Finance and International Business senior Cameliss Rivera-Gautier recently won the Houston Financial Executives Institute Scholarship. The scholarship provides financial support to upperclassmen across Southeast Texas in recognition of their academic achievement and professional promise. Rivera-Gautier applied for the scholarship at the encouragement of Dr. Christine Poleski-Gaona, Marilyn Davies College of Business assistant dean.
While Rivera-Gautier is only in her fourth semester at University of Houston-Downtown, having transferred over from Lone Star College, she’s made a splash since becoming a Gator. Rivera-Gautier serves as the president of the International Business Association (IBA), is involved in Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), and works as a student employee in the Office of Human Resources. Rivera-Gautier credits Dr. Anisul Islam, chair of the Finance, Information Systems, Economics, and Risk Management Department and IBA advisor, for empowering her to pursue leadership opportunities in the MDCOB. She strongly recommends ALPFA for new students finding their footing at the university, explaining, “If you just want to join one org, because you don't have a lot of time, just join ALPFA—they have so many opportunities.”
While an interest in other cultures initially led Rivera-Gautier to majoring in International Business, Rivera-Gautier says the financial support from the Ted Bauer Scholarship inspired her to pursue a degree in Finance. Once she graduates in the fall, Rivera-Gautier plans to pursue a career that will allow her to apply her education in a field that supports her passion for travel.
As part of the FEI Houston Scholarship recognition, Rivera-Gautier attended a reception that brought together scholarship recipients, business leaders, and university administrators, including Dr. Jonathan Davis, dean of the MDCOB. The networking opportunity allowed the students to connect with professionals in the field and further strengthen ties between the university and the Houston business community.
For Rivera-Gautier, the FEI Scholarship is a unique peek into what her life may look like beyond UHD, and an affirmation that she’s on the right track.