Business & Entrepreneurship
GOLD - Triano Jasso
SILVER - Marissa Partida
BRONZE - Samuel Benavidez
Community Service
GOLD - Martha Armendariz
SILVER - Gabriela Gala
BRONZE - Rodrigo Guizar Jr.
Education
GOLD - Donovan Rodriguez
SILVER - Emely Ruiz
BRONZE - Chloe Lowrie
Engineering
GOLD - Brandon Rodriguez Rascon
SILVER - Arturo Pacheco
BRONZE - Arturo Delgado Navarro
Healthcare & Science
GOLD - Thalia Gonzalez
SILVER - DeeDee Luera
BRONZE - Paloma Valencia
Media & Entertainment
GOLD - Maria Garcia
SILVER - Jude Saarenas
BRONZE - Jayda Saenz
Public Service & Social Justice
GOLD - Mireya Macias
SILVER - Kristy Mojardin
BRONZE - Marisol Arviso
Sports & Fitness
GOLD - Julia Smith-Plata
SILVER - Leah Tapia
BRONZE - Elizabeth Vazquez
Sustainability (Green)
GOLD - Isabella Hurst
SILVER - Jewelya Brambila
BRONZE - Aylen Villasenor
Technology
GOLD - Joseph Arias Escobar
SILVER - Natalie Grubb
BRONZE - Liliana Faneytt
Business & Entrepreneurship
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Triano Jasso
Hometown: Las Cruces, NM
High School: Desert Springs Christian Academy
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Triano Jasso's dream since he was little was to own a restaurant. At the tender age of 13, he opened his own baking company called Cakes N Stuff and ran the small business successfully, managing orders, distributing products, and communicating with customers. His interest in entrepreneurship grew, and so did his enthusiasm for the restaurant business. Almost five years later, Cakes N Stuff is still running to this day!
In school, he has taken numerous classes such as Business Math, Microeconomics, and Leadership, where he learned business skills such as public speaking, identifying leadership qualities, and learning about previous leaders.
He began taking leadership roles as an eighth-grader, with activities that include acting in the school play, accompanying the choir, curating the art competition, and leading the school's Thanksgiving luncheon. He has been asked several times to substitute for a younger grade or teach a Latin class.
Outside of school, he pursued other programs relentlessly, such as the TeenPact Leadership School, Mayor's Top Teens Las Cruces, and Junior Leadership Las Cruces. Triano not only continued to excel academically, but he is also successfully running his Cakes N Stuff business. He even managed to buy his first car, an FJ Cruiser, with the hard-earned money he made from his small but profitable business.
It saddens him to see the Latina/Hispanic community forget about their culture and traditions in order to fit into the American lifestyle. Triano is from New Mexico, one of the poorest states with crime and poverty, but also one full of Mexican riches and traditions.
He hopes to one day open a business that offers many benefits to the locals, such as a pay-what-you-can menu and employing immigrants and those with a criminal record who wish to change. In doing so, he wants to lower the crime and poverty rates and encourage people to get an education while giving the community a sense of purpose and diversity.
While having big plans for the future, Triano also gives back to his community as much as he can, even if he doesn't get any financial benefit from them. He is a regular member of many organizations that aim to preserve the culture and traditions of Mexican heritage. One of his favorite organizations is the Dona Ana Village Historic Preservation Committee, whose focus is the restoration and preservation of the Our Lady of Purification Church and its surrounding areas.
He also participates in various other activities such as Día de Los Muertos events, creating art for silent auctions, the Distinguished Young Woman of New Mexico, art shows, concerts, and volunteers weekly at Grace Bible Church. He usually spends his volunteered time doing what he does best - making food!
Triano now aspires to major in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Northern Arizona University. In doing so, he hopes to help the Latinx community prosper in the US by creating employment and career development opportunities for them. In addition, he also wants to establish a non-profit organization to help alleviate poverty, hunger, and homelessness in the Borderland.
High School: Desert Springs Christian Academy
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Triano Jasso's dream since he was little was to own a restaurant. At the tender age of 13, he opened his own baking company called Cakes N Stuff and ran the small business successfully, managing orders, distributing products, and communicating with customers. His interest in entrepreneurship grew, and so did his enthusiasm for the restaurant business. Almost five years later, Cakes N Stuff is still running to this day!
In school, he has taken numerous classes such as Business Math, Microeconomics, and Leadership, where he learned business skills such as public speaking, identifying leadership qualities, and learning about previous leaders.
He began taking leadership roles as an eighth-grader, with activities that include acting in the school play, accompanying the choir, curating the art competition, and leading the school's Thanksgiving luncheon. He has been asked several times to substitute for a younger grade or teach a Latin class.
Outside of school, he pursued other programs relentlessly, such as the TeenPact Leadership School, Mayor's Top Teens Las Cruces, and Junior Leadership Las Cruces. Triano not only continued to excel academically, but he is also successfully running his Cakes N Stuff business. He even managed to buy his first car, an FJ Cruiser, with the hard-earned money he made from his small but profitable business.
It saddens him to see the Latina/Hispanic community forget about their culture and traditions in order to fit into the American lifestyle. Triano is from New Mexico, one of the poorest states with crime and poverty, but also one full of Mexican riches and traditions.
He hopes to one day open a business that offers many benefits to the locals, such as a pay-what-you-can menu and employing immigrants and those with a criminal record who wish to change. In doing so, he wants to lower the crime and poverty rates and encourage people to get an education while giving the community a sense of purpose and diversity.
While having big plans for the future, Triano also gives back to his community as much as he can, even if he doesn't get any financial benefit from them. He is a regular member of many organizations that aim to preserve the culture and traditions of Mexican heritage. One of his favorite organizations is the Dona Ana Village Historic Preservation Committee, whose focus is the restoration and preservation of the Our Lady of Purification Church and its surrounding areas.
He also participates in various other activities such as Día de Los Muertos events, creating art for silent auctions, the Distinguished Young Woman of New Mexico, art shows, concerts, and volunteers weekly at Grace Bible Church. He usually spends his volunteered time doing what he does best - making food!
Triano now aspires to major in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Northern Arizona University. In doing so, he hopes to help the Latinx community prosper in the US by creating employment and career development opportunities for them. In addition, he also wants to establish a non-profit organization to help alleviate poverty, hunger, and homelessness in the Borderland.
SILVER - Marissa Partida
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
High School: Desert View High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
As a young girl, Marissa Partida excitedly accompanied her father to his workplace during each "Bring Your Child to Work" day. This became not only one of the most memorable moments of her childhood but also the start of a lifelong passion for business and entrepreneurship. The spark was ignited after visiting her father's office, but remained dormant until she was able to enroll in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses in her sophomore year.
When this opportunity presented itself, she eagerly signed up for Business Management and Hospitality Management classes. Although she had to attend the classes online, as it was the norm at the time, she did not let that distract her and was focused on the industry certifications she would receive from the courses. Alongside the CTE courses, Marissa also took DECA classes. She was able to learn the basics of business, improve her communication skills, and connect with people in her industry.
Marissa excelled in both classes, as evidenced by her near-perfect GPA. The combination of these two classes gave her invaluable experience and opportunities to identify strengths that she could use throughout her life to gain a competitive advantage in the job market.
She discovered one such strength when she competed at a DECA state conference in her junior year. She submitted a 20-page document detailing how Topgolf in Tucson, Arizona could improve their employee experience. It was worth all 20 pages, as she won third place. This allowed her to compete at the international level and she considers it one of her greatest achievements in business and entrepreneurship to date.
Since the competition, Marissa has won several other awards, including Outstanding Student for Hospitality Management. She has completed professional certifications and is a certified guest service professional, among others. She also became the president of the Desert View DECA chapter in her second year with the organization.
Marissa grew up in a warm and loving family that inculcated a deep sense of community in her. She embodies this by participating in various activities aimed at giving back and improving the standing of her community. She has volunteered with the Tucson Police Department in a program to feed the homeless and participated in donation drives, with one in particular aimed at teacher appreciation activities.
One activity in particular that touched her, was when she helped at her local animal shelter. The shelter was running low on supplies, and Marissa set out to help by posting about it on social media, handing out flyers, announcing it over the intercom at school, and encouraging others to contribute.
She now seeks to major in Business Management and minor in Business Administration at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or Northern Arizona University as her next step in achieving her dreams.
High School: Desert View High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
As a young girl, Marissa Partida excitedly accompanied her father to his workplace during each "Bring Your Child to Work" day. This became not only one of the most memorable moments of her childhood but also the start of a lifelong passion for business and entrepreneurship. The spark was ignited after visiting her father's office, but remained dormant until she was able to enroll in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses in her sophomore year.
When this opportunity presented itself, she eagerly signed up for Business Management and Hospitality Management classes. Although she had to attend the classes online, as it was the norm at the time, she did not let that distract her and was focused on the industry certifications she would receive from the courses. Alongside the CTE courses, Marissa also took DECA classes. She was able to learn the basics of business, improve her communication skills, and connect with people in her industry.
Marissa excelled in both classes, as evidenced by her near-perfect GPA. The combination of these two classes gave her invaluable experience and opportunities to identify strengths that she could use throughout her life to gain a competitive advantage in the job market.
She discovered one such strength when she competed at a DECA state conference in her junior year. She submitted a 20-page document detailing how Topgolf in Tucson, Arizona could improve their employee experience. It was worth all 20 pages, as she won third place. This allowed her to compete at the international level and she considers it one of her greatest achievements in business and entrepreneurship to date.
Since the competition, Marissa has won several other awards, including Outstanding Student for Hospitality Management. She has completed professional certifications and is a certified guest service professional, among others. She also became the president of the Desert View DECA chapter in her second year with the organization.
Marissa grew up in a warm and loving family that inculcated a deep sense of community in her. She embodies this by participating in various activities aimed at giving back and improving the standing of her community. She has volunteered with the Tucson Police Department in a program to feed the homeless and participated in donation drives, with one in particular aimed at teacher appreciation activities.
One activity in particular that touched her, was when she helped at her local animal shelter. The shelter was running low on supplies, and Marissa set out to help by posting about it on social media, handing out flyers, announcing it over the intercom at school, and encouraging others to contribute.
She now seeks to major in Business Management and minor in Business Administration at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or Northern Arizona University as her next step in achieving her dreams.
BRONZE - Samuel Benavidez
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
High School: North Phoenix Preparatory Academy
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
During his formative years, Samuel Benavidez was a Boy Scout. One of his tasks, as a Scout, was to sell popcorn to raise funds for his troop. This was a daunting task for his young self because sales required him to approach people and convince them that his product was worth buying. After his first few sales pitches, he realized what worked and created a spiel.
At that point, he actually began to enjoy trying to convince people to buy his popcorn. In fact, he and his troop members made a competition out of this! Samuel enjoyed the competition even on the days he lost and became passionate about the selling process. It was this experience that started him on a path to pursuing business.
His school life has been exemplary. He has excellent grades and is a Taekwondo world champion. The fact that he has been able to achieve awards in both is an example of his ability to dedicate himself fully to whatever he does. Samuel is a natural leader. One of his first experiences as a leader was when he was a Life Scout, which put him in charge of his troop.
As part of his duties, he was tasked with assisting new recruits, which he mistakenly thought would be an easy task since he was self-motivated and believed that others would be the same. However, he quickly learned that getting recruits to do anything was a feat in itself! After an afternoon of strategizing, he was finally able to use video games, which were the main topic of interest and conversation among them, to create rapport and lead them to get their Scout achievements.
Every year in high school, Samuel has won an award. From earning the Eagle Scout rank and the Leadership Award in 2020 to the National Hispanic Scholar Award in 2021, Samuel has managed to balance academic success with his enthusiasm in his extracurricular activities. In addition, he finds time to mentor and train youth in healthy activities.
Samuel has always had a deep sense of communal responsibility. One day, as he was on a tour as a Scout, he noticed the garden beds in his local St. Vincent de Paul were in poor condition. Something stirred in him that pushed him to do something about it. He decided to write a business plan to provide them with new garden beds that they could sustain in the long term. The COVID-19 pandemic was a serious health concern at the time, but he did not give up and worked around it. This project earned Samuel his Eagle Rank and has grown over 100 pounds of food every year since.
This remarkable young man now seeks to major in Business and minor in Finance at Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, or the University of Redlands. Considering his excellent grades and determination, Samuel is sure to end up in an influential position in the business field.
High School: North Phoenix Preparatory Academy
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
During his formative years, Samuel Benavidez was a Boy Scout. One of his tasks, as a Scout, was to sell popcorn to raise funds for his troop. This was a daunting task for his young self because sales required him to approach people and convince them that his product was worth buying. After his first few sales pitches, he realized what worked and created a spiel.
At that point, he actually began to enjoy trying to convince people to buy his popcorn. In fact, he and his troop members made a competition out of this! Samuel enjoyed the competition even on the days he lost and became passionate about the selling process. It was this experience that started him on a path to pursuing business.
His school life has been exemplary. He has excellent grades and is a Taekwondo world champion. The fact that he has been able to achieve awards in both is an example of his ability to dedicate himself fully to whatever he does. Samuel is a natural leader. One of his first experiences as a leader was when he was a Life Scout, which put him in charge of his troop.
As part of his duties, he was tasked with assisting new recruits, which he mistakenly thought would be an easy task since he was self-motivated and believed that others would be the same. However, he quickly learned that getting recruits to do anything was a feat in itself! After an afternoon of strategizing, he was finally able to use video games, which were the main topic of interest and conversation among them, to create rapport and lead them to get their Scout achievements.
Every year in high school, Samuel has won an award. From earning the Eagle Scout rank and the Leadership Award in 2020 to the National Hispanic Scholar Award in 2021, Samuel has managed to balance academic success with his enthusiasm in his extracurricular activities. In addition, he finds time to mentor and train youth in healthy activities.
Samuel has always had a deep sense of communal responsibility. One day, as he was on a tour as a Scout, he noticed the garden beds in his local St. Vincent de Paul were in poor condition. Something stirred in him that pushed him to do something about it. He decided to write a business plan to provide them with new garden beds that they could sustain in the long term. The COVID-19 pandemic was a serious health concern at the time, but he did not give up and worked around it. This project earned Samuel his Eagle Rank and has grown over 100 pounds of food every year since.
This remarkable young man now seeks to major in Business and minor in Finance at Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, or the University of Redlands. Considering his excellent grades and determination, Samuel is sure to end up in an influential position in the business field.
Community Service
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Martha Armendariz
Hometown: Rio Rico, AZ
High School: Nogales High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Eighty years ago, Martha Armendariz's grandfather was a young boy who was often tasked with going to the market to buy cigarettes and alcohol for his alcoholic father. The eldest of twelve children, this child lived with his family in a small border town in Mexico and did not attend school. Instead, he was employed full-time as a cotton picker to make ends meet and help his mother raise eleven siblings. Despite his less-than-ideal environment and perpetual fear of becoming like his father, this young boy was determined to make a better life for himself. He chose a life of perseverance and reliability and eventually joined the US military, serving in the Korean War. He broke the cycle of poverty by working himself and Martha's grandmother to the bone to provide his five children with a college education and hence, more opportunities for a better life.
Martha's early life and desire to help others were shaped by her parents, particularly her grandfather. In him, she found the strength to tackle each obstacle fearlessly in pursuit of her dreams in this competitive world. Her grandfather and parents also instilled in her the constant need to help others and make a difference in their lives.
Extremely active in school, Martha seeks to serve others by participating in many groups and teams such as golf, tennis, Future Business Leaders of America, Interact, the National Honor Society, and the Science National Honor Society.
In March 2020, the US government closed the Mexico-US border in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Hundreds of asylum seekers were stuck while seeking refuge. Spurred by the pressing need, Martha started a project called Behind the Line to provide basic necessities to about 400 people seeking asylum in the US. Personally witnessing hundreds of people waiting in line, she made a hundred sandwiches every day for a month and hand-delivered them. She then recruited friends and family to help hold three fundraisers, collecting bags of clothes, luggage, and toiletries for the affected families. She also prepared hundreds of meals for those in shelters.
As a young child, Martha always spent weekends with her family enjoying parks and natural environments. One ranch in particular, the Santa Fe Ranch, was a place dedicated to people with mental and physical disabilities. Martha observed that their 300-yard nature trail, which was supposed to be accessible, was instead run-down and unsafe. She developed an implementation schedule and organized a group of 25 volunteers to help rebuild the trail. This project taught her how important it is to address the needs of the differently-abled and she is now an advocate for redesigning outdoor spaces to be more inclusive.
Growing up in Nogales, a small border town, Martha was exposed to extreme poverty from a young age. Watching disabled and illiterate people foraging through trash bins to feed their families, she decided early on that she wanted to drive change. Volunteering with an organization called Fundación del Empresariado Sonorense A.C., a partner of Border Community Alliance (BCA) in the US, she helped address the needs of the poor. This included building wheelchairs and prosthetics, planting gardens, tutoring kids and adults, and providing other basic essentials. She hopes to continue her community work and plans to major in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy at the University of Arizona, the University of Southern California, or the University of San Diego.
High School: Nogales High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Eighty years ago, Martha Armendariz's grandfather was a young boy who was often tasked with going to the market to buy cigarettes and alcohol for his alcoholic father. The eldest of twelve children, this child lived with his family in a small border town in Mexico and did not attend school. Instead, he was employed full-time as a cotton picker to make ends meet and help his mother raise eleven siblings. Despite his less-than-ideal environment and perpetual fear of becoming like his father, this young boy was determined to make a better life for himself. He chose a life of perseverance and reliability and eventually joined the US military, serving in the Korean War. He broke the cycle of poverty by working himself and Martha's grandmother to the bone to provide his five children with a college education and hence, more opportunities for a better life.
Martha's early life and desire to help others were shaped by her parents, particularly her grandfather. In him, she found the strength to tackle each obstacle fearlessly in pursuit of her dreams in this competitive world. Her grandfather and parents also instilled in her the constant need to help others and make a difference in their lives.
Extremely active in school, Martha seeks to serve others by participating in many groups and teams such as golf, tennis, Future Business Leaders of America, Interact, the National Honor Society, and the Science National Honor Society.
In March 2020, the US government closed the Mexico-US border in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Hundreds of asylum seekers were stuck while seeking refuge. Spurred by the pressing need, Martha started a project called Behind the Line to provide basic necessities to about 400 people seeking asylum in the US. Personally witnessing hundreds of people waiting in line, she made a hundred sandwiches every day for a month and hand-delivered them. She then recruited friends and family to help hold three fundraisers, collecting bags of clothes, luggage, and toiletries for the affected families. She also prepared hundreds of meals for those in shelters.
As a young child, Martha always spent weekends with her family enjoying parks and natural environments. One ranch in particular, the Santa Fe Ranch, was a place dedicated to people with mental and physical disabilities. Martha observed that their 300-yard nature trail, which was supposed to be accessible, was instead run-down and unsafe. She developed an implementation schedule and organized a group of 25 volunteers to help rebuild the trail. This project taught her how important it is to address the needs of the differently-abled and she is now an advocate for redesigning outdoor spaces to be more inclusive.
Growing up in Nogales, a small border town, Martha was exposed to extreme poverty from a young age. Watching disabled and illiterate people foraging through trash bins to feed their families, she decided early on that she wanted to drive change. Volunteering with an organization called Fundación del Empresariado Sonorense A.C., a partner of Border Community Alliance (BCA) in the US, she helped address the needs of the poor. This included building wheelchairs and prosthetics, planting gardens, tutoring kids and adults, and providing other basic essentials. She hopes to continue her community work and plans to major in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy at the University of Arizona, the University of Southern California, or the University of San Diego.
SILVER - Gabriela Gala
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
High School: Phoenix Country Day School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican & Cuban
With her participation in countless community service programs, Gabriela Gala has always enjoyed working with less fortunate kids. She believes in using art as a way to bring people together and tries to integrate it into all her activities. For example, she traveled to Guatemala in the summer of 2022 to repair a dilapidated school building and teach English. There,she used animal drawings or big, patterned numbers to enhance the visual aspects and greatly improved the retention of the kids in her charge.
The bulk of Gabriela's time goes to the Swift Youth Foundation, an organization that connects kids in Arizona who live in foster homes and homeless shelters with college-bound teens with bright futures. She serves every summer as a volunteer counselor at Camp Swift, where she creates meaningful art projects and connections with the less-privileged campers.
Her first significant community service project was in ninth grade when she helped create hundreds of get-well-soon greeting cards for children in hospitals across the country. Inspired by this initiative, Gabriela enjoyed creating cards so much that she continued growing the project when she returned to Arizona. She also periodically created art projects through the Key Club in her high school.
The majority of the kids at the Swift Youth Foundation happen to be Latinx, while Latinx volunteers are few. Gabriela hopes that by being able to speak Spanish, she can connect more meaningfully with the campers. She seeks out community service opportunities where her language abilities can be put to good use, and she hopes that it will also improve her Spanish.
She observes that the educational system in Arizona and the rest of the US seems to affect Latinx students more severely, as they mainly attend segregated schools with low graduation rates and fewer resources. She believes that connecting Latinx kids to promising college-bound teens for mentorship and inspiration would create a healthier culture with more educational opportunities and progress for underrepresented communities.
Gabriela's parents both grew up poor and instilled their values of charity and community service in their children at an early age. She and her siblings were taught to be grateful for what they have and generous to those who have less. True to her upbringing, Gabriela used to spend days cleaning up trash around San Francisco Bay and delivering meals to homeless shelters. After moving to Phoenix, the bulk of her time goes to the Swift Youth Foundation, where she engages countless kids in art projects such as making picture frames, building groundhog houses, and writing and illustrating storybooks.
The kids in her care constantly offer their art projects to her as gifts, and now Gabriela's cabinet in her bedroom is full of those precious pieces. She finds her community service work incredibly meaningful and being able to connect with these kids who come from different backgrounds yet share the same ethnicity is priceless to her.
Gabriela now hopes to major in Cognitive Science with a minor in Graphic Design at Arizona State University, Case Western Reserve University, or Wake Forest University.
High School: Phoenix Country Day School
Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican & Cuban
With her participation in countless community service programs, Gabriela Gala has always enjoyed working with less fortunate kids. She believes in using art as a way to bring people together and tries to integrate it into all her activities. For example, she traveled to Guatemala in the summer of 2022 to repair a dilapidated school building and teach English. There,she used animal drawings or big, patterned numbers to enhance the visual aspects and greatly improved the retention of the kids in her charge.
The bulk of Gabriela's time goes to the Swift Youth Foundation, an organization that connects kids in Arizona who live in foster homes and homeless shelters with college-bound teens with bright futures. She serves every summer as a volunteer counselor at Camp Swift, where she creates meaningful art projects and connections with the less-privileged campers.
Her first significant community service project was in ninth grade when she helped create hundreds of get-well-soon greeting cards for children in hospitals across the country. Inspired by this initiative, Gabriela enjoyed creating cards so much that she continued growing the project when she returned to Arizona. She also periodically created art projects through the Key Club in her high school.
The majority of the kids at the Swift Youth Foundation happen to be Latinx, while Latinx volunteers are few. Gabriela hopes that by being able to speak Spanish, she can connect more meaningfully with the campers. She seeks out community service opportunities where her language abilities can be put to good use, and she hopes that it will also improve her Spanish.
She observes that the educational system in Arizona and the rest of the US seems to affect Latinx students more severely, as they mainly attend segregated schools with low graduation rates and fewer resources. She believes that connecting Latinx kids to promising college-bound teens for mentorship and inspiration would create a healthier culture with more educational opportunities and progress for underrepresented communities.
Gabriela's parents both grew up poor and instilled their values of charity and community service in their children at an early age. She and her siblings were taught to be grateful for what they have and generous to those who have less. True to her upbringing, Gabriela used to spend days cleaning up trash around San Francisco Bay and delivering meals to homeless shelters. After moving to Phoenix, the bulk of her time goes to the Swift Youth Foundation, where she engages countless kids in art projects such as making picture frames, building groundhog houses, and writing and illustrating storybooks.
The kids in her care constantly offer their art projects to her as gifts, and now Gabriela's cabinet in her bedroom is full of those precious pieces. She finds her community service work incredibly meaningful and being able to connect with these kids who come from different backgrounds yet share the same ethnicity is priceless to her.
Gabriela now hopes to major in Cognitive Science with a minor in Graphic Design at Arizona State University, Case Western Reserve University, or Wake Forest University.
BRONZE - Rodrigo Guizar Jr.
Hometown: Yuma, AZ
High School: Cibola High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Rodrigo Guizar Jr is determined to play a part in helping families tormented by domestic violence. He has spent hundreds of hours volunteering with Amberly's Place Thrift Store, a place he found while shopping for clothes.
Amberly's is a domestic violence awareness store that raises funds for necessities that grants do not cover. Rodrigo helps to sort, organize, price, clean, and display the donated items for sale. He is always kind and responsible and also helps with customer service, going above and beyond to help with compassion and respect. In 2022, he assisted Amberly's with the installation and training of a new POS and inventory system in July.
Rodrigo enjoyed volunteering as an election poll worker, helping hundreds of citizens to vote electronically. He also contributed his time as a translator at the voting center and helped citizens who did not have sufficient English proficiency. The grueling 16-hour shift at the voting center made Rodrigo extremely proud to facilitate the voting process and help the voices of Spanish-speaking citizens be heard.
Since first grade, Rodrigo has been acting as a translator for his mother. In third grade, he started translating for other Hispanic parents and helped to bridge the gap between the English-speaking teachers and Spanish-speaking parents of the children they teach. Rodrigo is grateful to be bilingual and feels that his Spanish language skills are extremely helpful in community service, especially at Amberly's where communication is crucial in making the people it serves feel at ease and know that they have somewhere to turn.
Rodrigo hopes to see more Hispanics attending university and pursuing higher education. He has worked hard to increase awareness of these options by becoming an ambassador for the College Knowing and Going program, which aims to increase college attendance rates in Arizona high schools. By explaining the various opportunities available to his peers, he has had many classmates who never planned for college now ask him about how to begin the application process.
He believes that to raise the ceiling for Hispanics and see the community progress, we need to build confidence and have conversations so that the many youths without role models can be exposed to new outlooks and perspectives. On a mission to continue serving his community wherever he goes, Rodrigo hopes to major in Civil Engineering with a minor in Environmental Science while attending Columbia University, Stanford University, or Arizona State University.
High School: Cibola High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Rodrigo Guizar Jr is determined to play a part in helping families tormented by domestic violence. He has spent hundreds of hours volunteering with Amberly's Place Thrift Store, a place he found while shopping for clothes.
Amberly's is a domestic violence awareness store that raises funds for necessities that grants do not cover. Rodrigo helps to sort, organize, price, clean, and display the donated items for sale. He is always kind and responsible and also helps with customer service, going above and beyond to help with compassion and respect. In 2022, he assisted Amberly's with the installation and training of a new POS and inventory system in July.
Rodrigo enjoyed volunteering as an election poll worker, helping hundreds of citizens to vote electronically. He also contributed his time as a translator at the voting center and helped citizens who did not have sufficient English proficiency. The grueling 16-hour shift at the voting center made Rodrigo extremely proud to facilitate the voting process and help the voices of Spanish-speaking citizens be heard.
Since first grade, Rodrigo has been acting as a translator for his mother. In third grade, he started translating for other Hispanic parents and helped to bridge the gap between the English-speaking teachers and Spanish-speaking parents of the children they teach. Rodrigo is grateful to be bilingual and feels that his Spanish language skills are extremely helpful in community service, especially at Amberly's where communication is crucial in making the people it serves feel at ease and know that they have somewhere to turn.
Rodrigo hopes to see more Hispanics attending university and pursuing higher education. He has worked hard to increase awareness of these options by becoming an ambassador for the College Knowing and Going program, which aims to increase college attendance rates in Arizona high schools. By explaining the various opportunities available to his peers, he has had many classmates who never planned for college now ask him about how to begin the application process.
He believes that to raise the ceiling for Hispanics and see the community progress, we need to build confidence and have conversations so that the many youths without role models can be exposed to new outlooks and perspectives. On a mission to continue serving his community wherever he goes, Rodrigo hopes to major in Civil Engineering with a minor in Environmental Science while attending Columbia University, Stanford University, or Arizona State University.
Education
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Donovan Rodriguez
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
High School: Atrisco Heritage Academy High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Since Donovan Rodriguez was a child, his eagerness to teach and influence others led him to help his mother learn to speak and write in English. Though he grew up wanting to become a math teacher, his plans changed later in high school. At the start of his junior year, his dreams gradually changed to teaching English instead. He became convinced that it was his way forward once he had the opportunity to teach English language skills and Spanish to a seventh grade class in the latter portion of his 11th grade year.
Being able to attend college has always been one of his goals, and he has worked towards that goal by maintaining good grades and participating in extracurricular activities, such as his school's Teacher Cadet program, Spanish National Honors Society Club, and varsity marching band. In his junior year, he took a Teacher Cadet class where he learned the basics of becoming a teacher and how to handle situations with the student's best interests in mind. During the second semester, he joined his school's dual-credit program, where he was able to teach and observe a seventh-grade class.
Donovan believes that being skilled enough to teach a seventh-grade class is his biggest achievement and a blessing. As his entry into the state competition "Educators Rising," he taught third-graders math fundamentals, gave them assignments, and recorded his lesson. Although he did not win, the experience was a valuable learning opportunity for Donovan, and he went on to apply many of the principles he learned in his daily life.
Seeing the lack of Hispanic teachers in his predominantly white school, Donovan wished there were more Hispanic teachers with whom he could relate. This prompted him to create that opportunity for future Hispanic students himself. A diverse teaching workforce would encourage other students from different cultures to pursue an education career, as they would have someone to relate to. To create this diversity, Donovan believes that racism and discrimination toward the Latinx community must be addressed through policy.
Donovan has been an active member of his community since before high school. Completing at least 30 hours of community service was required for his confirmation in his Catholic church, which encouraged him to participate in multiple events during his freshman year. Due to COVID-19 and other responsibilities, he was unable to volunteer much during his sophomore and junior years. Recently, he has started giving back to the community again by participating in campus cleanup, as he believes that even small efforts, such as picking up trash, can help reverse our environmental impact.
Donovan also volunteers at the Roadrunner Food Bank as a member of MEChA, a club focused on higher education, culture, and history. His duties include sorting food into crates, wrapping it, and sending it to families in need.
Between advanced placement courses and school clubs, Donovan is also a drum major in the Atrisco Heritage Varsity Marching Band, where he plays the saxophone. This remarkable young man is now aspiring to major in English Secondary Education with a minor in Spanish at Fort Lewis College, the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, or New Mexico State University.
High School: Atrisco Heritage Academy High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Since Donovan Rodriguez was a child, his eagerness to teach and influence others led him to help his mother learn to speak and write in English. Though he grew up wanting to become a math teacher, his plans changed later in high school. At the start of his junior year, his dreams gradually changed to teaching English instead. He became convinced that it was his way forward once he had the opportunity to teach English language skills and Spanish to a seventh grade class in the latter portion of his 11th grade year.
Being able to attend college has always been one of his goals, and he has worked towards that goal by maintaining good grades and participating in extracurricular activities, such as his school's Teacher Cadet program, Spanish National Honors Society Club, and varsity marching band. In his junior year, he took a Teacher Cadet class where he learned the basics of becoming a teacher and how to handle situations with the student's best interests in mind. During the second semester, he joined his school's dual-credit program, where he was able to teach and observe a seventh-grade class.
Donovan believes that being skilled enough to teach a seventh-grade class is his biggest achievement and a blessing. As his entry into the state competition "Educators Rising," he taught third-graders math fundamentals, gave them assignments, and recorded his lesson. Although he did not win, the experience was a valuable learning opportunity for Donovan, and he went on to apply many of the principles he learned in his daily life.
Seeing the lack of Hispanic teachers in his predominantly white school, Donovan wished there were more Hispanic teachers with whom he could relate. This prompted him to create that opportunity for future Hispanic students himself. A diverse teaching workforce would encourage other students from different cultures to pursue an education career, as they would have someone to relate to. To create this diversity, Donovan believes that racism and discrimination toward the Latinx community must be addressed through policy.
Donovan has been an active member of his community since before high school. Completing at least 30 hours of community service was required for his confirmation in his Catholic church, which encouraged him to participate in multiple events during his freshman year. Due to COVID-19 and other responsibilities, he was unable to volunteer much during his sophomore and junior years. Recently, he has started giving back to the community again by participating in campus cleanup, as he believes that even small efforts, such as picking up trash, can help reverse our environmental impact.
Donovan also volunteers at the Roadrunner Food Bank as a member of MEChA, a club focused on higher education, culture, and history. His duties include sorting food into crates, wrapping it, and sending it to families in need.
Between advanced placement courses and school clubs, Donovan is also a drum major in the Atrisco Heritage Varsity Marching Band, where he plays the saxophone. This remarkable young man is now aspiring to major in English Secondary Education with a minor in Spanish at Fort Lewis College, the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, or New Mexico State University.
SILVER - Emely Ruiz
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
High School: Xavier College Preparatory
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Emely Ruiz's first experience with giving back to her community was when she was nine years old. It was her first time providing food to people who were struggling with homelessness, and she remembered giving a leather jacket to a man who appeared to be paralyzed from the cold. As soon as he saw the jacket, his face lit up. Since then, her life has been filled with continuous service and love for her community. Being the oldest in her family, she has always been the example that her siblings and cousins admired, which greatly influenced her interest in the education field.
Since then, she has also participated in numerous programs, activities, or projects related to education, such as Seeds for Autism. Focused on providing education and job training, Seeds for Autism is one of the leading resources in Phoenix for those in need of autism support. In addition, she has also lent a hand at a soccer training program that partners with Special Olympics Arizona.
During middle school, she was part of Vincentian Marian Youth, a club dedicated to service, and visited non-profit organizations, including Feed My Starving Children. She joined clubs at school, such as Key Club, an international service organization, and Xavier Young Vincentians. She became an officer of Xavier Young Vincentians where she would visit the St. Vincent de Paul food bank and the Magdalene House as part of their "serving Saturdays." Junior year was also the year she was asked to be part of the leadership board at her youth group.
Her most prized moments as an educator are watching students and children in her care achieve something they thought they couldn't do. She loves watching their little faces light up as they yell with excitement when they achieve their goals. Emely believes that it is fundamental to teach young kids, especially those with disabilities or developmental conditions, that they should never put limits on themselves and believe they can't accomplish things.
She realized there is a high demand for teachers in her state and an even higher demand for special education teachers. As a proud bilingual woman, she is currently at an advantage when approaching the education field. She believes that it is crucial to have more educators with diverse backgrounds, as it allows them to better connect with people of that same diverse background. She hopes that her Latinx background will continue to help people as she seeks out other opportunities to better her community.
Emely understands the challenges faced by the Latinx community and is committed to influencing change. Through her experiences volunteering as a camp leader at Seeds for Autism, she has come to appreciate the urgent need for more support and resources for children with developmental disabilities. Emely's own family is a testament to the difficulties faced by many Latinx families in providing care for their loved ones with disabilities. She has seen firsthand the sacrifices that are required and the impact it has on the family as a whole, which has fueled her desire to provide a better future for these families.
She is committed to addressing the barriers faced by Latinx children with developmental disabilities. She recognizes the importance of providing access to government services, such as schools that support children with disabilities. Her vision is to open a school that will provide a supportive and inclusive environment for these children. She is passionate about becoming a special education teacher and working to effect positive change in their lives. By providing access to quality education and resources, Emely hopes to help bridge the gap and create a brighter future for the Latinx community.
Emely is a determined Latina who wants to attend college to earn qualifications that will allow her to contribute her talents and skills to give back to her community and make a meaningful difference. She plans to pursue a major in Special Education and a minor in Spanish at Arizona State University, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, or the University of California, Santa Barbara.
High School: Xavier College Preparatory
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Emely Ruiz's first experience with giving back to her community was when she was nine years old. It was her first time providing food to people who were struggling with homelessness, and she remembered giving a leather jacket to a man who appeared to be paralyzed from the cold. As soon as he saw the jacket, his face lit up. Since then, her life has been filled with continuous service and love for her community. Being the oldest in her family, she has always been the example that her siblings and cousins admired, which greatly influenced her interest in the education field.
Since then, she has also participated in numerous programs, activities, or projects related to education, such as Seeds for Autism. Focused on providing education and job training, Seeds for Autism is one of the leading resources in Phoenix for those in need of autism support. In addition, she has also lent a hand at a soccer training program that partners with Special Olympics Arizona.
During middle school, she was part of Vincentian Marian Youth, a club dedicated to service, and visited non-profit organizations, including Feed My Starving Children. She joined clubs at school, such as Key Club, an international service organization, and Xavier Young Vincentians. She became an officer of Xavier Young Vincentians where she would visit the St. Vincent de Paul food bank and the Magdalene House as part of their "serving Saturdays." Junior year was also the year she was asked to be part of the leadership board at her youth group.
Her most prized moments as an educator are watching students and children in her care achieve something they thought they couldn't do. She loves watching their little faces light up as they yell with excitement when they achieve their goals. Emely believes that it is fundamental to teach young kids, especially those with disabilities or developmental conditions, that they should never put limits on themselves and believe they can't accomplish things.
She realized there is a high demand for teachers in her state and an even higher demand for special education teachers. As a proud bilingual woman, she is currently at an advantage when approaching the education field. She believes that it is crucial to have more educators with diverse backgrounds, as it allows them to better connect with people of that same diverse background. She hopes that her Latinx background will continue to help people as she seeks out other opportunities to better her community.
Emely understands the challenges faced by the Latinx community and is committed to influencing change. Through her experiences volunteering as a camp leader at Seeds for Autism, she has come to appreciate the urgent need for more support and resources for children with developmental disabilities. Emely's own family is a testament to the difficulties faced by many Latinx families in providing care for their loved ones with disabilities. She has seen firsthand the sacrifices that are required and the impact it has on the family as a whole, which has fueled her desire to provide a better future for these families.
She is committed to addressing the barriers faced by Latinx children with developmental disabilities. She recognizes the importance of providing access to government services, such as schools that support children with disabilities. Her vision is to open a school that will provide a supportive and inclusive environment for these children. She is passionate about becoming a special education teacher and working to effect positive change in their lives. By providing access to quality education and resources, Emely hopes to help bridge the gap and create a brighter future for the Latinx community.
Emely is a determined Latina who wants to attend college to earn qualifications that will allow her to contribute her talents and skills to give back to her community and make a meaningful difference. She plans to pursue a major in Special Education and a minor in Spanish at Arizona State University, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, or the University of California, Santa Barbara.
BRONZE - Chloe Lowrie
Hometown: Santa Fe, NM
High School: Capital High School
Heritage: Mexican, Spanish & German
Chloe Lowrie was inspired by her experiences within the Near Peer Tutoring program at Capital High School. She realized that young people can become leaders if they have a role model to turn to. This is why she believes she can positively impact society through early childhood education. She wants to adapt her lessons so that everyone can get the most out of their education and learn the processes involved in teaching and learning in college.
Chloe is a dedicated student and lifelong learner. She believes that hard work and giving her best will always lead to success, which is why she has received the Kindness Award and been on the honor roll multiple times.
One of her proudest moments in the field of education was during her time in the Near Peer Tutoring program where she created lesson plans, tutored elementary school children, and came up with learning activities and projects that promoted learning through alternative methods. These projects included creative word games and complex math games. She formed a personal relationship with one student who had an individualized education program and helped her by creating lesson plans tailored to her needs. Thanks to both of their dedication, her student eventually thrived.
Chloe has also joined the National Honors Society (NHS) chapter at her school with the goal of improving the image of the area where she lives, which is unfortunately known for its high crime rates. She believes it is unfair for students to live and work in a community that does not set them up for success, and hopes that a more involved NHS presence will help her community thrive and clean up its image.
Her Hispanic heritage has shaped her perspective on education and has allowed her to see multiple perspectives and help students develop a sense of identity. She incorporates her heritage into her teaching by creating lesson plans on different cultures, including foods, clothing, music, and traditions. This helps students learn about their own and their friends' backgrounds, reducing bullying and cross-cultural ignorance.
Chloe fears that the Hispanic community is wasting their talents and abilities. She believes that the community needs to support each other instead of blindly following orders. If the Hispanic community was given opportunities to pursue their passions, she thinks more of them would attend college and hold higher positions.
As she moves on to her next chapter, Chloe hopes to study Elementary Education with a minor in Business at the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, or New Mexico Highlands University.
High School: Capital High School
Heritage: Mexican, Spanish & German
Chloe Lowrie was inspired by her experiences within the Near Peer Tutoring program at Capital High School. She realized that young people can become leaders if they have a role model to turn to. This is why she believes she can positively impact society through early childhood education. She wants to adapt her lessons so that everyone can get the most out of their education and learn the processes involved in teaching and learning in college.
Chloe is a dedicated student and lifelong learner. She believes that hard work and giving her best will always lead to success, which is why she has received the Kindness Award and been on the honor roll multiple times.
One of her proudest moments in the field of education was during her time in the Near Peer Tutoring program where she created lesson plans, tutored elementary school children, and came up with learning activities and projects that promoted learning through alternative methods. These projects included creative word games and complex math games. She formed a personal relationship with one student who had an individualized education program and helped her by creating lesson plans tailored to her needs. Thanks to both of their dedication, her student eventually thrived.
Chloe has also joined the National Honors Society (NHS) chapter at her school with the goal of improving the image of the area where she lives, which is unfortunately known for its high crime rates. She believes it is unfair for students to live and work in a community that does not set them up for success, and hopes that a more involved NHS presence will help her community thrive and clean up its image.
Her Hispanic heritage has shaped her perspective on education and has allowed her to see multiple perspectives and help students develop a sense of identity. She incorporates her heritage into her teaching by creating lesson plans on different cultures, including foods, clothing, music, and traditions. This helps students learn about their own and their friends' backgrounds, reducing bullying and cross-cultural ignorance.
Chloe fears that the Hispanic community is wasting their talents and abilities. She believes that the community needs to support each other instead of blindly following orders. If the Hispanic community was given opportunities to pursue their passions, she thinks more of them would attend college and hold higher positions.
As she moves on to her next chapter, Chloe hopes to study Elementary Education with a minor in Business at the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, or New Mexico Highlands University.
Engineering
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Brandon Rodriguez Rascon
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
High School: San Miguel High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
When Brandon Rodriguez Rascon first joined his school’s robotics team, he did not know much about the topic at all! Soon after, he attended a robotics competition and was mesmerized by the presentations. Intrigued by all the robotic structures at the event, particularly a robotic hand that moved, he was in awe when he saw the movement was totally automatic. That one event changed his perspective and interests completely and it was then that he realized that robotics and engineering are what he was meant for.
Brandon has remained on his school's robotics team since that day. It has now been four years. Within that time, he has worked with all kinds of engineering equipment including sensors, servos, and motors, as well as designing and building robotic structures. He is particularly fascinated with humanoids and wants to eventually learn how to make robots look like humans.
He was so dedicated to his robotics team at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, that he was able to singlehandedly keep the team alive. He did this by arranging for socially-distanced meetings, build days, and remote competitions, effectively keeping the robotics team active and vibrant during a difficult period.
His contribution to his team during this period revealed his leadership skills and his teammates noticed. They nominated him for the Dean's List Award, the highest individual award in the FIRST Robotics FTC program. As one of the three representatives of Arizona, Brandon went on to represent the state at the world championships in Houston, Texas a feat that he considers his greatest accomplishment to date.
The number of awards and recognitions Brandon has obtained since 2019 is impressive. Not only does he have an exemplary academic record, but he also managed to get his school's Gold Honor Roll, be inducted into his school's chapter of the National Honor Society, be involved with the Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA), and earn the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award.
As a proud Mexican young man, Brandon has always wanted to contribute towards a world where everyone got equal opportunities. With this in mind, he has set out to establish a robotics team in underprivileged neighborhoods. He has experienced the impact the robotics team has had on his life by changing his mindset on what was possible and would like to share the experience with students in underresourced schools.
To help achieve this, Brandon enlisted the help of his robotics teammates and other regional teams. Along with his team members, Brandon started the Tucson First Federation which aims to unite all Tucson teams under a common agenda. Under this organization, they have reached out to several schools within his area and are currently in the process of making their goal of a robotics team in these schools a reality.
Brandon now hopes to pursue a major in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science at Stanford University, Yale University, or Harvey Mudd College to build on his passion for robotics and engineering. With his near-perfect GPA, leadership skills, and passion for robotics, this is likely to be the next chapter in a life full of accolades and meaningful contributions.
High School: San Miguel High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
When Brandon Rodriguez Rascon first joined his school’s robotics team, he did not know much about the topic at all! Soon after, he attended a robotics competition and was mesmerized by the presentations. Intrigued by all the robotic structures at the event, particularly a robotic hand that moved, he was in awe when he saw the movement was totally automatic. That one event changed his perspective and interests completely and it was then that he realized that robotics and engineering are what he was meant for.
Brandon has remained on his school's robotics team since that day. It has now been four years. Within that time, he has worked with all kinds of engineering equipment including sensors, servos, and motors, as well as designing and building robotic structures. He is particularly fascinated with humanoids and wants to eventually learn how to make robots look like humans.
He was so dedicated to his robotics team at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, that he was able to singlehandedly keep the team alive. He did this by arranging for socially-distanced meetings, build days, and remote competitions, effectively keeping the robotics team active and vibrant during a difficult period.
His contribution to his team during this period revealed his leadership skills and his teammates noticed. They nominated him for the Dean's List Award, the highest individual award in the FIRST Robotics FTC program. As one of the three representatives of Arizona, Brandon went on to represent the state at the world championships in Houston, Texas a feat that he considers his greatest accomplishment to date.
The number of awards and recognitions Brandon has obtained since 2019 is impressive. Not only does he have an exemplary academic record, but he also managed to get his school's Gold Honor Roll, be inducted into his school's chapter of the National Honor Society, be involved with the Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA), and earn the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award.
As a proud Mexican young man, Brandon has always wanted to contribute towards a world where everyone got equal opportunities. With this in mind, he has set out to establish a robotics team in underprivileged neighborhoods. He has experienced the impact the robotics team has had on his life by changing his mindset on what was possible and would like to share the experience with students in underresourced schools.
To help achieve this, Brandon enlisted the help of his robotics teammates and other regional teams. Along with his team members, Brandon started the Tucson First Federation which aims to unite all Tucson teams under a common agenda. Under this organization, they have reached out to several schools within his area and are currently in the process of making their goal of a robotics team in these schools a reality.
Brandon now hopes to pursue a major in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science at Stanford University, Yale University, or Harvey Mudd College to build on his passion for robotics and engineering. With his near-perfect GPA, leadership skills, and passion for robotics, this is likely to be the next chapter in a life full of accolades and meaningful contributions.
SILVER - Arturo Pacheco
Hometown: Gilbert, AZ
High School: Gilbert Classical Academy
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Arturo Pacheco has always been fascinated by mathematics. In particular, he has been amazed by its real-life applications, such as the building of the pyramids in Giza or the planning of the Apollo 11 mission. Born to an engineer father, Arturo got a glimpse of applied mathematics and physics from an early age, and his interest gradually gravitated toward the engineering field.
In seventh grade, Arturo participated in his first International Science and Engineering Fair, and this first encounter with STEM effectively solidified his interest in mathematics and showed him the way forward. Determined to become a mechanical engineer, Arturo has participated in the fair every year since, using it as an outlet to try out his ideas.
Academically, Arturo has always been among the top of his class and has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction. He has always received high regard from his teachers and peers.
Arturo took Latin classes and soon joined the Latin club at his school. Before long, he became the president of the Gilbert Classical Academy Latin club. He also served as the president of his school's Spanish club. He exemplifies the type of understated leadership that comes from working well with others and leading by example.
One of his proudest engineering moments was when he built a solar-powered fountain for his school as part of an Arizona-based university program called Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS). Under this program, he and his team were tasked with creating a project that would promote learning at their school. After a few meetings with one of his project partners, they settled on constructing a solar-powered fountain in the school's outdoor study area. This would give the area a makeover and create a conducive environment for studying. Once this was decided, the team immediately started the planning phase of the project.
The solar fountain required a lot of planning and engineering work. They gathered their materials, sketched the outcome, and worked on planning, budgeting, and refining the design. By the end of the school year, the fountain was up and running every day, powered by the sun, and connected to the irrigation system without the need for daily maintenance. This may not have been his most complex engineering project, but it was the most rewarding because it was created with the intention of improving and providing a more aesthetic setting for his school community.
Community service is part of Arturo's values. He has always helped out when he could and participated in many volunteering activities to give back. Since he believes in the impact education can have on people's lives, one of the ways he serves is through his school's tutoring program. In tenth and 11th grade, he volunteered as an assistant coach for his school's cross country and track teams. Arturo has also performed music at senior centers with Aerovate AZ's Light of Music charity program.
With his perfect GPA, passion, and demonstrated engineering experience, Arturo plans to continue his STEM studies by majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Applied Mathematics at Arizona State University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or the University of California, Berkeley. This is but the first step in getting the credentials necessary for what is sure to be an illustrious engineering career.
High School: Gilbert Classical Academy
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Arturo Pacheco has always been fascinated by mathematics. In particular, he has been amazed by its real-life applications, such as the building of the pyramids in Giza or the planning of the Apollo 11 mission. Born to an engineer father, Arturo got a glimpse of applied mathematics and physics from an early age, and his interest gradually gravitated toward the engineering field.
In seventh grade, Arturo participated in his first International Science and Engineering Fair, and this first encounter with STEM effectively solidified his interest in mathematics and showed him the way forward. Determined to become a mechanical engineer, Arturo has participated in the fair every year since, using it as an outlet to try out his ideas.
Academically, Arturo has always been among the top of his class and has been recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction. He has always received high regard from his teachers and peers.
Arturo took Latin classes and soon joined the Latin club at his school. Before long, he became the president of the Gilbert Classical Academy Latin club. He also served as the president of his school's Spanish club. He exemplifies the type of understated leadership that comes from working well with others and leading by example.
One of his proudest engineering moments was when he built a solar-powered fountain for his school as part of an Arizona-based university program called Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS). Under this program, he and his team were tasked with creating a project that would promote learning at their school. After a few meetings with one of his project partners, they settled on constructing a solar-powered fountain in the school's outdoor study area. This would give the area a makeover and create a conducive environment for studying. Once this was decided, the team immediately started the planning phase of the project.
The solar fountain required a lot of planning and engineering work. They gathered their materials, sketched the outcome, and worked on planning, budgeting, and refining the design. By the end of the school year, the fountain was up and running every day, powered by the sun, and connected to the irrigation system without the need for daily maintenance. This may not have been his most complex engineering project, but it was the most rewarding because it was created with the intention of improving and providing a more aesthetic setting for his school community.
Community service is part of Arturo's values. He has always helped out when he could and participated in many volunteering activities to give back. Since he believes in the impact education can have on people's lives, one of the ways he serves is through his school's tutoring program. In tenth and 11th grade, he volunteered as an assistant coach for his school's cross country and track teams. Arturo has also performed music at senior centers with Aerovate AZ's Light of Music charity program.
With his perfect GPA, passion, and demonstrated engineering experience, Arturo plans to continue his STEM studies by majoring in Mechanical Engineering and minoring in Applied Mathematics at Arizona State University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or the University of California, Berkeley. This is but the first step in getting the credentials necessary for what is sure to be an illustrious engineering career.
BRONZE - Arturo Delgado Navarro
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
High School: Camelback High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Arturo Delgado Navarro was initially inspired by the engineering lab at Camelback High School during the summer before he started ninth grade. In those early days, he experimented with a bandsaw, laser engraver, and sander and was able to make a small wooden box. Wondering what else he could create, he then joined his school's robotics club as a technician during his freshman year. He saw the metalworking operations the students carried out and how creative robots could be in competitions, which fueled his interest in taking on more unique projects.
However, COVID-19 threw a wrench into his plans and since in-person learning wasn't possible, Arturo had to learn at home. With his dad providing him with tools, he learned design and fundamental engineering skills from online courses. His self-study efforts culminated with Ms. Besch, his teacher, helping him with his final project – a pantry on caster wheels. Seeing his interest and potential, Ms. Besch recommended Arturo for the National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) at Arizona State University. At NSTI, he became fascinated with engineering as it pertained to the transportation sector.
Arturo is highly involved in extracurricular activities and organizations at his school. He is a member of Masque and Gavel as an actor and a techie, and his school's science and physics clubs. He is also an active member of his school's chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) and Link Crew, as well as the Sun Devil Club and his school's student government. A respected leader in his school community, he currently holds the positions of president of the Science Club, NHS, and Link Crew. Even with the full range and demands of his extracurricular activities, Arturo still manages to keep his grades up and maintain a stellar academic record.
He has also led his peers in activities ranging from planning and running ninth-grade orientation to fundraising and planning freshman events. He has helped recruit the largest group of Link Leaders his high school has ever had. He knew that after the isolation of the lockdowns, having people in their age group to talk to could mean a lot, which motivated his recruitment efforts.
One of his proudest achievements in engineering was during an independent final project in eleventh grade—a 200cc go-kart build. His grandpa sourced a 2002 Yamaha Blaster 200 that ran with a simple carb clean. One of the challenges he faced was making sure the rear frame would fit the engine. After some cutting, welding, and custom brackets, the engine fit. Then it was time to get the engine to start. With the help of Ms. Besch and her friend, they diagnosed the wiring diagram, got the engine grounded, and started it.
Arturo is concerned about the lack of Hispanic representation in STEM, especially in engineering. He thinks that if only one demographic dominates an industry, the designs and solutions will only represent the needs of that dominant demographic. This is something that Arturo will work to counteract as he becomes a first-generation college student. He plans to major in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, Stanford University, or the California Institute of Technology.
High School: Camelback High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Arturo Delgado Navarro was initially inspired by the engineering lab at Camelback High School during the summer before he started ninth grade. In those early days, he experimented with a bandsaw, laser engraver, and sander and was able to make a small wooden box. Wondering what else he could create, he then joined his school's robotics club as a technician during his freshman year. He saw the metalworking operations the students carried out and how creative robots could be in competitions, which fueled his interest in taking on more unique projects.
However, COVID-19 threw a wrench into his plans and since in-person learning wasn't possible, Arturo had to learn at home. With his dad providing him with tools, he learned design and fundamental engineering skills from online courses. His self-study efforts culminated with Ms. Besch, his teacher, helping him with his final project – a pantry on caster wheels. Seeing his interest and potential, Ms. Besch recommended Arturo for the National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) at Arizona State University. At NSTI, he became fascinated with engineering as it pertained to the transportation sector.
Arturo is highly involved in extracurricular activities and organizations at his school. He is a member of Masque and Gavel as an actor and a techie, and his school's science and physics clubs. He is also an active member of his school's chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) and Link Crew, as well as the Sun Devil Club and his school's student government. A respected leader in his school community, he currently holds the positions of president of the Science Club, NHS, and Link Crew. Even with the full range and demands of his extracurricular activities, Arturo still manages to keep his grades up and maintain a stellar academic record.
He has also led his peers in activities ranging from planning and running ninth-grade orientation to fundraising and planning freshman events. He has helped recruit the largest group of Link Leaders his high school has ever had. He knew that after the isolation of the lockdowns, having people in their age group to talk to could mean a lot, which motivated his recruitment efforts.
One of his proudest achievements in engineering was during an independent final project in eleventh grade—a 200cc go-kart build. His grandpa sourced a 2002 Yamaha Blaster 200 that ran with a simple carb clean. One of the challenges he faced was making sure the rear frame would fit the engine. After some cutting, welding, and custom brackets, the engine fit. Then it was time to get the engine to start. With the help of Ms. Besch and her friend, they diagnosed the wiring diagram, got the engine grounded, and started it.
Arturo is concerned about the lack of Hispanic representation in STEM, especially in engineering. He thinks that if only one demographic dominates an industry, the designs and solutions will only represent the needs of that dominant demographic. This is something that Arturo will work to counteract as he becomes a first-generation college student. He plans to major in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, Stanford University, or the California Institute of Technology.
Healthcare & Science
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Thalia Gonzalez
Hometown: Chandler, AZ
High School: BASIS Chandler
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican & Spanish
Thalia Gonzalez developed an interest in healthcare and science after learning about the skeletal system in her sixth-grade biology class. Afterward, she went home and built an entire paper mache replica of the human skeleton to learn about all the bones in the human body. At that moment, she knew what she wanted to do with her life.
Thalia is a well-rounded individual. Not only is she a talented soccer player, but she also has several home businesses offering a range of services, including apparel and sneaker customizations. Without any prior knowledge of running businesses, she taught herself the basics of online sales and built these projects from scratch.
This Latina values volunteering and helping others in need. Last year, she got involved with Top Soccer, a program that serves athletes with disabilities. Through her service work with the program, she saw the impact she could make just by being herself and sharing her love for soccer.
Thalia has also been volunteering for Feed My Starving Children since fifth grade. While working for this organization, she collected M&M containers filled with quarters, which were destined to buy food for undernourished children in Uganda. She learned that the quarters she collected were enough to feed a child for a year and gained a new level of appreciation and gratefulness for the privileges she has thanks to her parents.
One of her biggest accomplishments in Healthcare & Science took place last summer while she was interning at Scripps. Her internship opened her eyes to the unequal representation of racial minorities, women, and older individuals in biomedical research. The prevalent barriers, including language and technology, left many underrepresented communities excluded from participating in digital clinical trials. In response, Thalia embarked on an innovative solution to bridge this gap. She created educational videos in both English and Spanish aimed at communicating the goals and opportunities of these trials in a way that was accessible to all.
Throughout her internship, Thalia was able to interact with patients and hear their stories, many of whom were living with ALS and eager to contribute to finding a cure. This connection to the patients and the impact her work had on their lives was her greatest accomplishment. Inspired by her experiences, Thalia is determined to make a difference in the world of biomedical research and ensure that all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or age, have equal opportunities to participate. As she moves forward in her academic and professional pursuits, she will carry the lessons she learned at Scripps and use them to drive her towards a future where inclusivity and accessibility are at the forefront of biomedical research.
Thalia aspires to be a catalyst for change in STEM, bringing forth a new generation of scientists that reflect the diversity of society. With her invaluable experience as a Hispanic woman, she will shed light on the importance of representation in the field and the impact it can have. She believes that by incorporating a range of perspectives and experiences, the field can be propelled forward, unlocking new avenues for innovation and progress. Thalia notes that this is especially critical in the field of healthcare, where representation plays a vital role in shaping treatment and access to care.
Ready for what lies ahead, Thalia plans to major in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Business at the California Institute of Technology, Arizona State University, or the University of Arizona.
High School: BASIS Chandler
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican & Spanish
Thalia Gonzalez developed an interest in healthcare and science after learning about the skeletal system in her sixth-grade biology class. Afterward, she went home and built an entire paper mache replica of the human skeleton to learn about all the bones in the human body. At that moment, she knew what she wanted to do with her life.
Thalia is a well-rounded individual. Not only is she a talented soccer player, but she also has several home businesses offering a range of services, including apparel and sneaker customizations. Without any prior knowledge of running businesses, she taught herself the basics of online sales and built these projects from scratch.
This Latina values volunteering and helping others in need. Last year, she got involved with Top Soccer, a program that serves athletes with disabilities. Through her service work with the program, she saw the impact she could make just by being herself and sharing her love for soccer.
Thalia has also been volunteering for Feed My Starving Children since fifth grade. While working for this organization, she collected M&M containers filled with quarters, which were destined to buy food for undernourished children in Uganda. She learned that the quarters she collected were enough to feed a child for a year and gained a new level of appreciation and gratefulness for the privileges she has thanks to her parents.
One of her biggest accomplishments in Healthcare & Science took place last summer while she was interning at Scripps. Her internship opened her eyes to the unequal representation of racial minorities, women, and older individuals in biomedical research. The prevalent barriers, including language and technology, left many underrepresented communities excluded from participating in digital clinical trials. In response, Thalia embarked on an innovative solution to bridge this gap. She created educational videos in both English and Spanish aimed at communicating the goals and opportunities of these trials in a way that was accessible to all.
Throughout her internship, Thalia was able to interact with patients and hear their stories, many of whom were living with ALS and eager to contribute to finding a cure. This connection to the patients and the impact her work had on their lives was her greatest accomplishment. Inspired by her experiences, Thalia is determined to make a difference in the world of biomedical research and ensure that all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or age, have equal opportunities to participate. As she moves forward in her academic and professional pursuits, she will carry the lessons she learned at Scripps and use them to drive her towards a future where inclusivity and accessibility are at the forefront of biomedical research.
Thalia aspires to be a catalyst for change in STEM, bringing forth a new generation of scientists that reflect the diversity of society. With her invaluable experience as a Hispanic woman, she will shed light on the importance of representation in the field and the impact it can have. She believes that by incorporating a range of perspectives and experiences, the field can be propelled forward, unlocking new avenues for innovation and progress. Thalia notes that this is especially critical in the field of healthcare, where representation plays a vital role in shaping treatment and access to care.
Ready for what lies ahead, Thalia plans to major in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Business at the California Institute of Technology, Arizona State University, or the University of Arizona.
SILVER - DeeDee Luera
Hometown: Las Cruces, NM
High School: Centennial High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
What prompted DeeDee Lueras’s interest in healthcare was her unfortunate injury of two torn ACLs. For many athletes, she explains, ACL tears can cause depression and trauma, but for her, it opened her eyes to her future path and showed her that what she wanted to dedicate her life to as a profession was working as a nurse anesthetist - envisioning the four letters standing for certified registered nurse anesthetist after her prospective professional name: CRNA.
After joining her high school's Athletic Training club, where she learned about anatomy and how to care for athletes, DeeDee's determination to become a CRNA was further solidified. To join the club, she had to work at least three treatments a week and attend a sports game. DeeDee believes that this was her biggest accomplishment in healthcare because it demanded much of her time, with her committing 15 hours every week, which she enjoyed every minute of. During this training, she gained fundamental knowledge that will be useful as she progresses in the nursing field, including anatomy, injury testing, and taping techniques. Proving how well she and her fellow club members could apply what they learned, they finished third in New Mexico at the Athletic Training state competition.
Being part of her school's ACE program has also helped DeeDee prepare for her future career. Through ACE, she was placed in a pre-operative unit, where she had the opportunity to shadow nurses and CRNAs and get a preview of what it will be like for her as a CRNA.
DeeDee wants to see qualified people in all fields but recognizes that a diverse representation is also crucial, especially in STEM professions. Different people bring different perspectives to the table, she says, which she believes leads to more productivity and better results.
Along with pursuing her career aspirations, DeeDee also finds time to participate in various clubs and get involved in community service. She is a member of Centennial High School's chapter of the National Honor Society and an officer in its student government. Her favorite way to give back is through the yearly local program Dress the Child, which provides new clothing and shoes to underresourced children in her community.
Looking forward to her career as a nurse anesthetist, DeeDee first plans to pursue a Nursing degree with a minor in Healthcare Administration while attending the University of Arizona, New Mexico State University, or Northern Arizona University.
High School: Centennial High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
What prompted DeeDee Lueras’s interest in healthcare was her unfortunate injury of two torn ACLs. For many athletes, she explains, ACL tears can cause depression and trauma, but for her, it opened her eyes to her future path and showed her that what she wanted to dedicate her life to as a profession was working as a nurse anesthetist - envisioning the four letters standing for certified registered nurse anesthetist after her prospective professional name: CRNA.
After joining her high school's Athletic Training club, where she learned about anatomy and how to care for athletes, DeeDee's determination to become a CRNA was further solidified. To join the club, she had to work at least three treatments a week and attend a sports game. DeeDee believes that this was her biggest accomplishment in healthcare because it demanded much of her time, with her committing 15 hours every week, which she enjoyed every minute of. During this training, she gained fundamental knowledge that will be useful as she progresses in the nursing field, including anatomy, injury testing, and taping techniques. Proving how well she and her fellow club members could apply what they learned, they finished third in New Mexico at the Athletic Training state competition.
Being part of her school's ACE program has also helped DeeDee prepare for her future career. Through ACE, she was placed in a pre-operative unit, where she had the opportunity to shadow nurses and CRNAs and get a preview of what it will be like for her as a CRNA.
DeeDee wants to see qualified people in all fields but recognizes that a diverse representation is also crucial, especially in STEM professions. Different people bring different perspectives to the table, she says, which she believes leads to more productivity and better results.
Along with pursuing her career aspirations, DeeDee also finds time to participate in various clubs and get involved in community service. She is a member of Centennial High School's chapter of the National Honor Society and an officer in its student government. Her favorite way to give back is through the yearly local program Dress the Child, which provides new clothing and shoes to underresourced children in her community.
Looking forward to her career as a nurse anesthetist, DeeDee first plans to pursue a Nursing degree with a minor in Healthcare Administration while attending the University of Arizona, New Mexico State University, or Northern Arizona University.
BRONZE - Paloma Valencia
Hometown: Nogales, AZ
High School: Lourdes College Preparatory High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Paloma Valencia's love for animals began when she was a young girl. She loved petting all the animals she saw, a habit that still holds true today! Her grandfather owned a ranch with many animals, further growing her attachment to them. This fascination eventually evolved into an interest in veterinary medicine and health as a career choice. She hopes to one day open her own vet clinic after studying equine medicine.
After receiving CPR and First Aid certifications at the Mariposa Summer Youth Institute, Paloma learned about various subjects in the medical field and had the opportunity to learn from the people she met. Her visit to the University of Arizona with the Mariposa Summer Youth made her even more excited to attend university and follow her dreams.
Paloma was also given the chance to volunteer for three months at a vet clinic over the summer of 2021. She shadowed a vet and got a firsthand view of what working in the field was like. During her volunteering, Paloma showed such aptitude and interest that she was given the chance to watch surgeries and help medicate the animals at the clinic. It was then that she realized her path forward would be in veterinary science.
Growing up in a family steeped in Mexican traditions, Paloma was exposed to the heritage of cattle handling and horse riding, which have become integral to her identity. She is determined to make her family proud by keeping their traditions alive and leading a life surrounded by animals and nature.
Paloma recognizes the importance of diversity in all areas of work. With the world becoming increasingly open to new ideas and perspectives, she believes it is crucial to celebrate and embrace different cultures and traditions. She believes that by bringing together diverse minds and ways of thinking, everyone will have a greater chance of success and growth.
As a Latina from the bi-cultural border town of Nogales, Arizona, Paloma has a unique worldview that has broadened her understanding of the world and its diverse cultures. Her hometown, situated on the border of Mexico and the US, has equipped her with the ability to navigate between two distinct cultures, traditions, and languages. She is driven to challenge the notion that one must be confined to a single cultural identity and instead embrace the beauty of diversity. Her upbringing in Nogales has allowed her to witness the seamless integration of two worlds and has further solidified her passion for promoting cultural understanding. The Kino Teens club at her school, originating from the nationally recognized Kino Border Initiative, has only strengthened her values and furthered her realization that the world extends far beyond her own experiences. She is proud to be a part of an organization that aids migrants and refugees on the US-Mexico border.
A career as a veterinarian has been in the works for Paloma since she was little. To move closer to making it a reality, she will begin by pursuing a pre-veterinary medicine track while minoring in Ethics at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or the University of California, Davis.
High School: Lourdes College Preparatory High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Paloma Valencia's love for animals began when she was a young girl. She loved petting all the animals she saw, a habit that still holds true today! Her grandfather owned a ranch with many animals, further growing her attachment to them. This fascination eventually evolved into an interest in veterinary medicine and health as a career choice. She hopes to one day open her own vet clinic after studying equine medicine.
After receiving CPR and First Aid certifications at the Mariposa Summer Youth Institute, Paloma learned about various subjects in the medical field and had the opportunity to learn from the people she met. Her visit to the University of Arizona with the Mariposa Summer Youth made her even more excited to attend university and follow her dreams.
Paloma was also given the chance to volunteer for three months at a vet clinic over the summer of 2021. She shadowed a vet and got a firsthand view of what working in the field was like. During her volunteering, Paloma showed such aptitude and interest that she was given the chance to watch surgeries and help medicate the animals at the clinic. It was then that she realized her path forward would be in veterinary science.
Growing up in a family steeped in Mexican traditions, Paloma was exposed to the heritage of cattle handling and horse riding, which have become integral to her identity. She is determined to make her family proud by keeping their traditions alive and leading a life surrounded by animals and nature.
Paloma recognizes the importance of diversity in all areas of work. With the world becoming increasingly open to new ideas and perspectives, she believes it is crucial to celebrate and embrace different cultures and traditions. She believes that by bringing together diverse minds and ways of thinking, everyone will have a greater chance of success and growth.
As a Latina from the bi-cultural border town of Nogales, Arizona, Paloma has a unique worldview that has broadened her understanding of the world and its diverse cultures. Her hometown, situated on the border of Mexico and the US, has equipped her with the ability to navigate between two distinct cultures, traditions, and languages. She is driven to challenge the notion that one must be confined to a single cultural identity and instead embrace the beauty of diversity. Her upbringing in Nogales has allowed her to witness the seamless integration of two worlds and has further solidified her passion for promoting cultural understanding. The Kino Teens club at her school, originating from the nationally recognized Kino Border Initiative, has only strengthened her values and furthered her realization that the world extends far beyond her own experiences. She is proud to be a part of an organization that aids migrants and refugees on the US-Mexico border.
A career as a veterinarian has been in the works for Paloma since she was little. To move closer to making it a reality, she will begin by pursuing a pre-veterinary medicine track while minoring in Ethics at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or the University of California, Davis.
Media & Entertainment
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GOLD - Maria Garcia
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
High School: Tucson High Magnet School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
From a young age, Maria G. Garcia was drawn to the world of art. As a child, she would spend hours immersed in her creative pursuits, whether it was sketching, painting, or molding clay into intricate designs. As she grew older, Maria's artistic focus shifted, as she became increasingly interested in the intersection of art and technology, a realm where she discovered new and exciting ways to express herself and push the boundaries of her creative freedom. Her love for the arts took on a new dimension when she discovered the world of film.
It was at the age of eight that Maria first dipped her toes into the world of filmmaking. The experience was revelatory, and the young artist was immediately hooked on this new form of creative expression. She quickly realized that film offered an entirely different landscape of artistic possibilities she wanted to explore.
Maria's first opportunity to delve deeper into the world of film came when she entered high school. She enrolled in her first film course, and over the next three years, she produced 14 short films, each one showcasing her growing skill and creative vision. The experience allowed her to experiment with various roles within the film industry, including cinematography and directing. Alongside her film studies, Maria also took up photography, honing her skills behind the lens and developing her eye for capturing images that tell a story.
It was in her second year in Film & Television that Maria achieved one of her proudest moments. It was the year that classes had to be conducted via Zoom due to the pandemic, and it was also the year that she discovered the Tucson Film Festival. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Maria was undeterred. She was eager to put her skills to the test and participate in the festival.
Her entry was a recreation of the classic film, The Lion King. Despite the limited resources and actors available to her, she was able to bring her vision to life with the help of her siblings. The process was not without its challenges, but with her determination and creativity, Maria turned her vision into a reality. Her siblings, despite having no experience in acting, proved to be excellent collaborators, and Maria was able to make masks and write a script that brought the story to life. The film was a hit, both with her classmates and the judges at the Tucson Film Festival, where it made it all the way to the semifinals. Although she did not win, Maria was proud of what she had achieved. She had competed against filmmakers who were much more experienced than her and yet managed to make it to the semifinals. Her classmates and family were equally impressed, and she was pleased with the overall quality of her film, considering that she had only a camera and a few free apps at her disposal.
As a Latina filmmaker, Maria brings a fresh and authentic perspective to her work and to the world of film and creative media. Her Mexican-American background gives her a unique lens through which she approaches her work. This perspective offers a fresh and diverse point of view to the world of film, allowing her to authentically represent the different identities that make up the Latinx community.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Maria is a dedicated peer coach through AmeriCorps at her school. She assists students in reaching their goals and has become more confident and social as a result. She finds joy in helping students complete their university applications and navigate the often-confusing world of higher education and career planning, having struggled with the process herself. For Maria, the opportunity to serve as a peer coach is a source of immense satisfaction. She is proud to provide support and guidance to students as they strive to achieve their goals.
When it comes to her academic performance, Maria's AP Literature teacher, Mr. Carey, describes her as a "prodigious young woman" who approaches her work with precision and excellence. He is confident in her skills, leadership qualities, and drive, and believes that the country needs more individuals with Maria's mindset who will lead the future in championing truth, science, and the arts.
Maria has set her sights on attending the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or Northern Arizona University, where she plans to major in Film & Television and minor in Photography. Even though she isn't exactly sure what path her studies will lead her to pursue in the future, she knows in her heart that she is a creative person and that her place is in the arts.
High School: Tucson High Magnet School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
From a young age, Maria G. Garcia was drawn to the world of art. As a child, she would spend hours immersed in her creative pursuits, whether it was sketching, painting, or molding clay into intricate designs. As she grew older, Maria's artistic focus shifted, as she became increasingly interested in the intersection of art and technology, a realm where she discovered new and exciting ways to express herself and push the boundaries of her creative freedom. Her love for the arts took on a new dimension when she discovered the world of film.
It was at the age of eight that Maria first dipped her toes into the world of filmmaking. The experience was revelatory, and the young artist was immediately hooked on this new form of creative expression. She quickly realized that film offered an entirely different landscape of artistic possibilities she wanted to explore.
Maria's first opportunity to delve deeper into the world of film came when she entered high school. She enrolled in her first film course, and over the next three years, she produced 14 short films, each one showcasing her growing skill and creative vision. The experience allowed her to experiment with various roles within the film industry, including cinematography and directing. Alongside her film studies, Maria also took up photography, honing her skills behind the lens and developing her eye for capturing images that tell a story.
It was in her second year in Film & Television that Maria achieved one of her proudest moments. It was the year that classes had to be conducted via Zoom due to the pandemic, and it was also the year that she discovered the Tucson Film Festival. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Maria was undeterred. She was eager to put her skills to the test and participate in the festival.
Her entry was a recreation of the classic film, The Lion King. Despite the limited resources and actors available to her, she was able to bring her vision to life with the help of her siblings. The process was not without its challenges, but with her determination and creativity, Maria turned her vision into a reality. Her siblings, despite having no experience in acting, proved to be excellent collaborators, and Maria was able to make masks and write a script that brought the story to life. The film was a hit, both with her classmates and the judges at the Tucson Film Festival, where it made it all the way to the semifinals. Although she did not win, Maria was proud of what she had achieved. She had competed against filmmakers who were much more experienced than her and yet managed to make it to the semifinals. Her classmates and family were equally impressed, and she was pleased with the overall quality of her film, considering that she had only a camera and a few free apps at her disposal.
As a Latina filmmaker, Maria brings a fresh and authentic perspective to her work and to the world of film and creative media. Her Mexican-American background gives her a unique lens through which she approaches her work. This perspective offers a fresh and diverse point of view to the world of film, allowing her to authentically represent the different identities that make up the Latinx community.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Maria is a dedicated peer coach through AmeriCorps at her school. She assists students in reaching their goals and has become more confident and social as a result. She finds joy in helping students complete their university applications and navigate the often-confusing world of higher education and career planning, having struggled with the process herself. For Maria, the opportunity to serve as a peer coach is a source of immense satisfaction. She is proud to provide support and guidance to students as they strive to achieve their goals.
When it comes to her academic performance, Maria's AP Literature teacher, Mr. Carey, describes her as a "prodigious young woman" who approaches her work with precision and excellence. He is confident in her skills, leadership qualities, and drive, and believes that the country needs more individuals with Maria's mindset who will lead the future in championing truth, science, and the arts.
Maria has set her sights on attending the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or Northern Arizona University, where she plans to major in Film & Television and minor in Photography. Even though she isn't exactly sure what path her studies will lead her to pursue in the future, she knows in her heart that she is a creative person and that her place is in the arts.
SILVER - Jude Saarenas
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
High School: St. John Paul II Catholic High School
Hispanic Heritage: Filipino
What started as weekly piano lessons in second grade has become a lifelong artistic pursuit for Jude Saarenas. Inspired by his talented older brother's musical performances, Jude began his musical journey on the piano. These lessons laid the foundation of his musical knowledge. It wasn't long before he discovered his own musical talent as he delved into the world of music theory and composition. As he grew, so did his passion for the arts, eventually leading him to join his school's guitar club and be captivated by its production of The Wizard of Oz in fourth grade, awed by the complexity of the musical and the intricate harmony of singing, dancing, and acting.
From that moment on, he knew he wanted to be a part of the musical experience. He auditioned for the next year's musical and never looked back, auditioning again the following year and every year thereafter. He continued to immerse himself in the arts by participating in his school's show choir and band, where he played the trumpet.
Jude's love for music and the arts took center stage at St. John Paul II Catholic High School (JP2) in Phoenix, Arizona, where he quickly established himself as a leader in the fine arts program. As trumpet section leader in the band for three years, he displayed a steadfast commitment to musical excellence, consistently improving his skills and knowledge. This dedication was recognized when he was named Band Student of the Year during his junior year.
His contributions to the theater department have been wide-ranging. A talented actor, Jude has performed in plays and musicals, bringing a range of characters to life and even choreographing his own dance solos for seasonal concerts. However, it was off-stage where he left his most indelible mark.
Unable to act in his school's acting class's production of The Tempest since he wasn't a student in the class, Jude found a way to contribute. Drawing on the knowledge of music theory and composition he had learned all the way back in second grade, Jude provided live instrumentation and sounds, armed with his glockenspiel and his trusty Chromebook. He went on to provide more live music and sounds for the next acting class's production of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. Adding his trumpet and a marimba to his original setup, Jude created a more complex and captivating soundscape.
He went on to compose two short melodies for the drama club's production of The Miracle Worker, in which he also had a role. With each successful contribution, his reputation as a talented musician grew. When the drama club put on Sherlock Holmes, Jude pulled out all the stops, writing seven piano compositions for the show. He was taken aback by their impact when the school released a trailer for the show that featured two of his pieces, and when JP2's principal personally thanked him for creating the best music the school had ever seen.
Jude's talents extend beyond the fine arts. He is also a multi-sport athlete, reaching the state level in swimming year after year, competing in tennis, and participating in track and field. He balances his athletic and artistic pursuits with a demanding academic schedule and leadership positions in various clubs and organizations, including JP2's Servant Leadership Association, Dance Club, and chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS).
As NHS president, Jude learned that true change requires not just empathy but taking action to help those in need. He has taken this lesson to heart by making a tangible difference through volunteering and community service, leading by example, and inspiring others to join him. He has also learned that leaders must have the grit and courage to do what is right, even when others may not, which has strengthened his resolve to lead with compassion and determination.
These lessons will stay with him as he moves on to his next chapter. He plans to study Neuroscience or Neurobiology, with a minor in Music, Statistics, or Data Science at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or the University of California, Los Angeles.
For Jude, music has been a unifying force. At the heart of every family gathering and celebration, it brings him together with his loved ones and connects him to his Filipino culture. He hopes to continue this tradition, using his musical contributions to bring a similar sense of unity to his community.
High School: St. John Paul II Catholic High School
Hispanic Heritage: Filipino
What started as weekly piano lessons in second grade has become a lifelong artistic pursuit for Jude Saarenas. Inspired by his talented older brother's musical performances, Jude began his musical journey on the piano. These lessons laid the foundation of his musical knowledge. It wasn't long before he discovered his own musical talent as he delved into the world of music theory and composition. As he grew, so did his passion for the arts, eventually leading him to join his school's guitar club and be captivated by its production of The Wizard of Oz in fourth grade, awed by the complexity of the musical and the intricate harmony of singing, dancing, and acting.
From that moment on, he knew he wanted to be a part of the musical experience. He auditioned for the next year's musical and never looked back, auditioning again the following year and every year thereafter. He continued to immerse himself in the arts by participating in his school's show choir and band, where he played the trumpet.
Jude's love for music and the arts took center stage at St. John Paul II Catholic High School (JP2) in Phoenix, Arizona, where he quickly established himself as a leader in the fine arts program. As trumpet section leader in the band for three years, he displayed a steadfast commitment to musical excellence, consistently improving his skills and knowledge. This dedication was recognized when he was named Band Student of the Year during his junior year.
His contributions to the theater department have been wide-ranging. A talented actor, Jude has performed in plays and musicals, bringing a range of characters to life and even choreographing his own dance solos for seasonal concerts. However, it was off-stage where he left his most indelible mark.
Unable to act in his school's acting class's production of The Tempest since he wasn't a student in the class, Jude found a way to contribute. Drawing on the knowledge of music theory and composition he had learned all the way back in second grade, Jude provided live instrumentation and sounds, armed with his glockenspiel and his trusty Chromebook. He went on to provide more live music and sounds for the next acting class's production of The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. Adding his trumpet and a marimba to his original setup, Jude created a more complex and captivating soundscape.
He went on to compose two short melodies for the drama club's production of The Miracle Worker, in which he also had a role. With each successful contribution, his reputation as a talented musician grew. When the drama club put on Sherlock Holmes, Jude pulled out all the stops, writing seven piano compositions for the show. He was taken aback by their impact when the school released a trailer for the show that featured two of his pieces, and when JP2's principal personally thanked him for creating the best music the school had ever seen.
Jude's talents extend beyond the fine arts. He is also a multi-sport athlete, reaching the state level in swimming year after year, competing in tennis, and participating in track and field. He balances his athletic and artistic pursuits with a demanding academic schedule and leadership positions in various clubs and organizations, including JP2's Servant Leadership Association, Dance Club, and chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS).
As NHS president, Jude learned that true change requires not just empathy but taking action to help those in need. He has taken this lesson to heart by making a tangible difference through volunteering and community service, leading by example, and inspiring others to join him. He has also learned that leaders must have the grit and courage to do what is right, even when others may not, which has strengthened his resolve to lead with compassion and determination.
These lessons will stay with him as he moves on to his next chapter. He plans to study Neuroscience or Neurobiology, with a minor in Music, Statistics, or Data Science at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or the University of California, Los Angeles.
For Jude, music has been a unifying force. At the heart of every family gathering and celebration, it brings him together with his loved ones and connects him to his Filipino culture. He hopes to continue this tradition, using his musical contributions to bring a similar sense of unity to his community.
BRONZE - Jayda Saenz
Hometown: Buckeye, AZ
High School: Canyon View High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
In ninth grade, Jayda Saenz stumbled upon and enrolled in Graphic Design through a twist of fate. Her original plan to study art was derailed when the class was full, but she found a new path in graphic design. Although her first introduction to the subject failed to challenge and inspire her, her second year of high school brought her to the doorstep of Mrs. Morss, who soon became her mentor and an integral part of her growth in the field.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and online learning, Mrs. Morss welcomed Jayda with her infectious energy and extensive knowledge. She took Jayda under her wing, teaching her about graphic design and serving as a mentor who motivated her to take on new challenges and opportunities. As Jayda grew in confidence and ability, Mrs. Morss encouraged her to push herself even further.
It was Mrs. Morss who saw Jayda's potential and nurtured it, guiding her to participate in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and helping her unlock her true abilities.
Jayda's journey in the field of graphic design reached a milestone when she won an FBLA national award. The road to this award began with a competition at the FBLA State Leadership Conference, where Jayda was tasked with designing a men's clothing store from start to finish. With her creative mind and determination, she placed fourth in the state, earning a coveted spot at the 2022 National Convention.
Jayda seized the opportunity to elevate her work and spent time refining her logos and printing her t-shirt designs. She even partnered with a local small woodworking business to bring her designs to life. This upgrade to her work resulted in a transformation not only in the project but also in Jayda herself. She discovered a depth of dedication and passion she had never seen in herself before.
At the National Convention, Jayda faced tough competition, with 80 teams competing for the top prize. She rose to the challenge, making it to the final 14 and becoming the only representative from Arizona among the finalists. On the big stage, she not only represented her state, her school, and her family but also her heritage as a hardworking Latina, finishing seventh in the nation.
Through FBLA and thanks to her design prowess, Jayda was handpicked to work on special projects for the Agua Fria Union High School District (AFUHSD), including the design of department and conference logos, and the overhaul of outdated ones. Her impressive work also earned her the honor of being selected for the AFUHSD Multimedia/Graphic Design Internship.
After serving as the vice president of her school’s Graphic Design FBLA organization for two consecutive years, Jayda now serves as its president, helping run a student-based print shop, with the dedication she has come to be known for.
Jayda's life has been shaped by her heritage and upbringing. Born into a household of parents who came from families that struggled to make ends meet, she was raised with the values of hard work and perseverance. Her parents, who migrated from Mexico, worked hard to provide her with a childhood of comfort and opportunity that they only dreamed of for themselves, and it is this foundation of love and support that instilled in Jayda a sense of gratitude that drives her not just in her design career, but in all aspects of her life.
This gratitude also empowers Jayda to give back. Drawing upon the words of her grandmother reminding her to use her talents to serve others, she serves her church. She helps the PreK/K class and the worship team every week.
With plans to attend Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, or Grand Canyon University, Jayda will study Biological Sciences and Graphic Information Technology, with a minor in Spanish. She will continue to build on the foundation Mrs. Morss helped lay, and is determined to make the most of her education and opportunities, driven by her love for her parents and heritage.
High School: Canyon View High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
In ninth grade, Jayda Saenz stumbled upon and enrolled in Graphic Design through a twist of fate. Her original plan to study art was derailed when the class was full, but she found a new path in graphic design. Although her first introduction to the subject failed to challenge and inspire her, her second year of high school brought her to the doorstep of Mrs. Morss, who soon became her mentor and an integral part of her growth in the field.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and online learning, Mrs. Morss welcomed Jayda with her infectious energy and extensive knowledge. She took Jayda under her wing, teaching her about graphic design and serving as a mentor who motivated her to take on new challenges and opportunities. As Jayda grew in confidence and ability, Mrs. Morss encouraged her to push herself even further.
It was Mrs. Morss who saw Jayda's potential and nurtured it, guiding her to participate in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and helping her unlock her true abilities.
Jayda's journey in the field of graphic design reached a milestone when she won an FBLA national award. The road to this award began with a competition at the FBLA State Leadership Conference, where Jayda was tasked with designing a men's clothing store from start to finish. With her creative mind and determination, she placed fourth in the state, earning a coveted spot at the 2022 National Convention.
Jayda seized the opportunity to elevate her work and spent time refining her logos and printing her t-shirt designs. She even partnered with a local small woodworking business to bring her designs to life. This upgrade to her work resulted in a transformation not only in the project but also in Jayda herself. She discovered a depth of dedication and passion she had never seen in herself before.
At the National Convention, Jayda faced tough competition, with 80 teams competing for the top prize. She rose to the challenge, making it to the final 14 and becoming the only representative from Arizona among the finalists. On the big stage, she not only represented her state, her school, and her family but also her heritage as a hardworking Latina, finishing seventh in the nation.
Through FBLA and thanks to her design prowess, Jayda was handpicked to work on special projects for the Agua Fria Union High School District (AFUHSD), including the design of department and conference logos, and the overhaul of outdated ones. Her impressive work also earned her the honor of being selected for the AFUHSD Multimedia/Graphic Design Internship.
After serving as the vice president of her school’s Graphic Design FBLA organization for two consecutive years, Jayda now serves as its president, helping run a student-based print shop, with the dedication she has come to be known for.
Jayda's life has been shaped by her heritage and upbringing. Born into a household of parents who came from families that struggled to make ends meet, she was raised with the values of hard work and perseverance. Her parents, who migrated from Mexico, worked hard to provide her with a childhood of comfort and opportunity that they only dreamed of for themselves, and it is this foundation of love and support that instilled in Jayda a sense of gratitude that drives her not just in her design career, but in all aspects of her life.
This gratitude also empowers Jayda to give back. Drawing upon the words of her grandmother reminding her to use her talents to serve others, she serves her church. She helps the PreK/K class and the worship team every week.
With plans to attend Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, or Grand Canyon University, Jayda will study Biological Sciences and Graphic Information Technology, with a minor in Spanish. She will continue to build on the foundation Mrs. Morss helped lay, and is determined to make the most of her education and opportunities, driven by her love for her parents and heritage.
Public Service & Social Justice
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Mireya Macias
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
High School: Albuquerque Academy
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Mireya Macías is a young woman of purpose and vision. Born and raised in New Mexico, her heritage is deeply rooted in the struggles and triumphs of her family and Latinx community. Her abuelo, who grew up in a family of farm workers, was shaped by the challenges of cultural assimilation. He was forced to change his name and speak a language he was unfamiliar with at school. Her abuela, of mixed heritage, was raised by a single Mexican father and experienced the harsh realities of racism and colorism early on, after being rejected by her white American family. Despite the daunting challenges they faced, both of her grandparents dedicated their lives to advocating for the Latinx community through the Chicano civil rights movement, El Movimiento.
Mireya has taken this legacy and turned it into action. As the co-founder and legislative director of Red Tax, she is leading the charge for menstrual equity in New Mexico. This passion project, founded by women of color, is centered on menstruators of color and aims to tackle menstrual equity. The mission of Red Tax is two-fold: first, to create legislation to ensure menstrual products are available in public school restrooms in New Mexico, making the issue of menstrual equity a priority in a state grappling with high poverty levels; and second, education, addressing the intersectionality of menstruation and health disparities. With a keen focus on the needs of menstruators of color, Red Tax offers resources in both English and Spanish, and is working to include resources in indigenous New Mexican languages.
Through Red Tax, Mireya has already made significant strides. She has collaborated with legislators, community leaders, and organizations, and has testified in interim meetings. Introduced in the New Mexico Legislature in January and recently signed into law as of late March 2023, House Bill 134 mandates that public schools, grades 6-12, throughout the state provide menstrual products in bathrooms for all genders.
Mireya's dedication to her community is also evident in her other endeavors. She has volunteered on numerous political campaigns and had the opportunity to work in US Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury's office, where she focused on issues at the intersection of public health and education. As a Caminos al Futuro Scholar at George Washington University, she focused on issues affecting the Latinx community and used her journalistic skills to start a project exploring Latinx history in New Mexico and bringing their stories to the forefront.
During her tenure as an intern with Congresswoman Stansbury, Mireya relished the opportunity to serve the Latinx community in her district. She recognized the significance of fostering meaningful engagement with Latinx constituents and amplifying their voices in the political arena. She had the chance to delve into the political landscape, attend listening sessions, and attend to the needs and concerns of her community. Mireya threw herself into her work, advocating for school-based health centers and actively participating in policy-making processes while collaborating with local organizations and meeting with constituents. Her time as an intern taught her that leadership is not about taking charge, but rather empowering individuals and facilitating their voices to drive change collectively, working with them instead of directing them.
Mireya is concerned with addressing the pressing issue of healthcare in the US. She was raised with the belief that everyone deserves affordable and accessible healthcare, regardless of where they live. Growing up, her parents worked at federally qualified health centers across the Southwest, and she saw how the lack of cultural competence in healthcare can prevent marginalized communities from receiving the necessary care. She believes that access to affordable and accessible healthcare is a fundamental right and that the current healthcare system in the US is in dire need of reform. Mireya advocates for a federal healthcare system that is culturally competent, reflecting the changing demographics of the country and investing in human infrastructure with a focus on expanding access to healthcare services, including behavioral health and preventative care. She believes it is important to increase health literacy among Latinxs and provide resources that make healthcare accessible and affordable for all.
Born at the crossroads of two cultures and two peoples, Mireya is a proud Chicana whose roots extend beyond the boundaries of the United States. From Guanajuato, Mexico, her ancestry is a tapestry woven from the threads of indigenous and black heritage, marked by the indelible scars of colonization. Mireya's early years were plagued by a sense of not quite belonging, feeling forced to choose between her Mexican roots and American identity. Over time, however, she has come to embrace her hyphenated existence, recognizing that Latinx culture is American culture, that the diversity of the Latinx community is its greatest strength, and that her own story is intricately bound up with that of her ancestors. With this appreciation for her hyphenated identity, Mireya understands that her place in the world is at the intersection of her Mexican roots and American culture, where she finds her greatest source of strength, empowerment, and resilience. Through her journey of re-discovery, she has become a more compassionate and poised leader.
As a Latina, a Chicana, Mireya's heritage is not only central to her personal identity but also an integral aspect of her leadership. As the Latinx community continues to shape the United States into a diverse and multicultural society, accounting for almost 19% of the electorate, Mireya recognizes the importance of representation. Growing up without seeing individuals who reflected her background in American politics, she has been driven to become a leader and serve as an inspiration to young Latinas, showing them that they too have the power to lead and be activists. She understands that having public servants from diverse backgrounds will not only help unlock the full potential of the electorate but also make US politics more representative of the country as a whole.
The words of a mentor, "think globally and act locally," serve as a constant reminder to Mireya of the power and impact of community activism. She understands that to bring about change, she must first understand herself and then listen to and work alongside her community. This has become a guiding principle in her approach to service. She believes that true change begins within one's own community and starts with understanding and working with those around us. This belief led her to start volunteering with local and national campaigns at a young age and continues to shape her work as an advocate for marginalized communities.
As a student at Albuquerque Academy, Mireya embodies both academic excellence and a strong desire for social justice. She is currently the senate president at her school. Since tenth grade, she has worked as a writer for the digital newspaper, The Advocate, and is now its co-editor-in-chief. Mr. Packer, Mireya's Advanced Journalism and AP History teacher, recognizes her as someone with a "strong desire both to do well and to use her powers for good in the world."
With a major in Ethics, Politics and Economics and a minor in Ethnicity, Race, and Migration, Mireya will continue to use her education and voice to effect change. Whether she attends Yale University, Smith College, or Barnard College, one thing is certain—no matter where life takes her, Mireya will always be a Chicana from New Mexico, proud of her heritage and committed to serving her community.
High School: Albuquerque Academy
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Mireya Macías is a young woman of purpose and vision. Born and raised in New Mexico, her heritage is deeply rooted in the struggles and triumphs of her family and Latinx community. Her abuelo, who grew up in a family of farm workers, was shaped by the challenges of cultural assimilation. He was forced to change his name and speak a language he was unfamiliar with at school. Her abuela, of mixed heritage, was raised by a single Mexican father and experienced the harsh realities of racism and colorism early on, after being rejected by her white American family. Despite the daunting challenges they faced, both of her grandparents dedicated their lives to advocating for the Latinx community through the Chicano civil rights movement, El Movimiento.
Mireya has taken this legacy and turned it into action. As the co-founder and legislative director of Red Tax, she is leading the charge for menstrual equity in New Mexico. This passion project, founded by women of color, is centered on menstruators of color and aims to tackle menstrual equity. The mission of Red Tax is two-fold: first, to create legislation to ensure menstrual products are available in public school restrooms in New Mexico, making the issue of menstrual equity a priority in a state grappling with high poverty levels; and second, education, addressing the intersectionality of menstruation and health disparities. With a keen focus on the needs of menstruators of color, Red Tax offers resources in both English and Spanish, and is working to include resources in indigenous New Mexican languages.
Through Red Tax, Mireya has already made significant strides. She has collaborated with legislators, community leaders, and organizations, and has testified in interim meetings. Introduced in the New Mexico Legislature in January and recently signed into law as of late March 2023, House Bill 134 mandates that public schools, grades 6-12, throughout the state provide menstrual products in bathrooms for all genders.
Mireya's dedication to her community is also evident in her other endeavors. She has volunteered on numerous political campaigns and had the opportunity to work in US Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury's office, where she focused on issues at the intersection of public health and education. As a Caminos al Futuro Scholar at George Washington University, she focused on issues affecting the Latinx community and used her journalistic skills to start a project exploring Latinx history in New Mexico and bringing their stories to the forefront.
During her tenure as an intern with Congresswoman Stansbury, Mireya relished the opportunity to serve the Latinx community in her district. She recognized the significance of fostering meaningful engagement with Latinx constituents and amplifying their voices in the political arena. She had the chance to delve into the political landscape, attend listening sessions, and attend to the needs and concerns of her community. Mireya threw herself into her work, advocating for school-based health centers and actively participating in policy-making processes while collaborating with local organizations and meeting with constituents. Her time as an intern taught her that leadership is not about taking charge, but rather empowering individuals and facilitating their voices to drive change collectively, working with them instead of directing them.
Mireya is concerned with addressing the pressing issue of healthcare in the US. She was raised with the belief that everyone deserves affordable and accessible healthcare, regardless of where they live. Growing up, her parents worked at federally qualified health centers across the Southwest, and she saw how the lack of cultural competence in healthcare can prevent marginalized communities from receiving the necessary care. She believes that access to affordable and accessible healthcare is a fundamental right and that the current healthcare system in the US is in dire need of reform. Mireya advocates for a federal healthcare system that is culturally competent, reflecting the changing demographics of the country and investing in human infrastructure with a focus on expanding access to healthcare services, including behavioral health and preventative care. She believes it is important to increase health literacy among Latinxs and provide resources that make healthcare accessible and affordable for all.
Born at the crossroads of two cultures and two peoples, Mireya is a proud Chicana whose roots extend beyond the boundaries of the United States. From Guanajuato, Mexico, her ancestry is a tapestry woven from the threads of indigenous and black heritage, marked by the indelible scars of colonization. Mireya's early years were plagued by a sense of not quite belonging, feeling forced to choose between her Mexican roots and American identity. Over time, however, she has come to embrace her hyphenated existence, recognizing that Latinx culture is American culture, that the diversity of the Latinx community is its greatest strength, and that her own story is intricately bound up with that of her ancestors. With this appreciation for her hyphenated identity, Mireya understands that her place in the world is at the intersection of her Mexican roots and American culture, where she finds her greatest source of strength, empowerment, and resilience. Through her journey of re-discovery, she has become a more compassionate and poised leader.
As a Latina, a Chicana, Mireya's heritage is not only central to her personal identity but also an integral aspect of her leadership. As the Latinx community continues to shape the United States into a diverse and multicultural society, accounting for almost 19% of the electorate, Mireya recognizes the importance of representation. Growing up without seeing individuals who reflected her background in American politics, she has been driven to become a leader and serve as an inspiration to young Latinas, showing them that they too have the power to lead and be activists. She understands that having public servants from diverse backgrounds will not only help unlock the full potential of the electorate but also make US politics more representative of the country as a whole.
The words of a mentor, "think globally and act locally," serve as a constant reminder to Mireya of the power and impact of community activism. She understands that to bring about change, she must first understand herself and then listen to and work alongside her community. This has become a guiding principle in her approach to service. She believes that true change begins within one's own community and starts with understanding and working with those around us. This belief led her to start volunteering with local and national campaigns at a young age and continues to shape her work as an advocate for marginalized communities.
As a student at Albuquerque Academy, Mireya embodies both academic excellence and a strong desire for social justice. She is currently the senate president at her school. Since tenth grade, she has worked as a writer for the digital newspaper, The Advocate, and is now its co-editor-in-chief. Mr. Packer, Mireya's Advanced Journalism and AP History teacher, recognizes her as someone with a "strong desire both to do well and to use her powers for good in the world."
With a major in Ethics, Politics and Economics and a minor in Ethnicity, Race, and Migration, Mireya will continue to use her education and voice to effect change. Whether she attends Yale University, Smith College, or Barnard College, one thing is certain—no matter where life takes her, Mireya will always be a Chicana from New Mexico, proud of her heritage and committed to serving her community.
SILVER - Kristy Mojardin
Hometown: Somerton, AZ
High School: Kofa High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Kristy Mojardin’s Social Justice & Public Service journey began in high school, when she was motivated by human and civil rights injustices she saw taking place in the nation. This was especially poignant for her during the time of the pandemic and the tragic passing of George Floyd. She knew that she wanted to use her voice to help promote positive change and decided to enroll in a Law and Public Safety class, eager to learn the basics of the law and how to protect herself and others.
However, Kristy soon discovered that her education in Law and Public Safety was merely the first step on a much greater journey. She joined SkillsUSA, an organization that provides a platform for students to showcase their skills and knowledge in various fields. Her involvement in this organization led her to be appointed as a SkillsUSA state officer for Arizona, serving over 13,000 members and helping to prepare them for their future careers. This was an enormous responsibility, but Kristy took it on with grace and determination, showing others what it means to be a leader.
One of Kristy's proudest accomplishments in her Social Justice & Public Service quest was her advocacy on behalf of students who were suffering from physical and mental abuse. She used her platform to raise awareness and provide resources to those in need. Through her participation in the SkillsUSA competition, Career Pathways: Human Resources, Kristy was able to shed light on this important issue and provide over 200 people with the support and resources they required. Seeing how she was able to use her skills to help her community gave Kristy a sense of satisfaction and purpose.
At the heart of Kristy's drive to make a difference lie her personal experiences and her desire to break free from the stereotypes and limitations often placed upon her community. She knows that representation matters and also wants to break down the stereotypes that exist within her community. She wants to show that anyone, regardless of their background, can pursue a career in law enforcement and law and make a difference in their community. By having more diverse public servants, she hopes to inspire others from similar backgrounds to follow in her footsteps and strive for a better future.
Kristy believes that having more diverse backgrounds of public servants is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. She understands that communities of color are often marginalized and have historically been subject to unequal treatment from the criminal justice system. She wants to change this by becoming a public servant herself and serving as a role model for her community. By having diverse backgrounds in the field, Kristy hopes to create a more trustworthy and comfortable experience for communities of color when interacting with officers of the criminal justice system.
One of the issues that concern Kristy is the current drug abuse epidemic affecting the nation, particularly as it pertains to young Latinx people. She sees the impact that narco culture is having on young Latinx adults. To address this issue, Kristy proposes a multi-faceted approach that includes education about drugs in schools, the creation of diverse career and technical education programs, and empowering parents to help their children. She believes that by providing students with more resources and organizations to be a part of, and by giving parents the information they need to work alongside their children, this issue can be effectively addressed.
Kristy's involvement with SkillsUSA has been a transformative experience for her. In her role as state officer, she has dedicated over 200 hours and attended various training sessions. A defining moment in her journey with the organization was a trip to Washington DC. As a state officer, she was selected to receive training on how to communicate with congress members and advocate on behalf of the over 13,000 members she served. This training proved to be invaluable, as she was able to apply what she had learned when presented with the opportunity to speak with congress members from her state. With her newfound skills and knowledge, Kristy and her state officer team were able to effectively advocate for increasing funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE). This experience allowed her to use her voice to effect positive change on a national level and make a meaningful impact on the lives of her members. The trip to Washington D.C. was just one of many opportunities that Kristy has had to develop her leadership skills and influence positive change through SkillsUSA.
Kristy's Law and Public Safety teacher, Mr. Frost, attests to her unwavering dedication and leadership skills, sharing that it's been a privilege to watch her leadership, dedication, and willingness to learn in action. He also praises her academic abilities, her impressive GPA, and how she challenges herself through a rigorous schedule and dual-enrollment classes. "I see great things coming out of [Kristy] in the future," adds Mr. Frost.
Kristy plans to pursue degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology while following a pre-law track at Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, or Oregon State University. She remains steadfast in her commitment to continuing to serve and advocate for her community.
High School: Kofa High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Kristy Mojardin’s Social Justice & Public Service journey began in high school, when she was motivated by human and civil rights injustices she saw taking place in the nation. This was especially poignant for her during the time of the pandemic and the tragic passing of George Floyd. She knew that she wanted to use her voice to help promote positive change and decided to enroll in a Law and Public Safety class, eager to learn the basics of the law and how to protect herself and others.
However, Kristy soon discovered that her education in Law and Public Safety was merely the first step on a much greater journey. She joined SkillsUSA, an organization that provides a platform for students to showcase their skills and knowledge in various fields. Her involvement in this organization led her to be appointed as a SkillsUSA state officer for Arizona, serving over 13,000 members and helping to prepare them for their future careers. This was an enormous responsibility, but Kristy took it on with grace and determination, showing others what it means to be a leader.
One of Kristy's proudest accomplishments in her Social Justice & Public Service quest was her advocacy on behalf of students who were suffering from physical and mental abuse. She used her platform to raise awareness and provide resources to those in need. Through her participation in the SkillsUSA competition, Career Pathways: Human Resources, Kristy was able to shed light on this important issue and provide over 200 people with the support and resources they required. Seeing how she was able to use her skills to help her community gave Kristy a sense of satisfaction and purpose.
At the heart of Kristy's drive to make a difference lie her personal experiences and her desire to break free from the stereotypes and limitations often placed upon her community. She knows that representation matters and also wants to break down the stereotypes that exist within her community. She wants to show that anyone, regardless of their background, can pursue a career in law enforcement and law and make a difference in their community. By having more diverse public servants, she hopes to inspire others from similar backgrounds to follow in her footsteps and strive for a better future.
Kristy believes that having more diverse backgrounds of public servants is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. She understands that communities of color are often marginalized and have historically been subject to unequal treatment from the criminal justice system. She wants to change this by becoming a public servant herself and serving as a role model for her community. By having diverse backgrounds in the field, Kristy hopes to create a more trustworthy and comfortable experience for communities of color when interacting with officers of the criminal justice system.
One of the issues that concern Kristy is the current drug abuse epidemic affecting the nation, particularly as it pertains to young Latinx people. She sees the impact that narco culture is having on young Latinx adults. To address this issue, Kristy proposes a multi-faceted approach that includes education about drugs in schools, the creation of diverse career and technical education programs, and empowering parents to help their children. She believes that by providing students with more resources and organizations to be a part of, and by giving parents the information they need to work alongside their children, this issue can be effectively addressed.
Kristy's involvement with SkillsUSA has been a transformative experience for her. In her role as state officer, she has dedicated over 200 hours and attended various training sessions. A defining moment in her journey with the organization was a trip to Washington DC. As a state officer, she was selected to receive training on how to communicate with congress members and advocate on behalf of the over 13,000 members she served. This training proved to be invaluable, as she was able to apply what she had learned when presented with the opportunity to speak with congress members from her state. With her newfound skills and knowledge, Kristy and her state officer team were able to effectively advocate for increasing funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE). This experience allowed her to use her voice to effect positive change on a national level and make a meaningful impact on the lives of her members. The trip to Washington D.C. was just one of many opportunities that Kristy has had to develop her leadership skills and influence positive change through SkillsUSA.
Kristy's Law and Public Safety teacher, Mr. Frost, attests to her unwavering dedication and leadership skills, sharing that it's been a privilege to watch her leadership, dedication, and willingness to learn in action. He also praises her academic abilities, her impressive GPA, and how she challenges herself through a rigorous schedule and dual-enrollment classes. "I see great things coming out of [Kristy] in the future," adds Mr. Frost.
Kristy plans to pursue degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology while following a pre-law track at Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, or Oregon State University. She remains steadfast in her commitment to continuing to serve and advocate for her community.
BRONZE - Marisol Arviso
Hometown: San Luis, AZ
High School: Yuma Catholic High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
From a young age, Marisol Arviso was inspired by the life and legacy of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who served as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the young Latina. She has always been attuned to the pressing issues of our time and felt a desire to make a positive impact on the world. Her path toward a career in law began during her summer at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY), where she learned about different branches of the law and discovered her true calling as a future social justice or immigration lawyer.
Marisol is determined to use her education and her career to bring about meaningful change. She is committed to advocating for marginalized communities and promoting laws that support the well-being of children and immigrants facing hardship. Her pursuit of a career in law is not driven by material gain, but by a deep sense of obligation to those she wishes to serve.
To gain a better understanding of the legal profession, Marisol completed an internship with a local attorney specializing in family and domestic violence law. Through her experience, she had the opportunity to attend virtual court sessions, learn how to file legal documents, and expand her knowledge of the legal system. She was struck by the fortitude and determination required to succeed as a lawyer, but was also encouraged by the attorney's belief in her potential. Marisol knows that success in any career requires hard work and perseverance.
Marisol's upbringing in a small border town in Arizona has given her a unique perspective on the challenges facing immigrant communities. She has witnessed firsthand the difficulties faced by those around her and has been driven to do better for herself and her community. "In a community this small, it was difficult to be seen by others as important," she explains. Despite these challenges, Marisol was determined to make the most of her opportunities and use her education to help those around her. She joined educational clubs and cultural groups, and volunteered with migrant organizations - always encouraging those around her to strive for more.
The experiences of immigrants and their families are often characterized by fear, hardship, and discrimination, describes Marisol. She understands that these communities are facing significant obstacles, but she also sees the incredible resilience and determination of those who have overcome them. As an advocate for these communities, Marisol aspires to be a trailblazer, pushing for laws and resources that will empower the next generation of immigrants and their families. She wants to be a voice for those who have been marginalized, to help them achieve their full potential and be included in the fabric of American society.
A standout member of her Yuma Catholic High School community, this Latina's involvement in both athletics and extracurricular clubs reflects her versatility and commitment to excellence. Marisol is a talented soccer player who has honed her skills on both her school and traveling teams. Her competitive spirit and determination drive her to perform at her best, and her leadership skills have grown as a result. She is also an accomplished athlete in volleyball and track. Marisol holds positions in several organizations, including her school's Future Farmers of America chapter, its Criminal Justice Club, and its Cooking Club, of which she is the founder and president
Over the years, Marisol has worked to give back to the community that has invested so much in her. She has volunteered with her local school district's migrant program, offering her time and support to families in need. Through her volunteer work, Marisol has formed meaningful connections with her community and has been inspired by their resilience and kindness.
The director of counseling at her school, Terra M. Stallworth, describes Marisol as a "game-changer" and a "product of her courage and strength." Stallworth notes Marisol's confident and engaging demeanor, her ability to bring people together, and her unwavering commitment to her beliefs. Marisol's ultimate goal is to become a lawyer, and she has chosen to pursue a pre-law track at Northern Arizona University, the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, or Arizona State University while majoring in Political Science. She aspires to empower those who are not in power and become a leader of positive change.
High School: Yuma Catholic High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
From a young age, Marisol Arviso was inspired by the life and legacy of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who served as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the young Latina. She has always been attuned to the pressing issues of our time and felt a desire to make a positive impact on the world. Her path toward a career in law began during her summer at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY), where she learned about different branches of the law and discovered her true calling as a future social justice or immigration lawyer.
Marisol is determined to use her education and her career to bring about meaningful change. She is committed to advocating for marginalized communities and promoting laws that support the well-being of children and immigrants facing hardship. Her pursuit of a career in law is not driven by material gain, but by a deep sense of obligation to those she wishes to serve.
To gain a better understanding of the legal profession, Marisol completed an internship with a local attorney specializing in family and domestic violence law. Through her experience, she had the opportunity to attend virtual court sessions, learn how to file legal documents, and expand her knowledge of the legal system. She was struck by the fortitude and determination required to succeed as a lawyer, but was also encouraged by the attorney's belief in her potential. Marisol knows that success in any career requires hard work and perseverance.
Marisol's upbringing in a small border town in Arizona has given her a unique perspective on the challenges facing immigrant communities. She has witnessed firsthand the difficulties faced by those around her and has been driven to do better for herself and her community. "In a community this small, it was difficult to be seen by others as important," she explains. Despite these challenges, Marisol was determined to make the most of her opportunities and use her education to help those around her. She joined educational clubs and cultural groups, and volunteered with migrant organizations - always encouraging those around her to strive for more.
The experiences of immigrants and their families are often characterized by fear, hardship, and discrimination, describes Marisol. She understands that these communities are facing significant obstacles, but she also sees the incredible resilience and determination of those who have overcome them. As an advocate for these communities, Marisol aspires to be a trailblazer, pushing for laws and resources that will empower the next generation of immigrants and their families. She wants to be a voice for those who have been marginalized, to help them achieve their full potential and be included in the fabric of American society.
A standout member of her Yuma Catholic High School community, this Latina's involvement in both athletics and extracurricular clubs reflects her versatility and commitment to excellence. Marisol is a talented soccer player who has honed her skills on both her school and traveling teams. Her competitive spirit and determination drive her to perform at her best, and her leadership skills have grown as a result. She is also an accomplished athlete in volleyball and track. Marisol holds positions in several organizations, including her school's Future Farmers of America chapter, its Criminal Justice Club, and its Cooking Club, of which she is the founder and president
Over the years, Marisol has worked to give back to the community that has invested so much in her. She has volunteered with her local school district's migrant program, offering her time and support to families in need. Through her volunteer work, Marisol has formed meaningful connections with her community and has been inspired by their resilience and kindness.
The director of counseling at her school, Terra M. Stallworth, describes Marisol as a "game-changer" and a "product of her courage and strength." Stallworth notes Marisol's confident and engaging demeanor, her ability to bring people together, and her unwavering commitment to her beliefs. Marisol's ultimate goal is to become a lawyer, and she has chosen to pursue a pre-law track at Northern Arizona University, the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, or Arizona State University while majoring in Political Science. She aspires to empower those who are not in power and become a leader of positive change.
Sports & Fitness
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Julia Smith-Plata
Hometown: Gilbert, AZ
High School: Gilbert Classical Academy
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Encouraged by her parents while growing up in Gilbert, Arizona, Julia Smith-Plata began her athletic exploration at an early age. She dabbled in sports including soccer, swimming, gymnastics, and cheerleading until finding a special niche in volleyball at the age of ten. For Julia, volleyball became an outlet for her talents and competitiveness.
Over half a decade later, through discipline and dedication, she has grown into a dominant force in her sport at Gilbert Classical Academy, and has built her legacy in her school and region as captain of her varsity volleyball team, leading her squad to becoming 2022 regional co-champions and making it all the way to state tournament. “She was not only a well-talented volleyball player, she was also a great asset to the team. She was my leading captain on and off the court,” affirms Janie Tomasek, Julia’s volleyball coach.
In recognition of her athletic prowess and leadership, this Mexican American earned her school’s 2022 Most Valuable Player Award, was selected as the 2022 Gilbert Classical Academy Volleyball Player of the Year, and was honored with the 2022 Volleyball All-Region Player of the Year Award.
Volleyball has impacted Julia and her values not only as an athlete, but also as a person. This has motivated her to serve as a role model and volleyball coach, training young girls and boys to learn the fundamentals of the sport. “[This] has given me the opportunity to help other young kids fall in love with the game, just like I did,” she remarks.
Beyond athletics, this young Latina feels fortunate for having the opportunity to give back and help others through her volunteer work. Some of her most rewarding experiences making an impact include her work with ENGin—a nonprofit organization that pairs Ukrainian students with English-speaking peers for weekly virtual English tutoring sessions—and her work with ICAN—a local after-school and summer program through which she has helped empower underserved and underprivileged youth in her community.
Julia is looking forward to attending Arizona State University where she plans on majoring in Neuroscience, minoring in Psychology and playing club volleyball.
High School: Gilbert Classical Academy
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Encouraged by her parents while growing up in Gilbert, Arizona, Julia Smith-Plata began her athletic exploration at an early age. She dabbled in sports including soccer, swimming, gymnastics, and cheerleading until finding a special niche in volleyball at the age of ten. For Julia, volleyball became an outlet for her talents and competitiveness.
Over half a decade later, through discipline and dedication, she has grown into a dominant force in her sport at Gilbert Classical Academy, and has built her legacy in her school and region as captain of her varsity volleyball team, leading her squad to becoming 2022 regional co-champions and making it all the way to state tournament. “She was not only a well-talented volleyball player, she was also a great asset to the team. She was my leading captain on and off the court,” affirms Janie Tomasek, Julia’s volleyball coach.
In recognition of her athletic prowess and leadership, this Mexican American earned her school’s 2022 Most Valuable Player Award, was selected as the 2022 Gilbert Classical Academy Volleyball Player of the Year, and was honored with the 2022 Volleyball All-Region Player of the Year Award.
Volleyball has impacted Julia and her values not only as an athlete, but also as a person. This has motivated her to serve as a role model and volleyball coach, training young girls and boys to learn the fundamentals of the sport. “[This] has given me the opportunity to help other young kids fall in love with the game, just like I did,” she remarks.
Beyond athletics, this young Latina feels fortunate for having the opportunity to give back and help others through her volunteer work. Some of her most rewarding experiences making an impact include her work with ENGin—a nonprofit organization that pairs Ukrainian students with English-speaking peers for weekly virtual English tutoring sessions—and her work with ICAN—a local after-school and summer program through which she has helped empower underserved and underprivileged youth in her community.
Julia is looking forward to attending Arizona State University where she plans on majoring in Neuroscience, minoring in Psychology and playing club volleyball.
SILVER - Leah Tapia
Hometown: Las Cruces, NM
High School: Las Cruces High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican & Spanish
While growing up, Leah Tapia learned early on that sports were one thing that brought people together despite their differences. “Even on the playground, all students mixed and played football or soccer as one group. It is where I started to develop my identity as an athlete. The strongest memories I have growing up are watching my Latinx/Hispanic sports heroes,” says the accomplished student with Mexican and Spanish roots who plays forward on the soccer team and runs track.
Seeing Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, and Marta use sports to uplift people and bring them together, Leah emulated these star athletes on the playground and soccer field. She also recalls watching Brazil and Spain play in the Women’s World Cup in Montreal and how empowering it was to see someone like her play, giving her pride as a young Latinx/Hispanic girl. These sentiments still remain today, and Leah says, “I will represent my community by helping others regain their athleticism, mobility, and independence. Hopefully, I can inspire someone else someday.”
Throughout high school, soccer became a significant pursuit for Leah, a starter and one of the leading scorers from her freshman to junior year. Among her many accomplishments on the field, she made the winning goal to help her team move on to the semi-finals in the state championships. With her leadership, Leah aimed to create an environment where everyone could be themselves and learn to be a team. Despite all those accomplishments, her proudest achievement didn’t happen until a setback prevented her from playing soccer.
After an ACL tear, Leah doubted she could ever play soccer at the same level before sustaining the injury. However, perseverance and hard work got her through the challenging time. She credits her physical therapist for pushing her to get back in shape, encouraging her, and changing her thinking about her capabilities. Hearing his positive thoughts removed the negative ones, and he helped her learn how to walk, run, and use her leg all over again. The experience was the hardest thing that Leah endured, but it was also a life-changing event that gave her the clarity to know that she wanted to study kinesiology and physical therapy in college. She says, “The fact that I could change someone’s life the way he changed mine helped me realize that my future is in physical therapy and helping others get back their mobility.” Besides figuring out her direction, Leah is getting better each day after surgery, grueling physical therapy sessions, and ball drills, all of which are helping her get back to the sport she loves. Leah says, “I am extremely proud of what I did to fight and not give up.”
For Leah, sports were a big part of her childhood—and for the young girl, the most memorable part of the soccer game was the snacks. In her experience, the snacks were always healthy foods such as oranges and grapes. At home, there were always healthy food choices that fueled her body and allowed her to continue to grow in her sport. However, she cannot say the same for some kids, whose snacks were sugar-filled sweets and chips. Now that she is older, she sees that access to healthy and affordable foods is a critical issue among Latinx/Hispanic families. As a solution, she proposes creating food courts with salad bars and other healthy food choices. She hopes to use her education to help educate her Latinx/Hispanic community about the benefits of exercise and physical movement and the importance of a balanced diet and eating junk food in moderation.
Within community service, Leah is highly involved with several initiatives. One meaningful experience was helping refugees from Guatemala and Honduras who were staying at a local emergency shelter—playing with the young children, with the hope of providing them with joy and a sense of security. Food drives, school clean-ups, and Dress the Child events, where she goes shopping with a young child from the community and helps them buy clothes, are some of the other ways she gives back. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and student government and a volunteer with Best Buddies, the Special Olympics, the Las Cruces Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Junior Amigos, FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Shattered Lives Drunk Driving Awareness program.
As for what’s next for Leah in the arena of sports and fitness, she plans to major in Kinesiology and minor in Spanish at Our Lady of the Lake University, New Mexico State University, or the University of New Mexico, while continuing to make a difference in others’ lives.
High School: Las Cruces High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican & Spanish
While growing up, Leah Tapia learned early on that sports were one thing that brought people together despite their differences. “Even on the playground, all students mixed and played football or soccer as one group. It is where I started to develop my identity as an athlete. The strongest memories I have growing up are watching my Latinx/Hispanic sports heroes,” says the accomplished student with Mexican and Spanish roots who plays forward on the soccer team and runs track.
Seeing Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, and Marta use sports to uplift people and bring them together, Leah emulated these star athletes on the playground and soccer field. She also recalls watching Brazil and Spain play in the Women’s World Cup in Montreal and how empowering it was to see someone like her play, giving her pride as a young Latinx/Hispanic girl. These sentiments still remain today, and Leah says, “I will represent my community by helping others regain their athleticism, mobility, and independence. Hopefully, I can inspire someone else someday.”
Throughout high school, soccer became a significant pursuit for Leah, a starter and one of the leading scorers from her freshman to junior year. Among her many accomplishments on the field, she made the winning goal to help her team move on to the semi-finals in the state championships. With her leadership, Leah aimed to create an environment where everyone could be themselves and learn to be a team. Despite all those accomplishments, her proudest achievement didn’t happen until a setback prevented her from playing soccer.
After an ACL tear, Leah doubted she could ever play soccer at the same level before sustaining the injury. However, perseverance and hard work got her through the challenging time. She credits her physical therapist for pushing her to get back in shape, encouraging her, and changing her thinking about her capabilities. Hearing his positive thoughts removed the negative ones, and he helped her learn how to walk, run, and use her leg all over again. The experience was the hardest thing that Leah endured, but it was also a life-changing event that gave her the clarity to know that she wanted to study kinesiology and physical therapy in college. She says, “The fact that I could change someone’s life the way he changed mine helped me realize that my future is in physical therapy and helping others get back their mobility.” Besides figuring out her direction, Leah is getting better each day after surgery, grueling physical therapy sessions, and ball drills, all of which are helping her get back to the sport she loves. Leah says, “I am extremely proud of what I did to fight and not give up.”
For Leah, sports were a big part of her childhood—and for the young girl, the most memorable part of the soccer game was the snacks. In her experience, the snacks were always healthy foods such as oranges and grapes. At home, there were always healthy food choices that fueled her body and allowed her to continue to grow in her sport. However, she cannot say the same for some kids, whose snacks were sugar-filled sweets and chips. Now that she is older, she sees that access to healthy and affordable foods is a critical issue among Latinx/Hispanic families. As a solution, she proposes creating food courts with salad bars and other healthy food choices. She hopes to use her education to help educate her Latinx/Hispanic community about the benefits of exercise and physical movement and the importance of a balanced diet and eating junk food in moderation.
Within community service, Leah is highly involved with several initiatives. One meaningful experience was helping refugees from Guatemala and Honduras who were staying at a local emergency shelter—playing with the young children, with the hope of providing them with joy and a sense of security. Food drives, school clean-ups, and Dress the Child events, where she goes shopping with a young child from the community and helps them buy clothes, are some of the other ways she gives back. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and student government and a volunteer with Best Buddies, the Special Olympics, the Las Cruces Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Junior Amigos, FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Shattered Lives Drunk Driving Awareness program.
As for what’s next for Leah in the arena of sports and fitness, she plans to major in Kinesiology and minor in Spanish at Our Lady of the Lake University, New Mexico State University, or the University of New Mexico, while continuing to make a difference in others’ lives.
BRONZE - Elizabeth Vazquez
Hometown: Buckeye, AZ
High School: Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies
Hispanic Heritage: Filipino & Mexican
Friends and family were the motivating force behind Elizabeth Vazquez entering the world of sports and fitness. The student-athlete of Filipino and Mexican heritage would hear about the positive experiences of her peers who played competitive soccer in middle school and how many of them improved personally because of it. At home, her father, who hails from Guanajuato, Mexico, played soccer as a child and would always watch the professional Mexican soccer league or the national team games while Elizabeth was growing up. Of the experience, she says, “My Hispanic background has influenced my approach to sports and fitness because the tradition of soccer made a great impact on our lives. Watching and understanding my love for the sport influenced me heavily to try it.”
And try it she did—Elizabeth began playing soccer competitively in her freshman year and has continued ever since. Aside from connecting with her teammates, she appreciates the therapeutic and physical benefits of participating in sports and fitness, saying, “When I practice or perform in a game, the sport helps me remove any toxicity in my mind and release it on the field.”
Others are noticing Elizabeth’s talent on the field. When it comes to her proudest moment in sports and fitness, she says it is receiving college offers and interest in her soccer skills. Playing soccer as a collegiate athlete has always been a dream of hers, and she has played in college showcases for her soccer club and has had some coaches come out to watch her play. After the first time a coach reached out to her, Elizabeth says that it transformed her attitude and perspective of her capabilities. “When a coach scouts players, they consider the sustainability of the player to their program and if the player is best for the team. The fact that there were coaches who believed that I fit well with their criteria and standards and were in contact with me is highly rewarding,” she says.
Another highly-rewarding experience for Elizabeth is giving back to the community. At her local community center, she volunteers as an official for soccer games, serving as a referee for players ages nine to twelve. The role allows her to teach young and inspiring players how to play the game and better understand the sport. Her guidance on the field creates a comfortable environment for developing players discovering and trying to improve in the sport.
Off the field, Elizabeth works as a translator at her job at an apparel manufacturer. Even though it is not formally part of her role, she often volunteers to translate Spanish to English and vice-versa for co-workers and customers.
When it comes to an issue that affects the Latinx/Hispanic community, Elizabeth believes that employment discrimination is among the most pressing. She believes that addressing the harassment, unequal wages, and racism that Hispanics face should start at the human resources level within organizations and recommends that HR assess the situation to design solutions that provide a safer and equal environment.
Overall, sports and fitness have had a positive impact on the ambitious Latina athlete. It is exciting to see where her journey will take her next as she minors in Business while pursuing a pre-law track at the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, or the University of California, Los Angeles in the future.
High School: Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies
Hispanic Heritage: Filipino & Mexican
Friends and family were the motivating force behind Elizabeth Vazquez entering the world of sports and fitness. The student-athlete of Filipino and Mexican heritage would hear about the positive experiences of her peers who played competitive soccer in middle school and how many of them improved personally because of it. At home, her father, who hails from Guanajuato, Mexico, played soccer as a child and would always watch the professional Mexican soccer league or the national team games while Elizabeth was growing up. Of the experience, she says, “My Hispanic background has influenced my approach to sports and fitness because the tradition of soccer made a great impact on our lives. Watching and understanding my love for the sport influenced me heavily to try it.”
And try it she did—Elizabeth began playing soccer competitively in her freshman year and has continued ever since. Aside from connecting with her teammates, she appreciates the therapeutic and physical benefits of participating in sports and fitness, saying, “When I practice or perform in a game, the sport helps me remove any toxicity in my mind and release it on the field.”
Others are noticing Elizabeth’s talent on the field. When it comes to her proudest moment in sports and fitness, she says it is receiving college offers and interest in her soccer skills. Playing soccer as a collegiate athlete has always been a dream of hers, and she has played in college showcases for her soccer club and has had some coaches come out to watch her play. After the first time a coach reached out to her, Elizabeth says that it transformed her attitude and perspective of her capabilities. “When a coach scouts players, they consider the sustainability of the player to their program and if the player is best for the team. The fact that there were coaches who believed that I fit well with their criteria and standards and were in contact with me is highly rewarding,” she says.
Another highly-rewarding experience for Elizabeth is giving back to the community. At her local community center, she volunteers as an official for soccer games, serving as a referee for players ages nine to twelve. The role allows her to teach young and inspiring players how to play the game and better understand the sport. Her guidance on the field creates a comfortable environment for developing players discovering and trying to improve in the sport.
Off the field, Elizabeth works as a translator at her job at an apparel manufacturer. Even though it is not formally part of her role, she often volunteers to translate Spanish to English and vice-versa for co-workers and customers.
When it comes to an issue that affects the Latinx/Hispanic community, Elizabeth believes that employment discrimination is among the most pressing. She believes that addressing the harassment, unequal wages, and racism that Hispanics face should start at the human resources level within organizations and recommends that HR assess the situation to design solutions that provide a safer and equal environment.
Overall, sports and fitness have had a positive impact on the ambitious Latina athlete. It is exciting to see where her journey will take her next as she minors in Business while pursuing a pre-law track at the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, or the University of California, Los Angeles in the future.
Sustainability (Green)
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Isabella Hurst
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
High School: Flowing Wells High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Isabella Hurst's interest in the environment was piqued when she joined a program called C.A.T.S. in elementary school. In C.A.T.S., she regularly visited local environmental sites such as Sabino Canyon, the Sweetwater Wetlands, Patagonia Lake, and the Mt. Lemmon Skyschool Observatory. Seeing these natural places from an environmental standpoint excited her, and she learned how people have lived for thousands of years and how their way of life could inspire us to address our larger populations and climate challenges.
She and the other students in the program regularly participated in projects such as a community garden, engineering experiments, and making solar ovens and bottle rockets out of recycled materials. Her interest in environmental studies grew, leading her to the science fair in sixth grade, where she needed to build an engineering project.
She learned of a caiman, a member of the Caimaninae family and a close cousin of the alligator, that died at the Reid Park zoo due to zinc poisoning caused by visitors throwing pennies into the water. The caiman mistook the shiny metal for the glint of fish scales and ingested it. To prevent this from happening again, Isabella created a mesh netting that extended over the pool, effectively preventing visitors from tossing pennies into the water. Her project was a source of pride for her and was taken to the SARSEF Regional Science and Engineering Fair.
Isabella is concerned about the vulnerability of Latinx communities around the world to climate change, such as the extreme weather patterns in the Caribbean forcing relocations or the rapid deforestation of the Amazon. She hopes that all the sustainability solutions being implemented in the world will have a positive impact on Latinx communities and that these communities will have a voice in decisions made about the environment they have lived in for generations.
Another source of concern for Isabella is the xenophobia directed towards the Latinx community, particularly towards Latinx immigrants. She hopes that by educating non-Latinx people on the rich history of the community, there can be more acceptance and understanding. She believes that political borders should not play a part in our natural ecosystem and that if we think holistically, we can eliminate social borders.
Next for Isabella is pursuing a major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies at the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, or Arizona State University.
High School: Flowing Wells High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Isabella Hurst's interest in the environment was piqued when she joined a program called C.A.T.S. in elementary school. In C.A.T.S., she regularly visited local environmental sites such as Sabino Canyon, the Sweetwater Wetlands, Patagonia Lake, and the Mt. Lemmon Skyschool Observatory. Seeing these natural places from an environmental standpoint excited her, and she learned how people have lived for thousands of years and how their way of life could inspire us to address our larger populations and climate challenges.
She and the other students in the program regularly participated in projects such as a community garden, engineering experiments, and making solar ovens and bottle rockets out of recycled materials. Her interest in environmental studies grew, leading her to the science fair in sixth grade, where she needed to build an engineering project.
She learned of a caiman, a member of the Caimaninae family and a close cousin of the alligator, that died at the Reid Park zoo due to zinc poisoning caused by visitors throwing pennies into the water. The caiman mistook the shiny metal for the glint of fish scales and ingested it. To prevent this from happening again, Isabella created a mesh netting that extended over the pool, effectively preventing visitors from tossing pennies into the water. Her project was a source of pride for her and was taken to the SARSEF Regional Science and Engineering Fair.
Isabella is concerned about the vulnerability of Latinx communities around the world to climate change, such as the extreme weather patterns in the Caribbean forcing relocations or the rapid deforestation of the Amazon. She hopes that all the sustainability solutions being implemented in the world will have a positive impact on Latinx communities and that these communities will have a voice in decisions made about the environment they have lived in for generations.
Another source of concern for Isabella is the xenophobia directed towards the Latinx community, particularly towards Latinx immigrants. She hopes that by educating non-Latinx people on the rich history of the community, there can be more acceptance and understanding. She believes that political borders should not play a part in our natural ecosystem and that if we think holistically, we can eliminate social borders.
Next for Isabella is pursuing a major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies at the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University, or Arizona State University.
SILVER - Jewelya Brambila
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
High School: University High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Jewelya Brambila, affectionately known as "Jewels," hails from one of the most academically demanding public high schools in Southern Arizona. To enroll in University High School, one must take a rigorous gifted assessment with a passing rate of around 10%. Not only did Jewels easily qualify, but she also encouraged her friends to strive for, test for, and submit their grades to join her.
Jewels' eighth-grade class of 40 had previously only managed to send one student from the entire middle school to University High School. In her year, however, the high school accepted six students, which was highly unusual.
One of the key reasons behind Jewels' interest in the environment comes from her Microeconomics teacher, Mr. Lerch. He taught her how environmental engineering and economics, two seemingly vastly different subjects, actually complement each other to support various policies and mechanisms. Such a combination could pave the way to address the disproportionate effects of environmental disasters and climate change on people of color.
After extensive research, Jewels developed a strong interest in these topics and now wants to major in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Economics, much to Mr. Lerch's delight. She hopes to do this at the University of Arizona, the University of Oregon, or the University of California, San Diego.
As a senior, Jewels stepped out of her comfort zone and enrolled in Engineering 101/102. Aside from the computer science class she took the previous year, Jewels had no experience with STEM and was understandably intimidated at first. However, she rose to the challenge during her first project, which was to create an environmentally-friendly barge. The successful implementation of the project taught Jewels that failure and troubleshooting are encouraged in engineering, and that working in a team allows true cooperation to flourish.
Jewels has always felt different due to her dark olive skin, and this has been exacerbated by the reactions of others. Used to demeaning looks and having her abilities constantly questioned as a woman of color, what hurts Jewels the most is the discrimination of others in her community. She believes it is her responsibility to give a voice to others and plans to do so by achieving a successful career in environmental engineering and economics to ensure that the turbulent environment does not disproportionately affect people of color.
At times, Jewels feels caught between two cultures. Her Latinx friends often call her "too white," while her non-Hispanic friends are puzzled by her fascination with aspects of the Latinx culture, such as reggaeton music. Although these reactions are meant to be harmless and non-malicious, they still affect Jewels and make her feel a lack of belonging to either community. She believes that with better school funding, especially in Latinx-dense communities, and more Latinx-focused after-school extracurricular activities and organizations, such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and Hispanic Latino Student Unions, we could have a community that welcomes all versions of a Latinx student.
Active in her community, Jewels particularly enjoyed one Thanksgiving when she persuaded her father to purchase an extra turkey so they could give it out to people without homes on the streets of Tucson. She and her brother packed all the food, utensils, and water and drove around town handing out food. Determined to continue making a positive impact in the world, she made it one of her primary goals to help organizations such as soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
We know Jewels will continue to thrive and serve her community as she moves along her path to becoming a Latina Environmental Engineer.
High School: University High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Jewelya Brambila, affectionately known as "Jewels," hails from one of the most academically demanding public high schools in Southern Arizona. To enroll in University High School, one must take a rigorous gifted assessment with a passing rate of around 10%. Not only did Jewels easily qualify, but she also encouraged her friends to strive for, test for, and submit their grades to join her.
Jewels' eighth-grade class of 40 had previously only managed to send one student from the entire middle school to University High School. In her year, however, the high school accepted six students, which was highly unusual.
One of the key reasons behind Jewels' interest in the environment comes from her Microeconomics teacher, Mr. Lerch. He taught her how environmental engineering and economics, two seemingly vastly different subjects, actually complement each other to support various policies and mechanisms. Such a combination could pave the way to address the disproportionate effects of environmental disasters and climate change on people of color.
After extensive research, Jewels developed a strong interest in these topics and now wants to major in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Economics, much to Mr. Lerch's delight. She hopes to do this at the University of Arizona, the University of Oregon, or the University of California, San Diego.
As a senior, Jewels stepped out of her comfort zone and enrolled in Engineering 101/102. Aside from the computer science class she took the previous year, Jewels had no experience with STEM and was understandably intimidated at first. However, she rose to the challenge during her first project, which was to create an environmentally-friendly barge. The successful implementation of the project taught Jewels that failure and troubleshooting are encouraged in engineering, and that working in a team allows true cooperation to flourish.
Jewels has always felt different due to her dark olive skin, and this has been exacerbated by the reactions of others. Used to demeaning looks and having her abilities constantly questioned as a woman of color, what hurts Jewels the most is the discrimination of others in her community. She believes it is her responsibility to give a voice to others and plans to do so by achieving a successful career in environmental engineering and economics to ensure that the turbulent environment does not disproportionately affect people of color.
At times, Jewels feels caught between two cultures. Her Latinx friends often call her "too white," while her non-Hispanic friends are puzzled by her fascination with aspects of the Latinx culture, such as reggaeton music. Although these reactions are meant to be harmless and non-malicious, they still affect Jewels and make her feel a lack of belonging to either community. She believes that with better school funding, especially in Latinx-dense communities, and more Latinx-focused after-school extracurricular activities and organizations, such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and Hispanic Latino Student Unions, we could have a community that welcomes all versions of a Latinx student.
Active in her community, Jewels particularly enjoyed one Thanksgiving when she persuaded her father to purchase an extra turkey so they could give it out to people without homes on the streets of Tucson. She and her brother packed all the food, utensils, and water and drove around town handing out food. Determined to continue making a positive impact in the world, she made it one of her primary goals to help organizations such as soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
We know Jewels will continue to thrive and serve her community as she moves along her path to becoming a Latina Environmental Engineer.
BRONZE - Aylen Villasenor
Hometown: Goodyear, AZ
High School: Agua Fria High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Aylen Villasenor’s interest in sustainability was sparked when, in the course of researching for an essay, she realized that we know less than 5% of the world’s oceans. Her curious nature led her to spend countless hours on the beach and in the ocean, which was a few hours away from where she lived. This led her to many fascinating discoveries, such as how manta rays are one of the few animals whose temperature adapts to their environment. Seeing animals in their natural environment gives her a deep sense of appreciation, and she constantly seeks to learn more about their behaviors, lifestyles, and how to protect them.
As a new transfer student at Agua Fria High School, where English was her second language, she felt out of place until she found clubs like the Earth Club, which had students with similar interests. The topics of interest to the club members were fascinating to her, and she stepped out of her comfort zone to become more involved, eventually serving as the club's treasurer.
Aylen grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico, which was once a city rich in art, history, and greenery. She watched as parks and other natural areas made way for the development of new buildings in areas that were now filled with trashObserving the warmer winters and longer summers, she decided to educate herself on environmental issues, learning about recycling and other ways of conserving resources.
She is concerned about the lack of safe water in many parts of the world and how the booming population is putting a strain on the water supply of some small towns in Mexico. Experiencing this firsthand, she believes water scarcity should be one of the top priorities for environmental groups and governments all over the world. Fearing that such a precious commodity will become more scarce and available only to a privileged few, she hopes that environmental groups can create awareness of the problem and take steps to address it.
According to her Journalism teacher, Katelyn Fowler, Aylen is "self-motivated, goal-oriented, and dedicated to her future." She continually strives to make the world around her a better place and always has an infectious smile.
A few months ago, Aylen took a placement test in a different country to help her decide what she wanted to do with her life. She fell in love with aerospace engineering, which was unavailable at the universities near her. She found that she could attend universities outside of Mexico, and with the support of her family, she got on a plane to Arizona and was soon enrolled in Agua Fria High School. This courageous young woman is now on her way to major in Aerospace Engineering and minor in Physics at the University of Arizona, New Mexico State University, or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
High School: Agua Fria High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Aylen Villasenor’s interest in sustainability was sparked when, in the course of researching for an essay, she realized that we know less than 5% of the world’s oceans. Her curious nature led her to spend countless hours on the beach and in the ocean, which was a few hours away from where she lived. This led her to many fascinating discoveries, such as how manta rays are one of the few animals whose temperature adapts to their environment. Seeing animals in their natural environment gives her a deep sense of appreciation, and she constantly seeks to learn more about their behaviors, lifestyles, and how to protect them.
As a new transfer student at Agua Fria High School, where English was her second language, she felt out of place until she found clubs like the Earth Club, which had students with similar interests. The topics of interest to the club members were fascinating to her, and she stepped out of her comfort zone to become more involved, eventually serving as the club's treasurer.
Aylen grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico, which was once a city rich in art, history, and greenery. She watched as parks and other natural areas made way for the development of new buildings in areas that were now filled with trashObserving the warmer winters and longer summers, she decided to educate herself on environmental issues, learning about recycling and other ways of conserving resources.
She is concerned about the lack of safe water in many parts of the world and how the booming population is putting a strain on the water supply of some small towns in Mexico. Experiencing this firsthand, she believes water scarcity should be one of the top priorities for environmental groups and governments all over the world. Fearing that such a precious commodity will become more scarce and available only to a privileged few, she hopes that environmental groups can create awareness of the problem and take steps to address it.
According to her Journalism teacher, Katelyn Fowler, Aylen is "self-motivated, goal-oriented, and dedicated to her future." She continually strives to make the world around her a better place and always has an infectious smile.
A few months ago, Aylen took a placement test in a different country to help her decide what she wanted to do with her life. She fell in love with aerospace engineering, which was unavailable at the universities near her. She found that she could attend universities outside of Mexico, and with the support of her family, she got on a plane to Arizona and was soon enrolled in Agua Fria High School. This courageous young woman is now on her way to major in Aerospace Engineering and minor in Physics at the University of Arizona, New Mexico State University, or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Technology
Please select a recipient name to read their bio.
GOLD - Joseph Arias Escobar
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
High School: Madison Highland Prep
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Joseph Arias Escobar’s interest in technology has been a lifelong pursuit, starting from the moment he was first introduced to a computer as a child. He soon discovered the power of technology in streamlining his daily schedule and making life easier. The allure of technology for Joseph lies in its versatility and practicality. He is drawn to its ability to entertain, organize, and bring a modern edge to life. This sparked a fascination for the inner workings of computers and a desire to build his own. For him, building a computer is like solving a complex puzzle, one that enriches and educates him as he progresses.
His love of technology and his problem-solving abilities led Joseph to join his school's aerial drone competition club during his junior year. With his leadership and technical skills, he helped guide the team to the 2022 REC Foundation Aerial Drones World Championship held in Dallas, Texas, where they finished sixth out of 67 competing teams. This year, Joseph takes the helm as president, eager to lead the team to victory once again and confident that they will bring home the championship title.
While his accomplishments in the field are varied, the one that makes him most proud is building his own computer from scratch, rather than opting for a pre-built one. Being able to use his skills and knowledge of how all parts work and come together, to orchestrate the layout of each component while appreciating the balance at play for them to fit with each other perfectly to create a functioning machine, was a satisfying feat for Joseph.
Joseph is an extraordinary student at Madison Highland Prep. According to Nicole Gomez, his AP Physics teacher, he is “easily one of the brightest and most exceptional students [she] has encountered during [her] teaching career at both the high school and college levels.” She first met Joseph when he was a freshman in her junior-level physics class, where he quickly rose to the top of the class and was tutoring his upperclassmen, completing the curriculum with ease.
Whether it's designing an experiment, collaborating with others, or teaching himself calculus and physics, Joseph demonstrates excellence in all that he puts his mind to. He effortlessly learns new material and is able to synthesize new information and apply it in a meaningful fashion. He has an exceptional aptitude for math and science and is compelled to understand the intricacies of how things work mathematically, particularly how calculus and physics interconnect. He is open to feedback, which means he is always learning and growing as a learner. Most importantly, Joseph is caring and compassionate, and an outgoing presence in his classes, with a great sense of humor.
Joseph is always looking for ways to give back to his community. Recently, he devoted his time to help distribute food to families in need at a local school, where he was able to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, both English and Spanish speaking. For him, the act of giving back is a deeply ingrained part of who he is, and he is continuously in search of opportunities to lend a helping hand. He believes that one cannot simply stand by and watch as others struggle, and that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can have a profound impact.
The proud son of Mexican immigrants, Joseph's upbringing has shaped his experience in the world of technology. From his parents' humble beginnings in the US to their arduous work to provide him with the resources he needed to succeed, Joseph learned the values of hard work and determination. This has instilled in him a work ethic that drives him to make a lasting impact in the computer science community and in the world of STEM. He recognizes the importance of diversity in STEM as different cultures bring unique perspectives to the table, making it all the more exciting for him to see what professionals from diverse backgrounds can achieve with limited resources.
With a clear plan in mind, Joseph has set his sights on majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Marketing at Arizona State University, Grand Canyon State University, or Northern Arizona University. He is eager to continue learning and intends to use his education to bring his vision to life and make a meaningful contribution to the field of technology.
High School: Madison Highland Prep
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Joseph Arias Escobar’s interest in technology has been a lifelong pursuit, starting from the moment he was first introduced to a computer as a child. He soon discovered the power of technology in streamlining his daily schedule and making life easier. The allure of technology for Joseph lies in its versatility and practicality. He is drawn to its ability to entertain, organize, and bring a modern edge to life. This sparked a fascination for the inner workings of computers and a desire to build his own. For him, building a computer is like solving a complex puzzle, one that enriches and educates him as he progresses.
His love of technology and his problem-solving abilities led Joseph to join his school's aerial drone competition club during his junior year. With his leadership and technical skills, he helped guide the team to the 2022 REC Foundation Aerial Drones World Championship held in Dallas, Texas, where they finished sixth out of 67 competing teams. This year, Joseph takes the helm as president, eager to lead the team to victory once again and confident that they will bring home the championship title.
While his accomplishments in the field are varied, the one that makes him most proud is building his own computer from scratch, rather than opting for a pre-built one. Being able to use his skills and knowledge of how all parts work and come together, to orchestrate the layout of each component while appreciating the balance at play for them to fit with each other perfectly to create a functioning machine, was a satisfying feat for Joseph.
Joseph is an extraordinary student at Madison Highland Prep. According to Nicole Gomez, his AP Physics teacher, he is “easily one of the brightest and most exceptional students [she] has encountered during [her] teaching career at both the high school and college levels.” She first met Joseph when he was a freshman in her junior-level physics class, where he quickly rose to the top of the class and was tutoring his upperclassmen, completing the curriculum with ease.
Whether it's designing an experiment, collaborating with others, or teaching himself calculus and physics, Joseph demonstrates excellence in all that he puts his mind to. He effortlessly learns new material and is able to synthesize new information and apply it in a meaningful fashion. He has an exceptional aptitude for math and science and is compelled to understand the intricacies of how things work mathematically, particularly how calculus and physics interconnect. He is open to feedback, which means he is always learning and growing as a learner. Most importantly, Joseph is caring and compassionate, and an outgoing presence in his classes, with a great sense of humor.
Joseph is always looking for ways to give back to his community. Recently, he devoted his time to help distribute food to families in need at a local school, where he was able to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, both English and Spanish speaking. For him, the act of giving back is a deeply ingrained part of who he is, and he is continuously in search of opportunities to lend a helping hand. He believes that one cannot simply stand by and watch as others struggle, and that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can have a profound impact.
The proud son of Mexican immigrants, Joseph's upbringing has shaped his experience in the world of technology. From his parents' humble beginnings in the US to their arduous work to provide him with the resources he needed to succeed, Joseph learned the values of hard work and determination. This has instilled in him a work ethic that drives him to make a lasting impact in the computer science community and in the world of STEM. He recognizes the importance of diversity in STEM as different cultures bring unique perspectives to the table, making it all the more exciting for him to see what professionals from diverse backgrounds can achieve with limited resources.
With a clear plan in mind, Joseph has set his sights on majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Marketing at Arizona State University, Grand Canyon State University, or Northern Arizona University. He is eager to continue learning and intends to use his education to bring his vision to life and make a meaningful contribution to the field of technology.
SILVER - Natalie Grubb
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
High School: University High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Natalie Grubb’s sophomore year of high school was a turning point in her life. That was the year she took a leap of faith and enrolled in an introductory computer science class at her school—AP Computer Science Principles. This class, taught by Mr. Herring, proved to be a defining experience for her as she was exposed to the foundations of the technology field. Mr. Herring's unparalleled expertise and guidance led Natalie to a newfound appreciation for computer science and its many avenues. He mentored her, encouraged her, and referred her to various clubs, such as VEX Robotics, and boot camps, such as the AZ Cyber Initiative, through which Natalie was able to delve into a wide range of computer science subjects beyond the programming languages she was learning in school. The broader exposure to the field opened up a world of new possibilities and perspectives for Natalie and left her eager to explore more.
In her junior year was marked by her involvement in the VEX Robotics club at school. As part of a team of six, Natalie spent the year designing, building, and coding a robot from scratch to compete against other schools. She was entrusted with building the robot and applying the code they worked on to its hardware, a process that was both lengthy and demanding but resulted in their team's entry into the VEX Arizona State Championship, where they made it to the quarterfinals, two steps away from the world championship. The experience remains one of Natalie's proudest moments, which was not only a source of pride but also an inspiration for her and her team to continue their journey into the world of technology.
Natalie has an appreciation for the importance of diversity in STEM. She recognizes that having a mix of backgrounds and perspectives within the field can bring new solutions and ideas to the table. She is aware that in many communities, including her own, many are still not comfortable with the use of technology due to a lack of access to resources and opportunities. As someone who has witnessed this firsthand, she is motivated to help bridge the gap and make technology more accessible to everyone. Natalie believes that increased diversity among STEM professionals is crucial to bettering society as a whole. She understands that every community operates differently, with different resources and traditions, and that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Instead, she believes that having a diverse group of professionals in the field can bring new perspectives and ideas that can reach out to underrepresented communities and make technology more accessible to them.
Mr. Herring, who has known Natalie for three years as a student, a summer program aide, and a member of the club he sponsors, speaks highly of her and recognizes her intelligence, hard work, and positive influence on her peers. He shares that despite the challenges of an entirely online class and a more advanced course, Natalie remained actively engaged and successful, which he says she has continued to do in class to this day. He also praises her commitment to her VEX Robotics team, saying she was one of the most consistent members.
For her accomplishments and aspirations in the field, Natalie was recognized with the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Rising Star Award for Computer Science. Natalie has big plans for her future and is determined to make a lasting impact in the world of computer science. She has found a new branch of the field that she is particularly interested in—computer forensics—and has plans to pursue this area of study in college. She will be majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Information Business at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or Northern Arizona State University.
High School: University High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican
Natalie Grubb’s sophomore year of high school was a turning point in her life. That was the year she took a leap of faith and enrolled in an introductory computer science class at her school—AP Computer Science Principles. This class, taught by Mr. Herring, proved to be a defining experience for her as she was exposed to the foundations of the technology field. Mr. Herring's unparalleled expertise and guidance led Natalie to a newfound appreciation for computer science and its many avenues. He mentored her, encouraged her, and referred her to various clubs, such as VEX Robotics, and boot camps, such as the AZ Cyber Initiative, through which Natalie was able to delve into a wide range of computer science subjects beyond the programming languages she was learning in school. The broader exposure to the field opened up a world of new possibilities and perspectives for Natalie and left her eager to explore more.
In her junior year was marked by her involvement in the VEX Robotics club at school. As part of a team of six, Natalie spent the year designing, building, and coding a robot from scratch to compete against other schools. She was entrusted with building the robot and applying the code they worked on to its hardware, a process that was both lengthy and demanding but resulted in their team's entry into the VEX Arizona State Championship, where they made it to the quarterfinals, two steps away from the world championship. The experience remains one of Natalie's proudest moments, which was not only a source of pride but also an inspiration for her and her team to continue their journey into the world of technology.
Natalie has an appreciation for the importance of diversity in STEM. She recognizes that having a mix of backgrounds and perspectives within the field can bring new solutions and ideas to the table. She is aware that in many communities, including her own, many are still not comfortable with the use of technology due to a lack of access to resources and opportunities. As someone who has witnessed this firsthand, she is motivated to help bridge the gap and make technology more accessible to everyone. Natalie believes that increased diversity among STEM professionals is crucial to bettering society as a whole. She understands that every community operates differently, with different resources and traditions, and that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Instead, she believes that having a diverse group of professionals in the field can bring new perspectives and ideas that can reach out to underrepresented communities and make technology more accessible to them.
Mr. Herring, who has known Natalie for three years as a student, a summer program aide, and a member of the club he sponsors, speaks highly of her and recognizes her intelligence, hard work, and positive influence on her peers. He shares that despite the challenges of an entirely online class and a more advanced course, Natalie remained actively engaged and successful, which he says she has continued to do in class to this day. He also praises her commitment to her VEX Robotics team, saying she was one of the most consistent members.
For her accomplishments and aspirations in the field, Natalie was recognized with the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Rising Star Award for Computer Science. Natalie has big plans for her future and is determined to make a lasting impact in the world of computer science. She has found a new branch of the field that she is particularly interested in—computer forensics—and has plans to pursue this area of study in college. She will be majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Information Business at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, or Northern Arizona State University.
BRONZE - Liliana Faneytt
Hometown: Laveen, AZ
High School: Betty Fairfax High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican & Dominican
Liliana Faneytt is a bright young Latina, whose passion for technology stems from the influence of her uncle. His engaging tales about the wonders of technological marvels, and the ability to create and solve problems with mere codes and mechanics, captured Liliana's imagination from an early age. This ignited a spark within her that would lead her on a journey towards a future in the ever-evolving field of information technology.
As a student in high school, Liliana was already setting her sights on her future. She jumped at the opportunity to participate in an internship with her school district's IT department, where she could get hands-on experience in the field. It was there that she found her true calling. Troubleshooting computers, swapping hard drives, and collaborating with her team to solve complex problems only solidified her love for the field. She was so driven that she started taking classes at South Mountain Community College to further her knowledge. Currently, she is pursuing her CompTIA+ certification, with a focus on Introduction to Networking and A+ Exam Prep: Computer Hardware Configuration and Support. The excitement of configuring a computer to turn on and the thrill of problem-solving are what fuel Liliana's passion for this field.
Liliana's earliest triumph in technology happened when she was only nine years old. She fixed her family's television by simply switching some cables and changing the settings, eliciting elated expressions from her parents. This experience inspired her to help others and earned her the nickname of "tech helper" among her loved ones.
This Dominican-Mexican-American takes pride in her Hispanic heritage and is determined to represent and inspire other women from underrepresented communities. She is aware of the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated field, and she is determined to prove that she can make a difference. She is an advocate for diversity in the STEM field and knows that it is essential for innovation. The ability to see things from multiple perspectives and to have a diverse group of experts working together can lead to the best results in a variety of professions.
However, Liliana has also faced discrimination within her community, where she has been told that she is not "Mexican enough" because she does not speak Spanish fluently or "look Hispanic enough." This has led to her feeling disconnected from her heritage and culture, but she has since come to realize that embracing her identity as a bi-cultural Hispanic is key to her joy and success. Despite the struggles of being a bi-cultural Hispanic, Liliana has learned to love and embrace both of her cultures. She sees the type of thinking that places people into stereotypical boxes as damaging to the community and believes people should be more embracing of the differences within our community, realizing that they are what empower out rich Hispanic heritage.
Liliana is an active and committed member of her community in Phoenix, Arizona. She has contributed in many ways, whether it be volunteering at events such as her local “Ranch Day,” where she helps provide fun time and activities to foster children, her State Fair, where she provides assistance to children with disabilities, and a wide variety of other local events, or simply greeting her neighbors with a smile.
At Betty Fairfax High School, Liliana is a member of Key Club and Japanese Club, and she is also a part of the weightlifting program, and recently medalled in her weight class. She is also a member of her school’s National Honor Society chapter. A well-rounded student with superb academic performance, Liliana earns excellent grades in her classes and participates in her school’s IB Program and ACE Program, where she is enrolled in college-level classes. Her English teacher, Ms. Thopson, notes that she is always willing to support others and go above and beyond what is required of her.
Liliana's future plans include studying Computer Systems Engineering and Management at Arizona State University, the University of California, Berkeley, or the University of California, Los Angeles. She is eager to begin this next chapter in her life and to contribute towards positive change through her work in technology.
High School: Betty Fairfax High School
Hispanic Heritage: Mexican & Dominican
Liliana Faneytt is a bright young Latina, whose passion for technology stems from the influence of her uncle. His engaging tales about the wonders of technological marvels, and the ability to create and solve problems with mere codes and mechanics, captured Liliana's imagination from an early age. This ignited a spark within her that would lead her on a journey towards a future in the ever-evolving field of information technology.
As a student in high school, Liliana was already setting her sights on her future. She jumped at the opportunity to participate in an internship with her school district's IT department, where she could get hands-on experience in the field. It was there that she found her true calling. Troubleshooting computers, swapping hard drives, and collaborating with her team to solve complex problems only solidified her love for the field. She was so driven that she started taking classes at South Mountain Community College to further her knowledge. Currently, she is pursuing her CompTIA+ certification, with a focus on Introduction to Networking and A+ Exam Prep: Computer Hardware Configuration and Support. The excitement of configuring a computer to turn on and the thrill of problem-solving are what fuel Liliana's passion for this field.
Liliana's earliest triumph in technology happened when she was only nine years old. She fixed her family's television by simply switching some cables and changing the settings, eliciting elated expressions from her parents. This experience inspired her to help others and earned her the nickname of "tech helper" among her loved ones.
This Dominican-Mexican-American takes pride in her Hispanic heritage and is determined to represent and inspire other women from underrepresented communities. She is aware of the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated field, and she is determined to prove that she can make a difference. She is an advocate for diversity in the STEM field and knows that it is essential for innovation. The ability to see things from multiple perspectives and to have a diverse group of experts working together can lead to the best results in a variety of professions.
However, Liliana has also faced discrimination within her community, where she has been told that she is not "Mexican enough" because she does not speak Spanish fluently or "look Hispanic enough." This has led to her feeling disconnected from her heritage and culture, but she has since come to realize that embracing her identity as a bi-cultural Hispanic is key to her joy and success. Despite the struggles of being a bi-cultural Hispanic, Liliana has learned to love and embrace both of her cultures. She sees the type of thinking that places people into stereotypical boxes as damaging to the community and believes people should be more embracing of the differences within our community, realizing that they are what empower out rich Hispanic heritage.
Liliana is an active and committed member of her community in Phoenix, Arizona. She has contributed in many ways, whether it be volunteering at events such as her local “Ranch Day,” where she helps provide fun time and activities to foster children, her State Fair, where she provides assistance to children with disabilities, and a wide variety of other local events, or simply greeting her neighbors with a smile.
At Betty Fairfax High School, Liliana is a member of Key Club and Japanese Club, and she is also a part of the weightlifting program, and recently medalled in her weight class. She is also a member of her school’s National Honor Society chapter. A well-rounded student with superb academic performance, Liliana earns excellent grades in her classes and participates in her school’s IB Program and ACE Program, where she is enrolled in college-level classes. Her English teacher, Ms. Thopson, notes that she is always willing to support others and go above and beyond what is required of her.
Liliana's future plans include studying Computer Systems Engineering and Management at Arizona State University, the University of California, Berkeley, or the University of California, Los Angeles. She is eager to begin this next chapter in her life and to contribute towards positive change through her work in technology.
