It’s not every year I turn forty.  But every year, a group of motivated students and recent graduates like Pamela, Myriam and Tomas embark on an exciting path: to follow their dreams in the nation’s capital and earn a competitive internship that will change their lives.
Yet for most students, these dreams are simply out of reach. Over half of FIU’s student population are the first in their families to attend college, and nearly 50% of our undergrads depend on financial aid to support their studies alone.  The prospect of a life-changing internship or job opportunity in Washington is not within their reach, although they represent the exciting future of our country.
Hold the personal birthday presents and give back to those who make us all proud.  We invite you to join with us to Make A Difference and help us open doors for our students in Washington, D.C.
Much love,
Carlos A. Becerra ’98, ‘01
 

Your Gift At Work

Pamela Lopez ‘17
Current FIU student and intern for Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart
Pamela arrived to Washington after earning a prestigious fellowship and has found alumni support critical to her experiences on Capitol Hill and a corporate policy shop.
Why I Give: “Making it to DC was not something I saw happening in my immediate future, especially not before graduating. It’s an expensive town with countless unpaid opportunities. I’ve been in a tight spot where I couldn’t afford to invest in myself alone, others have helped and I am grateful. Nothing is ever too small; every dollar is a stepping stone for a student’s future!”
Katherine A. Vargas ‘04
Alumna, Public Affairs Manager, Google
Why I Give: “Our alumni network can make a critical impact on transforming careers for our brightest here in Washington. I remember when I came to Washington for my internship, I had to take a loan because I couldn’t afford an unpaid internship and on top of that I worked on the weekends to get some supplemental money. I’m glad that I was driven enough to want to come here at all costs, for many students who have family responsibilities, an unpaid internship is simply not an option. Let’s change that.”
Alessandra Monetti ‘12
College of Engineering & Computing Graduate and former US Department of Energy Fellow at FIU
Alessandra, now works with a Department of Defense contractor and has been instrumental in launching a new DOD Cyberspace Technology Testing & Training Center Workforce Development program at FIU.
Why I Give: “Ganas –a Spanish word for motivation & desire– I believe that I can truly make a difference by helping others reach their goals the same way I was able to. FIU was the reason I was able to pursue my dreams, so I give back because I want others to feel as grateful as I am and to open new doors and paths for future FIU alumni.”

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