Complete this sentence, "If not for MLT..."
I would not have the level of critical decision-making career insight, network, or access to opportunities that I've come to possess today.

Please describe the impact MLT had immediately upon completing your program.
Completing the Career Prep program gave me confidence at the start of my career. The watershed moment of going from college to career can be pretty daunting for anyone. MLT's playbook, the guidance and advice from Coach Griffin and even other Fellows, as well as the lessons learned from the conferences were helpful in building a sense of fortitude and direction for me. I took a calculated risk at the start of my career that has paid off, and MLT was there every step of the way— in one form or another.

How has MLT changed the financial/economic trajectory for you and your family?
In the past few years, I've learned more about economic mobility and how much awareness and access play roles in establishing upward progression. For children of immigrants and those who come from disadvantaged communities, it's critical to provide opportunities like MLT's programs to realize the potential and improve the prospects of capable, promising students. MLT has given me valuable insight and coaching about how to navigate a nuanced professional environment and that understanding has set me up to reach even greater heights.

Has MLT elevated your personal and professional aspirations? If so, please provide an example.
MLT has added color to the portrait of opportunities that await scrappy, promising minority individuals. The culture created among my CP peers was one of collaboration and inspiration. Seeing others accomplish great things in different professions and in their personal lives has provided me a sense of encouragement and enthusiasm to progress in my career and to stay engaged as a productive member of society. One example of someone who embodies this combination of personal and professional success is Jessie Hernandez, CP'11. While Jessie was not in my class, he was introduced to me via our coach, Coach Valerie Griffin. As I got to know Jessie, I saw that he could balance his professional role within consulting with being involved in the community through the DC Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs. When you participate in MLT, you join a network of excellence, and it's contagious.

How has MLT's community helped advance your personal and/or professional happiness?
MLT has helped advance my personal and professional happiness in a number of ways. As I was moving to Washington DC, I realized that I hardly knew anyone there. I asked my MLT coach, Valerie Griffin, if she could get me in touch with members of the MLT family, and I am so glad I did. The rapid concatenation of connections all started with one introduction. I am glad to say that I have been an active member of the alumni community and have participated in a number of MLT alumni events. I was also invited to serve on an outreach committee for MLT15's Alumni Advisory Council. Playing a small role to advance MLT's mission means a lot to me, and it brings me great joy to do so alongside peers I respect and admire.

Speak to a challenge MLT helped you overcome and how did that help your trajectory (i.e. confidence that you belong, growth mindset, vulnerability).
Coach Griffin was and still is a source of inspiration and life lessons. One time, I experienced major indecision and had to make tough choices that would alter the course of my future. She said, "Make a decision and tell three people who are close to you about it. Sleep on it and after a couple days, revisit your decision and consult with your people. If it still feels right, go for it." Encouraging me to trust my intuition for big judgment calls has helped me get to where I am. By pairing me with Valerie Griffin, MLT gave me a Coach, a sounding board, and a friend. I am grateful for the wisdom she has shared so that I can go into the world putting my best foot forward.

Have you helped advance vulnerable people on their path to economic mobility? If so, how?
MLT was recommended to me by Ariel Johnson-Peredo, a rockstar Career Prep (CP) alumna, who I met at a conference. She was kind enough to tell me about MLT and explain how it benefited her. I have done the same thing after having the immense fortune of participating in CP. While a CP Fellow and as an alumnus today, I have been excited to tell others about the program and I see it as a win-win-win. It's a win for the students who participate and grow from the experience, a win for the program to educate and have awesome Fellows, and a win for the employers (and society, overall) who are connected to high-achieving, hard-working diverse talent. Beyond spreading the word about MLT, I am involved in my high school's alumni association and serve on their Career Committee. On this committee, we aim to connect alumni across different professions with current students. We set up a panel so they can ask questions about college, careers, and everything in between. I didn't have such a forum at that age, so I'd like to provide a space where students can learn about what to expect and plan their futures in a well-informed fashion.

Share your favorite song, movie, or book, and why it appeals to you.
As a big futbol/soccer fan, this is one of the classics: Sergio Mendes' "Mais Que Nada." It's an exciting samba song filled with crescendos and it reminds me of one of my favorite players, the legendary Ronaldinho. It's best sung with a group of friends at a stadium.

What is your superpower?
Wordplay. In certain circles, I'm known for threading together some decent puns...or sew I'm told.

What gives you hope?
Kindness. We all have our own struggles going through life, but what gives me hope on a day-to-day basis is the kindness that I see people express through acts of civility, big or small.