My specific interest in engineering lies in understanding and improving systems that have the power to shape society. As a mechanical engineer, I have been fortunate to work in different industries such as pharmaceutical manufacturing and high-speed machinery building, but my chosen field of study and passion, is in nuclear energy. It excites me in particular because it is at the intersection of technology advancement, global policy and human responsibility. My passion for engineering began in my high school calculus class, where for the first time, I realized math was more than solving equations, it was a way to describe motion, energy and change in the real world. My teacher described mathematics as a universal language to her classroom full of bright-eyed international students. I carried that same sentiment throughout college when I began my engineering courses. It was through an energy course, where I defined my career path. Five years after the Fukushima disaster, I took an energy course where I studied global energy systems, the limitations of fossil fuels, and different emerging energy technologies. We went over the topic of nuclear energy, and that was when I captivated by the international efforts in safeguarding this technology. I saw immense responsibility and opportunity in a field that provided reliable and sustainable clean power. As a first-generation student who comes from a rural, traditional Mexican household, the work I do needs to reflect purpose in bettering access not just to those who can afford it but to those also left behind. Nuclear technology touches communities across the globe, whether through energy access, safety considerations, or environmental sustainability. But it can also come with unintended consequences. While disasters such as Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima have shaped public perspective towards nuclear energy, these incidents have conjured international collaboration to strengthen nuclear safety and security. But even then, I am often one of the few, if not the only, minority women in the room when speaking upon these collaborations. To me, the silence of the missing voices of minorities who bring perspectives shaped by different histories, communities, and lived experiences, is loud. While the nuclear industry celebrates innovation and progress, the lack of representation in these discussions narrows both the scope of ideas and the reach of their impact as the decision-making tables often lack individuals who reflect our very communities. Looking ahead, my plan is to deepen my expertise in nuclear energy though my graduate studies while continuing to grow in leadership roles in my career. While nuclear power can close different resource gaps in energy, it can magnify existing biases, widen the digital divide and increase discrimination due to lack of minority representation in these fields. I continue working in nuclear on a full-time level as an engineer and advocating in respective organizations throughout my academic and technical roles that champion diversity and equity across various underrepresented groups such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, Women in Nuclear and the North American Young Generation in Nuclear and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Through these organizations, I organize STEM pipeline programs, simplifying complex STEM topics like nuclear into stories that all ages can understand. I've spoken on panels to help students, many first-generation, visualize their futures in STEM. While I cannot afford to donate monetarily, I donate my time and lead a scholarship initiative for undergrad first-generation students. I believe that isn't just about meeting project deadlines, it's about reshaping the systems we build and the future we imagine. I hope to honor Dr. Hassan Homami's legacy by carrying forward his belief in learning, mentorship and educational empowerment.

I am a first-generation Latina engineer in the nuclear industry, who understands what it feels like to walk into a classroom, C-suite boardrooms, nuclear construction fields, and nuclear industry conferences and feel like I don't belong. I come from a rural, traditional Mexican household, where I've had to break generational cycles and overcome barriers to pursue my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and career in the nuclear industry. Over the years, I've served as a caretaker, interpreter, tutor and advocate for my family. These responsibilities taught me resilience; however, they also meant that I had to finance my own education, resulting in over $60,000 in student loans. With my 30s approaching next year, I feel the pressure of milestones I've yet to reach: paying off my undergraduate student loans, graduating with my Master of Science in Engineering with concentration in Engineering Management to lead complex nuclear projects, buying a home, and starting my woman-owned nuclear consulting business. Despite that, I am focused on building a more sustainable, equitable energy future. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, countries around the world are ramping up their nuclear programs to meet growing energy demands, as nuclear energy provides clean sustainable energy. However, with this technological advancement comes unintended consequences. While AI can close different resource gaps in day-to-day life like in healthcare and education, it can magnify existing biases, widen the digital divide and increase discrimination due to lack of minority representation in these fields. Underrepresented communities are not familiar with Artificial Intelligence, the evolving energy landscape, or let alone aware of what nuclear is. That is why I am committed to bridging that gap. Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship will allow me to shift my focus from my financial constraints to advancing nuclear technologies, expanding international collaboration and mentoring the next generation of underrepresented STEM leaders. It will help me focus on gaining the technical and leadership skills needed to manage complex nuclear projects and advocate for energy solutions that balance environmental, social and economic needs on a global scale. While disasters such as Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima have shaped public perspective towards nuclear energy, these incidents have conjured international collaboration to strengthen nuclear safety and security. I find it imperative to continue fostering this conversation on nuclear safety and security in our communities, hence why I continue working in nuclear on a full-time level as an engineer and advocating in respective organizations throughout my academic and technical roles that champion diversity and equity across various underrepresented groups such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, Women in Nuclear and the North American Young Generation in Nuclear and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Through these organizations, I organize STEM pipeline programs, simplifying complex STEM topics like nuclear into stories that all ages can understand. I've spoken on panels to help students, many first-generation, visualize their futures in STEM. While I cannot afford to donate monetarily, I donate my time and lead a scholarship initiative for undergrad first-generation students. I believe that isn't just about meeting project deadlines, it's about reshaping the systems we build and the future we imagine. As someone perusing a career at the intersection of energy, management and policy, the support from Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship will contribute to my ability to complete my course work while I continue to work full-time as an engineer to pay off my undergraduate student loans, attend relevant energy conferences and access research opportunities that will advance my practical experience as an emerging leader in the nuclear industry.

To me, legacy means carrying forward the strength, sacrifice, and generosity of those who came before me, while also breaking the cycles that limit opportunity. My dad’s life is proof that perseverance can change a family’s trajectory. My goal is to continue his legacy by lifting others as I rise, making sure the doors he opened never close for those who come after me Legacy is not only about achievements but about the values and impact we leave behind in the lives of others. My dad, Eduardo Avila Mora, showed me that legacy is built through perseverance, humility, and lifting others up along the way. He immigrated to the United States and began working in the strawberry fields of California, laboring under the sun for long hours with little pay. Eventually, he transitioned into construction, where he worked his way up from laborer to area superintendent at the same company he has been with for over 25 years. But what makes his story a true legacy is not just his rise through the rank. It’s the way he reached back and helped others along the way. He has brought on countless people onto his team, many who, like him, came from immigrant backgrounds and knew the meaning of hard work. To him, teamwork wasn’t just about getting the job done. My dad understood what it’s like to be given a chance, making sure no one is left behind. That, to me, is legacy: the ripple of one person’s courage and generosity spreading outward to others. My own path has been shaped by both this example and my own struggles. It took me seven years to complete my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. I failed classes, including thermodynamics, and often felt discouraged. At times, I thought I wasn’t cut out for STEM. But perseverance became my constant companion. I pushed through the setbacks, just as my dad had pushed through long hours in the fields and on construction sites. His story reminded me that the path doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful, it just has to keep moving forward. Because of my upbringing, I feel a dual responsibility to continue my path and break cycles. I want to continue my dad’s legacy of resilience, integrity, and creating opportunities for others. At the same time, I want to break cycles of doubt, financial hardship, and of limited access to education that can hold people back. As my dad opened doors through hard work and teamwork, I hope to open doors through education, mentorship, and leadership in STEM. At the same time, my upbringing also showed me the cycles I want to break. For my dad, hard work often meant long days that left little time for rest, health, or balance. I admire his sacrifice, but I also want to build a future where opportunity doesn’t require that same level of exhaustion, where the next generation can thrive without carrying the same burdens. I want to honor his legacy not only by working hard and pushing forward, but also by creating pathways for others that are more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive. Legacy, to me, is the ripple effect of a life lived with purpose. My dad’s story is a reminder that legacy is not just what we accomplish, but who we lift along the way. In my own journey, I strive to honor that legacy by using my education and career not just for myself, but to make space for others to thrive.

I am a first-generation graduate student whose journey has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and the ability to bridge different worlds. My first language is Spanish, and being bilingual has been both a challenge and a gift. Growing up, I often found myself translating not just words but entire experiences for family and friends. I had to learn how to navigate between cultures and make myself understood in different contexts. At times, this felt like carrying extra weight, but as time passed by, it became one of my greatest strengths. Bilingualism taught me how to listen deeply, adapt quickly, and build connections across various barriers; skills that have defined my personal and professional growth as a Latina engineer in the nuclear industry. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of applying these skills in diverse international contexts. As the delegate representing the United States of America in the International Atomic Energy Agency Lise Meitner Programme in Argentina, I worked on a project charter for a Small Modular Nuclear Reactor while gaining insight into the country’s nuclear program. Speaking both English and Spanish, it allowed me to collaborate directly with the team in Argentina, serve as an Spanish-to-English interpreter for the engineers coming from Russia, France, Sweden, Poland, England, Romania, Canada, Kenya, Japan, Belgium and the Netherlands that spoke English and connect with international policymakers. Beyond the technical work, this experience showed me how language and cultural understanding are essential to building trust and advancing innovation on a global scale. In Mexico, I worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on two initiatives that shaped how I view engineering and leadership. The first was an infiltration garden system project that demonstrated the role of sustainable design in addressing local water management challenges, alongside university professors and the director of environmental sustainability. The second involved helping migrant families access resources and support. These experiences brought me face-to-face with the human side of problem-solving, where infrastructure, policy, and compassion intersect. I saw how solutions rooted in both technical knowledge and cultural sensitivity can directly improve lives. After graduation, I plan to continue merging my engineering background with project management and policy to lead initiatives that prioritize safety, sustainability, and collaboration. My goal is to serve as a bridge between disciplines, communities, and nations, ensuring that technological progress also reflects human needs and values. For me, being bilingual is not just about speaking two language. To me, it is all about perspective. It has given me the ability to navigate different worlds, connect with people on a deeper level, and lead with empathy. I hope to carry this forward into my career, where I can continue building solutions that are innovative, inclusive, and lasting.

Having engineering experience across industries such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, high-speed machinery, and nuclear construction, one thing remains constant: the commitment to safety. In every setting, safety is more than a technical requirement. It is the foundation of trust, reliability, and long-term success. Whether safeguarding the integrity of medicines, ensuring the machinery runs without risk, or overseeing construction that supports critical energy missions, I have learned that true innovation only has meaning when it is rooted in responsibility. This perspective shapes how I see my career. To me, leadership means setting a standard where safety is not treated as a checklist but embraced as a culture. It is about encouraging teams to see the human impact behind every calculation, design, or process, and ensuring that each decision protects not only the people directly involved, but also the communities and environments affected. This understanding has shaped my approach to leadership, to be more like a servant leader. Over the years, I have led teams and projects in ways that highlight safety not as a box to check, but as a culture to cultivate. For example, in cross-functional settings, I made it a priority to bridge communication gaps between technical staff, management, and stakeholders, ensuring that every voice was heard and every concern addressed. In professional organizations such as Women in Nuclear (WIN), North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN), and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), I have taken on leadership roles that allowed me to mentor others, coordinate events, and drive initiatives that promoted professional development and inclusion. These experiences reinforced that leadership is about lifting others, building accountability, and creating an environment where safety and progress advance hand in hand as a servant leader. My vision for the future is to apply this principle across industries, using safety as the compass that guides decision-making and fosters public trust. By bringing together my technical background with my ability to connect across disciplines, I hope to stand out as a leader who not only delivers results but also inspires teams to see the human impact behind their work. Whether managing a project, mentoring young engineers, or contributing to industry-wide initiatives, I want my leadership to be defined by integrity, resilience, and service. Integrity ensures accountability in every decision, resilience allows me to face challenges with determination, and service keeps me grounded in the responsibility to create opportunities for others. Together, these values shape the type of leader I aspire to be, one who not only drives innovation but also ensures that every step forward is taken responsibly. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a lasting impact by building stronger teams, safer practices, and more trusted industries.

When I think about selflessness, I see it in the choices I’ve made to carry weight quietly, so that others could move forward more freely. It’s not something I announce or even always recognize in the moment, but looking back, I realize it’s been woven into the way I navigate family, education, and service to others. As a first-generation student, I took on the full responsibility of financing my education. That meant working long hours, living with debt, and facing the reality of sacrifices that many of my peers didn’t have to make. There were nights I felt frustrated, even bitter, at the weight I carried alone. But what kept me going was knowing I was shielding my family from that same burden. I wanted them to see that higher education was possible without dragging them into debt or stress. My struggle became a quiet act of service to them, and an example for younger relatives who are now watching me pave the way. That same mindset has guided how I approach my professional life. During the International Atomic Energy Agency Lise Meitner Programme, I contributed to building frameworks that others in the nuclear field could use, even if my name was not attached to them. Later, through my work with the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where I designed blueprints for infiltration gardens in areas prone to high flooding. Both experiences reminded me that selflessness isn’t always dramatic; sometimes it’s about planting seeds for a future you may never fully see yourself. My involvement in organizations like Women in Nuclear (WIN), the North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN), and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) has given me another lens into selflessness. Each community has shown me the power of giving time and energy to others. Through WIN and NAYGN, I’ve mentored young professionals, organized outreach events, and encouraged peers, especially women and underrepresented groups, see themselves as leaders in spaces where they might feel invisible. With SHPE, I’ve worked to build community for Hispanic engineers navigating careers where representation is limited. Whether it’s helping someone polish their resume, sharing opportunities, or simply affirming that they belong, I’ve learned that these seemingly small acts can change the trajectory of someone’s path. Selflessness also shows up in smaller, everyday choices. Whether staying up late to help a classmate prepare for a presentation, covering for someone when they faced a family emergency, or listening when a friend needed support even when I was tired myself. These moments might not change the world, but they matter deeply to the people on the receiving end. To me, selflessness is not about erasing who I am or what I need. It’s about using what strength and opportunity I do have to make someone else’s path lighter. It’s about creating space, carrying weight when needed, and believing that my purpose is tied not just to what I accomplish, but to what I help others accomplish too.

For most of my life, math felt less like a subject and more like a wall. I remember staring at Algebra 1 equations in middle school and feeling that I was reading a foreign language, one that everyone else seemed to understand but me. Numbers blended together into something intimidating, and I convinced myself I was not “a math person.” That belief shaped the way I approached every new problem: cautiously, nervously, and with the expectation that I would fail. But somewhere along the way, math began to shift from being an obstacle to being a lens. I realized that math is less about memorizing formulas and more about patterns, logic, and persistence. When I began studying geometry in high school, I saw that every concept connected to another, like pieces in a puzzle. What once felt like a rigid wall turned out to be a structure I could climb, step by step, if I was willing to practice patience. Math also taught me humility. Unlike subjects where you can rely on opinion or creativity alone, math requires precision. You can’t talk your way into the right answer; you have to earn it by working through the process. That discipline carried over into my life outside the classroom. It taught me to break down overwhelming problems in my academia, personal, or professional worlds. I learned to break them down into smaller parts, just as I would with a calculus equation. The more I engaged with math, the more I began to see its beauty. A curve on a graph wasn’t just a line; it was the story of change unfolding. A geometric proof wasn’t just an assignment; it was a way of showing that truth can be reached from first principles. Even something as ordinary as balancing a budget or calculating time reminded me that math quietly shapes the way we live. Math no longer feels like a wall to me. It feels like a universal language I’m still learning to speak sometimes clumsily, sometimes fluently. However, it’s a language that gives me a deeper understanding of the world. In facing what once intimidated me, I discovered not only new skills but also a new sense of confidence. Math became less about right or wrong answers and more about resilience, curiosity, and the willingness to try again.

Upon the ancient beginnings of calculus to its modernization through the learnings of Issac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, we learned that we could use calculus to explain natural phenomenon, which often is not neat and very chaotic. In STEM, our problems in our respective fields often come from how things change, grow, decays or flows. Calculus is that tool that helps us solve these complex problems for complex systems through the use of equations. Calculus helps us predict and control how well (or how bad) our physical system design will work. It guides us throughout the lifecycle of product delivery, from the theoretical analysis of a system design to the predicting and setting start-up and operation conditions of the physical system. Having interfaced with different organizations and regulatory bodies on a global scale such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, I can say that calculus is a universal language used across different fields around the world. It's not just a set of equations; it gives humanity the ability to model and control change. It gives us a vision, one where between science, math, and the humanities, are able to design the future, prevent catastrophe and understand life at a fundamental level. From atoms to galaxies, to epidemics to the creation of the internet, calculus gives us the mathematical tool to understand, design, and control our environments. As a mechanical engineer, I became very fond of Calculus, despite having a rocky start in high school during AP Calculus BC. I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that it could be used to describe and model how systems change! Yet, as I began to advance on to higher level calculus like differential calculus and integral calculus, helped me understand how to optimize my system design calculations and modifications. In mechanical engineering, calculus is used in various applications. Differential calculus is used to figure out how forces will move objects, for example, when we are trying to measure how car engines and brakes work together to control the speed of the car. Integral calculus is used to understand how energy itself changes and how that energy changes in machines, for example, how materials such as rubber and metal will react when faced with temperature changes or crashed into. I wholeheartedly believe that calculus is important to the STEM field, due to its versatility in applications across different industries, STEM or not STEM related across the globe.

As a woman in nuclear engineering and construction, I understand firsthand what it feels like to walk into a classroom, C-suite boardrooms, nuclear construction fields, and nuclear industry conferences and feel like I don't belong. My story didn't begin with specialty programs or industry connections like many of my peers. I come from a rural, traditional Mexican household, where I've had to break generational cycles and overcome barriers to pursue my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. Over the years, I've served as a caretaker, interpreter, tutor and advocate for my family. These responsibilities taught me resilience; however, they also meant that I had to finance my own education, resulting in over $60,000 in student loans. Despite those challenges, I earned my degree and am focused on building a more sustainable, equitable energy future. As a first-generation student and female engineer, I believe that just as technology advances, advancement comes with unintended consequences. Many people, especially in underrepresented communities, are not familiar with Artificial Intelligence, the evolving energy landscape, or let alone aware of what nuclear is. While AI can close different resource gaps in day-to-day life like in healthcare and education, it can magnify existing biases, widen the digital divide and increase discrimination due to lack of representation in these fields. That is why I am committed to bridging that divide. Receiving this scholarship would directly support both my educational and long-term career goals in nuclear energy. This fall, I will begin my Master's of Science in Engineering, with a concentration in Engineering Management, where I will focus on gaining the technical and leadership skills needed to manage complex nuclear projects and advocate for energy solutions that balance environmental, social and economic needs on a global scale. Around the world, countries are ramping up their nuclear programs to meet growing energy demands that stems from Artificial Intelligence, as nuclear energy provides clean sustainable energy. While disasters such as Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima have shaped public perspective towards nuclear energy, these incidents have conjured international collaboration to strengthen nuclear safety and security. I find it imperative to continue fostering this conversation on nuclear safety and security in our communities, hence why I continue working in nuclear on a full-time level as an engineer and advocating in respective organizations throughout my academic and technical roles that champion diversity and equity across various underrepresented groups such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, Women in Nuclear and the North American Young Generation in Nuclear and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Through these organizations, I organize STEM pipeline programs, simplifying complex STEM topics like nuclear into stories that all ages can understand. I've spoken on panels to help students, many first-generation and women, visualize their futures in STEM. While I cannot afford to donate monetarily, I donate my time and lead a scholarship initiative for undergrad first-generation students. I believe that isn't just about meeting project deadlines, it's about reshaping the systems we build and the future we imagine. This scholarship will help me lessen the financial burden on my shoulders and allow me to shift my focus on advancing nuclear technologies, expanding international collaboration and mentoring the next generation of underrepresented STEM leaders. As someone perusing a career at the intersection of energy, management and policy, the support from this scholarship will contribute to my ability to complete my course work while I continue to work full-time as an engineer to pay off my undergraduate student loans, attend relevant energy conferences and access research opportunities that will advance my practical experience as an emerging leader in the nuclear industry.

1. In my free time, I enjoy driving my 1995 BMW 318i convertible. While most people see her and think she's past her prime, not worth the time or effort to fix, I see reliability (and no car payment). My BMW is a year older than me, and like me, she keeps moving forward. Every repair, from patching the rusted floor hole on the driver's side, to replacing the broken steering boot, reflects resourcefulness and patience, qualities I've cultivated as a first-generation student, now a female engineer working at the forefront of nuclear development. Like when I'm driving, I worry whether I'm moving towards the right direction in my career and personal life. With my 30s approaching next year, I feel the pressure of milestones I've yet to reach: graduating with my Master of Science in Engineering (with a concentration in Engineering Management) to lead complex nuclear energy projects, paying off my undergraduate student loans and buying a home, and starting my own nuclear business. But just like with my BMW, I'm learning that being intentional matters more than meeting a societal timeline. 2. This next decade will see hyperscaler companies like Microsoft, Google and Amazon turn to nuclear energy, specifically to Small Modular Reactor development to power data centers for AI technology. These investments will define the energy sector and digital infrastructure landscape. Technology such as AI continues to build off of previous tech accomplishments to make advances. However as technology advances, there are unintended consequences with their implications that stem off of these advances. Companies, including my workplace, are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to streamline complex tasks to deliver smarter solutions results for their customers. With companies turning to AI to stay competitive, we are starting to see the vast energy consumption needed to power these computational processes needed to train AI models. AI consumes significant amounts of energy through data centers, which are centers that house servers needed to process and store vast amounts of data. I happen to live and work in Northern Virginia, the state known as "data center alley" where over 400 data centers are housed, making it the largest data center market in the world. While I can see the benefits of AI and how it can generate more profit and efficiency, it leaves me to wonder how AI impacts not only the environment, but also the surrounding communities I’ve grown up in. 3. Without intentional action from hyperscalers, nuclear companies, energy utilities and policy makers, underrepresented communities will be left behind. The workforce in these industries are only as good as its people, and most times these industries are not inclusive to others. My vision is a future where these nuclear powered data centers do more than keep AI running, they become centers for equity and opportunities. Hyperscalers, nuclear companies, energy utilities and policy makers must commit to not just financing and building these reactors and servers near our communities, but also build and uplift these communities. I am working towards launching a nuclear and digital infrastructure initiative to educate and empower underrepresented students through education pipelines, workforce training and industry networks. While we build the future of nuclear and AI, this program will build the future of people. 4. I believe education and transparency are essential for building trust and ensuring inclusive progress. This fall, I will start graduate school for a Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Management. This degree will provide me with the tools necessary to lead complex nuclear development projects while continuing to use my platform to mentor others and advocate for underserved communities. My goal is to bridge the gap between technological advances and society all while ensuring to bring the voice of the underrepresented into these conversations. Through a combination of education, outreach and leadership, I hope to contribute meaningfully to building a more sustainable, inclusive and safer world. 5. These next five years, I envision establishing and leading a global initiative that ensures underrepresented communities have access to education, workforce pathways and innovation opportunities in the nuclear powered digital infrastructure sector, where I reach over 1000 students, 500 workforce placements and establish a blueprint for equity in these industries. This initiative will ensure that while nuclear powered digital infrastructure drives technological advances, it also serves underrepresented communities through four objectives. The first objective would be expanding access to education through scholarships and fellowships in the nuclear industry, AI development and energy infrastructure. This will also be done through setting up technical bootcamps and learning based labs for community colleges, HBCUs and Hispanic serving institutions. For the second objective, it is imperative to build workforce pathways into these careers. Establishing apprenticeship and internship pipeline opportunities that link the community with nuclear industry partners, utilities and hyperscaler companies. These pipeline programs will ultimately provide credentials to the participants whether in nuclear operations, energy grid integration and data center energy management. The third objective for this initiative is to establish a blueprint for an equity impact clause for these companies which includes local hiring quotas, minority supplier engagement, and community investment, as they continue to take up space in our communities. The fourth objective of this initiative is to foster innovation and visibility, through kickstarting a “Equity Innovation Competition”, that will serve as a platform to bring diverse minds into a solution oriented space and discuss solutions for problems that arise in these industries. These four objectives set the precedent for the establishment of a Center for Nuclear and Digital Equity, that I envision as a partnership with academic institutions, corporate sponsors, and government agencies. This center will serve as a space that will sustain workforce pipelines, innovation challenges, and policy advocacy. 6. My story didn't begin with specialty programs or industry connections. I come from a rural, traditional Mexican household, where I've had to break generational cycles and overcome barriers to pursue my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. I am the oldest of six children of two Mexican immigrant parents, the first in my lineage to graduate from high school and college, the first women in my family to make it past my 25th birthday without children of my own, and the first woman to be able to financially support herself. Over the years, I've served as a caretaker, interpreter, tutor and advocate for my family. These responsibilities taught me resilience; however, they also meant that I had to finance my own education, resulting in over $60,000 in student loans. Despite those challenges, I earned my degree and am focused on building a more sustainable, equitable energy future. 7. Around the world, countries are ramping up their nuclear programs to meet growing demands of energy that stem from AI while reducing their impact on the environment. Major hyperscaler companies are investing in nuclear energy, as it is sustainable, reliable 24/7, and emits zero carbon emissions. As an engineer, I see how having AI can present significant opportunities in development in various industries like nuclear energy. But as a first-generation latina, I see how it presents more risk in different communities depending on how it is developed and deployed. I am deeply aware that many people, especially those in underrepresented communities, are not familiar with AI, the evolving energy landscape, or let alone aware of what nuclear is as they are not in these spaces to voice their concerns. While I am in this line of work, I worry that my voice is not enough to speak for those who are not represented in these conversations. This lack of representation leads to technological advances that do not account for technological equity for these underrepresented communities. These communities face barriers even in accessing devices that connect them with evolving digital infrastructure and digital literacy needed to benefit from AI. While AI can help close different resource gaps in day to day life like in healthcare and education, it can magnify existing biases, widen the digital divide and increase discrimination as these communities due to lack representation in technological development. 8. While disasters such as Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima have shaped public perspective towards nuclear energy, these incidents have conjured international collaboration to strengthen nuclear safety and security. I find it imperative to continue fostering this conversation on nuclear safety and security in our communities, hence why I continue working in nuclear on a full-time level as an engineer. Even throughout my academic and technical roles, I have served in leadership roles at these various organizations that champion diversity and equity across various underrepresented groups such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, Women in Nuclear and the North American Young Generation in Nuclear and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.. Through these organizations, I organize STEM pipeline programs, simplifying complex STEM topics like nuclear into stories that all ages can understand. I've spoken on panels to help students, many first-generation and women, visualize their futures in STEM. While I cannot afford to donate monetarily, I donate my time and lead a scholarship initiative for undergrad first-generation students. I believe that isn't just about meeting project deadlines, it's about reshaping the systems we build and the future we imagine. I have represented the U.S at International Atomic Energy Agency Lise Meitner Program, where I helped create a project charter and execution plan to design, build, and license the domestic deployment of a first-of-a-kind nuclear small modular reactor using global nuclear standards and under the guidance of global nuclear leaders. Back home in the U.S., I bring back that work, through leadership and mentorship that connects global innovation to local communities. 9. Affording tuition with no family support or lack of financial guidance was the most stressful part of my engineering journey. With no guidance, I took out variable interest private loans to finance my degree, which skyrocketed to 18% by the time I graduated in December 2022. I live frugally- renting with roommates, driving my ole reliable 1995 BMW318i convertible, and track every expense while making $2,000 monthly payments that I increase with every raise or bonus. This financial hardship led to me to donate my time and lead a scholarship initiative for undergrad first-generation students at my alma mater. 10. Over the years, I have helped others access resources and support beyond my technical role. Today, I find myself seeking that same kind of support through the Baby OG: Next Gen Female Visionary Scholarship. I truly understand the power of academic and financial support because I’ve been on both sides of it. I am committed to continuing the cycle of paying it forward. This scholarship will help me lessen the financial burden on my shoulders and allow me to shift my focus on advancing nuclear technologies, expanding international collaboration and mentoring the next generation of underrepresented STEM leaders rather than on financial constraints. As someone perusing a career at the intersection of energy, management and policy, the support from this scholarship will contribute to my ability to complete my course work while I continue to work full-time as an engineer to pay off my undergraduate student loans, attend relevant energy conferences and access research opportunities that will advance my practical experience as an emerging leader in the nuclear industry.

I once heard a professor say "Energy that is spent on surviving, is energy not used towards evolving" during my 8am thermodynamics class. While this was used to describe the three laws of thermodynamics in physical systems, I feel like these laws can be applied metaphorically to understand our health. The three laws of thermodynamics explain how energy is finite, how energy grows to be chaotic in a closed system as time goes by, and that there are natural constraints on a system's ability to reach a perfect order and efficiency. When compared metaphorically, mental, emotional, and physical health are different types of energy, where like a physical system, our human body processes through mind-body connection. These energies are interlinked, supporting our bodily functions as we go through life. To be honest, I retook thermodynamics. Not once... Not twice... But, three times. The second time I failed, I was working 30+ hours at a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant as an engineering intern while taking on 18 credits in my mechanical engineering degree. That semester, I was struggling to keep my head above the water. I felt like I was existing to survive- to pay for rent and groceries, to pay for car insurance and gas, to pay for tuition and my interest-only student loan payments while in school- to pay for the fact that as a first-generation student, I would have no financial or family support during this time. My energy was spent trying to balance school, work and my personal life. However, I was mentally drained. Between all-nighter study sessions after class and work, trying to eat healthy and work out so I don't gain weight, trying to salvage a romantic relationship and being my family secretary - seeing the "FINAL GRADE: D" on the screen cracked my sanity. Thoughts crossed my mind: "I'm a failure... I don't deserve to be in engineering... This means I have to spend yet another year delaying my graduation..." I was trying to hold myself together while these thoughts crossed my head. I couldn't fathom being in engineering school one more year. Mentally, I felt defeated. Despite being in the field, I felt like I wasn't good enough. I didn't know it yet, but failing thermodynamics again defined my engineering career and shaped me into the professional I am today. During that time, I co-founded the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers chapter, a non-profit dedicated in promoting STEM through public outreach, mentorship, and professional development. Through SHPE-VCU, I organized professional development career workshops and STEM public outreach events for college students and first-generation high school students. I also led funding initiatives, bringing in $30,000 annually to support chapter operational costs. Currently as an alumni, I established a $10,000 10-year anniversary alumni funded scholarship to fund operational costs and undergraduate scholarships for the student chapter. I also found my passion in the nuclear industry through an internship opportunity at a global Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) company that designs, procures and builds megastructure projects like nuclear power plants. Currently, I work here full-time supporting a first-of-a-kind nuclear reactor demonstration project and am involved in leadership positions across various global non-profits that promote international collaboration, innovation, and workforce empowerment. Although mentally I felt defeated, I carried on and accepted my loss. I gave myself time to grieve over the fact that I would be in school one more year. Through this experience, I learned that failure is delay, not defeat. It is simply a chance to try again. Despite not graduating on time, I got to enjoy new experiences that later turned into my passion.

As a first-generation student and female engineer in a male-dominated field such as nuclear, I've learned that being the first often means being the blueprint. From translating documents for family members to starting my Master of Science in Engineering Management and contributing to global nuclear energy projects, my STEM journey has been anything but linear. As global energy demand grows, it is vital to we understand and communicate the socioeconomic and environmental impact this will have especially on the communities it will affect the most. Understanding this, I am an engineer on a first of a kind nuclear power plant development project in a private-public partnership with U.S. Department of Energy. I conduct research regarding socioeconomic and environmental impact of the project site lifecycle, from construction to operations. Fluent in English and Spanish, I’m also passionate about building connections across cultures and disciplines to shape a more resilient, sustainable energy future through mentorship and outreach. I understand firsthand what it feels like to walk into a classroom, C-suite boardroom, nuclear construction field, and nuclear conferences and feel like I don't belong, especially as a Latina. I actively serve in leadership positions with Women in Nuclear (U.S. WIN), North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN), and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), where I advocate for professional development, diversity, and inclusion across the industry. Through these organizations, I don't just participate in STEM spaces, I reshape them. I lead STEM workshops, college readiness programs, engineering pipeline mentorships and professional development workshops for local grade schools, universities and professionals. I’ve spoken on panels to help students, many of them first-generation women students, visualize their futures in STEM. While I cannot afford to donate monetarily, I volunteer and lead a scholarship initiative for undergrad first-generation students pursuing a career in STEM. I believe diversity in engineering isn't just about representation, it's about reshaping the systems we build and the future we imagine. This fall, I will be attending graduate school for a Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Management at Virginia Commonwealth University. This degree will provide me with the tools necessary to lead complex nuclear development projects while continuing to use my platform to mentor others and advocate for underserved communities. My goal is to bridge the gap between technological advances and society all while ensuring to bring the voice of the underrepresented into these conversations. Through a combination of education, outreach and leadership, I hope to contribute meaningfully to building a more sustainable, inclusive and safer world.

I didn’t have the privilege of following a path, I designed one. As a first-generation student, the eldest of six children, and a woman in a male-dominated field like nuclear, I've learned that being the first often means being the blueprint. From translating documents for family members to starting my Masters of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Management and contributing to global nuclear energy projects, my journey has been anything but linear. My experience spans from engineering design, construction field walkdowns and engineering technical documentation. I bring strong coordination skills, a problem-solving mindset, and a drive to support clean energy development. Pursuing this master's will provide skills necessary to manage and lead complex nuclear development projects. Fluent in English and Spanish, I’m also passionate about building connections across cultures and disciplines to shape a more resilient, sustainable energy future through mentorship and outreach. I understand firsthand what it feels like to walk into a classroom, C-suite boardroom, nuclear construction field, and nuclear conferences and feel like I don't belong. I actively serve in leadership positions with Women in Nuclear (U.S. WIN), North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN), and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), where I advocate for professional development, diversity, and inclusion across the industry. Through these organizations, I don't just participate in STEM spaces, I reshape them. I lead STEM workshops, college readiness programs, engineering pipeline mentorships and professional development workshops for local grade schools, universities and professionals. I’ve spoken on panels to help students, many of them first-generation women students, visualize their futures in STEM. While I cannot afford to donate monetarily, I volunteer and lead a scholarship initiative for undergrad first-generation students perusing a career in STEM. I believe diversity in engineering isn't just about representation, it's about reshaping the systems we build and the future we imagine. Internationally, I have also represented the U.S during different international initiatives. I have lead urban development projects, in partnership with the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to design and implement a infiltration garden to mitigate flooding in high risk urban locations and while also supporting migrant communities in the state of Hidalgo. I've also represented the U.S. in the International Atomic Energy Agency Lise Meitner Program hosted in Argentina, where I helped created a project charter and execution plan to design, build, and license the domestic deployment of a first-of-a-kind nuclear small modular reactor using global nuclear standards and under the guidance of global nuclear leaders. I worked along side different nuclear professionals from Russia, France, Sweden, Kazakhstan, Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands, Poland, the UK, Canada, Belgium, Romania and Argentina. Back home in the U.S., I bring back that international effort, through mentorship and leadership that connects global innovation in nuclear to my local communities. As I continue to grow into my role as an engineer in the nuclear industry, I am often called upon to take on leadership roles in my workplace and community. As a first-generation student, woman and minority, I continually engage with respective global nuclear leaders and contribute to conversations on international collaboration, innovation, and workforce empowerment in nuclear energy. In order to grow more into a leadership position, I find it imperative to learn by doing. In this case, learning by doing means continuing my education beyond a bachelor’s degree. Over the years, I have spent helping others access resources and support through mentorship and public outreach programs. Today, I find myself seeking that same kind of support though scholarship opportunities like the Champions of a New Path Scholarship, as will allow me to continue advancing in my engineering career without the weight of student loan debt on my shoulders. This scholarship will help me fund my Master's of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Management at Virginia Commonwealth University while I continue working full-time to finish paying off the last of my mechanical engineering undergraduate student loan. My master’s degree will equip me with the necessary tools to build myself as a servant leader in the energy sector and expand my impact on a global scale. I believe I deserve the Champions of a New Path Scholarship, as I truly understand the power of academic support because I’ve been on both sides of it. I am committed to continuing the cycle of paying it forward.

I never had the privilege of following a path, I had to create one. As a first-generation student, the eldest of six children and 26 grandchildren, and a female engineer in a male-dominated field, I've learned that being the first often means being the blueprint. From translating documents for family members to starting my Master of Science in Engineering Management and contributing to global nuclear energy projects, my journey has been anything but linear. In my family's rural traditional culture, women are expected to marry young and have children. I choose differently. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the age of 26, unwed and childless. Being the first to go to college, I pursued my engineering degree without financial (and emotional) support. I paid for my tuition out of pocket and faced every setback alone; sometimes retaking courses, working 30+ hours while taking full course loads and learning what advocating for myself meant. These adversities shaped my core values: resiliency and a deep sense of responsibility to light the way for others. I understand firsthand what it feels like to walk into a classroom, C-suite boardrooms, nuclear construction fields, and nuclear industry conferences and feel like I don't belong. Throughout my academic and technical roles, I have served in leadership roles at various organizations that champion diversity and equity across various underrepresented groups such as Women in Nuclear and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. I have represented the U.S at International Atomic Energy Agency Lise Meitner Program, where I helped create a project charter and execution plan to design, build, and license the domestic deployment of a first-of-a-kind nuclear small modular reactor using global nuclear standards and under the guidance of global nuclear leaders. Back home in the U.S., I bring back that work, through leadership and mentorship that connects global innovation to local communities. I don't want to just participate in STEM spaces; I want to reshape them. I do believe that increasing access to STEM means having honest conversations about money, debt and navigating college as a first-generation student. I continue to volunteer for STEM nights at local schools, simplifying complex topics like nuclear into stories young bright minds can understand. I've spoken on panels to help community college and university students, many of them women of color, visualize their futures in STEM. I want to normalize the presence of diversity in STEM, particularly in the nuclear industry. Affording tuition with no family support or lack of financial guidance was the most stressful part of my engineering journey. With no guidance, I took out variable interest private loans to finance my degree, that skyrocketed to 18% by the time I graduated in December 2022. I live frugally- renting with roommates, driving my ole reliable 1995 BMW318i, and track every expense while making $2,000 monthly payments that I increase with every raise or bonus. This financial hardship led to me to donate my time and lead a scholarship initiative for undergrad first-generation students at my alma mater. Over the years, I have helped others access resources and support beyond my technical role. Today, I find myself seeking that same kind of support through Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship as I continue working full-time to pay off my mechanical engineering undergraduate student loan and look for funding opportunities for my master's program. I truly understand the power of academic and financial support because I’ve been on both sides of it. I am committed to continuing the cycle of paying it forward.

Just as a house needs a strong foundation and framework, faith begins with a strong belief; one where trust in something greater than ourselves, shapes our own values and worth. Through faith, I believe I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve. For dreams are placed in our hearts as a divine assignment, a part of greater plan. Without a strong foundation or framework, everything else crumbles. Faith is a house full of many rooms. Prayer, grace, grief and doubt uphold these rooms, embracing different complexities that my faith has held to throughout the many seasons of my life. From financing my undergrad degree in mechanical engineering as a first-generation student, to working with the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs on community service projects, to representing the U.S.A through the International Atomic Energy Agency Lise Meitner Program in Argentina for leadership training, to now going for my part-time masters in engineering while working full-time as an engineer in the nuclear industry and establishing a scholarship fund for underrepresented undergraduate students, each room has endured its own remodeling project to achieve my dream as a servant leader in the nuclear industry. Faith isn't blind, for windows let the light in. The light represents moments of clarity, divine guidance and understanding as I continue down my uncharted path as a woman in engineering. There are moments where I've sat in silence, praying that I passed my engineering classes or that the organizations I advocate in such as the Society of Hispanic Engineers and Women in Nuclear receive sponsorships to help others in need. I've often cried in these rooms, praying that I can make enough money to survive and pay off my undergraduate student loans all while working toward my career and creating space for others through diplomacy, education and community service. Tempted to fall into deep despair during these moments, the embrace of the warm sunlight pours through the windows, reminding me that I am worth my dream of financial freedom and being the voice for underrepresented communities as technology continues to evolve. Through trial and error, I've learned discernment to understand what I need to let in and what I need to walk away from. Coming from household where education was not valued and no family support, I've endured heartbreak, rejection, loneliness and pressure throughout these rooms. I learned to have faith in myself and believe in my worth, where as a woman, I am not restricted to marriage or motherhood, and that my ambition in education and career is not viewed as selfish or rebellious against traditional views. I've learned to welcome my truth and shut the door to anything that may put me in harm's way. Faith lives at the intersection of the known and unknown. It demands trust without guarantees, committing to something we can't fully see. Remodeling my faith has not been easy. I've had to tear down beliefs that were handed down to me that didn't fit with my values and worth. I've had to reinforce areas that cracked under pressure. I've has to brush dust off of my aspirations to maintain my dreams alive. Through advocacy work and stepping into rooms where policies are made, I've created space for those who come after me, to shelter in dreams I've once fought to believe in myself.

I come from a rural, traditional Mexican household, where I've had to break generational cycles and overcome barriers to pursue my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. Over the years, I've served as a caretaker, interpreter, tutor and advocate for my family. These responsibilities have taught me resilience, however, they also meant that I had to finance my own education, where it resulted in over $60,000 in student loans. Despite those challenges, I earned my degree and focus on building a more sustainable, equitable energy future on a global scale. As a first-generation student and female engineer, I am deeply aware that many people, especially those in underrepresented communities, are not familiar with the evolving energy landscape, particularly in the nuclear industry. That is why I am committed to bridging that gap. Receiving this scholarship would directly support both my educational and long-term career goals in nuclear energy. This fall, I will begin my Master's of Science in Engineering, with a concentration in Engineering Managment, where I will focus on gaining the technical and leadership skills needed to manage complex nuclear projects and advocate for energy solutions that balance environmental, social and economic needs on a global scale. Around the world, countries are ramping up their nuclear programs to meet the growing demands of energy while reducing their impact on the environment. While disasters such as Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima have shaped public perspective towards nuclear energy, these incidents have conjured international collaboration to strengthen nuclear safety and security. I find it imperative to continue fostering this conversation on nuclear safety and security in our communities, hence why I continue working in nuclear on a full-time level as an engineer and advocating in respective organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, Women in Nuclear and the North American Young Generation in Nuclear. This scholarship will help me lessen the financial burden on my shoulders and allow me to shift my focus on advancing nuclear technologies, expanding international collaboration and mentoring the next generation of underrepresented STEM leaders rather than on financial constraints. As someone perusing a career at the intersection of energy, management and policy, the support from this scholarship will contribute to my ability to complete my course work while I continue to work full-time as an engineer to pay off my undergraduate student loans, attend relevant energy conferences and access research opportunities that will advance my practical experience as an emerging leader in the nuclear industry.

I remember failing thermodynamics, not once, but twice, when I was working toward my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. In order to pass, I needed a 70% average. I failed both times with a 69%. You see, the class rubric stated that only three exams accounted for your grade average. Harsh, right? However, according to most mechanical engineering professors, thermodynamics is a "weed out" class, meaning it is a challenging undergraduate course designed to reduce the number of students in the engineering program. The intention is to influence students to choose their major wisely early on in their college years or decide to drop out/switch majors after taking such "weed out" class. However, as a first-generation student, I couldn't afford to keep failing, college is terribly expensive. At the time, I working as an environmental engineer intern at a nearby pharmaceutical manufacturing plant while I was in school. When I received my final grade the second time around, I remember I was sitting in my office at work. I logged into my grade portal and saw the "D" on the screen. I was stunned. I really thought I had it the second time around. I vividly remember studying my tail off and pulling all-nighters in the library with my study group. Disappointed, I continued to work through my shift as if nothing happened. As you can imagine, I was actually pretty devastated about failing thermodynamics twice. To make it worse, the class was a prerequisite to my third-year engineering classes and offered only in the spring semester. Both times, I ended up failing the cumulative final exam. After the second time I failed, I felt lost. I had failed this class twice, and it was delaying my graduation year. I felt as if engineering wasn't for me, even though I was already working in the industry. I didn't know it yet, but this failure defined my engineering career and shaped me into the professional I am today. Despite knowing that it was a "weed out" class, I ended up taking thermodynamics for a third time the following spring semester. Knowing it would delay my graduation year, I accepted my losses and took advantage of this time to find new opportunities. During that time, I co-founded the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers chapter, a non-profit dedicated in promoting STEM through public outreach, mentorship, and professional development. Through SHPE-VCU, I organized several coding boot-camps, professional development career workshops and STEM public outreach events for college students and first-generation high school students. I also led funding initiatives, bringing in $30,000 annually to support chapter operational costs. Currently as an alumni, I established a $10,000 10 year anniversary alumni funded scholarship to fund operational costs and undergraduate scholarships for the student chapter. I also found my passion in the nuclear industry. I ended up finding an internship opportunity at a global Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) company that designs, procures and builds megastructure projects like nuclear power plants, solar farms, airports, cities, NASA rocket launchers etc. Now, I currently work here full time supporting a first-of-a-kind nuclear reactor demonstration project and am involved in leadership positions across various global non-profits that promote international collaboration, innovation, and workforce empowerment. To all the students who feel like they can't keep going - I urge them to push through. Your education is a valuable tool that opens doors to the unknown. Third time's the charm, I told myself. I studied, I cried, I even lost my graphing calculator during the process- but I persevered and passed.

As I continue to grow into my role as an engineer in the nuclear industry, I am often called upon to take on leadership roles in my workplace and community. As a first-generation student, woman and minority, I continually engage with respective global nuclear leaders and contribute to conversations on international collaboration, innovation, and workforce empowerment in nuclear energy. I actively hold leadership roles in organizations such as Women in Nuclear (WIN), North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at Virginia Commonwealth University (SHPE-VCU) and the International Atomic Energy Agency Lise Meitner Program (IAEA-LMP). When given the right support, first generation students are exceptionally resilient and thrive. During my undergrad years, I co-founded the SHPE-VCU student chapter, a non-profit dedicated in promoting STEM through public outreach, mentorship, and professional development. Through SHPE-VCU, I organized several coding boot-camps, professional development career workshops and STEM public outreach events for college students and first-generation high school students. I also led funding initiatives, bringing in $30,000 annually to support chapter operational costs. Currently as an alumni, I established a $10,000 10 year anniversary alumni funded scholarship to fund operational costs and undergraduate scholarships for the student chapter. On a professional level, I am committed to building the future of nuclear as a global solution for clean sustainable energy. I am an engineer on a first-of-a-kind nuclear advanced reactor development project in a private-public partnership with U.S. Department of Energy. This project will bring clean reliable energy to over 500,000 homes and business in the surrounding community. True to my roots of mentorship and outreach, I continue to create space for knowledge transfer between experienced nuclear professionals and the public. I am Vice President of North American Young Generation in Nuclear(NAYGN) employer chapter, where I help lead Capitol Hill Day in Washington DC, advocating for Nuclear technologies and safety to US. Government Representatives. I also serve as Public Outreach Chair for Women In Nuclear(WIN), hosting workshops regarding STEM, nuclear history, safety and upcoming technologies for professionals, local universities and K-12 students in the DC/Virginia/Maryland region. Internationally, I am also supporting the establishment of a WIN Poland chapter to support new nuclear development in Poland. I am also a participate of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Lise Meitner Program, where I advocate for peaceful nuclear energy uses through technical and professional development trainings. In order to grow more into a leadership position, I find it imperative to learn by doing. In this case, learning by doing means continuing my education beyond a bachelor’s degree. Over the years, I have spent helping others access resources and support through mentorship and public outreach programs. Today, I find myself seeking that same kind of support through this opportunity. This grant will allow me to continue advancing in my engineering career without the weight of student loan debt on my shoulders. It will help me fund my Master's of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Management at Virginia Commonwealth University while I continue working full-time to finish paying off the last of my mechanical engineering undergraduate student loan. My master’s degree will equip me with the necessary tools to build myself as a servant leader in the energy sector and expand my impact on a global scale. I truly understand the power of academic support because I’ve been on both sides of it - and I am committed to continuing the cycle of paying it forward.

My background in mechanical engineering and engineering management will empower me to shape the building the future of nuclear energy on a global scale. My experience spans throughout the nuclear construction lifecycle, from engineering design and calculations to construction field walkdowns and technical documentation, on projects such as the advanced nuclear reactor Natrium Demonstration Project (where I am currently supporting) and Nuclear Power Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 (where I was a construction field mechanical engineer). I bring strong coordination skills, a problem-solving mindset, and a drive to support clean energy development through safe, scalable nuclear solutions. I’m a Plant Design and Piping Engineer working at the intersection of advanced nuclear energy, EPC execution, and regulatory support. I currently work at a global Engineering, Procurement, and Construction company (EPC), supporting the design, construction and operations start-up of a first of a kind nuclear reactor power plant, Natrium. As an engineer, I work closely with supply chain and construction management to ensure design constructability for critical safety systems throughout the nuclear plant. Being on a first-of-a-kind project, I support different manufacturers to ensure that their products are technically acceptable to use for our systems. Having past experience not only in nuclear construction, but also in machine manufacturing, I have seen how both construction and manufacturing shape the outcome of a first of a kind project. Both construction and manufacturing adhere to codes and standards in order to ensure the safety and quality throughout the lifetime of the project cycle. This is imperative to focus on the availability and components needed to build such projects that impact the livelihood of the communities they are built in. Beyond my technical role as an engineer, I empower younger generations and demographics that often aren't seen in manufacturing or construction through different respective organizations. I actively serve in leadership positions with North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN), U.S. Women in Nuclear (U.S. WiN),the International Atomic Energy Agency Lise Meitner Program (IAEA-LMP) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) where I advocate for professional development, diversity, and inclusion across the industry on a global scale. As a first-generation student, woman and minority in the EPC world, I engage with respective global nuclear leaders and contribute to conversations on international collaboration, innovation, and workforce empowerment in nuclear energy. Over the years, I have spent helping others access resources and support beyond my technical role. Today, I find myself seeking that same kind of support through this opportunity. Eldorado Tools Scholarship will allow me to continue advancing in my engineering career without the weight of student loan debt on my shoulders. This scholarship will help me fund my Master's in science in Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Management at Virginia Commonwealth University while I continue working full-time to pay off my mechanical engineering undergraduate student loan. This degree will prepare me with the necessary skills to grow as a leader in the energy sector and expand my impact on both a national and global scale. I truly understand the power of academic support because I’ve been on both sides of it - and I am committed to continuing the cycle of paying it forward.

Ahh, yes… Calculus, a mechanical engineer’s best friend! As a mechanical engineer, I became very fond of Calculus, despite us having a rocky start in high school. To be quite honest, when I first met Calculus, I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that it could be used to describe and model how systems change! Yet, as I began to understand Calculus and learned how to speak and write the same language, I realized that its different dialects, such as differential calculus and integral calculus, helped me understand how to optimize my system design calculations and modifications. In mechanical engineering, calculus is used in various applications. Differential calculus is used to figure out how forces will move objects, for example, when we are trying to measure how car engines and brakes work together to control the speed of the car. Integral calculus is used to understand how energy itself changes and how that energy changes in machines, for example, how materials such as rubber and metal will react when faced with temperature changes or crashed into. I wholeheartedly believe that calculus is important to the STEM field, due to its versatility in applications across different industries, STEM or not STEM related across the globe. Upon the ancient beginnings of calculus to its modernization through the learnings of Issac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, we learned that we could use calculus to explain natural phenomenon, which often is not neat and very chaotic. In STEM, our problems in our respect fields often come from how things change, grow, decays or flows. Calculus is that tool that helps us solve these complex problems for complex systems through the use of equations. Calculus helps us predict and control how well (or how bad) our physical system design will work. It guides us throughout the lifecycle of product delivery, from the theoretical analysis of a system design to the predicting and setting start-up and operation conditions of the physical system. Having interfaced with different organizations and regulatory bodies on a global scale, I can say that calculus is a universal language used across different fields around the world. It's not just a set of equations; it gives humanity the ability to model and control change. It gives us a vision, one where between science, math, and the humanities, are able to design the future, prevent catastrophe and understand life at a fundamental level. From atoms to galaxies, to epidemics to the creation of the internet, calculus gives us the mathematical tool to understand, design, and control our environments.

Whether in college advocating for STEM to first generation high school students locally or advocating for nuclear energy on a global scale, I am passionate about mentorship and equitable access to opportunities. As the oldest of six children and 26 grandchildren in a first-generation immigrant household-where the highest level of education was middle school- navigating college was daunting. I realized how students like myself face multiple systematic challenges such as bias, language barriers and economic hardships. I was fortunate enough to find my mentor who guided me through my engineering undergrad. This mentorship provided unique guidance navigating college, careers and identities. In turn, this empowered me to mentor peers and advocate for opportunities and inclusion within the College of Engineering and beyond. When given the right support, first generation students are exceptionally resilient and thrive. During my undergrad years, I co-founded the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at Virginia Commonwealth University(SHPE-VCU) student chapter, a non-profit dedicated in promoting STEM through public out reach, mentorship, and professional development. Through SHPE-VCU, I organized several coding boot-camps, professional development career workshops and STEM public outreach events for college students and first-generation high school students. I also led funding initiatives, bringing in $30,000 annually to support chapter operational costs. Currently as an alumni, I established a $10,000 10 year anniversary alumni funded scholarship to fund operational costs and undergraduate scholarships for the student chapter. On a professional level, I am committed to building the future of nuclear as a global solution for clean sustainable energy. I am an engineer on a first of a kind nuclear power plant development project in a private-public partnership with U.S. Department of Energy. I conduct research regarding socioeconomic and environmental impact of the project site lifecycle, from construction to operations. True to my roots of mentorship and outreach, I continue to create space for knowledge transfer between experienced nuclear professionals and the public. I am Vice President of North American Young Generation in Nuclear(NAYGN) employer chapter, where I help lead Capitol Hill Day in Washington DC, advocating for Nuclear technologies and safety to US. Government Representatives. I also serve as Public Outreach Chair for Women In Nuclear(WIN), hosting workshops regarding STEM, nuclear history, safety and upcoming technologies for professionals, local universities and K-12 students in the DC/Virginia/Maryland region. Internationally, I am also supporting the establishment of a WIN Poland chapter to support new nuclear development in Poland. I am also a participate of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Lise Meitner Program, where I will assist with refurbishment and development of the Argentinian Nuclear Power Program. Being first generation, I am cognizant how little the general public knows about nuclear energy and its safety culture. As global energy demand grows, it is vital to we understand and communicate the socioeconomic and environmental impact this will have especially on the communities it will affect the most. I believe education and transparency are essential for building trust and ensuring inclusive progress. This fall, I will be attending graduate school for a Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Management at Virginia Commonwealth University. This degree will provide me with the tools necessary to lead complex nuclear development projects while continuing to use my platform to mentor others and advocate for underserved communities. My goal is to bridge the gap between technological advances and society all while ensuring to bring the voice of the underrepresented into these conversations. Through a combination of education, outreach and leadership, I hope to contribute meaningfully to building a more sustainable, inclusive and safer world.

One technology that inspires me is nuclear technology. It is used in nuclear reactors to generate energy, in medicine to examine organ functions or defense to power military submarines and aircraft. It's found industrial settings such as nondestructive testing and inspection, oil and gas exploration and road construction. Even when it comes to our food, this technology is used to sterilize tools and equipment as well as destroy microorganisms, bacteria, viruses or insects that maybe present. It is used to make the world cleaner, safer and more secure. Being fascinated by this fact, I am currently an engineer on an active nuclear advanced reactor development project that's a public-private partnership with the U.S Department of Energy and other entities. When this project is complete, the advanced reactor power plant will have replaced an old existing coal power plant and generate electricity to power over 500,000 homes and businesses in a nearby town. This nuclear-generated electricity decreases over millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions that otherwise comes from fossil fuels. Around the world, countries are establishing or revamping their nuclear programs to welcome in new nuclear development. While in the past, there has been devastating accidents such as Chernobyl, Three Mile Island or Fukushima - such events have prompted global partnerships to ensure nuclear safety and security through organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Nuclear safety promotes proper operating conditions, prevention of accidents and advocating for safe practices for the workers, the public, and the environment. Nuclear security is also promoted to prevent malicious acts involving nuclear materials or radioactive substances. Through the IAEA, I will be representing the United States along with other member countries in the Lise Meitner Program, where I will gain insight in refurbishment and development of the Argentinian Nuclear Power Program. Being first generation myself, I am cognizant of the fact that not many people know about what nuclear is and how safe it is compared to other energy sources. While development is happening on a global scale, it is important to note the socioeconomical and environmental impact of this technology. I will attend graduate school this fall for a Master of Science in Engineering. Through this master's program, I plan to gain the skills necessary to manage complex nuclear development projects as energy demand continues to rise globally, while keeping the end user in mind.