The inaugural AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event will be a showcase of the most diverse and impactful young professionals in various fields of work across the Philadelphia region.

At the virtual event, taking place August 20, 2020, Virginia Orozco, 29, will be one of the 40 honorees. Currently, she is a Graduate Student Researcher at Drexel University. 

As part of the lead-up to the event, AL DÍA asked each of the 40 honorees the same three questions and collected their responses. 

Here are Virginia Orozco’s responses:

The biggest challenge in my professional journey has been navigating with imposter syndrome. As a PhD candidate in biomedical engineering, I have experienced self-doubt and have even questioned my position in the program. However, my family and friends’ motivation and encouragement ease this challenge and day by day the imposter syndrome decreases. I continue to strive to impact science and the health of my community.

My proudest achievement in my career is publishing my first first-author article because of my ability to share my findings with the scientific community to help advance the available knowledge. In addition, I am beginning to shape my presence in the scientific community in order to help impact not only science but my community.

True inclusivity will happen when D&I efforts go beyond just creating awareness. These efforts need to go beyond the discussion board, solutions need to be clearly defined and more care for engagement from everyone needs to increase to begin the process of inclusivity.

To register for the upcoming AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event, click here. 

For more information about the event, reach out to alliyahm@aldianews.com.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact martina@aldianews.com.