ALPFA

As the founder and President of the Association of Latino Professionals for America chapter at Vanguard University, I established a new professional organization dedicated to empowering students through career development, networking, and leadership opportunities. In this role, I led the chapter’s vision and operations, organized meetings and events, and built a strong foundation for long-term growth and impact within the campus community.

What is ALPFA?

Founded in 1972, the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA) is a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering professionals and students through career development, leadership, and community. With a network of over 100,000 members, ALPFA provides access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and real-world professional growth.

Through events such as workshops, speaker sessions, and networking experiences, ALPFA equips students with the tools, confidence, and connections needed to succeed in competitive career spaces. It serves as a bridge between education and industry, with a strong emphasis on uplifting and advancing Latino leadership while remaining inclusive to all.

Founding ALPFA at Vanguard University

Founding the Vanguard University chapter of ALPFA was both a vision and a responsibility I felt called to pursue. With the recent establishment of Vanguard’s official business school, named after Patty Arvielo, the first Latina to have a business school named after her, it created powerful momentum on campus.

Seeing that representation inspired me to take action and ensure that students, especially Latino students, had access to the resources, mentorship, and community needed to thrive professionally.

Building this chapter from the ground up required initiative, resilience, and strategic thinking. I navigated the process of establishing an official organization, building a leadership team, and creating a foundation that would be sustainable long after my time at Vanguard.

As a Latina woman, this work holds deep personal significance. Founding this chapter means creating opportunities that I know are needed. It is incredibly rewarding to know that this organization will continue to impact students for years to come, serving as a lasting contribution to the Vanguard community.

ALPFA Presidency

Serving as President, I led the chapter with a focus on growth, engagement, and professional development. I was responsible for overseeing all operations, setting the vision for the organization, and ensuring that every initiative aligned with ALPFA’s mission.

My role included planning and executing events centered on career readiness, networking, and leadership development. I actively built relationships with professionals through local ALPFA Orange County networking events and followed through on those connections by inviting speakers to engage with and invest in our chapter.

Through this position, I developed strong skills in event planning, professional outreach, leadership, and strategic execution. I learned how to turn ideas into tangible opportunities, manage responsibilities effectively, and create meaningful experiences that benefit others.

More than anything, this role allowed me to pour into the Vanguard community—creating access to resources, connections, and knowledge that help students take confident steps toward their future careers. It has been both an honor and a deeply fulfilling.

Accomplishments & Events

Community Building Welcome Bonfire

We hosted a get-to-know-you ALPFA & the board bonfire event to have potential members come out and network, build community, and learn all about ALPFA

ALPFA OC Winter Cafecito

ALPFA Orange County hosted a winter Cafecito where members got to network with professionals as well as other ALPFA Chapters in Southern California to build relationships and come back to our chapter with new ideas.

ALPFA OC Spring Cafecito

ALPFA Orange County hosted a Spring Cafecito where members got to network with professionals, seek mentorship, learn leadership skills, and connect with Orange County professionals.

ALPFA OC Networking Events

Through ALPFA Orange County, I had opportunities to participate in many professional networking events that connected students with industry professionals across Orange County. In addition to attending monthly meetings with other presidents from ALPFA student chapters throughout the region, I had the opportunity to engage directly with professionals who are often available to serve as mentors, providing guidance, career insight, and meaningful professional connections.

Financial Literacy & Professionalism Workshops

With connections we made at ALPFA OC Networking events, we were able to make a relationship with an esteemed financial advisor who came to pour out her knowledge for our students.