Sandra Esquivel ('16 MEd, '14 BA)

Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Fort Worth most of my life. My parents moved us here from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico when I was three, so that makes me a first-gen student. I currently live in Burleson, Texas and still come to UTA daily as the associate director of regional operations for the admissions office. I’m a seasoned advocate for education with over 19 years of experience in promoting higher education in the DFW area. My role with UTA is supporting high school seniors through Tarrant County’s GO Centers and the Texas Promise programs, helping at-risk students navigate college applications and financial aid.

I’m a wife and mama to four exceptional children. I’m the proud mom of two college graduates, one college freshman, and one middle schooler. I like to stay involved in my community and I currently serve as the chair-elect for Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, Fort Worth chapter. I’m also actively involved with HOBY Youth Leadership of North Texas. If I’m not working, you can catch me at a local coffee shop with a great book or running on the Trinity Trails.

Why did you choose to attend UTA?
I worked at TCC for 10 years before coming to UTA and I helped many of my then student workers transfer to here. I would hear how great of an experience they had and it began to make me interested in becoming a student myself.

What did you study at UTA?
UTA offered the Interdisciplinary Studies major and I thought it fit me so well since I wanted to study more than one major. I also wanted to learn more about my heritage and UTA was the school that could give me that knowledge. I made UTA “Mi Manera” and studied business, history, and Mexican-American studies for a future in international business and instead felt a calling to higher education. After becoming an employee, I enrolled in the Masters of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in Higher Education.

Describe your UTA experience. How did UTA help prepare you for your career?
At my first graduate class, I learned what a Go Center was and found how I could make my passion of helping first-generation students into a career.

Describe your path to your current position. What have you learned along the way?
After receiving my MEd, two of my professors made me aware of a position in the College of Education which coordinated the Go Center mentor program at local high schools. Soon after starting in this position, I became embedded with non-profits that also focused in college readiness programs around Texas. In 2019, the program moved under the admissions department, and I was able to merge my passion of helping students find a path after high school and recruiting them to UTA. I discovered my passion in helping students make their dream of attending college a reality.

What's one lesson you learned at UTA that has stayed with you still today?
UTA is where I discovered who I truly am; embrace your authenticity and use it as your strength. In a world that often tries to mold us into something we are not, staying true to who we are allows us to bring our unique perspectives and experiences to the forefront.

What message do you have for the next generation of UTA graduates?
Remember that your unique voice and perspective are invaluable.