Daisy Chavez Serrano

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I think something that is pretty interesting about my background is that I have worked in all types of settings in higher education including residential life, student life, academic advising, admissions, and currently in career services. Though I do not have an engineering background, I have done all the jobs noted above assisting engineering students.

What has led you to your current role

As a college student, I experienced all types of barriers to achieving my degree. I was a Latina, first-generation, low-income, rural student. I relied on the community of student services professionals to help me navigate higher education. The best advice I received as a student was to get involved. I did, and that filled me with purpose so much so that when it was time to graduate, I did not want to go. After following different career paths, I remembered how much I enjoyed being in a university setting and helping students and decided to do that as a profession. Working with students was and is motivating work for me. My own diverging career path led me to this role that I find meaning in and helping others in that journey is an honor.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I am perpetually filling my time with things I love and trying new things. Things I love are being outdoors, exercising, reading, and small woodworking projects. The new things I am filling my time with are learning about coffee, watercolor painting, and gardening.