Meet Alicia, a 2025 graduate from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) with bachelor’s degrees in architectural engineering and construction management, along with a minor in management. With plans to enter the construction industry and eventually become a project manager, Alicia is driven by her passion for building spaces that serve communities, and by her commitment to becoming a leader.
“I want to be a leader who uplifts others,” she says. “It’s important to me that I create space for others to grow, just like space was created for me.”
Alicia’s college journey wasn’t without its challenges. She juggled academic responsibilities, part-time jobs, and family obligations, balancing everything with focused determination. “It could be overwhelming,” she says. “But those experiences taught me how to manage my time, stay disciplined, and keep pushing forward.”
That perseverance paid off. Alicia was named a recipient of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Milwaukee Scholarship and the Lean Construction Institute (LCI) Scholarship, honors that reflect her hard work and promise as a future changemaker.
Through it all, College Possible remained a steady source of guidance and support. Alicia remembers her first coach, Katherine, whom she met during her junior year of high school.
“Katherine made me feel seen,” Alicia recalls. “She helped me believe that college wasn’t just a possibility, it was a real path forward for me.”
From navigating the college application process to staying motivated during demanding semesters, Alicia credits College Possible with giving her the confidence to pursue big goals and the resources to reach them.
To incoming College Possible students, Alicia offers this advice: “Stay organized. Use your resources. Ask for help. Most of all, believe in yourself because you’re more capable than you think, and the hard work is worth it.”
In five years, Alicia sees herself leading teams, managing meaningful projects, and mentoring others who are just starting their own journeys, creating an impact that lasts far beyond the blueprint.
