My Life Philosophy/Vision

My life philosophy is deeply shaped by my experiences as a first-generation Honduran immigrant, a Latino, and an individual with other marginalized identities. Throughout my life, I have experienced both the positive and negative impacts of intersecting social structures of power, race, gender, and national identity. These experiences have not only shaped who I am but also fueled my commitment to create meaningful change. However, it was through access to higher education that I found my voice—a voice that empowers me to educate and advocate for others. As a scholar and practitioner, my mission extends beyond merely raising awareness about diversity; it is rooted in prioritizing equity, inclusion, and justice in every interaction I have. More importantly, I seek to contextualize higher education and expand its reach beyond the classroom into the heart of our communities, where true transformation occurs.

My educational journey has provided me with the foundation through which I view and interpret the world. I am acutely aware of how my citizenship status shaped my access to educational opportunities. In 2003, at the age of twelve, I became a U.S. citizen. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the significance of this decision made by my mother, nor did I realize the profound impact it would have on my ability to pursue higher education six years later. My U.S. citizenship allowed me to access the financial aid needed to attend college and participate in various high-impact programs, which played a crucial role in my academic success and graduation.

Beyond my academic experiences, advocating for underrepresented groups has become a core tenant of my life’s work. In my current role, I am dedicated to supporting and advocating for the academic and financial retention of multicultural students and postdocs. This responsibility challenges me to critically examine systems, propose solutions, and bridge gaps that disproportionately affect minoritized groups. I am guided by a servant leadership philosophy—seeing my role not as one of authority, but as a catalyst for empowering others and ensuring their success.

My commitment to servant leadership extends to how I engage with others. I strive to live my life with empathy, compassion, kindness, understanding, and, most importantly, a deep recognition of each individual’s humanity. I also aim to embody these same qualities towards myself—offering myself love and self-compassion while continually growing and learning. Self-reflection and healing have been instrumental in my personal growth, along with the support of my faith. These practices have allowed me to embrace the power of vulnerability, and I aim to share this insight with others in their own journeys of self-discovery and healing.

The decision my mother made to immigrate to the U.S. is one that carries profound significance, not only because of the sacrifices she made but also because of the opportunities it created for me. Her bravery and resilience remain constant sources of inspiration and a reminder to pursue my dreams, no matter how challenging the path may seem. These formative experiences have left an indelible mark on my life and serve as the foundation for my work. I am committed to creating opportunities for others to thrive, ensuring that I always pay forward the support and opportunities that have made my journey possible.