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Sophia Borrego

For biomedical sciences major Sophia Borrego, shifting her academic path marked the start of an inspiring journey. During her second-semester general chemistry course and through the Chemistry Peer-Led Team Learning program, she discovered not only a love for science but also a passion for helping others succeed.

Driven by her commitment to service and student success, Borrego became actively involved in organizations that allowed her to make a meaningful impact on campus. She served as a Supreme Court justice and senator-at-large in the Student Government Association (SGA), led as president of the Medical Professions Organization (MPO) and served as academic chair of the Pre-Dental Society. In these roles, she helped facilitate the MPO’s bus trip to 10 medical schools across Texas and contributed to developing the Organic Chemistry Peer-Led Team Learning program in collaboration with the ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ of Rochester and the ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ of Chicago.

Reflecting on her experience, Borrego shared: “My journey at UTEP gave me the confidence to find my voice and the courage to use it.”

Borrego is currently preparing for the Dental Admission Test to gain entry to dental school.

Eduardo Hiram Ceballos Faour

Eduardo Ceballos, a computer science graduate from the Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering with a minor in mathematics, describes his time at UTEP as life-changing and transformative. Raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, he began his journey at UTEP after receiving a full scholarship from the Alumni Association and the state of Chihuahua as an international student. 

Early in his academic career, Ceballos gained hands-on experience as a software engineer at a startup, creating real-world impact through technology. He later participated in competitive opportunities, including the Google Tech Exchange program in San Francisco and multiple attendances at the Great Minds in STEM conference.

Committed to giving back, Ceballos served as a senator-at-large in SGA and as president of Visión Mexico. He also shared his passion for teaching as a departmental teaching assistant, mentoring and supporting fellow students.

Driven by his interest in both finance and technology, Ceballos completed two internships with Goldman Sachs in Dallas, where he will begin his full-time career as a software engineer this spring.

Giselle Ophir Giménez Gayosso

Giselle Giménez Gayosso’s journey as a UTEP Miner has prepared her for a career that bridges linguistics, teaching and advocacy. A former Honors Program and double-major undergraduate, she is now pursuing a master’s degree in bilingualism and applied linguistics.

Throughout her academic career, Giménez Gayosso actively pursued numerous UTEP Edge experiences. She worked as a student employee at the UTEP Dinner Theatre, a linguistics research assistant and a teaching assistant. She further demonstrated her leadership by founding and leading the Linguistics Student Organization. Now, as a graduate student, one of her primary goals is to strengthen the binational collaboration she initiated between the National Autonomous ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ of Mexico and UTEP to create opportunities for future students.

A two-time study abroad participant, Gimenez Gayosso also served as a Miners Abroad Ambassador, helping fellow students access international opportunities and scholarships. Her achievements have been recognized through several awards, including the Lou Ella Burmeister Study Away Award, the Houston Endowment, the Sally W. Rosen Endowment and the national competitive Phi Kappa Phi Pioneer Award.

After receiving her master’s degree at UTEP, she holds aspirations of earning a Ph.D. in applied linguistics and becoming a language instructor for learners who, like her, have left their home countries in search of greater opportunities.

Gabriela Idaly Macias

For Gabriela Macias, a forensic biology major, Terry Scholar and Bill Archer Fellow, her time at UTEP has been marked by academic excellence, leadership and service. These experiences have shaped her growth academically, professionally and personally while preparing her for the next chapter of her career.

Macias earned Dean’s List recognition and completed the Miners Leadership Initiative Certificate while pursuing opportunities that expanded her leadership and public service experience. As an Archer Fellow, she served as a legislative intern in Washington, D.C., gaining insight into policymaking and national leadership. She also graduated from the FBI Collegiate Student Academy, strengthening her interest in a career in law enforcement.

On campus, Macias served as a Student Organization Support Intern, outreach coordinator for Yes She Can, and a Hoover House Ambassador, dedicating her time to empowering fellow students and embodying UTEP pride. Through UTEP Edge experiences, community service and campus involvement, she developed skills that continue to guide her work.

After graduation, Macias plans to take a gap year to gain professional experience before pursuing a career with the FBI. Her long-term goal is to serve with integrity while supporting and protecting her community. Reflecting on her journey, she often quotes her favorite superhero: “We are who we choose to be,” a reminder of her commitment to lead and serve with purpose.

Jose Gael Muñoz

Jose Gael Muñoz, a finance student at UTEP, wanted to show that success can be achieved while staying connected to and supporting his community. Although he was accepted to several universities, including Ivy League schools, he chose to pursue his education at UTEP, where he could grow academically and give back locally.

During his time at UTEP, he was actively involved in several organizations, including the Association of Latino Professionals for America, the Financial Management Association and the Finance and Investments Club. Being surrounded by driven, like-minded peers helped strengthen his determination to excel.

One of Muñoz’s most meaningful experiences at UTEP was serving as a teaching assistant, where he connected with students at the start of their academic journeys. He learned that mentorship is not just instruction, but the impact of lifting others up as they climb.

As Muñoz reflects on his experience, he carries a strong belief that UTEP students can reach remarkable heights: “Miners do not simply belong in rooms — they lead them.”

After graduation, Gael Muñoz will begin his career in finance with Deloitte in New York City. He looks forward to building his expertise and taking on leadership roles where he can contribute to his team and make a meaningful impact. He also plans to pursue an MBA to broaden his global perspective and continue his professional growth.

Andrea Victoria Nuñez

For Andrea Nuñez, a bilingual education major and first-generation student, attending UTEP was a lifelong dream. From the start, she aimed to make a meaningful impact in education, and UTEP offered countless opportunities to do just that.

Nuñez began her campus involvement at the Student Engagement and Leadership Center (SELC), serving as a leadership intern, social media and web design intern and member of the Mineros Entertainment Board. She also dedicated her time to the El Paso community as a UTEP summer youth camp leader and a volunteer with CommUNITY en Acción. On campus, she held leadership roles as president of the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society and the Bilingual Education Student Organization. She earned the Terry Scholarship and served as vice president and president of the Terry Scholars Student Organization.

Through these experiences, Nuñez discovered that her passion for education and leadership extended beyond the classroom. She became actively involved in SGA, serving as Collegiate Senator for Education, Vice President for External Affairs and ultimately President. In these roles, she represented UTEP on The ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ of Texas System Student Advisory Council, advocating for students across Texas.

Nuñez has accepted a position with Clint Independent School District, where she is currently teaching third-grade bilingual students.

Darek Samuel Perez

For Darek Perez, a psychology major in the College of Liberal Arts, attending UTEP opened doors to opportunities. These experiences allowed him to thrive and set him on a path toward a career in public service and social work.

As a Texas Leadership Scholar, Perez became deeply involved on campus while working at the SELC. He developed his leadership skills through involvement in several student organizations, including the Food Equity Student Council, and served as the inaugural president of the Texas Leadership Scholars Organization, a program supported by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Through this program, Perez earned the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica, broadening his cultural perspective on leadership.

Perez also participated in the Campus Office for Undergraduate Research Initiatives (COURI) MERITUS Program, gaining valuable research experience. His academic and professional journey later took him to the Library of Congress as an Archer Fellow, where he interned in Washington, D.C., and to a congressional internship in the office of U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar.

After graduation, Perez plans to pursue graduate studies in social work and public affairs, with the goal of advocating for equitable access to food, housing and education.

Enrique Pineda Sanchez

For Enrique Pineda Sanchez, a philosophy and psychology major in the College of Liberal Arts, attending UTEP was a career-defining opportunity. He embraces this second chance by dedicating his academic and professional journey to helping others receive opportunities of their own.

During his time at UTEP, Pineda Sanchez contributed to the legal representation of more than 300 clients in state and federal courts, working with public defender offices and Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid from El Paso to Washington, D.C. His journey began in the Mock Trial Association, where he developed foundational trial skills as a member and later served as president. He built appellate experience through the Law School Preparation Institute and expanded his advocacy work as an Archer Fellow, learning directly from national legislators. By his senior year, he was drafting constitutional challenges in national security cases and addressing public health concerns within correctional facilities.

In addition to his professional work, he has conducted, presented and published research across philosophy and education. His achievements earned him several honors including, the Carl and Margret Jackson Award in Philosophy, a GET PHIT Public Health Award and a COURI MERITUS Award for his education research.

Pineda Sanchez has received multiple acceptances at prestigious law schools and will begin pursuing his Juris Doctor this fall at the ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ of Chicago, focusing on impact, litigation and advocacy within the criminal justice system.

Iliana Jacqueline Ramirez

Iliana Ramirez, a biomedical sciences major with a minor in public health, is driven by a steadfast commitment to service, leadership and health equity. Her journey at UTEP has been defined by the integration of rigorous research and community-centered care. She has contributed to cancer research through prestigious fellowships, served as a medical scribe in local clinics and interned with the El Paso Department of Public Health.

A dedicated advocate for students and her community, Ramirez served two terms as Collegiate Senator of Science with SGA and represented the ¹ú²ú͵ÅÄ as a member of the Student Health & Wellness Advisory Committee. She was also recognized as a Truman Scholarship nominee and a Hawkins Scholarship finalist. Her leadership extended into academic support initiatives, where she established UTEP’s first Peer-Led Team Learning program for Organic Chemistry and founded a student organization dedicated to empowering Latino students pursuing careers in healthcare.

Reflecting on her journey, Ramirez shares: “I believe that the true power of a dream is its capacity to build bridges, both as a path for my own growth and a way forward for others. My commitment is to ensure that the healing I provide and the science I discover always find their way back to the community that raised me.”

Following graduation, Ramirez plans to pursue a career as a physician-scientist, focusing on advancing cancer diagnostics while advocating for equitable healthcare policy.

Ruben Adrian Romero

For Ruben Romero, a rehabilitation sciences student in the College of Health Sciences, his UTEP experience has been centered on service, leadership and preparation for a career in speech-language pathology.

Early in his undergraduate years, Romero became involved in the Student Association of Rehabilitation Sciences, where he volunteered at community service events and built connections with fellow students. His dedication to service led to his election as community outreach officer and later as president, where he now supports and guides peers pursuing careers in healthcare.

Romero also served as an Executive Orientation Leader and as an Undergraduate Assistant within the College of Health Sciences and the College of Nursing Dean’s Office. In his role as an orientation leader, he was recognized as the Summer 2024 Orientation Leader MVP and the Superstar with Parents Award for his dedication to supporting students and their families. As a daily commuter across the U.S.-Mexico border, he encouraged incoming students with similar experiences to see their backgrounds as a source of strength.

In addition to his leadership roles, Romero contributed to research projects examining how communication and forms of expression may be impacted among diverse populations experiencing hardship.

After graduation, Romero plans to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Following several years of clinical practice, he hopes to earn a Ph.D. and return to academia as a professor and mentor for future multilingual clinicians.