Victor graduated from RIT with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering technology. He currently works for the University of Rochester as a project manager in the Planning, Design, and Construction department. Victor's family immigrated from Mexico, fleeing a corrupt government and in search of the “American Dream.” Victor is always searching for opportunities to give back to the community that has given him so much. Victor fell in love with Rochester while attending RIT and has lived here ever since. He currently live in the North Winton Village area with his partner and four cats.

Why did you choose to attend RIT?
I chose RIT because of its strong engineering curriculum and co-op requirements. At the time that I was deciding where to go for college, I was unsure of what engineering degree I wanted to pursue, and I loved that RIT had the engineering exploration option.

Who influenced you most during your time at RIT?
The leadership opportunities I participated in influenced me the most during my time at RIT. From being an RA to leading a student organization, especially OUTSpoken, I still carry those leadership opportunities with me, and they have contributed a lot to my current involvement in the Rochester area.

How did your RIT education prepare you for what you are doing today?
My RIT education prepared me for what I am doing today in many ways. Not only did it provide me with the technical skills to be able to understand blueprints and technical reports, but also how to have effective communication and be able to interact with anyone regardless of their technical/education background. All these skills are very important for a project manager to be able to lead effective construction projects.

What advice would you have for your 18–24-year-old self?
The advice I would give my 18-24-year-old self is, don't worry too much about what others think about you and focus more on figuring out your authentic self.

What is the best advise you have received and from whom?
The best advice I have received was from my mother / The Lion King. The quote "remember who you are" was something my mom would say to me all the time, to serve as a reminder of where I came from and to be myself.

What significance does Latinx/Hispanic Month hold for you?
Latinx/Hispanic Month holds considerable significance for me because it highlights the contributions that Latinx people have made, and it also helps me feel seen when, at times, I don't feel that.

What would you like everyone to know about your Latin culture?
I would like everyone to know that Mexican culture is colorful, joyous, and rich. The family unit is one of the most important things, and it is a driving force for everything I do.

Are there any traditions/holidays that your family and you observe that are important to your culture?
One of the most memorable traditions for me is Dia de Los Muertos and the days leading up to it. I still have a very strong recollection of the "ofrenda," or altar setting my grandmother would lay out with pictures of loved ones who had passed. She would always make some of the favorite foods of the relatives who were no longer with us, which I also very much enjoyed.

What's your favorite type of entertainment?
My favorite type of entertainment is anything I can enjoy with multiple people, whether it is live theater, a comedy show, or live music; I love the experience of being surrounded by friends and strangers who are also enjoying it with me.

When I am not working, you will probably find me ....
At a community event or non-profit board meeting; when I do have some "free" time, I love trying out new restaurants or playing board games with friends.

Fun fact(s) about yourself?
I ran for elected office six months after becoming a U.S. Citizen, and this year, I was a New York State Delegate for the Democratic National Convention.