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���ϲʿ�’s University is a thriving community that is delivering on its big mission to produce exceptional leaders, innovators and justice-minded thinkers who enhance the quality of life for all. From breaking down barriers to inspiring the next generation, four Hilltoppers share their stories about how they are helping to make a positive difference in our community and beyond.

Making a Mark

Ella Ochoa ’23 is a senior and first-generation Latina student — serving her peers as President of the Student Government Association at ���ϲʿ�’s University. Her representation of the student body has played a significant role in historic opportunities for the hilltop, including the recent adoption of a resolution commemorating February 9, 2023 as ���ϲʿ�’s University Day at the Texas State Capitol. “My role as president has been catalytic when it comes to my growth as an individual,” she says. “My experience has prepared me for life outside of the hilltop, because I have learned about the value of exposing myself to unfamiliar things.”

Overcoming Obstacles

As the first person in her family to attend college, Ochoa naturally felt nervous — even guilty — about leaving her mother and sister behind. “It has always just been the three of us, so they’re like my best friends. I felt a bit selfish for leaving them behind, but they never made me feel like I was making the wrong decision,” Ochoa commented. “They were really proud of me and wanted me to go out and take on my world!”

My Mission

Ochoa is inspired by her younger sister — who is living with a disability — to pursue a professional opportunity advocating for disability rights for children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ochoa returned home to McAllen, Texas to continue her studies online on a temporary basis. During this time, she noticed her sister was regressing due to the lack of access to in-person therapy. “She couldn't socialize as much. She couldn't really understand what was going on. So, it was really hard for me to see how my sister was being affected firsthand,” she says. “I could see myself doing some type of intersection of entrepreneurship and something that benefits kids with disabilities.”

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Making a Mark

Brandie Medina ’22 is the Early College High School Director for the High Island Independent School District in Galveston County, Texas. She has made history at the hilltop as the first Black woman to graduate from the new Doctorate of Education of Leadership and Higher Education program at ���ϲʿ�’s University.

While Medina’s achievement is a milestone for her and our university, she wants to see more efforts for people of color to pursue similar opportunities in higher education in general. “There needs to be some form of change or encouragement to have more people of color — or minorities of various communities — to be able to break down those barriers. They shouldn't have to take this long to make it happen.”

Overcoming Obstacles

Medina’s path toward earning her doctorate degree did not come without its challenges. She participated in the program while living in a shelter for women seeking safety from an abusive relationship. The mother of four could have given up, but she found her strength to keep on going. “When I tell you there were so many challenging moments — especially like not having anywhere to live — that's scary. But through it all, literally a couple of weeks later, I graduated.” 

My Mission

Coming from a family with parents — both ���ϲʿ�’s University graduates — who value a college degree, Medina would love to continue guiding students down the path of higher education. She is expected to complete her principal certification in May 2023, which could lead to opportunities as a school principal and a superintendent, but her aspirations don’t end there! “Eventually, I would love to work for the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. I think education as a whole has a lot of reform that needs to happen.”

Making a Mark

Liz Johnson ’20 is the Director of External Affairs for ���ϲʿ�’s University — leading our efforts to expand external relationships with unique organizations that benefit the hilltop. She also plays a vital role in developing collaborations with various leaders and public figures. “My role consists of acting as a liaison connecting St. Ed’s to the greater community — community groups, nonprofits and sometimes even local or state or federal officials.”

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Overcoming Obstacles

Prior to joining ���ϲʿ�’s, Johnson worked in healthcare taking on roles with Ascension Seton in St. Louis, Missouri and in Texas. These roles provided opportunities for her to work with various public figures, but the feeling of joy soon dissolved. “I worked with a lot of community members and elected officials and really enjoyed it! Then I kind of got burnt out and left without a job.”

After a six-month break, Johnson was ready to navigate her next career move. She attended a community event in Austin, where she learned about an employment opportunity at ���ϲʿ�’s University — an opportunity that would change her life. “I was educated by an institution very similar to St. Ed's, so I understood the mission and the approach of this education model. It was just a really good fit for me and I think for the institution too!”

My Mission

As Austin continues to grow and attract prospective college students, Johnson is using her role to create more learning opportunities for Hilltoppers — opportunities that will help prepare students for the workforce. “It can be class projects, it can be internships. I had a course this past fall where I had students do informational interviews with nonprofit advocates — these are the first steps you need to take to be able to get out into the professional world. We’re taking what we learn in the classroom and applying it to communities where we live and work.”

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Making a Mark

Monique Jiménez-Herrera is the first-ever Associate Vice President for Faculty Diversity Equity and Inclusion at ���ϲʿ�’s University. Jiménez-Herrera, a licensed clinical psychologist from Puerto Rico, leads the hilltop’s efforts to create a diverse, anti-racist and inclusive environment for faculty and staff. “I've been in higher ed for more than 20 years now. I've always chosen institutions that serve marginalized communities, whether they're Hispanic-serving institutions or have a mission that focuses on social justice in some way,” she says. “So when I saw that this institution had a position available, it was another way for me to have an impact and create change.”

My Mission

Jiménez-Herrera is continuing to carry out the university’s efforts to make our campus a welcoming environment not only for faculty and staff, but students as well. “Our social identities intersect. We have opportunities for students to find spaces that they want to be part of. I want them to know we care and that we are here to support them on their journey — we're going to do it with compassion and empathy.”