Sofia Olivera (Nominated by peer)
Year(s) of HACU Participation (e.g. Summer/Fall 2000): Spring 2010
Type of HACU Participation (e.g. Internship): Internship
Current Internship (e.g. agency, title—example—program support specialist):SAMHSA
Education (e.g. University):
Other (e.g. professional designations, honors, etc, relevant to Officer Position):
Platform (sample provided): Sofia is currently interning for the second time. She is always helpful and is a natural born mediator. People drift to her for advice and help wherever she goes.
Karen Perez
Year(s) of HACU Participation (e.g. Summer/Fall 2000): Summer 2009
Type of HACU Participation (e.g. Internship): Internship
Current Internship (e.g. agency, title—example—program support specialist):
Federal Aviation Administration
General Aviation and Commercial Division, AFS-800
Education (e.g. University):
University of Miami
Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering, Undergrad
Other (e.g. professional designations, honors, etc, relevant to Officer Position):
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Vice President of Internal Affairs 2010 2011
Platform: I was born and raised by my single Dominican mother and my two siblings, in the Bronx, New York, where, reflecting on the type of schools I went to (urban, lack of funding, Black and Hispanics were the majorities, etc) I realize today that we were not really expected to succeed. Growing up there I never really thought about what career I wanted to have and at times I would brush off the thought of college as something that might not even be an option. Basically I wasn't informed, as many Hispanics are, and seeing myself today, coming from the type of background that I come from, it all comes down to education. There's no way I would have come across such a wonderful opportunity like HACU had I not been in school, at a SHPE meeting (at the incentive of free pizza!) and seen a presentation of a former HACU intern about how good an internship could really be, and how WITHIN REACH it really was.
At the hint of an opportunity, a human being can do so much, regardless of their background (ethnic, economic, etc.) Engineering has taught me so much about myself in that you don't have to be a genius to do something, it's all a matter of applying yourself and learning what you need to learn to do it. We tend to shy away from the things we don't know about or the things we THINK we can't do. Thus, I am running for the position of HNIP Ambassador because I really want everyone here to see how valuable your education and this summer's internship really is. Last year, I got a taste of what working in the Federal Government was really like, but it didn't really hit me how much of a big deal it was until I got home and came back in contact with so many of my family members, friends, and classmates who didn't really feel they had the ability or opportunity to succeed. Coming back this second summer I am so much more motivated to actually get to know the people I'm working with, to participate in any and every workshop that will help me to develop as a professional, and that much more eager to help out those that are having difficulties in adjusting to the office setting, or if you just feel out of place in a world full of business suits and insignificant chit-chatter. Regardless if we are a minority, we really do have a spot in the world of success (as pointed out by Mo Vela, the orientation guest speaker), and where we grew up or where we come from should not be a barrier. We keep hearing these words, but your internship really will be only as good as you make it. So for all my fellow interns, aside from anything having to do with HACU, if you have any questions about or are having difficulty adjusting to your internship, or you just need a second set of eyes, feel free to contact me. That being said, vote for me! =]
Raquel A. Vazquez
Year(s) of HACU Participation (e.g. Summer/Fall 2000): Spring 2010
Type of HACU Participation (e.g. Internship): Internship, Former HNIP Ambassador, HACU Capitol Forum
Current Internship (e.g. agency, title—example—program support specialist): U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Special Projects Assistant
Education (e.g. University): State University of New York at Binghamton - Sociology, Latin American and Caribbean Area Studies
Other (e.g. professional designations, honors, etc, relevant to Officer Position): New York City Urban Fellow, Summa Cum Laude & Phi Beta Kappa Honors
Platform (sample provided): I am pursuing the HNIP Ambassador position to better represent the body of current HACU interns. I truly admire the commitment of HACU in helping Latino students pursuing careers in the federal government. I, myself, am very passionate about pursuing a career in public service and as HNIP Ambassador, I want to encourage my fellow interns and colleagues to pursue their professional calling as well.
If elected to become HNIP Ambassador, I will continue to promote HACU events and activities and ensure successful turnout at volunteer events. I will also promote periodic volunteer opportunities so that HACU interns can join together and serve the communities we currently reside in within the Washington, D.C. area. I served as HNIP Ambassador during the spring and already possess experience serving on the HACU Alumni Association Board and fulfilling my responsibilities as Ambassador. In the spring, I also had a chance to participate in the HACU Capitol Forum - HACU's largest advocacy event and had the great opportunity to meet some of this nation's top leaders in higher education.
As HNIP Ambassador, I will welcome the ideas and concerns of current HACU interns to strengthen our internship experience. I hope to continue this service as HNIP Ambassador and serve as a liaison to all current HNIP interns this summer. Thank you.
Rosa Villalobos (Nominated by peer)
Year(s) of HACU Participation (e.g. Summer/Fall 2000): Spring 2010
Type of HACU Participation (e.g. Internship): Internship
Current Internship (e.g. agency, title—example—program support specialist): USDA, Office of the Secretary, Center for Faith Based and Neighboring Partnerships
Education (e.g. University): Bachelors degree in Human Services
Other (e.g. professional designations, honors, etc, relevant to Officer Position):
Platform (sample provided): I am nominating Rosa Villalobos as HNIP Ambassador because I believe she is a responsible person who takes everything she does seriously both personally and professionally. I have known Rosa throughout both of my internships here at HACU and have noticed how determined she is to succeed in her career. Being around people like her inspires me to live up to my standards and move ahead. Rosa aspires to become a Human Services professional one day. Just by seeing how driven she is, I have no doubt she will accomplish that one day. She is very motivated to move forward and takes advantage of every opportunity she gets. Having leaders like her will help make programs such as HACU a huge success for student achievement.
HOLA HACU Interns of Summer 2010 (as I like to call ourselves SUM10)!
I have been nominated to become HNIP Ambassador and I want to introduce myself and let you know a little bit about me. It is funny when people ask you where you are from because when that question is asked to us Latinos, we do not know what is meant or what to respond. Is the person asking you: where you were born?, in what state you currently live?, where your parents are from?, or are they inferencing what ethnicity you are? In a nutshell, I was born in Orange County, California, I have been living in Colorado for over 12 years and my parents are from Chihuahua, Mexico.
I am currently interning at the US Department of Agriculture in the Office of the Secretary at the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. I graduated this past May with my Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in at-risk youth. Yes!, I want to work with underprivileged adolescents and their families and pass down the torch in appreciation to the significant people that have come across my life and the opportunities I have earned so far. I know I will not be the richest person in the world but I know that I can and will make a difference in the lives of others especially among our Latino population, giving them opportunities to better their lives and eventually the lives of their families.
This is literally “The Real World: HACU.” Everything starts off with making friends with complete strangers, interns hooking up, visiting the many free places and events that DC has to offer and then of course the job opportunity in a government position. We are privileged to have these opportunities and need to always remember to give back. I am a strong believer that in life there is a need to have a balance between work and play. If you vote for me, I’ll make sure that your voice is heard and ideas are implemented to make this Summer of 2010 the best and set a higher standard for future generations to come!
Take care and you know that I am only a phone call or email away.
Peace,
Rosa Villalobos
