As the university is a historically Hispanic serving institution, Hispanic Javelina alumni have impacted their communities in many ways such as through mass media, education and business.
Along with serving their community, these alumni have helped pave a path of success and inspire future generations of Hispanic students to reach their goals despite obstacles they face.
Alumnus Sydney Hernandez is a graduate from the class of 2015 and double majored in Communication Speech and Journalism. While working on her bachelor’s degree, Hernandez worked at The South Texan, and was part of the Javelina Broadcast Network. The Javelina Broadcast Network highlighted articles from The South Texan, and featured sports reporters to update Javelina Nation on the latest games.
Hernandez’s decision to come to TAMUK derived from wanting to follow in her older cousin’s footsteps.
Initially Hernandez wanted to study to go into law enforcement, but after watching a crime TV show broadcasting the disappearance of a news reporter, Hernandez changed her mind.
Sydney Hernandez with co-anchor at CBS 4 News
“I watched this show, and I wanted to be a reporter and when the reporter went missing you could see the way the community, and the way she impacted them…This is really what I want to be and it still connected to crime, it shows the good, the bad, and the ugly. I thought it was good,” Hernandez said.
After graduating TAMUK, Hernandez worried if she would be able to get a job in the media industry because of her last name.
“I remember being hesitant because I didn’t know if I could get a job because of my last name or if people would think ‘She’s really short or too dark.’… Luckily, I didn’t have an issue and it hasn’t stopped me,” Hernandez said.
After applying to several jobs, Hernandez was finally hired at KWKT-TV in Waco, Texas where she focused on military and crime stories in the Fort Hood-Killeen area.
Hernandez is now an award winning reporter who covers border, crime and breaking news for the Rio Grande Valley through CBS Channel 4 News. Recently Hernandez, has been nominated for three Emmy awards.
Albert Pena, graduate of the class of 1986.
Hernandez continues to work hard and inspire the community to chase after all their goals.
Albert Pena is another successful alumnus who has impacted the realm of education in the city of San Perlita where he serves as the Superintendent of San Perlita Independent School Dirstict.
“I’m in a position where I can influence teachers in a broad scales and develop skills, it’s a responsibility that I don’t’ take lightly…and there’s a great feeling when a graduate says ‘I couldn’t have done it without you,’” Pena said.
Pena is a Javelina graduate from the class of 1986; he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Natural Gas Engineering. Pena is originally from Laredo, where the population is primarily Hispanic. Coming to A&I offered a sense of cultural diversity for him.
His exceptional ACT score in mathematics earned him numerous scholarships and made him a great fit for the university.
During his time as a student, Pena enjoyed being part of the Lambda Chi fraternity.
After he graduated, Pena became a lab instructor for an engineering course. A friend later helped him find a job at a junior high where he taught math.
For over 30 years, Pena has worked in the realm of public education. Pena impacts the education system every day, whether it be by attending a football game to support students or helping teachers develop skills to aid students. Pena strives to help students succeed and reach the best possible outcomes despite any challenge they might face.
“Be proud of who you are and don’t forget where you came from, though that’s not as important as where you are going,” Pena said.
Pena strongly encourages students to pursue the education and be the change they wish to see in the world around them.
Anna Flores, graduate of the class of 1996
Anna Flores is a proud Javelina graduate who seeks to help those in need. Flores is part of the class of 1996 and pursued a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Flores started her career as an Internal Auditor for an oil and gas company in Fort Worth and has worked her way up into becoming the Controller for $100M nonprofit organization. Flores has worked as a CFO at a $45M nonprofit organization and has collective job experiences throughout Texas.
Flores’ determination and management ability has contributed great success to the nonprofit organization she has worked for.
While studying at TAMUK, Flores recalls the hands-on experiences presented to her by her instructors.
“TAMUK prepared me by teaching me how to learn. My business teachers had working experience and made the lessons practical. Plus, my first job was a result of a career fair I attended at TAMUK,” Flores said.
Throughout her career, Flores has learned about how to manage financial audits, retirement audits, health/welfare audits and grant management. Her expertise has helped staff members become exceptional leaders.
As Hernandez, Pena and Flores are all exceptional TAMUK and A&I graduates who have impacted the world, current Javelina students can seek inspiration from these individual who have gone into the world and made a difference
