Hi, I’m Aileen! I’m a proud first-generation Latina and a two-time alumna of the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor’s of Science Business Administration with a major Information Systems (2024) and a Master’s of Business Administration (2025). I’ve always been someone who loves to learn, grow, and take on challenges, and my journey through higher education has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life.

I’m now beginning my career at New York Life as an Agent, helping individuals and families protect their futures through financial products and guidance. I love this work because it combines everything that matters to me: building relationships, creating stability for others, and empowering people to reach their goals.

Being first-gen means my path hasn’t always been straightforward. There wasn’t a clear roadmap to follow, but that’s also what taught me resilience, creativity, and confidence in carving out a path that feels true to who I am. Every experience has shaped the way I show up today.

Some of the most transformative moments in my life have come from saying yes to new opportunities. Leadership roles on campus, community projects, and international business programs in New York City, London, Argentina, and Toronto all pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me see the world from new perspectives. Those experiences reminded me that growth happens when we take risks and stay open to learning.

I’ve also learned a lot from my family’s local restaurant in Reno. Growing up in a small business taught me the value of hard work and community, and those lessons continue to influence how I lead, how I serve, and how I connect with people.

At my core, I’m a storyteller and a connector. I use my first-gen experience, my education, my global perspective, and now my work in financial services to share reflections about growth, leadership, and authenticity. This blog is my space to share the wins, the challenges, and everything in between, with the hope that others feel encouraged, understood, or a little less alone in their own journey.

Being first-gen is my strength. And by sharing my story, I hope others feel proud of their own path too, no matter how unconventional it may be.