One Dream, One Familia: UC Irvine Hosts the 2025 MAES Leadership Academy

Oct. 20, 2025 – The UC Irvine Samueli School of Engineering served as the academic host for the 2025 MAES (Latinos in Science and Engineering) Leadership Academy (MLA), an annual event dedicated to empowering and developing Latino STEM student leaders from MAES university chapters across the nation. Organized by the MAES National Board in partnership with UCI engineering on Oct. 10-12, this year’s Academy brought together 66 student leaders for three days of inspiration, professional development and community under the theme “One Dream, One Familia.”

Building on this spirit of unity, the conference convened students from 12 MAES chapters –  including UCI, Purdue University, UC Davis, San José State University, the University of Texas at Austin, Caltech, UC Riverside, the University of Houston, UC Santa Barbara, University of Texas at El Paso, MIT, and Texas A&M. Participants engaged in interactive workshops, panels with STEM professionals, a team-based leadership challenge, and professional development sessions focused on strengthening leadership, collaboration, chapter impact and advancing Latino representation in STEM.

UCI Samueli School of Engineering Dean Magnus Egerstedt opened the event, emphasizing that “Leadership is something we do together, lifting up other people. I really think the best thing you can do to set you up for future leadership is to be part of organizations like MAES.”

A highlight of the weekend was the keynote address by NASA astronaut and UC Regent José Hernández, who shared his extraordinary journey from migrant farmworker to NASA astronaut. He dreamed of becoming an astronaut when he was 10 years old when his family worked as migrant farmers. Thirty-seven years later in 2009, Hernández became a flight engineer on Space Shuttle mission STS-129 where he said he had “the best seat in the house” as he sat right between the two pilots.

Achieving his dream was not easy as his application was rejected 11 times by NASA. “Imposter syndrome happens at all levels,” Hernández said. “When that happens, take a time out. Focus on your past accomplishments. Convince yourself that you belong. Throw that imposter syndrome out the window. Believe in yourself.”

Attendees were deeply moved. “José Hernández truly inspired me because even though he was continuously getting rejected, he kept going and never gave up. That shows true determination,” said UCI Earth systems sciences junior Tyler Rosales. Hernández has been active in the Latino STEM community since he was a student, and he was also the former national president for MAES.

The Academy also featured faculty talks on servant leadership and resilience in STEM. Professor Julián Rímoli, chair of the UCI Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, shared his journey as one of the first Latino aerospace engineering professors in the southeastern United States. In his speech, he shared his life and career path and encouraged students to “embrace who you are.”  Luis Jáuregui, UCI assistant professor of physics and astronomy, and Regina Ragan, UCI professor of materials science and engineering, offered reflections on career growth and representation in STEM.

“What most inspired me from the MLA conference was hearing the stories from every professional and seeing that I was able to relate to many of them,” said UCI mechanical engineering senior Leonardo Casillas. “It gave me a little hope that I’m not alone when dealing with problems I face at school.” 

“MLA 2025 was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we lead with purpose and intention. I learned that true leadership is rooted in service, in creating space for others, uplifting our community, and advocating for representation,” said Shirley Calderon, marketing chair for her chapter at San Jose State University. “As a first-generation Latina student, I carry the hopes of my family and community with me.”

During the Bravo Awards Ceremony, held at the closing banquet and accompanied by mariachi music celebrating Latino culture, the MAES National Board honored chapters and professionals for exceptional leadership and service. UCI’s MAES chapter received the 2025 El Ejemplo – Student Chapter Award, recognizing it as a national model for student excellence. Analía Rao, executive director of the Stacey Nicholas Office of Outreach, Access and Inclusion at the UCI Samueli School of Engineering, was honored with the 2025 Virtuoso Professional Award, which recognizes professionals who demonstrate exemplary capabilities in mentorship, management and leadership, and who have been a long-time champion for diversity and inclusion.

Rao said that hosting the MAES Leadership Academy at UC Irvine was an incredible honor. “The event was truly inspiring and empowering – a powerful reminder of what makes MAES unique: a strong sense of familia and comunidad, where members uplift one another, lead with purpose and celebrate our shared heritage,” she said. “I’m proud of our MAES UCI chapter, humbled to be recognized and grateful to the MAES National Board for trusting us to bring this special experience to our campus."

The Student Team Challenge encouraged collaboration and problem-solving, asking teams to analyze a complex scenario, identify root causes, and propose short and long-term goals and an action plan.  Students described the weekend as transformative and affirming. “Meeting professionals and fellow students at the MAES conference helped me learn how to navigate parts of my professional life post-grad in order to pass some of that knowledge onto other students at my chapter,” said MIT student Victor Rosales. “I look forward to sending other MIT MAES members back in future years!”

“I was inspired by the passion and support within the MAES community,” added Jannette Varela Saray, UCI biological sciences senior. “I loved seeing everyone come together, connect, and celebrate each other’s achievements.”

The 2025 MAES Leadership Academy closed with music, pride and gratitude—an unforgettable celebration of shared dreams, collective leadership and the growing strength of the MAES familia.

- Natalie Tso