First-Generation College Graduate Supports International Education At Carnegie Mellon University
Yazmin Infante Peña ’15 says that as a first-generation college graduate, Allegheny College made her more versatile for her career and ultimate position at Carnegie Mellon University.
“Allegheny was a place that was so different than my upbringing…and I think that allowed me to adapt to different spaces. I honestly don’t think that if I had stayed in New York, I would have studied away,” says Infante Peña, who studied psychology with a minor in Spanish. “I had a lot of support from professors and students…it shaped where I am today and who I am as a person as well.”
After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Infante Peña returned to New York to become a head start teacher. In 2017, she moved to Pittsburgh and joined nonprofits that supported underserved communities.
As a community education coordinator at the Epilepsy Association, she educated students, faculty, staff, school nurses, and first responders about epilepsy. Afterward, she joined Amachi Pittsburgh as a mentoring specialist to match students who have incarcerated familial relationships with a mentor.
She notes that her psychology background helped her work with families facing trauma, while her minor in Spanish helped her connect with bilingual families outside of work. Studying Spanish in College also deepened her identity as a Latina and helped her tap into the culture differently.
Furthermore, Infante Peña says her time as a student in service with Alpha Phi Omega, a student-led community service organization on campus, and the local Best Buddies chapter, which pairs individuals with others with developmental disabilities, influenced her decision to support nonprofits.
“I always really liked working with these communities, and Allegheny gave me that push…to be out in the community with the people of the town and work with them to create relationships,” reflects Infante Peña.
She simultaneously coordinated for the local International Cultural Exchange Services chapter, matching international high school students with host families— Infante Peña credits Allegheny College for opening up the opportunity since she studied away.
“(Studying away at Allegheny College) was a huge life-changing experience for me. That’s the biggest thing with Allegheny that I’m grateful for,” says Infante Peña. “I went to Seville, Spain, and I was there for the spring semester…it sparked my love of travel and learning about other cultures.”
Eventually, her experience working in abroad services transpired into her role as a document manager for the Office of International Education at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), where she now issues documents for international students and faculty to obtain their visas. Infante Peña also co-leads the Latine Faculty and Staff Alliance, a resource group that educates and plans social events.
“It’s really rewarding to be the person that helps give students an opportunity to study in the United States…and meet them in person when they finally arrive after having all that communication.”
Infante Peña continues to be involved in the Association of Latino Professionals of America (ALPFA)– Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and is a public speaker under “The Recovering No Sabo Kid” brand.
Allegheny College students can study away at over 40 programs in 20 countries, including foreign and domestic locations, where they can take courses that count towards graduation and major or minor requirements.
Plus, when Allegheny students study away on a sponsored program, they can take their institutional and federal financial aid with them. Knowledge of a foreign language is not a requirement of most programs. In addition, Alleheny College offers exciting Global Learning Seminars where faculty teach a group of Allegheny students in an off-campus location.
Get in touch with the Global Education Office to discover Allegheny-sponsored study away opportunities.