Our Hermandad is filled with movers, shakers, and barrier breakers. We are proud to shine a spotlight on our Hermanas of all ages and in different stages of life to celebrate their recent accomplishments at the local, state, and national levels.

Mayra Gonzalez

Hermana Qanitalis

Mu Chapter, Fall 2009

 

Heritage: El Salvador

Institution: George Mason University

Major: Communication

Minor: Business

 

Education: “I've obtained a Masters In Corporate Communications (Digital Strategy focused) from Georgetown University.”

 

Current Profession: “I'm a Digital and Brand Manager. I also own District Knockout, LLC. where I build websites for small and local businesses in my area. I also started MouseRoute.com where I sell customized Disney Vacation Itineraries.”

 

Hobbies/interests: “I'm a huge Disney, makeup, fitness, juicing, reality tv, and technology junkie. I love Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, and Rick Ross (random) music. I'm a DC United soccer fan, love drinking out of mason jars (the basic in me) and I love trying Food Truck food.”

Future goals: “My future goals are to continue being an entrepreneur and continue learning the ever-changing realm of digital strategy.”

 

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Elaine Townsend Utin

Hermana Ya'alinesa

Phi Chapter, Spring 2011

 

Heritage: Peruvian American

Undergraduate: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Major: BA in Middle Grades Education

Graduate School: Harvard Graduate School of Education

Concentration: EdM in Technology, Innovation, and Education

  

Current Profession: “I am the Assistant Director of N.C. Sli - helping over 130 incredible Latinx high school scholars in North Carolina achieve their dreams via identity and leadership development and college/career planning.”

 

Hobbies/interests: “Netflix is my vice, piano is my core, and reading is my motivation.”

Future goals: “My passions lie with working with my Latinx community in the fields of education, mentoring, and technology. If you ever wonder what I'm doing... I'm probably something related to these fields.”

Awards/Recognitions: 2016 Harvard Graduate School of Education Intellectual Contribution/Faculty Tribute Award, 2015 UNIDOS Council - Most Influential Alumni Award, 2014 UNC School of Education Outstanding Young Alumna Award, 2012 - 2014 Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in South Korea, 2012 National LPC La Cultura Latina Award, 2012 University Diversity Award, Order of the Golden Fleece Inductee, Gates Millennium Scholar, Carolina Covenant Scholar, Buckley Public Service Scholar

 

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Diana Orellana

Hermana Rixzarili

Mu Chapter, Fall 2013

 

Heritage: Guatemala

Institution: George Mason University

Major: Criminology

Minor: Information Technology

 

Current Profession: “I am a Teller at Suntrust Bank. I received the 2014 Gold Standard of Excellence award, coming in the top 10% of tellers in the Greater Washington/Maryland region.”

 

Hobbies/interests: “I love to help out my community and help out at my church as often as I can, it's such a fulfilling feeling when you know that you're giving back. I also love to read, I could spent a whole day just reading and I would be content.”

Future goals: “I plan on pursuing a career in criminology, hopefully working my way up to work with the FBI or CIA. I'm planning on working as hard as I can to be able to give back to my parents for all that they have done for me all these years.”

Fun Fact: "I am the Mu Chapter President of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. I am a member of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. I have received Dean's list each consecutive semester, since starting at Mason in Fall 2012."

 

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Yasmin Serrato

Hermana Likar'ul

Epsilon Chapter, Fall 2010

 

Heritage: Mexican

Institution: Georgetown University

Major: Science, Technology, and International Affairs

 

Current Profession: “I am a Senior Consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton and assist federal agencies by implementing strategic technology solutions. I have been awarded a Performance Team Award and a High5 award for my client service and team oriented solutions.”

 

Hobbies/interests: “I am an avid reader of autobiographies and love coffee.”

Future goals: “As an MBA fellow with the Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), I plan to pursue an MBA in the near future. I want to continue my work in the technology sector and assist companies/organizations as a product manager.”

 

Awards/Recognitions: "I received the 2013 Lena Landegger Community Services Award." 

Fun Facts: "I'm the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. and received the Sorority's Community Services Award in 2013."

 

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Carolina Ruiz

Hermana Ítzali

Mu Chapter, Fall 2010

 

Heritage: Peru and Chile

Institution: George Mason University

Major: Psychology and History

 

Education: “I graduated from George Mason University with my Masters in Social Work in May 2014.”

 

Current Profession: “I am currently a Hospital Discharge Planner in Alexandria, VA. My role in the hospital is to assess each patient and identify any barriers to discharge. My goal is to ensure that each patient has a safe discharge plan once they are medically cleared to leave the hospital. As a social worker, I also assist with facilitating family meetings." 

 

Hobbies/interests: “I started getting into boxing/kickboxing (great way to relieve stress) and of course I love spending time with my friends, family, and Hermanas.”

Future Goals: “My goal is to eventually become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and to hopefully work within the school system as a School Social Worker.”

Fun Fact: “I am currently the Regional Secretary for Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc.'s Mid-Atlantic Region.”

  

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Stephany Ruiz

Hermana Xulénizet

Gamma Chapter, Spring 2013

 

Heritage: Colombia

Institution: University of Albany

Major: Criminal Justice / Psychology

Minor: Business

 

Education: “I am a full-time graduate student, while also maintaining a part-time internship with a law firm as a legal assistant.”

 

Hobbies/interests: “Working out has become more than a hobby and more of a lifestyle. Running and working out clear my mind and bring me a sense if tranquility amist all the craziness of school and work. Pushing myself past my limits is what motivates me to keep going. Reading classic literature is also something that I truly enjoy because it takes me to a different time and place.”

Future goals: “I aspire to obtain my Masters in two years and then move on to law school. Although it is an ambitious plan, I hope to be able to take advantage of any and all opportunities that I may come across. My ultimate goal is to become a prosecutor in the area of criminal law and some day in the future be able to have my own successful law firm.”

Fun Fact: “I was born in Colombia and came to the United States of America at the age of six. Having to learn a completely new language and adapt to new traditions and a completely different society was a great challenge. However, I did not let that discourage me from succeeding and fifteen years later I am able to say that I am the first in my family to graduate college and with honors. Academically and professionally I have been blessed and accomplished many goals due to the determination and perseverance my mother raised me with. No goal is impossible to achieve, they just require hard-work and perseverance.”  

 

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Mireya Vitela

Hermana Riliziél

Mu Chapter, Fall 2013

 

Heritage: Mexico

Institution: George Mason University

Major: Psychology

Minor: French

 

Education: “I am a 2014 GMU graduate with a BA in Psychology.”

 

Hobbies/interests: “I am very family-oriented. I love spending time with my family and loved ones. I love comedies, hot chocolate, and food. I am very open to experiencing different cultures as well as hearing stories of people who are passionate about their roots. I enjoy being inspired and helping to inspire others, especially other Latinas. I consider myself a lifelong learner and embrace life's challenges with a meaningful focus. I love being productive, doing purposeful things, and pushing myself to be a better person each day.”

Future goals: “I plan on pursuing a career in international development. I want to work for the federal government or a non-government organization in which I can contribute to significant humanitarian efforts that involve youth development and education. I also envision myself working on projects that focus on gender equality, especially the empowerment of women. I want to strive for a successful career so that I can also give back to my family for all the help they have given me in helping me be where I am today. I want to continue learning and growing personally, professionally, and spiritually.”

 

Awards/Recognitions: Throughout her academics Mireya has received honorary recognition for her noteworthy academic achievements, proficiency in multiple languages, social contributions, leadership involvement, and being a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society as well as the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.  

Fun Fact: Mireya served as Mu Chapter President in 2014. Currently she is serving as Mu chapter's Alumna Advisor. She loves the French language and has been incorporating it into her studies and life for 10 years. She has worked with several youth groups as an academic tutor and mentor helping them improve their academics and social opportunities. She has also worked with children of low-income and homeless families. She has taken part in service abroad as an English educator in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and has also been an enthusiastic propeller of recent international community service projects at Mu Chapter. 

 

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Melissa Pico

Hermana Je'alineh

Zeta Chapter, Spring 2012

 

Heritage: Ecuador

Institution: Syracuse University

Major: Information Technology

Minor: Global Enterprise Technology

 

Education: “Pursuing my Masters in Information Security Management at Syracuse University.”

 

Current Profession: “I'm currently working as a Consultant Intern at a technology management group for an accounting firm.”

 

Hobbies/interests: “My hobbies are cooking different types of food such Ecuadorian, Italian, Chinese, etc. I also like to go to EDM festivals and watch beauty tip tutorials.”

Future goals: “My future goals is pursue a career in the information security field and influence young girls to steer towards the STEM/IT field.”

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Yesenia Maldonado

Hermana Videnalu

Mu Chapter, Spring 2015

 

Heritage: Mexican

Institution: George Mason University

Major: Sociology

Minor: Graphic Design

 

Education: “I will be graduating in May 2016 with my bachelor’s degree.”

 

Current Profession: “I recently got a job offer with the paint store Sherwin-William's as a Color Consultant. I am very excited for the new experience I will get there.”

 

Hobbies/interests: “I love expressing myself creatively and going to the gym. I love food, the Orange Is the New Black series is my favorite, and I love to learn new things.”

Future goals: “While I am young I'd like to work with nonprofit organization that either focuses on helping criminalized youth or one for women who have been abused. I'd like to help people regain hope & confidence they may have lost about being able to succeed because of their circumstances. Once I'm older I would like to pursue an education career in art, to teach at an elementary school.”