Student Directors

Raquel is a Senior in the BS/MS Accounting program with a concentration in Taxation and Data Analysis. She is currently serving as the President and Student Assistant for PLP. With plans to work for a Big four accounting firm after graduation, PLP has assisted Raquel tremendously. Throughout her experience with the program, she has learned to master the interview process, public speaking, and networking. Raquel is also highly involved with Beta Alpha Psi, NT40, and the First-Generation Success Center. Outside of her studies, campus life, and work, she enjoys resistance training, reading, and learning new skills.

Jenny Gonzalez is a senior majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Journalism. As a first-generation college student and Vice President of the Professional Leadership Program, she is committed to building community, supporting growth, and promoting accessibility for all members. Outside of PLP, Jenny is a communications intern at Caterpillar and an active member of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and Lambda Pi Eta, the Communication Honor Society. She is passionate about helping others tell their stories and plans to pursue a career in media or corporate communications. In her free time, she enjoys reading, attending concerts, and spending time with family and friends.

Molly is a Senior Marketing major in the Professional Selling Program at the University of North Texas, graduating in December. She plans to pursue a career in Sales or Recruiting and is passionate about empowering others through servant leadership. Through the program, she has expanded her network and strengthened her professional development. Her mentorship experience has played a key role in shaping her post-graduation career plans. Outside of her involvement at UNT, Molly enjoys traveling and singing.

Kate is a Human Resource Management major and a transfer student in the College of Business. She currently works at a bank and serves as both the Social Coordinator and Director of Development for the Society for Human Resource Management. Long-term, Kate aspires to become an HR Manager, where she hopes to lead with empathy and a commitment to continuous improvement.

PLP has played a pivotal role in her college journey, helping her come out of her shell and build the communication and leadership skills essential for success in the professional world. She is deeply passionate about personal development and believes that with hard work, any skill can be built. Through her involvement in PLP, Kate aims to inspire others to recognize their potential and pursue growth.

In her free time, she enjoys painting, reading, thrifting, and spending time with friends.

Sergio Gareca is a Senior in the College of Business, majoring in Finance. Originally from Bolivia, Sergio is an international student passionate about financial markets, leadership, and academic growth. This fall, he will be serving as a Teaching Assistant under Dr. Ferris in the Department of Finance, working as a Trading Room Assistant, and taking on the role of Portfolio Manager for the Student Investment Group, where he helps lead student-managed investment strategies.

Through PLP, Sergio has had the opportunity to strengthen his communication and professional development, as well as form meaningful relationships with mentors and peers. Outside of academics, he enjoys playing sports, guitar, and piano, as well as reading books.

My name is Brianna Sandoval, I am a Student Director for PLP. I am a Junior student graduating in May 2026 with a BA in Political Science and a minor in Real Estate. I will be applying for law school in the year 2025, hoping to pursue law within the real estate and immigration field. The Professional Leadership Program is important because it has equipped me to pursue my passions further by utilizing and practicing my skills through mock interviews, networking, and public speaking. Some of my hobbies include playing Wordle, chess, and reading.

Diego Yanes is a Junior on the Pre-Law track here at UNT. He is double majoring in Philosophy, Psychology, and pursuing a certificate in legal studies. Diego is set to graduate May 2026 in which afterwards he will continue his educational pursuits at law school. He is a member of the Thomistic institute on campus and enjoys playing piano whenever he can get his hands on one. PLP has provided Diego with the ability to network with well-established professionals and helped create a new community within his peers. Throughout his time at PLP Diego has cultivated his public speaking ability, resume writing ability, and interview strategies. Furthermore, being surrounded by driven individuals has been essential in motivating Diego to strive for excellence in his studies. Diego has also been an intern at Southland Holdings LLC throughout last summer and gained experience in litigation, depositions, and the discovery process. Additionally, Diego has been a part of researching the drug Amantadine and its effects on Idiopathic Hypersomnia in Bonn, Germany; with the European Sleep Research Society under Dr. Ulf Kallweit, Head of the Center of Hypersomnias & Division of Clinical Sleep and Neuroimmunology.  Diego has consistently been a listening ear for any friend or acquaintance and thrives on being able to help them in whatever way he can. For this upcoming semester Diego plans on continuing his guitar learning journey along with learning basic Mandarin to prepare for his upcoming study program in Beijing, China with Dr. Wang.

Kirsten is a Senior in the College of Engineering, majoring in Computer Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. This is her second semester in the Professional Leadership Program, and she is excited to serve as a Student Director for Fall 2025. Last semester, PLP provided Kirsten with invaluable opportunities to grow professionally, build confidence, and expand her network. She looks forward to supporting current members in realizing their full potential and making the most of their PLP experience. In her free time, Kirsten enjoys traveling and volunteering in her community. She is passionate about giving back and helping others thrive both personally and professionally.

Aryan Paul is a senior in the College of Business, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Finance. In addition to being a Student Director for PLP, Aryan is the captain of the Men's Soccer Club at UNT and a member of Sigma Nu, a fraternity on campus. Through this, he also serves on the Interfraternity Council (IFC) as the Public Relations Chair. This is Aryan’s second semester with the Professional Leadership Program, which has helped him grow as a leader by strengthening his soft skills and providing valuable networking opportunities, including personal mentorship and insights from business executives across different industries. He is graduating in December 2025 and is working toward a career in financial advising. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing, working out, and hiking.