For his 40th birthday, FIU alumnus Carlos Becerra ’98, M.P.A. ’01 did something special for his FIU family. Together with FIU friends at Miami Ironside and Biscayne Bay Brewing Company, Carlos hosted a fundraising event for FIU’s Make a Difference DC Fund.
The Make a Difference DC Fund allows first generation students to experience valuable internships in our nation’s capital that they may otherwise be unable to afford. These students represent the exciting future of our country and this scholarship can lead to life-changing internships and job opportunities in DC.
“FIU, like my family and friends, is always in my heart and mind,” Carlos says. “FIU has been one of the best gifts in my own family’s life and helped propel my future. I can think of no better way to give back than ensuring leadership and internship opportunities are there for first generation Panthers.”
The event was held in Little River’s Industrial District at Ironside Pizza, an authentic Neapolitan pizzeria -housed in Miami Ironside – specializing in customizable, wood-fired pies. Biscayne Bay Brewing Company, a Miami-based brewery owned by FIU alumnus Jose Mallea, provided bold, rich craft beer. Our student group Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, pictured above, performed for the evening.
Several former DC interns were in attendance, including Sarah Terrazas. “This past summer I had the opportunity to intern at the FIU Washington, D.C. Office,” Sarah says. “My hopes are to get involved in government, and through this career opportunity, I’ve been able to gain invaluable experience and support networks.” Currently, Sarah is an undergraduate student in FIU’s School of International & Public Affairs.
Sarah is passionate about FIU because, as a first generation Latina immigrant, she has “found countless opportunities within the university,” she says. “Myself and my brother, who graduated recently graduated from FIU, worked tirelessly to rise to many of the challenges that face minorities today. Florida International University has truly changed our lives for the better in more ways than I can express.”
Thanks to Carlos and everyone else who came together to make this night a success for our ambitious FIU students. With your help, we are able to open doors for our promising students. Your support continues to change lives, making the impossible possible. To learn more about giving opportunities, visit give.fiu.edu/cab today.