Meet Maria!
Currently in the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program at USF, Maria shares “I chose my program because I’ve always dreamed of leaving a mark on the world, and I believe technology is the best way to do it.”
Her bachelor’s degrees are in Software Engineering and Mathematics from Universidad del Norte in Colombia, and in Computer Science from USF.
During her time at USF, Maria participated in several co-curricular activities that contributed to her success. Before coming to the U.S., she served on the leadership board of ACM at her university in Colombia and was one of the leaders of a campus physics group. At USF, she is an active member of SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) and SWE (Society of Women Engineers). She is also a performer in the Latin dance club, and she says this experience “has helped me build confidence, leadership, and community.”
Her industry experience includes working at Advocate Health Advisors, where she built the company’s first mobile app. She also interned at Apple as a full-stack developer and will be returning full time after graduation. She shares: “beyond the technical growth, this experience motivates me to keep sharing my story and inspire other Latinos, especially young women, to believe that these dreams are possible for them too.”
Additional notable accomplishments:
- Completing three undergraduate degrees: Software Engineering and Mathematics from Universidad del Norte, and Computer Science from USF
- Finishing her MSCS with a focus on AI, and her thesis is on augmented reality
- Graduating as a double summa cum laude from Universidad del Norte
- Receiving the prestigious Lino de Pombo Award, presented to the best engineering graduate in Colombia (2023) from the Society of Colombian Engineers
- Actively working toward becoming a public speaker and has already participated in several conferences
- Returning to Apple as a Software Developer
Competencies Maria finds essential to her current success:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Technology
- Critical Thinking
- Career & Self-Development
Maria says, “at USF there are so many resources that have helped me, but the main ones are SHPE and USF Career Services.”
“When I first came here, SHPE was the open door and the group that showed me how companies work in the United States. The students who join this organization become pros at networking, and you are surrounded by amazing professionals who go on to work at big companies. Together, SHPE and USF Career Services help you feel that you are not alone in this process, especially when, like me, you arrive not knowing anything about the job market in the United States.”
Maria also shares “since the moment I arrived at USF, I have felt truly supported by many people and resources.”
USF resources and support that contributed to Maria’s success: “My supervisor, Dr. Julia Woodward, has guided me in my research and growth as a graduate student, and my Computer Science advisor, Mayra Morfin, has helped me navigate the program and stay on track with my goals. I also work as a teaching assistant for Professor Marbin Pazos Revilla, who has trusted me in the classroom and helped me grow as both a communicator and a mentor. Student organizations like SHPE have been my main community on campus, giving me role models, networking opportunities, and a sense of belonging as a Latina in tech. USF Career Services, especially Selin Yaylali, has supported me in understanding the U.S. job market and preparing for opportunities. Finally, the partnership between USF and Universidad del Norte opened the door for me to study here, and I hope it continues creating opportunities for many other talented students.”
Maria’s advice to fellow USF Bulls: “I always say: ‘Be your own fairy godmother.’ Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you, go find them and move. You can turn your life into a kind of fairy tale, but you have to work hard for it. When I came from Colombia three years ago, I arrived without money, without connections, and without native English. On paper, my chances of being successful here were very small. But I believed in myself and worked incredibly hard. It was not easy. The first time I had the chance to interview with Apple, I went through 16 interviews and didn’t get the job. Two years later, I prepared better, tried again, and this time I got the opportunity.”
“My second advice is: ‘use your story as your magic wand.’ During my internship at Apple, I was surrounded by brilliant people from places like Harvard, MIT, and Princeton, and at times I felt overwhelmed. But in the end, I realized that my story was special because it was not the conventional path to get there, and it showed how hard I had worked. I believe that’s part of the reason I earned a spot, beyond my technical skills. They don’t just want people who work well; they want people who dream of leaving a mark. So don’t hide your background, embrace it, and let your story be your strength.”