UW-Madison Scholar Empowers Community, Advocates for Change
Diana Rico, a Posse Scholar at University Wisconsin-Madison ‘s School of Business, embodies leadership dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices. A human resources major in her second year, Diana serves as the secretary for the local student chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). In this role, she provides a vital support system for students navigating highly selective institutions, offering empowerment and belonging.
I want be a resource for students of color, to be for them the unconditional support that Posse has been for me.
Diana’s interest in human resources began during her high school years, particularly during her dual enrollment at a community college. There she discovered a passion for sociology and feminism, earning associate degrees in both fields. Her ambition is to create equitable change, beginning with fair hiring practices and fair pay.
Integrating a community-oriented approach with a business focus, ALPFA exemplifies values that resonate with Diana. Of special interest to her is the organization’s emphasis on inclusivity and the importance of feeling safe in one’s work environment.
“I perform better when I feel safe; everyone does. One of the most important things you can do to improve productivity in the workplace is to create an environment where folks feel included, celebrated and free to be themselves,” Diana says.
Despite facing challenges in her academic journey, Diana has consistently risen to the moment. She credits ALPFA for providing a platform to address some of the sociopolitical issues on campus, fostering race-conscious conversations about professionalism and career pathways.
Through her involvement with ALPFA, Diana helps prepare members for leadership roles, instilling values that she hopes to carry into her future career as an HR generalist and educator.
Looking ahead, she says, “I want to continue to be a resource for other students of color and to share my successes and experiences with students—to be for them the unconditional support that Posse has been for me.”
