NSU Horizons Fall 2017

51 NSU HORIZONS IZ Alfaro’s long-term goal is to use her business acumen to open an academic and sports academy in Costa Rica to give children the opportunity she had to play competitive sports and study in the United States. “When I return home to Costa Rica, my goal is to use sports to help kids and young adults,” said Alfaro, who played competitive soccer as a member of Costa Rica’s national team. “My vision is to create a high-school sports academy where students can get scholarships for an educa- tion and still play soccer at a competitive level. “Universities start scouting during junior and senior year. I hope that students in Costa Rica will have the potential to come to the U.S. and play soccer, because that is the dream of every athlete back home. There are very few resources for that to happen in Costa Rica. I am one who got lucky, but I don’t think it should be just one. It should be 9 out of 10 students getting these opportunities.” LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES At NSU, Alfaro seized opportunities for student leader- ship—in academics, campus activities, and as captain of the women’s soccer team. She was on the Dean’s List and a member of academic honor societies. “As a student leader, Gaby stands out from other students,” said Michelle Manley, M.S., director of NSU’s Office of Stu- dent Media, who became a mentor to Alfaro when she worked as the business manager at The Current student newspaper. “I have observed Gaby take an underclassman under her wing, challenging the student to increase her level of engage- ment at NSU to feel connected and to enhance the college experience. I have often overheard Gabriela say to a student, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll go with you,’ or ‘I’ll do it with you.’ She has a way of making people around her feel listened to and supported,” Manley said. “She took on the role of business manager at The Current as a challenge to herself,” Manley added. “Gaby excelled in this role. Challenging herself would become her motto.” Holding leadership roles nudged Alfaro toward the M.B.A. program. “I noticed I had leadership, management, and negotiating skills. My mentors told me, ‘Gaby, you’d be a great businesswoman,’ ” she said. “Being active is a way of growing and also meeting people—not just friends, but mentors who can offer life-lasting relationships.” “Gabriela is a leader,” said Albert Williams, Ph.D., associate professor at the Huizenga College who serves as adviser for graduate business student government. “She was instrumental in the creation of the Undergraduate Business Council. We met several times to discuss ways to incorporate the undergraduate and graduate clubs under one umbrella. I am certain that she will bring to the M.B.A. program her leadership and interest in making NSU a greater place.” “These past four years have been the best of my life,” Alfaro said. “I have met the greatest people here. This school has given me tremendous opportunities. NSU has become my second home. I’m not ready to leave.” n Gabriela Alfaro Alvarado brought her goal to be a leader to NSU where she is president of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity and a member of the President’s 64, students who are ambassadors to NSU President George L. Hanbury.