Life after the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities National Internship Program (HNIP) is not so scary after all. In 2008, I graduated from California State University of Fullerton with a degree in Communications and participated in my third and final HACU summer internship with the Pension Benefits Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Twenty years old, fresh out of college, and I faced the most important question of my young life. “Maricela, would you accept a position with Mickey Ibarra & Associates to work with the Latino Leaders Network in Washington, DC?”

A career involving developing ongoing opportunities to bring leaders together, establishing relationships and dialogue on issues important to the Latino community, interacting with leaders from across America, and the opportunity to travel this beautiful country; Why did I not say ‘Yes’ immediately? Being the youngest of ten, leaving, not only my twin, but my entire my family in Southern California was a sacrifice I could not see myself making. The doors of opportunity were open just as HACU said they would be. Now I had to walk through them but I did not. I ran through them!

In September 2009, I celebrated my one year anniversary with Mickey Ibarra & Associates and the Latino Leaders Network. Accomplishments include: the Latino Leaders Luncheon Series events honoring Federico Peña, Mayor of Denver, CO; Dolores Huerta, Civil Rights Activist; Xavier Becerra; California State Representative; Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, Chancellor of The University of Texas System; and Soledad O’Brien, CNN anchor. Other achievements include a Latino Mayors Tribute honoring Raul Salinas, Mayor of Lerado, TX; a Latino Issue Hour focusing on teen pregnancy in the Latino community; and the Latino Leaders Network Inaugural Dinner Celebration welcoming the new administration to our nation's capital and to honoring Latino appointees of President Barack Obama.

Along with coordinating unforgettable events that directly impact our Latino community, I have too been given the opportunity to attend Washington, DC events that have allowed me to share the room with incredible leaders. Such as, the CHCI Annual Awards Gala where I stood feet away from President Barrack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor. 

Life after HNIP is not scary, it is amazing.

Maricela Huerta
Internship at Department of Treasury
From 5/8/2006 to 8/4/2008

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