Can you tell us more about the leadership, community involvement and social impact you are involved in?
When I started at UT Austin, I embraced the opportunity to become an academic coach for engineering students. It was a role that allowed me to provide academic guidance while fostering a sense of belonging for underrepresented students in STEM. One of the most impactful moments for me was when my students shared how inspiring it was to see a Latina thriving in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Their words reinforced that I had chosen not only the right major but also a meaningful path to make a difference.
Through this role, I realized how representation matters and how I could empower others to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. It has driven me to advocate for diversity in engineering spaces, mentor aspiring students, and contribute to building a supportive community for those who often feel they don't belong. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to both personal growth and creating opportunities for others, demonstrating how leadership is not just about guiding but also inspiring and uplifting others
What leadership, community involvement and social impact has had an impact on you? Have you had any big mentors in your life?
I want to shoutout Debika Ingham here. She taught at one of the Young Women Preparatory Networks in Austin and I met her at an alumni event. I told her about my engineering passions, and she explained the work Arm does. She really showed care and interest in me and my career goals, and it made my transition into Arm as an intern so smooth.
Debika opened a door for me that has had so many great outcomes, and I feel really lucky to have met a mentor like her.
Why do you think you were chosen for this award?
Honestly, I sat down and tried to work this out for a while. There were so many great students, all from such diverse backgrounds, being considered. I knew how competitive this scholarship was and winning just wasn’t something that crossed my mind.
I think when I look back at my journey, one thing that made me stand out was my constant advocacy of women in the industry. One of the entry requirements was to write an essay on How to Change Diversity in a Boardroom and that’s when it hit me. This job is just as much about innovating technology as it is about innovating management. Women belong in boardrooms. Hispanics belong in boardrooms. Everyone deserves that opportunity as it’s the only way a company is going to grow.
I feel blessed that I am now able to be a voice for all the people, people just like me, and engineer change that is going to better lives.
Can you explain what the Myrna Garcia Visiones Scholarship represents and what winning it means to you personally?
Me winning is a testament that there are people out there listening to us and fighting for our success. It’s a testament to all diverse students out there that these doors can be opened for us and we do have opportunities available to us.
For me personally, my win highlighted all the sacrifices my parents have made. Moving to the United States to give their kids a better future, supporting their kids, I knew none of it was easy. Receiving this scholarship is giving back to them and reducing the hardships on them, especially financially.
What have you gained from your experience with INROADS at Arm?
Arm and INROADS have supported me in ways I didn't think were possible. Because of this, I'm able to study abroad, meet new people and not have to worry about finances. Things like this and opportunities like these are available to every kind of person, regardless of their background, and it’s possible because of programs like INROADS.
If anyone wants to apply, please just do it. It is a great program, and it has changed my life.
As you look ahead, what are you most excited about?
I am very excited for my return to Arm. I feel like I grew a lot there and continue learning, especially because I had different opportunities to do so many different things at Arm. The scholarship personally helped a lot, as it opened the door but now I can’t wait to put my knowledge to the test and build my career.