Class of 2024: Nicole Paz-Jimenez breaks barriers while building connections
Name: Nicole Paz-Jimenez
College: College of Engineering
Major/minor: Civil and environmental engineering
Hometown: Burke, Virginia
Plans after graduation: Join Gordon, an award-winning civil engineering and landscape architecture firm, as a full-time staff engineer
Favorite Hokie memory: Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina football game in 2021 or first Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers event.
As a Latina pursuing civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, Paz-Jimenez makes it her mission to inspire and empower underrepresented communities in STEM. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she combines her passion for engineering with her commitment to creating inclusive spaces for others. From volunteering with Kids Tech University to mentoring peers and leading the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, her work is transforming lives and helping to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging in STEM.
As a first-generation student, she takes pride in graduating with not just a degree, but also a legacy of service and leadership. Her focus is on sustainable land development and design. Following graduation, she is set to join Gordon’s headquarters in Chantilly, Virginia, as a staff engineer, contributing to key projects and continuing her journey in engineering.
Creating community beyond the classroom
Paz-Jimenez’s journey with Kids Tech University began during her junior year, when she met a graduate student leading the initiative. Kids Tech University, particularly its en Español program, has been a cornerstone of her volunteer work. Through this program, she has helped spark an interest in STEM among Spanish-speaking families by presenting science demonstrations and lectures entirely in their native language.
"Seeing the curiosity ignite in young minds when they learn science in a language they understand has been incredibly rewarding," Paz-Jimenez said. Her contributions have not only helped others but have also deepened her passion for inclusive STEM education. "I want to help open doors for others, just like others have opened doors for me."
Whether assisting with translating demonstrations and technical lectures or simply offering encouragement, her actions underscore her commitment to making STEM fields more accessible and welcoming for everyone.
Advocating for diversity in STEM
Paz-Jimenez’s involvement at Virginia Tech is driven by a desire to pave the way for other minority students. Along with her involvement in Kids Tech University, she has also served as president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers chapter at Virginia Tech. In 2023, she was one of more than 50 Hokies that went to the national convention in Salt Lake City. The convention allowed Paz-Jimenez to connect with industry professionals, explore career options, and gain valuable insights into the world of STEM.
Through mentoring peers and sharing her journey, she hopes to inspire others to see that they belong in STEM. “I hope that by actively supporting diversity initiatives within the College of Engineering, I can become a role model for other Hispanic women wanting to pursue engineering,” she said.
Looking ahead while honoring her roots
Paz-Jimenez’s journey at Virginia Tech has shown that engineering is not just about building structures, but also about building connections and opportunities. While excited for the opportunities ahead, she reflects fondly on her time at Virginia Tech, especially the relationships she’s built with students and faculty.
"The sense of community at Virginia Tech is something I’ll deeply miss," Paz-Jimenez said. "That community has shaped my journey here in Blacksburg, but I feel confident it also prepared me for my future career in engineering."
