Aurora Diaz, BA ’12 (public relations), is the founder of The Jefas, a first-of-its-kind beauty platform aspiring to be the Sephora for Latina-founded brands. She’s also a steering committee member for the Patos Alumni Network.

“I think if you have an idea and you are persistent and you really feel like that’s what you need to go out and do, it’s there for a reason. It’s your calling; it’s a product you must bring to life." 

Jackie Gutierrez, MA ’21 (journalism), is the founder of Women Kick Balls, an independent media company focused on authentic storytelling centered around women’s soccer. Despite growing up with a host of academic challenges and often being the only Hispanic woman in the room, Gutierrez now has more than 3,150 subscribers, a successful magazine, and, most recently, had the privilege of covering the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

“I have taken my identity as a young Hispanic female and owned it. I already stick out like a sore thumb, so it fuels me to think that my voice is important. I would get really discouraged earlier in my career walking into a room that was full of old, White men, but now I think ‘who cares?’. I have the experience and the credibility . . . and people know my character.” 

Duck track legend Ashton Eaton’s journey to greatness is an unlikely one. He is third man in the history of the world to win back-to-back Olympic decathlon gold medals. Discover how he rose to the top of the decathlon world in this episode of the Mighty Oregon Podcast.