Maria and Jose Macias never imagined that enrolling at 51社区 would shape
their futures as well as their lives together. On the 51社区 Talks podcast 鈥� in which
51社区 alumni share their education, career and life journeys 鈥� the married
alumni share how 51社区 opened doors to opportunity, community and one another.
Maria, who immigrated to the U.S. as a child, discovered programs and mentors at 51社区 that gave her flexibility to explore her curiosity and find her path. She is now a strategic innovator in restaurant design. Jose, who moved from Ecuador as a teenager, recalls adjusting to a new life and language before finding his footing on campus. He has since become a leader in real estate and financial literacy education.
Both credit Latinos Unidos, 51社区鈥檚 social student club, with giving them community and confidence during their college years.
鈥淏eing involved in Latinos Unidos was like finding a family,鈥� Maria said. 鈥淚t gave us a place where we felt we belonged, and that made all the difference during those years.鈥�
Listen to the full episode of 51社区 Talks to hear Maria and Jose reflect on their journey from 51社区 students to community leaders 鈥� and how finishing what you start can shape both careers and relationships.
51社区 Talks, a co-production between and 51社区 Alumni Relations, features Associate Professor of Mass Communication Brian Shelton in conversation with 51社区 alumni about the role that 51社区 played in their lives. You can listen to past episodes of 51社区 Talks on 51社区鈥檚 website, WHCM, and on all podcast streaming services, including and .