Cadence Academic Network Blogs

In the final installment of our Diversity in Technology Scholarship blog series, we’re spotlighting the eight recipients of Cadence’s Latinx Students in Technology Scholarship and their stories. These students were chosen based on their outstanding academic records, leadership potential, and recommendations by their professors and advisors.

Diversity and inclusion lead to unique perspectives, ideas, and ultimately, innovations, that will better technology and our world. It’s why we’re excited to support technology scholarships for Black students, Women students, and Latinx students. These are just a few of the countless students working in STEM who inspire us. Read on to learn about our winners’ journeys pursuing a career in technology and be sure to check out the video below for more about their career goals, the advice they have for other students, and what this scholarship means to them.

Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients and everyone who submitted applications. Thank you to each student for sharing their story and the impact they’re having on the world of STEM.

Jacqueline Villalobos, University of Texas at Austin

I have always been fascinated by science, especially engineering because of its ingenuity, but most importantly how it changes lives. Engineering allows you to look at the world in completely different way, instead of problems—solutions, simple things can be innovated into fresh, new ideas. I love that you can create something that can impact lives and give people a better life, like medical devices. I am pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering because I wish to one day create and build medical devices for economically developing countries and under-served communities.

Alejandro Diaz, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

My advice is that students need to remember why they are getting a degree. They need to remember what drives them—family, friends, a dream. And once the drive is there, they need to have fun, take each day one at a time, live in the moment, make friends, and do things that at first might seem outside of your comfort zone.

Laura Leon, San Jose State University

Don't be afraid to explore your options. It's okay if you don't know what career path you want to take. Go out and explore different classes that peak your interest and sooner or later you'll find what you're passionate for. Also, another piece of advice would be to NETWORK. Build your networking skills and meet as many people as you can in your major. It can be professionals, professors, or classmates. You never know when that one person can help you land a job or become a great mentor.

Jose Puga, San Jose State University

My advice would be that once you know what area of engineering you wish to pursue to hold onto that goal and persevere and, regardless of how many times you fall, keep chasing towards that goal. Also, I would like to point out that as a minority it’s very important to focus not only on the academic side but also technical side of engineering, it's what's going to open more doors for you in the future.

Sergio Mendez Vargo, Carnegie Mellon University

When I first found out that Formula 1 cars are designed and manufactured by engineers, I wanted to be an engineer myself. The word sounds so cool, too . . . engineer. With that goal in my horizon, I met great mentors and professors that guided me towards my recently awarded Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Emily Anaya, Stanford University

I recommend developing confidence in your ability to succeed. This comes with hard work and dedication. Enjoy your journey and always strive to reach new limits.

Andrew Gonzalez, Georgia Institute of Technology

I'm beyond grateful for this recognition, it motivates me to keep working hard and keep representing my fellow Puerto Ricans, wherever I might be. My advice to other students is, instead of thinking about what you don't have, be grateful for what you do have and always make the most of it. Hard work beats talent.

Martin Sebastian Fernandez, Stanford University

I dream of becoming a tenure-track research professor so that I can conduct cutting-edge perovskite research, continue teaching at the university level, and diversify the academy as a Peruvian male and thus mentor the next generation of engineers.