Hoy por ti, mañana por mí. “Today you, tomorrow me.” This Spanish phrase reflects one of my achievements and guides how I approach both my work and my community. In 2014, I began volunteering as an English Language Learner tutor with Literacy Pittsburgh. Shortly after completing the volunteer training, I was paired with a recent immigrant woman from Bhutan whose goal was to pass the U.S. citizenship test and earn her driver’s license. I was already familiar with the naturalization process, having helped my father study for his exam in 2009. Over the next several months, we met weekly at the local library to study and practice conversational English. While the language barrier was challenging at first, growing up bilingual helped me remain patient and practice humility. By 2015, our efforts came full circle when I was to sit and watch her at the Allegheny County Courthouse as she was sworn in as a United States citizen. I was nineteen at the time, and witnessing that moment reinforced my desire to continue giving back through work that creates positive impact. That early experience became a foundation for my leadership journey. Today, I am in my second year serving on the board of ALPFA Pittsburgh (Association of Latine Professionals for America), where I serve as Vice President of Operations. In this role, I apply my project management skills to support strategic planning and organizational growth. One of my key professional achievements has been helping strengthen ALPFA’s operations, allowing us to better serve Latine professionals across Pittsburgh and build meaningful connections within the community. As my leadership responsibilities have grown, so has my interest in deepening my business knowledge. Pursuing an MBA at the University of Pittsburgh Katz School of Business is a natural next step. My academic focus on people management and sustainable business development aligns closely with my professional goals. Latine individuals are among the most likely groups in the United States to start or fund new businesses. As a Latina and a proud Pittsburgher, my long-term goal is to support Latine entrepreneurs by helping them access the resources, networks, and guidance needed to succeed. Through my graduate studies, I am strengthening my leadership, financial, and strategic skills to help organizations grow in ways that are both people-centered and sustainable. While I have stepped away from volunteering with Literacy Pittsburgh, my commitment to service remains strong. I continue to support immigrant families by interpreting and translating documents for those beginning the citizenship process. I am also in the process of obtaining dual citizenship with Mexico. Together, these experiences keep me closely connected to the communities that shaped my goals and reflect how my academic pursuits, professional achievements, and commitment to service are deeply connected.

Hoy por ti, mañana por mí. “Today you, tomorrow me.” This Spanish phrase reflects one of my achievements and guides how I approach both my work and my community. In 2014, I began volunteering as an English Language Learner tutor with Literacy Pittsburgh. Shortly after completing the volunteer training, I was paired with a recent immigrant woman from Bhutan whose goal was to pass the U.S. citizenship test and earn her driver’s license. I was already familiar with the naturalization process, having helped my father study for his exam in 2009. Over the next several months, we met weekly at the local library to study and practice conversational English. While the language barrier was challenging at first, growing up bilingual helped me remain patient and practice humility. By 2015, our efforts came full circle when I was to sit and watch her at the Allegheny County Courthouse as she was sworn in as a United States citizen. I was nineteen at the time, and witnessing that moment reinforced my desire to continue giving back through work that creates positive impact. That early experience became a foundation for my leadership journey. Today, I am in my second year serving on the board of ALPFA Pittsburgh (Association of Latine Professionals for America), where I serve as Vice President of Operations. In this role, I apply my project management skills to support strategic planning and organizational growth. One of my key professional achievements has been helping strengthen ALPFA’s operations, allowing us to better serve Latine professionals across Pittsburgh and build meaningful connections within the community. As my leadership responsibilities have grown, so has my interest in deepening my business knowledge. Pursuing an MBA at the University of Pittsburgh Katz School of Business is a natural next step. My academic focus on people management and sustainable business development aligns closely with my professional goals. Latine individuals are among the most likely groups in the United States to start or fund new businesses. As a Latina and a proud Pittsburgher, my long-term goal is to support Latine entrepreneurs by helping them access the resources, networks, and guidance needed to succeed. Through my graduate studies, I am strengthening my leadership, financial, and strategic skills to help organizations grow in ways that are both people-centered and sustainable. While I have stepped away from volunteering with Literacy Pittsburgh, my commitment to service remains strong. I continue to support immigrant families by interpreting and translating documents for those beginning the citizenship process. I am also in the process of obtaining dual citizenship with Mexico. Together, these experiences keep me closely connected to the communities that shaped my goals and reflect how my academic pursuits, professional achievements, and commitment to service are deeply connected.