting from heat exhaustion during a soccer match, this young inventor at Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, didn't just learn a lesson—she engineered a solution, channeling her experience into scientific innovation. Her research revealed that even slight levels of dehydration of around 1-2% are capable of decreasing cognitive function and athletic performance—knowledge that launched her two-year journey developing a provisional patent device to prevent athletic dehydration and heat stroke. Through rigorous product development and patent processing, she created a monitoring system poised to protect millions of athletes and outdoor laborers from risks she understood too well.
Technology's power to reshape medical care hit home when her mother received a brain tumor diagnosis. "I will never forget hearing that she might lose the ability to do daily functions or communicate," Skyler shares. This moment sparked her broader vision: using technology and chemistry to create monitoring systems and solutions for neurological conditions. Her work bridges the gap between medical innovation and tech in order to address real-world health challenges.
Balancing technological innovation with academic excellence, Skyler ranks in the top 11% of her class while taking rigorous STEM courses, including AP Statistics and AP Chemistry. Her achievements have garnered recognition as an AP Scholar with Honor, a National Hispanic Recognition Program honoree, and recipient of the US Congressional Award for Educational Achievement. As captain of Notre Dame Prep's 5A State Championship soccer team, she applies the same analytical thinking to athletic strategy that she brings to technological development.
Through visits to Mexico and volunteer work across Arizona, Skyler witnessed how limited technology access creates healthcare barriers in Hispanic communities. Her grandfather's journey—arriving alone in the United States at age twelve before serving in the Army—and her father's path from day laborer to chief of staff fuel her commitment to developing accessible technologies. "I am interested in finding ways to help the physical and mental health of socially disadvantaged racial and ethnic populations," she explains, recognizing technology's role in bridging healthcare gaps.
Through her position as Notre Dame Prep's House Servant leader, Skyler coordinates community initiatives while contributing to National Honor Society, La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, and National English Honors Society. Her days begin at 5:00 AM with training, followed by classes, research on her dehydration prevention device, soccer practice, and study sessions that often extend into the evening.
Between leading over 90 hours of community service and maintaining multiple honor society memberships, Skyler focuses on the intersection of technology and healthcare access. She researches ways technology can improve mental health treatment and healthcare delivery in underserved communities, believing that technological advancement should benefit all populations. Her work on the dehydration prevention device represents just the beginning of her mission to create medical monitoring systems that protect and serve diverse communities.
Merrimack College has recognized Skyler's extraordinary combination of academic and athletic talents, offering her the opportunity to play Division 1 NCAA soccer beginning in Fall 2025. She plans to study chemistry with a minor in sports management, continuing her technological innovations in dehydration prevention while pursuing her interest in applying chemistry and technology to address neurological health challenges.
Skyler Ortega
College: Merrimack College, Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Major: Chemistry with a minor in Sports Management
High School: Notre Dame Preparatory High School
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican & Spanish
Technology and tenacity collide in Skyler Ortega's world. After fainting from heat exhaustion during a soccer match, this young inventor at Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, didn't just learn a lesson—she engineered a solution, channeling her experience into scientific innovation. Her research revealed that even slight levels of dehydration of around 1-2% are capable of decreasing cognitive function and athletic performance—knowledge that launched her two-year journey developing a provisional patent device to prevent athletic dehydration and heat stroke. Through rigorous product development and patent processing, she created a monitoring system poised to protect millions of athletes and outdoor laborers from risks she understood too well.
Technology's power to reshape medical care hit home when her mother received a brain tumor diagnosis. "I will never forget hearing that she might lose the ability to do daily functions or communicate," Skyler shares. This moment sparked her broader vision: using technology and chemistry to create monitoring systems and solutions for neurological conditions. Her work bridges the gap between medical innovation and tech in order to address real-world health challenges.
Balancing technological innovation with academic excellence, Skyler ranks in the top 11% of her class while taking rigorous STEM courses, including AP Statistics and AP Chemistry. Her achievements have garnered recognition as an AP Scholar with Honor, a National Hispanic Recognition Program honoree, and recipient of the US Congressional Award for Educational Achievement. As captain of Notre Dame Prep's 5A State Championship soccer team, she applies the same analytical thinking to athletic strategy that she brings to technological development.
Through visits to Mexico and volunteer work across Arizona, Skyler witnessed how limited technology access creates healthcare barriers in Hispanic communities. Her grandfather's journey—arriving alone in the United States at age twelve before serving in the Army—and her father's path from day laborer to chief of staff fuel her commitment to developing accessible technologies. "I am interested in finding ways to help the physical and mental health of socially disadvantaged racial and ethnic populations," she explains, recognizing technology's role in bridging healthcare gaps.
Through her position as Notre Dame Prep's House Servant leader, Skyler coordinates community initiatives while contributing to National Honor Society, La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, and National English Honors Society. Her days begin at 5:00 AM with training, followed by classes, research on her dehydration prevention device, soccer practice, and study sessions that often extend into the evening.
Between leading over 90 hours of community service and maintaining multiple honor society memberships, Skyler focuses on the intersection of technology and healthcare access. She researches ways technology can improve mental health treatment and healthcare delivery in underserved communities, believing that technological advancement should benefit all populations. Her work on the dehydration prevention device represents just the beginning of her mission to create medical monitoring systems that protect and serve diverse communities.
Merrimack College has recognized Skyler's extraordinary combination of academic and athletic talents, offering her the opportunity to play Division 1 NCAA soccer beginning in Fall 2025. She plans to study chemistry with a minor in sports management, continuing her technological innovations in dehydration prevention while pursuing her interest in applying chemistry and technology to address neurological health challenges.
BRONZE - Dominic Palmer
BRONZE
Dominic Palmer
College: University Of Arizona, Arizona State University, Pima Community College
Major: Cyber Operations with a minor in Engineering
High School: Cienega High School
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Scanning vulnerabilities in Pima IT Center of Excellence's systems taught Dominic Palmer his most valuable lesson in cybersecurity. As project lead, he coordinated his team using OPENvas to identify critical security gaps, managed tight deadlines, and presented findings directly to stakeholders. The project challenged him to blend technical scanning with clear communication, ensuring their recommendations for system protection reached the right people in actionable ways.
At Pima Community College's Cybersecurity program, Dominic took charge of implementing Duo Security for Microsoft RDP on virtual machines, building expertise in multi-factor authentication and remote access systems. His technical achievements caught attention, earning him recognition as both a City of Tucson IT Scholar and a Metallica Scholars Initiative recipient in 2024. Through his internship with Dr. Sarah Mitchell's Cybersecurity Fundamentals course, Dominic assisted with lab setups and troubleshooting, building practical problem-solving skills that complemented his classroom learning.
As a repair technician at Quik Fix, Dominic applies his skills daily, managing workstation software repairs, asset recovery, and IT service updates. Each repair presents unique challenges that broaden his understanding of system vulnerabilities and solutions. This hands-on experience complements his academic work, showing him how security theories play out in real-world scenarios.
Maintaining a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA places Dominic among the top 10% of his class at Pima Community College. His exceptional academic performance and community contributions earned him membership in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, where he takes an active role in chapter activities. Under his guidance, his chapter has strengthened its digital presence while bridging bridged technological gaps, strengthening community bonds, and maintaining focus on their core mission of academic excellence and service
As a valued member of the chapter, Dominic brings technical expertise to PTK's service projects, streamlining operations and expanding their digital reach. He leverages his IT knowledge to enhance project efficiency, whether organizing community outreach or coordinating volunteer efforts. His ability to merge technical solutions with community needs has improved PTK's impact across various initiatives.
Growing up in a family where technology access was limited, Dominic developed a particular interest in addressing the digital divide affecting Hispanic communities. His work through Phi Theta Kappa's "Honors in Action" project organized events that brought digital literacy skills to individuals in low-income areas, many of whom had never used computers before. The joy of watching people gain confidence with technology reinforced his commitment to making digital resources more accessible to all communities. Witnessing participants sending their first emails or creating their first documents reinforced his belief in technology's power to open opportunities.
As a Student Life Peer Mentor, Dominic helps new students navigate both academic and personal challenges during their transition to college life. His volunteer work extends to local community centers, where he coordinates food drives and back-to-school supply distributions, ensuring resources reach those who need them most.
Dominic's commitment to cybersecurity extends beyond academics. He consistently seeks opportunities to apply his skills in real-world scenarios, from vulnerability assessments to system improvements. Each project adds to his growing expertise in network security and system protection, preparing him for future challenges in the field.
Ready to advance his mission of creating secure and accessible digital environments, Dominic will pursue cyber operations with a minor in engineering at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or Pima Community College. His goal remains clear: using technology to build stronger, more connected communities while ensuring their digital safety.
Dominic Palmer
College: University Of Arizona, Arizona State University, Pima Community College
Major: Cyber Operations with a minor in Engineering
High School: Cienega High School
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Scanning vulnerabilities in Pima IT Center of Excellence's systems taught Dominic Palmer his most valuable lesson in cybersecurity. As project lead, he coordinated his team using OPENvas to identify critical security gaps, managed tight deadlines, and presented findings directly to stakeholders. The project challenged him to blend technical scanning with clear communication, ensuring their recommendations for system protection reached the right people in actionable ways.
At Pima Community College's Cybersecurity program, Dominic took charge of implementing Duo Security for Microsoft RDP on virtual machines, building expertise in multi-factor authentication and remote access systems. His technical achievements caught attention, earning him recognition as both a City of Tucson IT Scholar and a Metallica Scholars Initiative recipient in 2024. Through his internship with Dr. Sarah Mitchell's Cybersecurity Fundamentals course, Dominic assisted with lab setups and troubleshooting, building practical problem-solving skills that complemented his classroom learning.
As a repair technician at Quik Fix, Dominic applies his skills daily, managing workstation software repairs, asset recovery, and IT service updates. Each repair presents unique challenges that broaden his understanding of system vulnerabilities and solutions. This hands-on experience complements his academic work, showing him how security theories play out in real-world scenarios.
Maintaining a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA places Dominic among the top 10% of his class at Pima Community College. His exceptional academic performance and community contributions earned him membership in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, where he takes an active role in chapter activities. Under his guidance, his chapter has strengthened its digital presence while bridging bridged technological gaps, strengthening community bonds, and maintaining focus on their core mission of academic excellence and service
As a valued member of the chapter, Dominic brings technical expertise to PTK's service projects, streamlining operations and expanding their digital reach. He leverages his IT knowledge to enhance project efficiency, whether organizing community outreach or coordinating volunteer efforts. His ability to merge technical solutions with community needs has improved PTK's impact across various initiatives.
Growing up in a family where technology access was limited, Dominic developed a particular interest in addressing the digital divide affecting Hispanic communities. His work through Phi Theta Kappa's "Honors in Action" project organized events that brought digital literacy skills to individuals in low-income areas, many of whom had never used computers before. The joy of watching people gain confidence with technology reinforced his commitment to making digital resources more accessible to all communities. Witnessing participants sending their first emails or creating their first documents reinforced his belief in technology's power to open opportunities.
As a Student Life Peer Mentor, Dominic helps new students navigate both academic and personal challenges during their transition to college life. His volunteer work extends to local community centers, where he coordinates food drives and back-to-school supply distributions, ensuring resources reach those who need them most.
Dominic's commitment to cybersecurity extends beyond academics. He consistently seeks opportunities to apply his skills in real-world scenarios, from vulnerability assessments to system improvements. Each project adds to his growing expertise in network security and system protection, preparing him for future challenges in the field.
Ready to advance his mission of creating secure and accessible digital environments, Dominic will pursue cyber operations with a minor in engineering at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or Pima Community College. His goal remains clear: using technology to build stronger, more connected communities while ensuring their digital safety.