Although Genesis Valenzo won't graduate with her bachelor's degree in computer science until 2026, the New Mexico State University junior already has earned several accolades this year alone.

Valenzo was one of only 5 NMSU students selected to participate in the Google Tech Exchange program. She also was invited to the Apple Pathways Alliance as well as the Bloomberg HSI Tech Summit in New York City, the Netflix Summit and the Google Latinx Student Leadership Summit in Chicago, among others.

"This whole year has been full of incredible learning, growth and opportunities that I never imagined I would experience," Valenzo said. "These events have allowed me to build connections, expand my network, and feel empowered in this space. I have found a sense of community and identity in the largely male-dominated tech field."

The programs are known for bringing together top computer science students from across the country to connect with industry leaders, develop professional skills, and engage in discussions about technology and leadership.

Valenzo credits her growing confidence and successes to her involvement with NMSU's Young Women in Computing program, which began in 2006.

"YWiC has provided a safe space on campus, surrounded by inspiring women role models who have encouraged me not to give up," Valenzo said. "As one of the newest members, I had the honor of leading the YWiC Summer Camp this past year, which focuses on empowering middle and high school girls through early exposure to computer science. This role allowed me to mentor and inspire young students, showing them how computer science is in shaping and impacting the world today."

Through mentorship, hands-on learning experiences, and industry partnerships, the Google Tech Exchange program provides students from Hispanic Serving Institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities with a semester of working closely with Googlers. Valenzo was among 170 computer science students from across the country to participate in the program this year.

Valenzo also participated in the Apple Pathways Alliance, a community for high-performing sophomores majoring in computer science and engineering who are Black, Latinx/Hispanic or Indigenous. The program provides hands-on training and workshops to help participants expand their technical and professional skills. Participants get to immerse themselves in Apple's culture and innovative environment.

During the Bloomberg HSI Tech Summit, Valenzo learned from their software engineers about their inspiring stories, work and impact on the company and the world. This was an opportunity for students to learn about Bloomberg, its culture, various roles and opportunities for leadership growth.

Valenzo joined this year's Latinx Student Leadership Summit (LSLS), sponsored by Google in partnership with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and the Computing Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institutions (CAHSI). The three-day summit gathered undergraduate students from across the US and Puerto Rico. The eight-year-old event brings Latinx leaders together to share innovative and creative practices with one another and collaborate with Google's Latinx leadership to benefit students' universities, organizations and communities. Participants also gain access to Google's mentor program.

Valenzo also was awarded a scholarship to attend the 2024 Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing conference held in San Diego in September. The conference is open to undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, faculty and professionals in computing and provides attendees with opportunities to network, share research and projects, and celebrate contributions to their field.

"As a first-generation Hispanic woman in tech, I've realized that I'm not alone in this journey," Valenzo said. "Knowing this has given me the confidence to persevere and I have great gratitude for the support I've received from others." 

The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-student-inspired-by-industry-leaders-google--apple--bloomberg-and-netflix/s/cdad2699-e319-4758-bebc-0c019c995bbc