Motivated by a desire to fit in and a passion for advocacy and community building, Dominguez set out to improve the student experience for traditionally underserved communities. He became a student representative and an advocate on campus. Following graduation, Dominguez was an inaugural Lead for America Fellow, earning a two-year fellowship working in the City of Houston Mayor’s Office on the education policy team. The fellowship also provided an automatic scholarship if admitted to the McCourt School.
When Frank McCourt (C‘75) made his second transformative investment in the McCourt School and its aspiration to become the most inclusive public policy school in the nation, Dominguez knew he wanted to be a part of it. Ultimately, McCourt’s equity-focused programming and location in the center of the policy world drew him to the Hilltop. Dominguez credits the McCourt School’s financial aid and program flexibility, allowing him to work full time at a nonprofit software company in Washington, DC, and lessening the burden of student debt.
“The impact of taking on debt after graduating can be discouraging,” he said. “It’s a real blessing and a luxury to be idle and reflect on the issues that are affecting our country.”
In the future, Dominguez hopes to return to his home state and serve as a mentor in his family and local community. “I know they’re proud that I’m pursuing my passions,” he said.