Isabella Loayza is an Honors student at Miami Dade College completing her associate’s degree in speech pathology. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and afterwards achieve a master’s degree in Speech Pathology to become a practicing Speech Pathologist. Isabella plans to own her own practice one day once having gained more experience in the field. Isabella is a member of Letter Exchange for Awareness, is the Activities Director for the iGive organization, is a Royal Palm Project volunteer and a member of the Reader’s Alliance and Phi Theta Kappa. Isabella has also earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award for having completed 100 hours of community service. Some of her hobbies include dancing, reading, and swimming.
Alyssa Menendez is an Honors student at the Miami Dade College Kendall Campus. She currently majors in Communication Sciences and Disorders and aspires to attain a master's degree to complete extensive research to implement in future practice. Additionally, Alyssa is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Kendall Chapter, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Psychology Student’s Association, and a Royal Palm Project volunteer. Alyssa is a change maker and has recently received the Bronze Civic Action Award for her accomplishment of 100 points in the Civic Engagement and Democracy’s Civic Action Scorecard for her contributions to her community and drive for positive change. A few of her hobbies include painting and illustrating, as well as learning new songs on her guitar.
Marisa Machado is a student at Miami Dade Honors College. She is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts in Environmental Science. She would like to pursue a major in Environmental Science and get her bachelor’s degree, and work with animals and conserve the planet. Outside of school, she also enjoys going to the beach and participating in beach cleanups, reading books, watching movies, and spending time in nature.
Gianna Machado is a first year Miami Dade Honors College student at the Kendall Campus currently pursuing an Associate of Arts in Environmental Sciences. Born and raised in Miami, she was inspired by the many conflicts in Miami regarding climate change and sea level rise to go into environmental justice and advocacy. Her goal is to work in environmental policy and advocate on behalf of all the residents of her community. Currently, Gianna is working at Barnes and Noble while attending college, which fuels her passion for reading. She also enjoys playing tennis and staying active in her free time.
Maggie Curiel is an aspiring business student at Miami Dade Honors College. Maggie is an active member of the Student Government Association where she takes part in the multi-media committee capturing and advertising different events happening on campus. Maggie is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) an organization geared toward exposing students to the world of business and different opportunities within their specialty. In March, Maggie attended an FBLA competition where she won first place in the marketing, sales, and communication category. Maggie hopes to finish her business degree with a focus on marketing to later go on to work in fashion and marketing.
Laura Almanza Gonzalez is a pre-dental student in Miami Dade Honors College, Kendall Campus. Laura was born in Cuba and came to the United States three years ago with the idea of achieving her goals. She always liked to see people smile; that is the reason why Almanza wants to get her bachelor's degree in pre-dentistry, which would allow her to further continue her education to get the Dental doctorate. Additionally, Laura is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Kendall and a change maker, volunteering in different activities with Pre-Dental Club Kendall Campus, Kendall STICHES and Miami Book Fair to make her contribution in the community.
