Yaritza Padilla

Yaritza Padila is a Computer Engineering major with a minor in Engineering Corporate Practice. She is proud and honored to be an Anbryce Scholar, Galvin Scholar, and Gates Scholar. As a first generation college student, she works toward exploring her academic and career interests which range from software development to cyber security.

Yaritza’s interest in computer innovation and technology stem from the lack of exposure and awareness young minority groups have of the different engineering majors and fields of work. While attending St. Mary’s Academy, Yaritza was surrounded by teachers who loved their fields and worked toward the encouragement of young minority students into STEM majors and careers. Since then she has become fascinated by the world’s dependence and rapid progression in the advancement of technology and technological instruments.

Furthermore, throughout her high school career, Yaritza has participated within clubs and organizations that help people genuinely feel they are an essential part of their society and community. This was done through her participation and leadership as the president of the Anime Club, a cultural awareness club, as well as her time in Ambassadors, Activism, National Honors Society, and California Scholarship Federation. At Notre Dame she intends to do the same as she looks forward to joining clubs and programs such as Women in Engineering, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and Dance.

Yaritza will continue to fight for and work toward the exposure of more STEM majors to Latin-American students, as well as challenge herself through internships, conferences, clubs, and other programs to find where she will excel for years after graduation.