As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we are excited to introduce you to two remarkable Hispanic women whose contributions are making a lasting impact on the Hispanic community. Their dedication and achievements promise to inspire and uplift for generations to come!
Michelle Aguiniga Moore: Building Bridges in Tech
Since 2018, Michelle Aguiniga Moore has been the Northeast Ohio Regional Manager for TECH CORPS. Known for her exceptional relationship-building skills, Michelle creates meaningful connections with everyone she meets. Through her dedication and talents, she has educated, inspired, and empowered thousands of students in Northeast Ohio.
SHPE Conference 2024: A Commitment to Hispanic Empowerment
Michelle’s passion for supporting the Hispanic community shines through in her work. She will be attending the 2024 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Conference, an event dedicated to transforming lives by empowering the Hispanic community. SHPE’s mission is to unlock the full potential of the Hispanic community and make a global impact through increased STEM awareness, access, support, and development.
Michelle's Vision: Connecting and Empowering
“As a Hispanic woman, I believe the SHPE National Convention is an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for empowering our community,” says Michelle. “Living in Lorain County and working in Cleveland, I’m deeply concerned by the low representation of Hispanic students in our free programs, despite the large Hispanic population. I hope to gain valuable recruiting techniques and network with professionals doing similar work to what we do at TECH CORPS.”
Michelle’s vision is to bridge the gap and ensure that more Hispanic students can benefit from TECH CORPS’ programs. By attending the SHPE Conference, she aims to bring back insights and strategies that will help increase Hispanic participation and continue to empower the next generation of tech leaders.
The Inspiring Journey of Claudia Ornelas
In 2022, a quiet yet curious middle school student named Claudia Ornelas stepped into the world of technology for the first time. We met Claudia at our Techie Camp, hosted at the Ohio Hispanic Coalition. Her fascination with technology was unmistakable from the moment she began learning to build robots.
The following year, Claudia discovered that TECH CORPS offered the Computing Career Corps program at Franklin Heights High School after school. Eager to expand her knowledge, she joined the program and quickly became an engaged and enthusiastic participant. The new skills she was acquiring ignited a passion in Claudia that she hadn’t fully realized before.
So profound was her experience that she chose to repeat the program in 2024, further solidifying her skills and deepening her understanding of technology. Each session saw Claudia growing more confident and capable, transforming from a quiet learner into a proactive and accomplished student.
Today, Claudia thrives academically and excels as an athlete.
Her dedication and hard work have earned her invitations to various scholastic competitions, where she proudly represents her school and community. Claudia looks forward to her future with excitement and optimism, knowing that the skills and experiences she gained through TECH CORPS have paved the way for endless possibilities.
Claudia Ornelas’s journey is a testament to the power of opportunity and the impact of educational programs. Her story inspires us all, reminding us that with curiosity, dedication, and the right support, any dream is within reach.