Daniela Arellano Haro, from Quito, a Nanotechnology Engineering major in 8th semester, and Salomé Ruiz from Ambato, a Chemistry major also in 8^th semester at Yachay Tech are part of the Crossroads Emerging Leaders Program at Harvard University (https: //mittalsouthasiainstitute.harvard.edu/crossroads/).

Crossroads Emerging Leaders (CELP) has transformed the lives of first-in-family college students globally by identifying and nurturing hidden talent to build cohorts of next-generation leaders.

Daniela Arellano is the coordinator of the SCG scientific computing group and Women in Engineering WIE – IEEE (Yachay Tech). She actively participates in the university community as part of the Mentors group of Yachay Tech. She also belongs to the DivulgaCiencia Network and is a member of the organizing committee of Ciencia Sí, an initiative made up of Latin American science students in different parts of the world.

Salomé Ruiz indicated that both her and Daniela’s participation will consist of learning different topics that allow them to develop and improve their leadership. Some of the academic benefits that they will receive include access to HarvardX courses, machine-learning-based skills assessment, interactive sessions with senior Harvard professors from different disciplinary branches, mentoring opportunities and affinity networks, Ruiz mentioned.

As participants, Daniela and Salomé must go through some stages. After having free access to HarvardX courses, the semifinalists will face opportunities that go from mentoring with Harvard alumni and industry leaders, setting up smaller peer groups to discuss course material and academic affinities, and access to paid or unpaid internships, locally, regionally or internationally. In addition, they’ll have access to tutoring for one year after the program and to participate in an annual regional alumni event.

The last stage includes an intensive finalist program with academic plans based on case studies; consideration for a USD 1,500 student scholarship for internships or short courses in the region and a competition for a USD 10,000 seed fund for innovative initiatives in the region.

According to Salomé: “my training at Yachay Tech allowed me to understand the importance of science and technology to improve the quality of life. Aside from receiving solid knowledge in science, it is essential to learn to efficiently communicate our ideas and develop leadership skills that allow us to understand the environment and present solutions that have a positive impact on society”.

On the other hand, Daniela pointed out that: “My message to the students is to get involved in social and scientific projects, both at Yachay Tech and outside, as it will help them to establish a network at the university and internationally and gain experience in creating, directing and taking part research, projects or events”.

Lastly, the students mentioned that the support of their families has been a fundamental axis to meet their goals, and they celebrate their achievement.