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Martha Cervantes

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Finalist

Bio

My name is Martha Cervantes, a senior earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts, graduating in December 2025. At 22, I balance being a full-time student and small business owner with five years of professional experience. I’m deeply passionate about using my skills to serve others—through community outreach, mentorship, and honest business practices. I believe in doing things with integrity, growing through education, and giving back through both the arts and service.

Education

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Bachelor's degree program
2021 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Dance
  • Minors:
    • Marketing

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

    • The University of Texas at Austin
  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      • Performing Arts
    • Dream career goals:

      Director

    • Sales & Assistant Manager & Recruiter

      Vector Marketing
      2020 – 2020

    Sports

    Dancing

    Varsity
    2019 – 2019

    Awards

    • 1st Place Duet Choreography in an International Competition

    Research

    • Community Organization and Advocacy

      University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley — Principal Inverstigator
      2023 – 2023

    Arts

    • University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

      Dance
      Ensemble Choreography
      2022 – Present
    • IDEA

      Dance
      Competition Choreography
      2013 – 2020

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Quinta Mazatlan — Environmental Specialist
      2014 – 2018

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Perry Brown Performing Arts Scholarship
    What I want to accomplish as a dancer extends far beyond performance; it is rooted in connection, purpose, and impact. Dance, for me, has never been solely about movement, but about the invisible threads that bind us to one another—through shared emotion, memory, and experience. As I continue to grow in my career, I hope to use dance as a medium to create spaces where people feel seen, understood, and less alone. My artistic work is deeply influenced by themes of grief, healing, and human connection. Through my choreography, I aim to explore the complexities of these experiences in ways that words often cannot fully express. I am particularly drawn to movement that is honest and emotionally driven, allowing both the dancer and the audience to engage in a process of reflection and empathy. One of my primary goals is to continue developing work that not only resonates on a personal level, but also encourages broader conversations about vulnerability, resilience, and the human condition. In addition to my creative pursuits, I aspire to perform professionally in environments that challenge and expand my artistic range. Whether through concert dance, collaborative projects, or performance opportunities in unique spaces, I want to immerse myself in diverse experiences that push me both physically and emotionally. These opportunities will allow me to refine my voice as an artist while continuing to learn from others who bring different perspectives and disciplines into the work. Equally important to me is the role of mentorship and community. I have experienced firsthand the impact that supportive and thoughtful guidance can have on a dancer’s growth, and I hope to offer that same sense of encouragement to others. In the future, I aim to teach and create in ways that prioritize empathy, inclusivity, and respect for each individual’s unique artistic voice. I believe that dance education should not only develop technical skill, but also nurture confidence, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. Ultimately, one of my long-term goals is to establish my own dance company. Through this platform, I hope to create multidisciplinary work that bridges artistic expression with meaningful storytelling and research. I envision a company that values collaboration, innovation, and emotional authenticity, while also providing opportunities for dancers to fully embody and contribute to the creative process. At its core, what I want to accomplish as a dancer is to make an impact that lasts beyond the stage. I want my work to leave an imprint—one that lingers in the hearts of those who experience it. If I can create moments where someone feels deeply connected, understood, or transformed, then I will have fulfilled my purpose as both an artist and a human being.