Ferris State University students Veronica Mascorro (left), of Middleville, and Leonardo
Almanza (right), of Fennville, have been named as 2020 National Fellows by the Association
of Latino Professionals For America. Their ALPFA Fellowship will provide valuable
internship experience to these student leaders, whose opportunities were impacted
by the COVID-19 pandemic.Two Ferris State University student leaders, whose short-term prospects were dimmed
by the COVID-19 pandemic, have been afforded internship opportunities, as 2020 National
Fellows in “Operation Helping Hands.” The Association of Latino Professionals for
America has organized the program.
Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center Executive Director Kaylee Burke notified Veronica
Mascorro, a junior from Middleville in the Journalism/Technical Communication program,
and Leonardo Almanza, of Fennville, who begins his fourth year in Criminal Justice
with a focus on Public Advocacy, that they would begin ALPFA Fellowship activities
on Wednesday, June 24.
“I had been collaborating with the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to find
an internship. That provided me a number of contacts and several interviews, which
included an opportunity at a television station,” Mascorro said. “Each of those situations
failed to develop, due to the pandemic. Chamber leaders suggested that I pursue this
fellowship, so I applied and am grateful to have been accepted.”
Mascorro was named a Rising Star by Ferris’ Center for Leadership, Activities and
Career during the 2019 Torchbearer Awards ceremony. She is the immediate past president
of the Hispanic Student Organization and has been recognized by the CLS as a Promesa
Scholar each of the last two years. Mascorro and Almanza served on the planning committee
for the 2019 Latinx Heritage Month activities. Almanza is the incoming president of
the United Greek Council, the past president of the Upsilon Epsilon chapter of Sigma
Lambda Beta, and is a founding participant and staff assistant with Ferris’ Anti-Violence
Alliance.
“When I applied, I had concerns that my academic credentials might not allow me to
participate,” Almanza said. “I am glad that my campus involvements were well received,
as this is a great chance to gain more experience and information on serving in leadership
roles. I intend to make good use of the skill development this fellowship will provide,
as I continue my service on campus.”
The Association of Latino Professionals for America have partner organizations including
Ally, Accenture, KMPG and Bank of America, who have arranged for an eight-week program
where the fellows work in teams to address real-life business or societal issues,
as determined by those partners.
“Our meetings are virtual, totaling around 12 to 15 hours each week, Monday through
Friday,” Mascorro said. “I look forward to collaborating with other students from
across the country and working to solve real problems. It is an honor to be in the
cohort for the inaugural ALPFA Fellowship. I have been looking forward to my first
internship since I came to Ferris, and it appears this will provide me all that I
was seeking from the opportunity.”
“I love to learn new things, and this virtual fellowship will be a unique experience
that will call for focus and adaptation on my part,” Almanza said. “I have had a diverse
background of experiences each summer since I started college, and believe this will
serve as a highlight on my resume and make me a better leader.”