Luis is from Nicaragua. In 2018, his life took a drastic turn. He was studying industrial engineering at the Engineering University of Nicaragua when anti-government protests erupted, and the police began targeting, killing, kidnapping, and imprisoning students from all universities in the capital. Fleeing danger in Nicaragua, Luis embarked on a treacherous journey to the U.S., surviving against all odds.
Despite many hardships when he arrived in the U.S., he found a job and learned English. His dream of college seemed distant, but he persevered. Luis immersed himself in learning, joined a cybersecurity bootcamp, and volunteered in the IT department at Catholic Charities. Now, a newfound passion for cybersecurity fuels his ambition to protect his adopted country from harm. Luis is currently fostering that passion at Bridgewater State University.
Luis is also the 2025-2026 recipient of the Tom Brunnick Memorial Scholarship*.
*The Tom Brunnick Memorial Scholarship has been named in memory of Tom Brunnick, who immigrated to the United States in 1921, escaping poverty and civil war in his home country of Ireland in search of a better life. He worked tirelessly to pursue his own dreams, and was ultimately able to raise five children and buy a house in his adopted home city of Boston. He was fortunate to be part of a community that supported one another; Tom’s family hopes that through this award, scholars can experience being part of a supportive community, as well.