New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) this week welcomed a delegation from Grupo Latinoamericano de Cónsules en New Jersey (GLACO) as well as city and state government leaders to explore the university and learn about its mission and initiatives, particularly in light of NJIT’s designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The visit provided an opportunity for GLACO and government members to learn more about NJIT’s diverse programs, student enrollment, and commitment to supporting the Hispanic and Latine communities.
The first week of national Hispanic Heritage Month was bursting with excitement at NJIT, as the university held three distinct events to mark the beginning of a monthlong celebration. The start of the celebration featured a lively party commemorating its Hispanic Serving Institution designation, the Hispanic and Latinx Leadership Council (HLLC) awarding scholarships to two stellar students, and a festive Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month kickoff event.
Hispanic-Serving and R1 Institution
NJIT has established employee resource groups (ERGs) that meet regularly and encourage faculty and staff to connect outside of their direct working relationships. This month, NJIT is celebrating its Hispanic/Latino ERG by profiling two of its members: Jorge E. Fresneda-Fernandez and William “Willie” Araujo.
Industrial engineering student Bianca Hernandez wrapped up her internship at AriZona Beverage Co., putting forth all the skills and knowledge she has acquired at NJIT.
“Since being there, it's been a really great experience,” said Hernandez, who minors in safety engineering. “Everyone was very welcoming, and this may seem very rare in terms of internships, but the people that I work with daily, they view me more as a coworker rather than an intern.
Fernanda Somohano Ortega ‘27 is eyeing cybersecurity jobs in the sports world, or better yet an opportunity to work in Barcelona and support her favorite soccer club. With the help of the Innovation Fellow of The Knowledge House (TKH), the NJIT computer science major is closing in fulfilling her career aspirations.
Following graduation from New Jersey Institute of Technology, Hilsson Angeles will start working at general contracting firm Burns & McDonnell as a construction coordinator.
What helped him get there was a tremendous work ethic, which he inherited from his parents, and an interest in both architecture and engineering. Indeed, he’s earning a dual bachelor’s in architecture and construction management technology.
Danna Valentina Sanchez Hernandez '25 took a big leap leaving her home country of Colombia to pursue her undergrad studies in the U.S., but that journey is paying off at NJIT — her research exploring the fluid dynamics and locomotion of marine life has recently led to a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship.
This year’s Goldwater class is comprised of just 438 scholars from across the U.S.
NJIT has established employee resource groups (ERG) that meet regularly and encourage faculty and staff to connect outside of their direct working relationships. This month, NJIT is celebrating its Women’s Leadership and Employee Resource Group and publishing an employee spotlight on one of its members: Miosotis Hernandez, assistant director for first year engineering programs in Newark College of Engineering.
Can you introduce us to your ERG?
New Jersey Institute of Technology has joined the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities as its 22nd member.
With a total enrollment of more than 13,000, NJIT increased its Hispanic student population from 20% to 25% in fall 2022 and earned HSI designation from the U.S. Department of Education earlier this year.
The Alliance, which represents universities that are both Hispanic-serving and the highest rated in research, aims to increase opportunities for people who historically have been underserved by higher education.
Jorge Alberto Medina '23 grew up with electronics. He recalls watching his dad disassemble and rebuild electronic equipment, and leafed through stacks of monthly electronics magazines as his light reading material. The exposure grew into a passion, and Medina set his sights on a journey that ultimately brought him to NJIT.
