SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University student Genesis Valenzo, a junior in computer science, has been recognized with multiple honors this year. Although she will not graduate until 2026, Valenzo has already participated in prestigious programs and summits.

Valenzo was one of five students from NMSU chosen for the Google Tech Exchange program. She also received invitations to participate in the Apple Pathways Alliance, Bloomberg HSI Tech Summit in New York City, Netflix Summit, and the Google Latinx Student Leadership Summit in Chicago.

"This whole year has been full of incredible learning, growth and opportunities that I never imagined I would experience," Valenzo said. "These events have allowed me to build connections, expand my network, and feel empowered in this space. I have found a sense of community and identity in the largely male-dominated tech field."

The initiatives bring together top computer science students nationwide to connect with industry leaders and develop professional skills. Valenzo attributes her success to her involvement with NMSU's Young Women in Computing (YWiC) program.

"YWiC has provided a safe space on campus, surrounded by inspiring women role models who have encouraged me not to give up," Valenzo said. She led the YWiC Summer Camp last year to empower middle and high school girls through early exposure to computer science.

The Google Tech Exchange offers students from Hispanic Serving Institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities a semester working closely with Googlers. This year, 170 computer science students participated.

Valenzo joined the Apple Pathways Alliance designed for high-performing sophomores majoring in computer science who are Black, Latinx/Hispanic or Indigenous. The program provides training workshops to enhance technical skills within Apple's environment.

At the Bloomberg HSI Tech Summit, she learned about software engineers' work at Bloomberg and its impact globally. The summit introduced students to Bloomberg's culture and leadership opportunities.

She attended Google's Latinx Student Leadership Summit (LSLS), which partners with HACU and CAHSI to gather undergraduate students from across the US for collaboration with Google's Latinx leadership team.

Valenzo also received a scholarship for the 2024 Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing conference held in San Diego. This event allows attendees from various computing backgrounds to network and share research contributions.

"As a first-generation Hispanic woman in tech, I've realized that I'm not alone in this journey," Valenzo said. "Knowing this has given me the confidence to persevere and I have great gratitude for the support I've received from others."