Driven by a deep commitment to inclusivity and equity, I was inspired to create a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community at my Engineering university. Recognizing the absence of such a space, I founded and led the university’s first-ever Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) club in 2013. This pioneering effort allowed me to establish meaningful connections with the National GSA Network in the USA and local LGBTQ+ organizations in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
As president, I led initiatives that empowered our members and fostered a sense of community. We successfully fundraised to send club officers to the annual GSA conference in California, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Our club also organized a variety of inclusive events, from safe-space speed dating and STD testing with local LGBTQ+ healthcare providers to educational seminars, festivals, and monthly conversations aimed at fostering understanding and connection.
Despite facing challenges and opposition from those against LGBTQ+ inclusion, this experience profoundly shaped who I am today. It solidified my unwavering commitment to integrity, fairness, compassion, and respect—values that continue to guide me in all that I do.
