Celebrating Diversity: Alexis Martinez
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH:
Sept. 15 - Oct. 15
In the College of Engineering, all are welcome. To better share the stories of how our faculty, staff, students and alumni are diverse in their many varying forms, we are celebrating various heritage and other nationally recognized months. This recognition will include stories about those in our greater engineering community, as well as sharing events and other opportunities.
Alexis Martinez
Student, Civil Engineering MajorQ: Describe a bit about your personal and/or professional background.
A: I am a second-year Civil Engineering student with an emphasis in either structural or transportation engineering. I am a Thompson Buffett Scholar and am originally from Columbus, Nebraska. However, most of my family is from Zimapán, Hidalgo, Mexico.This year, I have taken leadership positions in some student organizations including the President of the Engineering Community Council (ECC) and the Vice President of Communications for Latinx in STEM (LSTEM).
Q: What is your role in the College of Engineering – and what do you enjoy (love!) about what you are doing?
A: I am a member of the Nebraska Student Engineering Council at Omaha (NESCO), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Concrete Canoe Team, and the Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP). My involvement in the College of Engineering has proved to benefit my personal and academic life in ways I could not have imagined. They have provided me with the resources to remain passionate and successful in my college journey. More importantly, I have created relationships with people that share similar aspirations as myself. This simple fact is the main reason why I enjoy staying involved in my community.Q: Why is your heritage meaningful to you and your family? Is there a specific example/event/tradition of how you showcase or celebrate your heritage in its many forms?
A: I hold the utmost importance to my family’s heritage as it is a part of my family’s past. It is crucial to recognize each other’s heritage, for us to see life from distinct perspectives and appreciate the richly diverse community we are lucky to share and live in.In my Mexican culture, the winter festivities are an especially exciting time to experience. During the days leading up to Christmas, my family takes part in Posadas. It carries a religious significance, and it is a time to celebrate with friends and family. It usually involves activities such as dancing, singing, and eating delicious authentic Mexican food.