Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: I’ve worked at Rice for 2 1/2 years. I started on the events team within Development and Alumni Relations and have been in my current role for about seven months.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: The people. From staff and faculty to students and alumni, Rice brings together not only brilliant minds but also individuals who go the extra mile to build meaningful communities.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: I live in Katy, which I love despite the commute, but Houston is truly one of the best places to live and work. I love the energy of the city as well as its people and culture.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I enjoy traveling, photography, exploring new food spots around Katy and Houston, painting, singing and spending time with friends and family. I also love learning. When I travel for work, I make time to visit a museum. Recently, I visited the Monet and Venice exhibit in San Francisco and the National Museum of Nuclear Science in Albuquerque.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: There are so many great places on campus, but my favorite is Susan and Fayez Sarofim Hall. As someone who loves the arts and architecture, I always enjoy visiting for both the space itself and the students’ creativity. I also have a soft spot for it since I worked on both the groundbreaking and opening while I was on the events team.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: I love commencement and alumni weekend. It’s special to see students and families come together to celebrate such an important milestone, and it is just as meaningful to watch alumni return, reconnect and celebrate their shared experience.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: Community. I admire the sense of connection Rice instills in its students, staff, faculty and alumni — something that truly transcends time. Through my work, I get to see firsthand the passion people have for Rice and the communities they continue to build after graduation.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I enjoy creating programming that brings Rice alumni together where they live. It feels like I’m bringing a piece of Rice with me every time I travel and helping alumni stay connected to the university and to one another.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: One of my most memorable accomplishments has been growing into a role where I can lead and create meaningful experiences for alumni across different cities. It’s incredibly rewarding to see an idea come to life in a way that brings people together. Personally, I’m proud of how I’ve continued to push myself to grow — through travel, new experiences and stepping into opportunities that once felt intimidating.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: I enjoy anything that allows me to be creative or explore. I love painting, singing, photography, junk journaling and trying new food spots. I also really value time with friends and family, whether it’s a quiet night at home or an adventure somewhere new.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Give yourself grace as you learn. There’s a lot to take in, and it’s OK not to know everything right away. Stay curious, ask questions and take time to build relationships. The community here is one of Rice’s greatest strengths.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Texas when I was 12. My culture has always centered me around creating experiences and building connections.
I graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in communications, concentrating in media production, along with a minor in creative work through the Honors College.
During that time, I was involved in Honors College Theater, where I acted in and directed plays and worked on several short films.
After graduating, I worked in the film industry before spending time working at Walt Disney World in Orlando. I later returned to Houston, worked in tech and eventually joined Rice on the events team within Development and Alumni Relations.
Each of these experiences shaped my path and strengthened my passion for bringing people together. Moving into my current role felt like a natural next step, allowing me to do that work on a broader scale across different communities.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: I love trying new places, but I’ll never say no to Korean barbecue or a sweet treat, especially a matcha from Muni Muni Matcha or a good coffee. I’m always on the lookout for hidden gems around Houston and Katy.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: My ability to connect with people and make them feel comfortable quickly. It’s something that really helps me in both my work and in building community.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Trust yourself more and don’t be afraid to take up space. The things that feel uncertain now will eventually make sense. Every step is part of the journey.
Q: If you could be Sammy the Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I’d borrow a golf cart, go to as many events as possible and surprise people. It would be fun to bring extra energy to campus and see everyone’s reactions.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: Meaningful and rewarding. I’ve had the opportunity to grow, learn and be surrounded by people who genuinely care about their work and community.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: I see Rice continuing to expand its impact while staying true to what makes it special: its strong sense of community and commitment to excellence. I think alumni networks will become even more connected and influential around the world.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: It’s hard to choose just one, but being part of milestone moments, whether major events or alumni reconnecting, always stands out. Those moments where you can feel the pride and connection in the room are very special.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Community, excellence, connection and pride.
Q: What else have we not talked about yet that merits discussion?
A: It’s worth highlighting how much the alumni community continues to shape the Rice experience beyond campus. The relationships do not end at graduation — they grow and evolve, and it is special to be part of that ongoing connection.