HISPA - Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement

One of the best things I’ve had the pleasure to do since this past year is actively participating in Bank of America’s Better Money Habits program. Thank you HISPA - Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement and Rod Colon for exposing the Latinos in College students to such valuable information!

At HISPA, we are proud to celebrate the incredible women who inspire our youth to dream big and achieve greatness every day. ?? This #InternationalWomensDay, we honor the women breaking barriers, innovating, and shaping future generations. Our students say it best: ? "She inspired me because us Latinas don't get recognized, and I loved when she put a face of the first Latina to represent Women's History Month." ? "She inspired me because she said there's nothing 'impossible.' Even if you are a boy or a girl, she inspired me that anything is possible. If you keep trying, you are going to accomplish that dream." Together, we are building a community where role models light the way for others to follow. These women remind us that change happens when we uplift one another, and through their leadership, they’re shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all. To every woman at HISPA guiding the way—you are proof that we all can achieve greatness. Together, we’re building a world where perseverance and dreams have no limits. ?? #HISPARoleModel #BreakingBarriers #WomenWhoLead #InternationalWomensDay

Yesterday, I took a trip down memory lane as I had the incredible opportunity to speak with middle school students in an ESL classroom. I spoke to them with passion, reminding them that piensa que puedas y podrás which translates to think you can and you can! Seeing their innocent faces, filled with curiosity and dreams reminded me of my WHY and the importance of giving back to the community. ? I had the opportunity to share this moment with William Lopez who did a phenomenal job sharing his career journey as a Scientist. Thank you to HISPA - Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement and OLA at Bristol Myers Squibb for this meaningful partnership. A special thank you to Lorena Kuri & Victor Amadeo-Rodriguez for encouraging me to do this.

This morning, my heart lit up ?I had the incredible opportunity to speak with high school students who are in the process of discovering their paths in life. Seeing their innocent faces, filled with dreams and passion, reminded me of my own journey?? I spoke to them from my heart??, emphasizing one key message: Work in your passion. Never give up. Say NO to anything or anyone that deviates you from your path. Dream big, because if you visualize it, you will achieve it. At 27, I’m grateful to teach from my own experiences—both in life and in my career—hoping to make the world a better place????. Today’s society is damaged in many ways, lacking principles and values, but I believe that by instilling hard work, resilience, and integrity, we can rise above. Success is built on respect, transparency, ethics, and responsibility. These are the principles that have guided me to every blessing in my life???? Life will throw you into the wildest rollercoaster??, but your strength ????is defined by how you overcome those obstacles. One crucial lesson I shared was about making the right choices ?, because one moment of irresponsibility can shut down years of dreams ?? One student stood out to me—a kid passionate about robotics????. In him, I saw a reflection of my 13-year-old self, the age when I developed my first software and took my first steps in tech??Moments like these remind me why education is the key and why being always good person with the purest heart matters, and a LOT ? I’m beyond grateful to organizations like HISPA - Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement and for allowing me to give back and reconnect with my purpose. Today reaffirmed that I will always be a Tech Warrior??—and I hope to inspire the next generation to become warriors of their own dreams ?? #techwarrior

Shoutout to all our ?????????? ???????? ???????????? from February! ?? From engineers to educators, entrepreneurs to artists, our HISPA Role Models shared their unique career journeys, inspiring students to dream big. Time is precious, and schools, teachers, and the HISPA team are incredibly grateful that you generously shared yours with our students. Ready to inspire the next generation? Visit portal.hispa.org to become a HISPA Role Model! Adela Ramirez, Alex Ortiz, PE, CEM, Alizanette Rodriguez MBA, Alys Onorato, Aneck Sanchez-Gomez, Atena Masuri, Brianna Vera, Carla Maldonado, Ph.D., Charles Paez, Cinthya N. Palacios, Eduardo Jiménez, Georgette Perez, Ph.D., Griselda Pachuca-García, Irvy Pinzón, MBA, DASSM, Ismael Nibot, CIMA?, Jairo Torres, Jonathan Huerta, José M. Aleman, Katherine Valdez, Kevin Lizama, Lady Jimenez- Torres, MPA, Laura Pozo, Lorena Kuri, Margarita Kruyff, Maria Posada, Mercy Indyk, Migdalys Perez, MBA, Nathalia Ortiz, Noris Espinal, Patricia Santayana, Raul Velarde, Roberto Mejia, Rosa Arzate, Victor Amadeo Rodriguez, Viviana Jimenez Valencia, MBA, PMP, Yinnet Gonzalez #HISPARoleModel #HISPA

? A Night to Remember at the HISPA - Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement three Kings Banquet! Congratulations Dorca Gilbertson on the Award and recognition ! Thank you for all you do for the next generation of leaders. HISPA is changing lives by connecting professionals with young students who need to see that their dreams are within reach. By sharing our journeys, we help pave the way for the next generation of leaders. ????I encourage everyone to sign up as a HISPA Role Model—your story can make a difference! I’ll be sharing my story on March 7 at Manhattan Bridges High School. Learn more and get involved: https://portal.hispa.org ?? Ivonne Diaz-Claisse, Ph.D. , Edgardo Guillen, M.S. , Yinnet Gonzalez , Dr. Jairo Borja, DBA Dorca Gilbertson #HISPA #LatinoLeaders #MentorshipMatters #RepresentationMatters #InspiringFutures #Education #CommunityImpact

What a packed January 2025 it has been! I kicked off January by attending the esteemed APIW, Inc. CEO luncheon hosted at the fabulous venue: View at Battery Park in one of my favorite cities NYC! I was honored to represent Crum & Forster and attend with colleagues! We were just getting started! The next day, SOMOS C&F had a full day of strategic planning for 2025 and how to better represent our ????CULTURA ????within Crum! That evening we attended the phenomenal HISPA - Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement 3 King’s Banquet in Edison, NJ which was full of excitement & gratitude! We are proud supporters of HISPA and looking forward to this continued partnership this year! ???? To round out my January, my virtual colleague connections became a reality when I got to meet up with Alma Crump, AFSB, CPCU + Matt Brazalovich during their time in my hometown Houston attending Surety School this week! It’s always great to network with my fellow surety counterparts! LOOKING FORWARD TO THE REST OF 2025? #crumandforster #womenininsurance #womeninbusiness #APIW #somoscf #HISPA #surety Noel Briordy Craig B. Zaun Burgess, AU Kathleen Alicks Kathia Acosta Emily Serrano Rebecca Liebler, AINS Hallie Harenski Arleen Paladino Daria Kostyannikova Stefanie Ding, MPS Christopher Lauria Don Parker Megan Crandle, MBA, PMP Rosana Shahzadi Gabrielle Thiry Erin Cooper, CPCU, CAPM Molly Swiencki Ana Corona Robert Lindsey, SHRM-CP

HISPA Reaches 3,500+ HISPA Role Model Program Visits—A Milestone Worth Celebrating! As we wrap up #NationalMentoringMonth, HISPA is thrilled to celebrate its Role Model Program surpassing ??,?????? ???????????? ????????????! This incredible achievement reflects the dedication and passion of our amazing HISPA Role Models who continue to volunteer and inspire students nationwide. Each visit represents a unique moment of mentorship, where role models share their stories and show students what’s possible. Together, we’re shaping the future and proving that representation matters. ???? ?????? ?????? ?????????? ???????? ????????????: thank you for your time, energy, and commitment. You are making an immeasurable impact! ?? Learn more about this milestone and how you can get involved at hispa.org. Let’s keep driving change and inspiring the next generation!??? Verizon, Merck, Bloomberg, Delta Dental Foundation, PSEG, Amazon, Bank of America, Bristol Myers Squibb, ETS, Prudential Financial, Visa, UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS) Ivonne Diaz-Claisse, Ph.D., Rodrigo “Rod” Colon, Addriana Montalvo-Andujar, Fred Cline, Kelly Grossman, Evelyn Melendez, Jose L. Kruyff, Natalia Osorio Quintero

?????? ?????????? ???? ????????????????????! “Sharing my story, connecting with students, and seeing their reactions reminds me why I do what I do. No matter what’s happening in my own life, I feel called to show up for these kids. It’s not just a responsibility; it’s a privilege, and it fills me with gratitude every time.” This HISPA Role Model’s powerful words highlight the impact of mentorship. By sharing their stories and experiences, our Role Models inspire Hispanic youth to dream big and believe in their potential. Mentorship is a two-way street: students learn from others’ experiences, and those sharing their stories also gain something deeply meaningful. As another HISPA Role Model said, “It helped me really appreciate what I have gone through. It helped me value more what my family has done for me. And it gave me a reminder that I have to keep studying to give them something back in the future.” ? Want to make a difference too? Sign up to become a volunteer by visiting portal.hispa.org. Together, we can create a future full of endless possibilities. ?? #NationalMentoringMonth #RepresentationMatters #HISPARoleModels

Grateful for the incredible work of Ivonne Diaz-Claisse, Ph.D., and the entire #HISPA team! Your dedication to empowering underrepresented students with access to mentors and resources is paving the way for their growth, progress, and achievements through education. Thank you for being such a powerful force for change! Don’t miss the next event in Miami next week! Get your tickets at: https://3kings.hispa.org/ Be part of this amazing mission!