By Mehak Malik
In education and leadership, cultural identity often shapes the way people grow, lead, and inspire. For Nicolas Gomez, a Colombian academic and Hispanic leader, resilience, adaptability, and community spirit are more than values; they are guiding principles. These values, deeply rooted in his heritage, gave him the strength to step into the demanding world of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence while continuing to nurture future generations of learners. His journey reflects the power of combining cultural pride with continuous learning to create lasting impact in academia and beyond.
Lessons Carried Across Generations
Growing up in a culture that prioritizes hard work, family, and responsibility, Nicolas carried those lessons into every stage of his career. As a director and educator at the College of Higher Studies of Administration, he sees his professional role as more than teaching; it’s about mentoring, guiding, and opening doors for others.
“Being Colombian and Hispanic has deeply shaped both my career and personal journey. Resilience, adaptability, hard work, and strong family and community values are central. These traits have guided me in both academia and professional settings, motivating me to pursue excellence while staying grounded in my roots,” he reflects.
Living abroad and working in multicultural environments only strengthened this sense of purpose. Nicolas realized that representation mattered; bringing his whole identity into academic spaces allowed him to inspire students who saw themselves in his story.
The AI Program That Opened New Pathways
As industries and institutions began integrating data and Artificial Intelligence into their strategies, Nicolas recognized the need to expand his skills. He enrolled in the Post Graduate Program in Data Science with Generative AI: Applications to Business (formerly known as the Post Graduate Program in Data Science and Business Analytics) from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, a decision that gave him both technical grounding and managerial insight.
The program equipped him with hands-on skills in Machine Learning, analytics, and Python, while also teaching him to connect these tools to real business challenges. Initially uncertain about pursuing such a technical program online, he soon found the experience rigorous and rewarding, thanks to world-class faculty, mentoring sessions, and projects tied to real-world scenarios.
“The program helped me build both technical expertise and a managerial perspective, allowing me to bridge the gap between Data Science and business leadership,” he reflects.
A Scholar, A Mentor, A Changemaker
After completing the program, Nicolas stepped into opportunities that tested and showcased his new expertise. He took on a Doctorate in Business Administration, where he applied analytics and programming extensively in his thesis research. At the same time, he started leading a Data Analytics, Digital Transformation, and AI Center at his university.
In these roles, Nicolas led advanced analytics initiatives within his institution and designed new courses that wove AI and Data Science into the academic curriculum. He also expanded his research portfolio into emerging areas such as blockchain in education, positioning himself at the forefront of innovation. The program not only boosted his academic work but also elevated his credibility as both a researcher and professor. Today, his students benefit from a learning experience that blends rigorous theory with modern applications of AI, guided by a leader who embodies both expertise and vision.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Hispanic Leaders
While his personal achievements are significant, Nicolas remains committed to using his journey to inspire others, especially within the Hispanic community. “My advice is not only to young Hispanics, but to all Hispanics, of any age: embrace continuous learning and never underestimate the value of your cultural identity,” he emphasizes.
Nicolas’s story is a reminder that heritage and innovation do not exist in separate spheres; they strengthen each other. By upskilling, he not only advanced his own career but also expanded opportunities for his students, colleagues, and community. His path reflects what it means to lead with purpose: to learn continuously, teach generously, and carry cultural pride into spaces that shape the future.
“Invest in yourself, choose programs that challenge you, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone,” Nicolas advises. His words capture the spirit of a leader who proves that resilience and innovation, when rooted in identity, can spark change that reaches far beyond the classroom.
