Why did you choose TKE?
Because of the people. I could tell the fraters had a strong bond and they made me feel welcome.

Who influenced you most in your time in the Fraternity?
Several people. To name a few, my big brother, Carlos Somoza, and Felipe Lay.

Share your best college/Fraternity memory?
Winning Greek Week in Spring 1993. I was lucky to have been very involved and to contribute to that win.

What was the most important thing you learned in the Fraternity?
Leadership. I found out that I could be a good leader, despite being quiet and and an introvert.

Describe the Fraternity in three words?
Lifetime friendship; character.

How did your education and/or Fraternity experience prepare you for where you are today?
They helped me to realize that I can overcome challenges. These experiences made me learn that if I put my mind to it and my best effort, there is little that can prevent me from achieving my objectives.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Earning my PhD and publishing articles in all top 3 finance journals.

What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?
Any advanced degree in finance requires strong technical
Skills. Honing those skills early on is necessary (e.g., by taking advanced math courses). Solid knowledge of statistics/econometrics is also helpful.

What is something people may not know about you?
I have lived in six different countries. In the process, I have lived through the start of a civil war, and survived a couple of natural disasters- an earthquake and a hurricane.