Thomas Rivera Educational
Empowerment Conference
Out of all the organizations I am part of, the Thomas Rivera Educational Empowerment (T.R.E.E.) Conference is one of the most important to me. It is the largest Latino empowerment conference in the state of Oklahoma, organized, led, and put together by undergraduate students. The conference was created to inform underrepresented Latine high school students of the resources available to them as they begin their pursuit of higher education. Students spend the day at the University of Oklahoma’s campus and attend informative seminars and a college fair, and end the day with a scholarship banquet. Last year we were able to award $45,000 in scholarships and connect with more than 300 underrepresented high school seniors. This year, we are aiming to break that record and give even more scholarships to deserving students.
I attended the conference as a senior in high school four years ago. It changed the way I looked at college education. I thought higher education was an unreachable goal, but the conference inspired me to make the most out of my life experiences and be proud of my background. Today, I am part of the executive team as the vice-chairman, working to change the lives of students in the same way It changed my life.
Omega Delta Phi Fraternity
My brothers at Omega Delta Phi, a multicultural fraternity at OU, turned into my family away from home. They have been one of my main support systems since my first day on campus and their support has pushed me past my limits and allowed me to step out of my comfort zone.
Being president has deepened my understanding of the importance of giving back to the community and taught me the true essence of leadership. It's not just about making decisions, but about inspiring and empowering others to excel.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Although I was born in the United States, I spent the first 13 years of my life growing up in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. As a Hispanic student, I take immense pride in contributing to the vibrant community on campus. I'm active in organizations where I can showcase and celebrate my background and surround myself with people that grew up like me.
My dad and mom always taught me to lead by example, showing respect for every individual, and valuing diverse perspectives. This style is rooted in the communal nature of Hispanic culture, where collective efforts often lead to greater achievements. The sacrifices of my mother and father continue to motivate me.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is not only a reflection of my roots, and passions, but a celebration of the rich culture that contributes to the vibrant mosaic of our global society. My heritage has heightened my awareness of the unique challenges faced by minority communities. This awareness fuels my commitment to advocating for inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
Looking Toward the Future
After I earn my degree in engineering, I hope to push the boundaries of aerospace technology to create solutions that advance our capabilities in defense and exploration. I want to lead and contribute to teams focused on developing next-generation aircraft, propulsion systems, or spacecraft. I also want to champion initiatives that promote inclusivity at every level, like advocating for policies that support underrepresented groups, and collaborating with organizations dedicated to advancing diversity in STEM fields.
