UNCW Centro Hispano

05/21/2026

05/07/2026

As this school year comes to an end and commencement comes close, here is a moment for our graduates and the ones who supported them throughout their college journey. 💛 Centro Hispano is proud to have had the pleasure of getting to know you all. 🤗

¡Felicidades, 2026 grads! 🎓 Here's to greater things ahead.

05/01/2026

We are proud to introduce our next Wall of Fame achiever — a creative, dedicated, and passionate first-generation leader whose commitment to film, photography, and community engagement has left a lasting mark on our campus community...

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Jennifer Garcia, Class of 2026
First Generation College Student

Degree: Film Studies
Minor: Spanish

Study Abroad: Oaxaca, Mexico (Spring 2026)

Heritage: Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico
Hometown: Southern Pines, North Carolina

Hobbies: Digital photography, film, walking, playing Just Dance, collaging, photo editing, collecting vinyl, and being a music enthusiast

Organizations Involved: Centro Acuario, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina

Where do you work?
Wall of Fame Coordinator & Alumni Relations at Centro Hispano; Intern at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina

Top 3 Accomplishments:
1. One of my biggest accomplishments is being able to pursue my education in Wilmington, thanks to my family’s support and sacrifices. I am proud to be a first-generation college student and to soon be the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. It has not always been easy, but it motivates me because I know I am doing this in honor of my parents.
2. I challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone by applying to Centro Hispano. That choice opened many doors for me and has had a direct impact on who I am and the work I am doing today. With this, I am proud to say that I photographed and edited over 30 Wall of Fame seniors this academic year.
3. I am really proud of how much I have grown through my work at the Boys and Girls Club. Going into it, I had no experience working with kids, but I pushed myself to learn how to connect with them and take on a leadership role. That experience not only helped me grow but also showed me new career paths I had not considered before.

Plans after Graduation:
After graduation, I will continue my job search while enjoying my last few months in Wilmington. I am especially interested in exploring opportunities in higher education, and I also plan to continue developing my senior production project so I can refine it without the pressure of a deadline.

Dream Job:
My dream job is to become a full-time photographer and, one day, own my own photography business and studio.

Any advice to the generation rising at UNCW?
I cannot stress it enough, but please take the time and effort to get to know your professors and staff at UNCW. They are there for a reason, and I guarantee you they want to see you succeed. So please ask them all the questions and concerns you have.

Motivational Quote:
"It's only temporary." – Mayra Robles

05/01/2026

We are proud to announce our second to last Wall of Fame honoree — a resilient and compassionate first-generation leader whose dedication to occupational therapy, mentorship, and campus leadership has left a lasting mark on our campus community.

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Abigail Lopez-Quiñones, Class of 2026
First Generation College Student

Degree: B.S. in Exercise Science
Concentration: Allied Health
Minor: Spanish

Heritage: Mexico; Guatemala
Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina

Hobbies: Thrifting, running, reading, shelling, watching sunsets, and spending time with family and friends.

Organizations Involved: Precollege Mentoring Program, Exercise Science Student Association, Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, and Research Assistant in the Exercise Science Department

Where do you work?
Afterschool Counselor at YMCA; Event Manager at Centro Hispano

Top 3 Accomplishments:
1. One of my greatest accomplishments has been getting accepted into all of the Occupational Therapy programs, including two Doctorate of Occupational Therapy programs, and receiving a $25,000 graduate scholarship. This achievement is especially meaningful, because it represents overcoming self-doubt and realizing I was capable of more than I once believed. It reflects years of academic persistence and personal growth.
2. Balancing academics, part-time jobs, campus involvement, and family responsibilities was one of the most demanding aspects of my college experience. Managing these responsibilities strengthened my discipline, adaptability, and perseverance. Through this experience, I learned to trust myself and gained confidence in my ability to overcome challenges, which is something I am very proud of.
3. Serving as an Event Manager at Centro Hispano for four years has been one of the most impactful experiences of my college career. By stepping outside my comfort zone while planning and executing events, I strengthened my leadership, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. This experience led to receiving Student Employee of the Year (2023–2024) along with two Cornerstone Awards, the Distinguished Engagement Award and the Excellence in Engagement Award.

Plans after Graduation:
After graduation, I plan to spend time with family and friends, take opportunities to travel, and prepare to begin occupational therapy program in the fall.

Dream Job:
My dream job is to become a neuro occupational therapist working with individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries, while advocating for the profession and traveling internationally to raise awareness about the need for occupational therapy and expand access to care for underserved populations, especially Spanish-speaking communities.

Any advice to the generation rising at UNCW?
Get involved, ask questions, and try new things, even if they feel uncomfortable at first. Say “yes” to opportunities, step outside your comfort zone, and don’t be afraid to learn from your mistakes. The experiences that challenge you the most often end up shaping you in the best ways.

Motivational Quote:
“Cree en ti y todo será posible.”

04/30/2026

A message from Mayra this reading day 💌 Good luck on your finals; ¡tú puedes! 🤍

04/29/2026

We are proud to introduce our next Wall of Fame scholar — a dedicated and globally-engaged leader whose commitment to public health, clinical excellence, and community service has left a lasting mark on our campus community.

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Jesus Gonzalez Regino, Class of 2026
First Generation College Student

Degree: B.S. in Public Health
Concentration: Global Health
Minor: Clinical Research

Study Abroad: Venice, Italy (Spring 2026); Ndejje, Uganda (Summer 2026)

Heritage: Mexico
Hometown: Wilmington, North Carolina

Hobbies: Tennis, crocheting, concerts, traveling, and reading

Organizations Involved: Centro Hispano Embajadores (CHE), Minority Association for Pre-Health Students (MAPS), Latino Medical Student Association Southeast. (LMSA), and Juntos NC

Top 3 Accomplishments:
1. I am grateful to have made Dean’s List multiple times here at UNCW.
2. I recently earned my Dental Assistant certificate! This milestone has strengthened my clinical skills, expanded my knowledge of patient care, and brought me one step closer to my goals in dentistry.
3. I am currently working on my DIS project exploring oral care practices and will be conducting community surveys in Uganda.

Plans after Graduation:
I plan to work as a dental assistant while preparing to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). I am excited to continue gaining hands-on experience in the field while taking the next steps toward dental school.

Dream Job:
My dream job is to become a dentist. I am passionate about improving oral health, building meaningful connections with patients, and making a lasting impact through care and education. Every step I take now is bringing me closer to that goal.

Any advice to the generation rising at UNCW?
I would say to put yourself out there and get involved on campus; sometimes you can make lifelong friends in these situations.

Motivational Quote:
“Suerte son para los burros.”– My Dad

04/29/2026

We are proud to introduce our next Wall of Fame leader — a resilient, globally-minded, and dedicated first-generation scholar whose commitment to public health, leadership, and community engagement has left a lasting mark on our campus community.

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Emely Nicole Castellon, Class of 2026
First Generation College Student

Degree: B.S. in Public Health
Concentration: Pre-Clinical

Study Abroad: Luweero, Uganda (Fall 2025)

Heritage: El Progreso, Yoro, Honduras
Hometown: Forest City, North Carolina

Hobbies: Building Legos, puzzles, diamond paintings, dancing and planning fun outings with my corgi.

Organizations Involved: SOAR Ambassadors, Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc. (APSI), Precollege Mentoring Program, Minority Association for Pre-Health Students (MAPS), Ritmo Latino, SCLA Honor Society, United Health Foundation Scholar, Monica Chibuogu Nneji Foundation College Scholar (MCNF), NC Hispanic College Fund (NCSHP) Scholar

Where do you work?
Front Desk Office Assistant at UNCW Housing & Residence Life

Top 3 Accomplishments:
1. Graduating debt-free has been a meaningful achievement for both my family and me. Knowing that my parents did not have to carry the financial burden of my education is something I am forever grateful for. Throughout my four years in college, I remained committed to applying for scholarships each year and made it a priority to complete my degree without out-of-pocket expenses.
2. Becoming the president of the Alpha Theta chapter of APSI gave me the opportunity to learn how to become a leader and it helped me grow as an individual. This role helped me be more confident in myself and taught me that it is okay to ask for help. The brotherhood and sisterhood is something I will forever cherish.
3. Studying abroad for a full semester alone on a different continent is an achievement that pushed me outside of my comfort zone but showed me how adaptable and persevering I really am. Studying in Uganda made me realize that I love working in the community and learning from different cultures. I will forever be grateful for this experience and the friendships it gave me. It also motivated me to complete my internship abroad as well.

Plans after Graduation:
After graduation, I will be interning with Hands on Peru for 5 weeks working on preventative health measures and community health campaigns, as well as, completing clinical hours. After my internship, I will take a gap year and apply to graduate school.

Dream Job:
My dream job is to work as a travel midwife in different countries and providing quality care to women in underserved communities during their most vulnerable times.

Any advice to the generation rising at UNCW?
Be patient with yourself and understand that this is your first time living, so you will make mistakes. How you persevere through those mistakes and learn from them is what really matters. Also, get involved and don’t be afraid to make friends.

Motivational Quote:
God might have a different plan than the one you have set for yourself, and you have to trust it. Sometimes things happen for a reason, but you should never let anything affect your peace and happiness.

04/28/2026

We are proud to introduce our next Wall of Fame honoree — a dynamic and determined first-generation leader whose dedication to cultural engagement, leadership, and personal growth has left a lasting mark on our campus community.

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Angel Ruben Mendez, Class of 2026
First Generation College Student

Degree: B.A. in Biology

Heritage: Mexico City, Mexico; San Juan Amecac, Puebla, Mexico
Hometown: Wilmington, North Carolina

Hobbies: Watching movies and TV shows, dancing, playing sports, spending time with friends, sleeping, creating art, building with LEGO®, and playing Minecraft (video game)

Organizations Involved: Hispanic Latinx Student Union (HLSU), Ritmo Latino, Cine Centro, Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS), Centro Hispano Embajadores (CHE), Itzayan Danza Folklorico, Centro Acuario, Asian Student Association (ASA), Precollege Mentoring Program, Latino Medical Student Association Southeast (LMSA). Futuros en STEM (FES), Medical Student Social Outreach (MSSO), The Dialectic and Ethikos Parliamentary Societies (DEPS), Running Club, Centro Hispano

Where do you work?
Accountant Assistant at Blackline Building LLC

Top 3 Accomplishments:
1. Being accepted into college and graduating as a first-generation student
2. Holding various leadership roles in student organization while balancing school and work life
3. Completing the Subaru Battleship Half Marathon twice

Plans after Graduation:
I plan to travel a bit before starting full-time work and experiencing work life before applying to graduate school.

Dream Job:
I want to work in healthcare as a physician assistant or a doctor.

Any advice to the generation rising at UNCW?
Put yourself out there, even if it doesn't work out. If you don't, you'll regret never trying and knowing if you could have.

Motivational Quote:
“With great power there must also come great responsibility.” — Uncle Ben, Spider-Man

04/28/2026

We are proud to introduce our next Wall of Fame scholar — a dedicated and community-minded first-generation leader whose passion for education, mentorship, and serving Latino youth has left a lasting mark on our campus community.

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Fabiola Alexandra Mendez, Class of 2026
First Generation College Student

Degree: B.A. in Elementary Education
Concentration: Language Arts
Minor: Spanish

Heritage: Mexico City, Mexico; San Juan Amecac, Puebla, Mexico
Hometown: Wilmington, North Carolina

Hobbies: Crocheting, dancing, and walking

Organizations Involved:
Centro Hispano Embajadores (CHE), Hispanic Latinx Student Union (HLSU), Ritmo Latino, Precollege mentoring program, Volunteer in the children's Sunday service at my church

Where do you work?
Intern at Castle Hayne Elementary School

Top 3 Accomplishments:
1. Successfully balanced working five days a week while completing my schoolwork, demonstrating strong time management skills and resilience. Despite feeling tired at times, I remained committed and consistently pushed through to meet deadlines and complete assignments.
2. Worked at a tutoring program supporting Latino students, where I served my community while gaining valuable hands-on experience as an aspiring teacher. This opportunity allowed me to strengthen my instructional skills and deepen my commitment to educational equity.
3. As a first-generation college graduate, I learned the importance of embracing opportunities and remaining grateful for them. Although the journey was challenging, it taught me to value every opportunity and make the most of each experience.

Plans after Graduation:
I plan to pursue a teaching position in a public or private elementary school, where I can use my Elementary Education degree to create a supportive learning environment and positively impact young students’ lives. I also plan on traveling outside of the country to explore and see the world.

Dream Job:
My dream job is to be an elementary school teacher.

Any advice to the generation rising at UNCW?
Enjoy your time in college! These are important years for growth and self-discovery. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.

Motivational Quote:
Education is a gift. Even during the hard moments, it is preparing you, strengthening you, and helping you become the best version of yourself.