A friend – this is the best way I know how to describe myself. Communities are a constant theme in my life. Growing up in an Israeli-Venezuelan household, my parents emphasized the value of a strong, close-knit family. My family is my support group, my motivation, my power. Although my extended family lives in different countries, we made it a priority to keep strong ties with them. Whether it be through the WhatsApp group chats or calling to say Shabbat Shalom, I make it a priority to be involved in the lives of my family members. 

The love for family extends to the communities around me. I grew up in Fondren, a predominantly Sephardi-Jewish neighborhood in Southwest Houston. At the dawn of Shabbat, I would walk to Beth Rambam with my family and my neighbors. The kindness of strangers was a highlight in Fondren; most nights would end with synagogue members opening their houses to Shabbat dinner and prayer. 

I keep my communal compass with me at all times. At the University of Texas, I have created communities in my major and my organizations. My strategy is simple: find good people and create lasting relationships with them. As I level up in all aspects of life and climb my mountain of success, I want to look around and be with people I love. This is how I live. 

Career-wise, I plan to continue learning as much as I can in technology and business while driving innovation in the places I work. At some point, I see myself applying what I've learned to helping under-served communities around the world from a technological and community development perspective.

Majors 
Business Honors; Management Information Systems

Honors Program 
Canfield Business Honors

Other Academic Interests 
Real Estate; Architecture; Management Information Systems

Extracurricular Activities 
Organizations: Undergraduate Business Council; Texas Silver Spurs; University Boxing Club; Jewish Learning Fellow; Intramural Soccer; Canfield Business Honors Program Recruiter

Internships: Energy Transfer Sales & Operations Intern; Deloitte Audit & Assurance Intern; NAI Partners Commercial Brokerage Intern; Inside Out Construction Business Developer

Affiliations: Congregation Beth Israel

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program (FASP)?
The Forty Acres Scholars Program is a community more than it is a scholarship. The opportunity to grow my friendships and serve as a resource to others in the program lead me to the Forty Acres. 

What makes your scholar cohort unique?
The class of 2021 is unique in that it is currently the smallest class. This aspect has allowed me to create intimate relationships with the other scholars, who I have been fortunate to call my family. 

Favorite FASP Memory
Forty Acres Discussions

 What do you want prospective students to know about The University of Texas? 
My word of advice to students choosing to attend The University of Texas is to be open to asking for help. The university is huge. There are opportunities in every direction, but not all of them are right for every student. Look for knowledge and understanding of different studies and organizations and use that information to drive your decisions. My compass is wired to follow good-hearted people and leaders, and that has led me to fulfilling paths and open doors in my college career.