MESA Student Leaders
Twenty-two students were selected to participate in the MESA Student Leadership Conference.
A select group of San Diego State University students recently honed their leadership skills at an invitation-only conference in San Diego for math-based majors. The event was sponsored by the California Utilities Diversity Council.
The 10th annual Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Student Leadership Conference offered extensive professional and leadership development through direct interaction with industry mentors and speakers.
The hand-picked MESA students — all science, engineering, or math majors — represented more than 30 universities and community colleges from across the state.
“We know that California’s economy needs more STEM workers to stay competitive,” said MESA Executive Director Oscar F. Porter. “These students provide the solution to industry’s need for well-trained professionals.
“They were selected to attend the conference because these students have strong leadership skills. This event gives them a chance to interact extensively with STEM professionals currently working in industry,” Porter said.
SDSU student participants:
- Diane Aceveda, junior, biochemistry
- Kelvin Aquino, senior, biomedical engineering
- Sannisha Castillo, junior, civil engineering
- Nathalie Del Rosario, senior, bachelor's degree in biochemistry
- Des'Jon Dixon, junior, civil engineering
- David Felix, sophomore, mechanical engineering
- Noel Garcia, sophomore, electrical engineering
- Lou Her, junior, civil engineering
- Joanne Hernandez, sophomore, Single Subject Teaching Credential in mathematics
- Sergio Juarez, senior, mechanical engineering
- Eric Lopez, senior, chemistry
- Josh McSherry, junior, bioengineering
- Kevin Navarro, junior, aerospace engineering
- Danelle Paul, senior, computer science
- German Pineda, junior, aerospace engineering
- Emerson Revolorio, senior, civil engineering
- Jesus Rodriguez, junior, mechanical engineering
- Genoveva Romero-Marquez, senior, civil engineering
- Frank Sanchez, junior, mechanical engineering
- Sergio Sarmiento, junior, computer engineering
- Thai Van, junior, aerospace engineering
- German Verduzco, senior, mechanical engineering
About the conference
During the conference students participated in mock interviews, connected with industry representatives from 16 national companies and heard guest speakers.
MESA alumnus Senator Alex Padilla, who was honored with the MESA Outstanding Alumni Award, encouraged students to work hard and strive for success.
Southern California Gas Company was named the 2013 MESA Champion for its longstanding support of the program.
California Utilities Diversity Council was a major sponsor of the event. It coordinated donations from eight other companies to fully fund the conference.
SDSU students were sponsored by San Diego Gas & Electric whose employees volunteered their time to work closely with the students during the conference.
Other sponsors included Advanced Micro Devices, Edison International, Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Gas Company, Telacu and URS.
About MESA
MESA promotes success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for more than 28,000 educationally disadvantaged secondary, community college and four-year college students in California through project-based learning, academic counseling and exposure to STEM careers, so they can graduate from college with math-based degrees.
Seventy percent of MESA high school graduates statewide went directly to college after graduation compared to 48 percent of all California graduates. Sixty percent of MESA students go on to math, science or engineering majors.
