Tell us about what you're doing with your life
I'm living life to the max! For the past decade I have ran my success boutique consulting group which focuses on leadership and negotiation. I work with Fortune 100 companies as well as state agencies and municipalities in helping develop, retain and grow Latinos and women in business. When I'm not on a Zoom call or flight, you can find me in the outdoors of Colorado hiking, paddle boarding, snow shoeing, fishing. I'm also a theater nerd who enjoys attending shows on Broadway, off Broadway and community theater.
Which Cornell classmates do you keep in touch with?
I keep in touch with the Cornellianos in Puerto Rico. We went to Cornell together and we have stayed in touch through all of these decades. Every time I'm visiting Puerto Rico we get together. Heck, last year I did El Camino de Santiago (French route) with one of them, Grisel Padilla (pictured with me below). We are in the mist of planning another one for 2024. Anybody interested in joining us?
How has your time at Cornell influenced you since you graduated?
Cornell changed my life. As somebody who grew up poor in Puerto Rico, Cornell opened my eyes to all the opportunities that awaited me. It also gave me the confidence to believe I can make a difference in this world. I'm very proud of being part of the Big Red Family. I'm even prouder that my daughter Bianca (below) graduated this past May 2023 and is now a financial professional in NYC. Interesting fact for our family is that she graduated exactly 100 years after my Cuban grandfather graduated from Cornell. 3rd generation!!!
What advice would you give to a student starting at Cornell?
I know the days could be long and difficult when you are a student at Cornell; especially during those dark grey cold winter days. Yuck!!! However, there is something about that place that stays with you for the rest of your life. I will tell a new student what I told my daughter when I dropped her off in August 2019; enjoy every moment, even the difficult ones; because you will never be able to relive them. Before you know it you will be walking your graduation procession with tears in your eyes.