“At EmpowerMe, I gained very valuable guidance and support that I’ve put to use in my career. Within the foundation, I found a family of students who strive to better themselves, and a nurturing community of mentors who inspired me to never stop dreaming.”
Olinda Ayala
EmpowerMe graduate
Student Stories
EmpowerMe students come from all walks of life. Each student is on his or her own journey to success. Here are a few of their stories.
Andres Aguilar
Andres is a business-oriented student from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. In high school, he was the Vice President of Finance in his DECA chapter. He brought his leadership to Marquette University and is a first generation student perusing a double major in Accounting and Finance. Andres has been on the Marquette University College of Business Administration Dean’s List three times. He has interned with KPMG, one of the global leaders in public accounting. EmpowerMe has given Andres the opportunity to take leadership roles in organizing fundraising events and in initiating a club on the Marquette Campus. Additionally, Andres is working for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Marina Arias
Marina Arias attends Marquette University and she is studying Corporate Communications with a minor in Sociology and Advertising. In her free time, Marina enjoys helping others and dedicates time to service. She describes herself as brave and dedicated to her work and beliefs. With her optimistic attitude and hardwork Marina seeks to become a Corporate Communications specialist. Marina is driven by her experiences and wants to set an example for Latina girls in high school. Marina has currently focused her work in non-profit services and volunteer services. Marina aspires to continue to help others by bettering herself and promoting communication. Marina believes “This foundation brings out qualities in me I never knew I had, it pushes me to work that much harder and for that I am grateful to be apart of this foundation.”
Isabela Carrasco
With a double major in Commercial Real Estate and Finance, Isabela Carrasco has her sights set on a career in commercial real estate. Apart from being in the EmpowerMe Foundation Isabela is a proud member of the Marquette Women’s soccer team. In addition to being apart of the foundation and the soccer team, Isabela is currently an Industrial Broker intern at NAI MLG Commercial. To Isabela, Empower me means “becoming prepared and knowledgeable about the real world so that when I graduate college I can excel in my career and in my personal life.”
Zach Flitcroft
Zach Flitcroft is is pursuing a Finance & Real Estate double major at Marquette University. Zach is from Elkhorn, WI where he has taken a managerial role at two family businesses: He has managed 20 employees at Leatherlips Watersports in Lake Geneva, WI and assisted in property management for Garnerlake Properties, LLC. This is Zach’s second year as an EmpowerMe studentZach reports that the foundation is pushing his abilities, introducing him to numerous business professionals and is helping him improve his soft skills. Zach says he’s having a great experience as a member of EmpowerMe and “looks forward to what the future has in store!"
Karina Sanchez
Karina Sanchez is a member of Notre Dame Middle School's graduating class of 2008 and Divine Savior Holy Angels High School's class of 2012. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Karina enjoys volunteering and giving back to the community. She has been an avid volunteer for Mexican Fiesta for the past five years: being an active member of the hispanic community is extremely important to her. She describes herself as open-minded, tolerant, determined, and humble. Because she knows first hand what the effects are of having heart disease in the family, she is inspired and motivated to go into Pre-Med at Marquette University. Grateful to the many doctors that have worked with and cared for her dad who has had three heart attacks and an open heart surgery, she longs to help those in need and wishes to bring justice to those who face unfair treatment. Karina looks up to those who sacrifice their time for the well being of others and because of this her ultimate goal in life is to become a cardiologist. She is passionate about helping others and, if her lifestyle permits, she would like to be a member of the Doctors Without Borders organization when she finishes her residency.
Our Foundation also lends support to select high school students who are already making a difference in their communities.
Rocio Guerrero
Rocio was born on December 10, 1996 in a hospital named St. Mary’s in eastside of Milwaukee , WI . Her parents are Juan Antonio Guerrero and Maria Del Rosario Guerrero. Her parents came from El Potrero municipio de Ocampo Guanajuato, Mexico more than thirty years ago. Both of her parents came so they could raise a family in better living conditions. They wanted her to have a good education and life. Rocio’s parents also have three daughters and three sons. They also have ten nieces and nephews which Rocio want to see grow up having a good life. Rocio’s parents came from El Potrero municipio de Ocampo Guanajuato, Mexico more than 30 years ago so they could rais a family in better living conditions. As a Pius XI high school student, Rocio ranked as one of the top three in her freshman class. Rosie is an avid volunteer, helping in soup kitches, river clean ups and as an intern at Mexican Fiesta. In 20 years, Rocio envisions herself as an educated woman with a family and great career.
Antonio Sanchez
Antonio Sanchez is a student in a four year preparatory academy located on the campus of Waukesha South High School. He has won many awards in robotics, book battles, science fairs, and has received a president's award in academics. Antonio is an active volunteer in numerous organizations such as bell ringing for the Salvation Army, Saint Joseph Catholic Church's food pantry and an inner city youth agency. His aspiration is to be an inventor.