On this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we sit down with Maria, a first-year student at Rice University and New Student Representative (NSR) for Lovett College in the Student Association. Maria shares what motivated her to jump into leadership early in her Rice journey and how her passion for equity and access is shaping the projects she’s working on—particularly efforts to make academic resources more accessible for FGLI and low-income students.

Throughout the conversation, Maria reflects on balancing academics, leadership, and community life as a first year, lessons she’s learned about collaboration and decision-making, and how Doerr Institute programs like Catalyst Leadership Workshops have helped her align her time with her values. 

NEW AND INCOMING STUDENT TIPS! She also offers thoughtful advice for new students looking to get involved, insights on building trust in diverse teams, and what legacy means to her at this stage of her college experience.

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

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