Being the first is hard, but it's nothing new for Karen Vazquez.
As a first-generation college student, Vazquez is determined to show young Latinas that they belong in the field of civil engineering. That the imposter syndrome and the insecurity they might feel can be overcome. And that there are engineers who look like them, understand their stories, and believe in their potential.
"I've always looked up to my mentors," she says. "And thinking about how I can potentially have that impact on someone else keeps me going."
Learn more about Karen as featured in Lehigh University's Resolve magazine, Volume 2, 2021.
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