The E-Lead Inclusive Podcast is welcoming a new voice. In this episode, Reed Sanchez joins us to share his journey into engineering and leadership. Reed talks about how he got started in engineering, his experiences supporting students as a teaching assistant, and the research work he is involved in today. It is a conversation about growth, mentorship, and what it means to support others along the way.

What would you eat if it were your last day on earth? Dr. Lucas Galey answers that question while reflecting on his German upbringing and his transition to life as a Texan professor. Through food, culture, and personal stories, he shares how identity, leadership, and place shape who we become.

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Estrada to talk about his incredible journey back to finish his degree. Sean opens up about the different jobs he’s worked, the lessons he’s picked up along the way, and huge personal goals hes accomplished like building a house for his mom. We also dive into his interest in crypto, how he stays informed on regulation updates, and the way he uses that knowledge to help others understand the space. From future career plans to personal growth to every...

In this episode, we sat down with Dante Villalobos over sushi to talk about his journey through E-Lead. From his roles as a TA and RA to his internships and plans after graduation, Dante shares the experiences that shaped his leadership path. A truly valued member of the department, this conversation blends real talk, reflection, and growth one sushi roll at a time.

In this episode, we sit down with our friends and classmates Vanesa Carillo and Samahara Quintana to talk about what it’s really like being international students. From the daily border crossing to the challenges they face navigating school in a different country, they open up about their routines, the differences in education, and the personal stories that shaped their journey. Since we take classes together, this episode feels more like hanging out with friends laughing, sharing experiences...

In this episode of the E-Lead Inclusive Podcast, hosts Vanessa and Stephanie sit down with Natanael Vera and Jesus Olivas to chat about their journey through engineering classes, the shift from Measurement to P2P, and what it really means to find balance between work, school, and everything in between. From late-night study sessions to favorite matcha orders. This conversation is all about staying grounded, growing together, and embracing every part of the college experience.

In this episode of the E-Lead Inclusive Podcast, hosts Vanessa and Stephanie sit down with Dr. Kyle Gipson, professor of engineering at James Madison University . With a background that spans physics, textile technology, and leadership consulting, Dr. Gipson shares his journey in co-creating one of the first engineering leadership programs at JMU and how that path led him to collaborate with UTEP's E-Elead initiative.

In this episode, we sit down with UTEP alumn Steven Terrazas, an E-Lead major with a Civil Concentration with a passion for innovation and leadership. Steven takes us through his journey from internships at Boeing to research at the University of Arkansas but most importantly, he dives deep into his experience preparing for and passing the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam. Whether you're an engineering student or recent grad, Steven shares practical tips, study strategies, and motivation...

In this episode, we explore the U.S. national debt and budget deficit, building on discussions from Dr. G’s finance class. Each of us takes a different stance on how to address the growing debt, from reducing government spending and reforming entitlement programs to increasing taxes and relying more on the private sector. The conversation highlights the complexity of economic trade-offs and the real-world impact of fiscal policy decisions.

In this episode we sit down with two standout seniors from the E-LEAD program, Jyan Delgadillo and Emmanuel Rodriguez. Jyan, with a focus on Innovation and Nutrition, and Emmanuel, concentrating on Mechanical Engineering and emphasis on Entrepreneurship, share how they found their way to E-LEAD, what’s kept them in the program, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. We dive into their experiences with mentorship, the challenges of teamwork, and the highs and lows of their ...