Diego Valencia, a driven and ambitious student from Irvine High School, is a Computer Science major at Irvine Valley College, with aspirations to become a software engineer and entrepreneur. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, he aspires to be a software engineer who plans to start a software services company and eventually mentor first-generation students on how to break into the tech industry.

Diego's journey at IVC has been marked by perseverance and dedication. Despite facing challenges in math throughout his academic career, Diego's commitment to success led him to utilize IVC's Math Center and put in the hard work necessary to conquer his calculus coursework, gaining the confidence needed for academic excellence.

Beyond academics, Diego's passion for music shines through as he enjoys DJing and playing the guitar in his free time. His involvement in extracurricular activities at IVC, including the EOPS program, has provided him with invaluable academic and professional development opportunities. Notably, Diego was selected to advocate for Hispanic Serving Institutions in Washington D.C., where he addressed the needs of Hispanic/Latinx students with congressional representatives and members of the president's cabinet.

The IVC Honors Program has played a pivotal role in Diego's academic journey, offering him scholarships, career-building workshops, and challenging classes that have cultivated a strong work ethic. Through the Transfer Admission Program (TAP), Diego is poised to fulfill his dream of transferring to UCLA.

Diego had this to add about his IVC experience, “Coming from the city of Guadalajara in Mexico three years ago has not been easy as I didn’t know how the higher education system worked in California. Nevertheless, with the unconditional support of my loved ones, I have persevered through the obstacles in college and proved to myself that I can find success no matter where I come from. This being said, I am a proud Jaliscience by heart and I came to Irvine representing my country in hopes of inspiring the future Mexican engineers around the world.”