Meet Sandra Montero Villamizar

Natalya Merida
June 23, 2022
Blog
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Meet Sandra Montero Villamizar

Earlier this month, RDF happily welcomed Sandra Montero Villamizar into our Familia as a summer intern. She is currently working to aid Eric Salazar, RDF’s Director of UnidosUS Affiliated Investments in the Affiliate Support Program. Sandra is in the process of attending Arizona State University to obtain her Chemical Engineer degree.

Sandra is an incredible young lady who travelled to new soil with only a little aid. A native of Venezuela, Sandra sought to leave the country’s political and socio-economic crises. Her education and goal to make a difference is vital in Sandra’s life, so once she turned 17, she moved to the United States to start her journey.

Learn more about Sandra in this Q&A

Where are you from?

I was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela. I came to the United States when I was only seventeen years only.  It was a difficult journey that I did on my own; my family is still in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

What are you majoring in? Why did you decide to study this? 

I recently graduated from Phoenix College in May. Now I am transferring to Arizona State University next fall where I am going to study chemical engineering. I want to help people get access to clean water. In my country, there is not much access to clean water. In result, I want to help and learn as much as I can act, so many communities to have access to clean water.

What are your goals after graduation?

One of my goals after graduation is to work in a water treatment plant to make a positive impact ensuring there is more clean water available for all. I also want to get my master’s degree in chemical engineering.

What skills do you want to gain from this experience as an RDF intern?

The skills I want to gain from this experience are getting to know my community, so I know what areas need the most help. I want to take my knowledge and apply it in the future; then ultimately start a nonprofit centering on assisting women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). I can identify myself in many aspects during this process, so I know the struggles. I understand what they are going through. I love serving my Latino community.

What has been one of your highlights working in RDF?

I love knowing that an organization, and the people within it, support my dreams and are by my side. I am so grateful to RDF and Mr. Tommy Espinoza, RDF’s President & CEO, for all the opportunities they have given me helping to guide me toward my goals. A huge goal of mine is furthering my education and making a difference in my community.

Do you have any fun hobbies or interests to share?

Yes, I have started scrapbooking. I have also gained a passion for working with epoxy resin. I like to make jewelry, like hearts and the preservation of flowers.

We are excited to have Sandra with us this summer.

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Natalya Merida
Natalya Merida, intern at RDF, is a senior at Moon Valley High School in Arizona. She is interested in a career in the medical field because of experiences she had at a young age seeing her parents struggle to communicate with their English-speaking physician. She is working with the Communications team for the summer of 2022.
Phone 602-417-1400
Raza Development Fund (RDF) is the largest national, Latino-focused nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Driven by a mission to close wealth and opportunity gaps in Latino and other under-resourced communities across the United States, RDF provides responsible and attainable financial solutions to community-based organizations focused on health, education, affordable housing, climate resilience, homeownership, and entrepreneurship. RDF was founded in 1999 as a support organization to UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy nonprofit, formerly known as the National Council of La Raza. As a testament to its exceptional financial strength and impact, RDF stands out as one of the few CDFIs with a prestigious AA- S&P rating. Since its inception, RDF has invested more than $1.3 billion across 38 states, leveraging over $6 billion in additional capital.
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