The student chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) at FIU Business brought home the Southeast Regional Student Chapter of the Year Award at the 2025 ALPFA Convention, energizing student attendees who returned with career-making opportunities.
The award recognizes leadership, career readiness, programming and student engagement. FIU’s chapter stood out for its high-impact events, including a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration and the Women of ALPFA panel during Women’s History Month, along with its strong corporate partnerships and active membership.
“Our e-board treats ALPFA like a full-time job,” said marketing and management major Emilio Roque, the chapter’s former director of marketing. “We balance events, classes, part-time work and internships because we know it pays off. Not just for us, but for our members.”
Roque attended the convention in a unique role, representing FIU Business while serving on ALPFA’s national social media team. He produced coverage, conducted interviews and networked with students and professionals nationwide. His work with the FIU chapter, including a complete rebrand of its marketing, helped him land a national internship as a social media analyst with ALPFA.
Finance major Isabel Guitton, who joined the organization in fall 2024 after switching from marketing, attended her first convention and noted “the best events I’ve attended while at FIU have been hosted by ALPFA.”
While at the convention, Guitton was able to secure several on-site interviews with recruiters and landed an upcoming summer 2026 internship in wealth management with Wells Fargo.
The Las Vegas event drew other major firms including Goldman Sachs, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Bank of America. Guitton also networked with fellow students from across the country, making connections she believes will continue into her professional life.
Both students say the convention proved the value of persistence in a competitive job market. Guitton delayed her graduation to qualify for finance internships, refining her skills and networking for months before securing an offer. “Never stop trying,” she advised. “Even if you get rejected, apply again, talk to recruiters and keep showing up. One conversation can make the difference.”
Roque echoed that sentiment, recalling his own years of sending out applications before landing his current opportunity.
“Joining ALPFA has been the best decision of my university career,” he said. “It’s paved the way for me to grow professionally and reach goals I’ve had since my freshman year.”
As the chapter celebrates its regional win, both students are urging their peers to get involved. “Opportunities like this can change your career path,” Guitton said. “You just have to take the first step.”