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Luz Rivas Highlight
Sometimes it feels like you don’t belong and you should try something else. We all go through that doubt and discouragement, but we do belong. We are supposed to be there.
About Luz
- I was raised by my single mother in the Pacoima neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, which is mainly made up of immigrants from Latin America—my family is from Mexico.
- I developed an interest in computer science in fifth grade and then gravitated toward anything that involved technology throughout the rest of my school years.
- I was encouraged by a teacher to apply to MIT—I got accepted with a full-ride scholarship and earned my bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
- I started my career in Chicago as an engineer and then transitioned into education because I became passionate about teaching STEM subjects to children.
- I started a nonprofit in my community called DIY Girls, which focused on getting young girls interested in science and engineering.
- In conjunction with my nonprofit, I decided I should become more of an advocate for girls in STEM and STEM education in low-income communities, so I started meeting with elected officials in the area.
- After all of the networking I did, my name was brought to the table when the State Assembly seat became vacant—and I decided to run to fill it.
- I worked really hard and won the campaign—I’m now an Assemblymember for the 39th District in California!
