Growing up in a resilient low-income family, raised by my single mother alongside my brother, I developed a deep sense of empathy and commitment to serving Puerto Rico. I grew up in a household of public servants dedicated that worked in the judiciary field, education, public security and family services. In my whole childhood I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community service in people’s lives. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and commitment to Puerto Rico.
Witnessing the transformative power of community service in people's lives inspired my passion for public service and education, shaping my journey toward becoming a teacher. During my academic journey, I actively engaged in community work and leadership roles. As a student leader at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Guayama Campus, I advocated for library services and information access in Higher Education institutions. My involvement in various roles, including being a part of the Honors Student Program, President of the Student Council, Academic Student Senator, and University Council Representative, honed my leadership abilities and emphasized the importance of education in shaping the future of Puerto Rico.
My academic path initially led me to the field of Physical Education and Athletic Training. However, limited academic offerings and job opportunities in this area compelled me to explore alternative paths. This challenge became a catalyst for personal growth, forcing me to adapt and consider alternative careers. My journey led me to pursue a master’s in library and information sciences at the Faculty of Information and Communication of UPR-RP.
I have participated in prestigious internships in the government sector in Puerto Rico, particularly at the Puerto Rico House of Representatives under the Jorge Alberto Ramos Comas Internship, exposed me to a world of possibilities. Remarkably at the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, I provided valuable legislative advisory services to the Chairman of House District 30 and the Executive Director of various Committees, including Emergency Preparedness, Reconstruction and Reorganization, Development and Fiscal Supervision of the Southeast Region, and Public Security, Science, and Technology. Through these responsibilities, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the legislative process and developed the skills necessary to navigate complex policy matters. One of my key contributions was aiding in the formulation of legislative planning strategies and implementing effective methods for House District 30 and state-level affairs. These experiences equipped me with invaluable skills, enabling me to influence policymaking and advocate for change.
Under the Cordova & Fernós Internship I am developing a project called Puerto Rico Incubator of Digital Natives, this projects aims to reduce digital inequality on the island and empower Puerto Ricans to become confident and capable digital citizens through comprehensive information literacy education, fostering a culture of digital fluency for personal and social progress in the upcoming digital age.
As an academic librarian in formation, my strengths lie in research, knowledge management, and interpersonal communication. Proficient in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, I uphold ethical information practices and excel in building relationships with stakeholders including legislators and community leaders.
Looking forward, my long-term goals encompass continuing my studies at the graduate level, potentially reaching the doctoral level. While my interests reach between Higher Education Administration, Educational Policy, Sports Medicine, Athletic Training, Chiropractic, Law, Public Administration, Government, and Public Policy, I am yet to define a specific career path. I am certain, however, that I will remain a public servant by vocation, committed to making a meaningful difference in Puerto Rico.