Be the help you wish you had when you were younger.
Cindy Rios Assistant Director of Involvement
- Alum
- Staff
Cindy Rios identifies as Mexican-American and is a proud two-time alumnus of Texas A&M University-Commerce. She is the youngest of three and the first to graduate college in her family. Growing up in a mixed-status household she landed in the footsteps of higher education with no direction. Despite a difficult transition, she's very grateful for her experience at A&M-Commerce and the support, knowledge and opportunities she was presented with, including her time on the orientation team and ¡Mujeres de Accion! As a second-generation immigrant and first-generation graduate, she's very passionate about helping the next generation of leaders through social justice, education and leadership.
A Conversation with Cindy
What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?
A&M-Commerce is a great campus that challenges you to tap into your true potential while also providing an environment that feels like home. Get involved, don't be afraid to develop relationships with other students, faculty and staff, but especially never hesitate to reach out for help.
What makes you passionate about Student Engagement?
I love the opportunities of growth our office provides for our campus. We are a safe space for students to not only develop into leaders but also embrace their identities without having to assimilate into a society that wasn't created for most.
What do you like most about your career?
I'm big on forging the path for those who come after me. I don’t want my nieces and nephews to face the same challenges I did in college and in life. I was very blessed to come across great professionals who advocated for me and challenged me to discover my true potential. It has made me develop a passion for helping students become better leaders not only in college but in society and I love that now it's a part of my career.
Educational Background
- M.S., Higher Education, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2020
- B.S., Journalism – Public Relations, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2018