Big Dreams On the Bluff and On Set

When it came time to apply for college, he chose Duquesne’s tight-knit community and welcoming, home-like environment over the bright lights of Hollywood after attending an admissions presentation at his high school and local college fair. He marked his interest by displaying Duquesne stickers in his locker.  
 
“Pittsburgh and Duquesne just kept calling my name,” he said. “I really wanted a personalized experience with smaller class sizes, so it was the perfect match for me.” 
 
Now a senior double-majoring in entrepreneurship and digital marketing, Diego is active on campus. He is a Palumbo-Donahue School of Business ambassador and previously served as secretary of the Entrepreneurship Club and treasurer of the Puerto Rican Student Association. 
 
“Every time we have an event with the Puerto Rican Student Association it makes me feel like I’m back home,” said Diego. “And the Entrepreneurship Club is a super fun way to hear from business owners to see how they got their start.”
 
Hearing from local leaders who own businesses ranging from candy shops to print shops has opened Diego’s eyes to the rewards and challenges of entrepreneurship. Spearheaded by faculty who walk alongside students and connect them with horizon-expanding opportunities, these conversations provided depth and a greater sense of purpose to Diego’s aspirations.
 
In addition to exceling in school, Diego has embraced the chance to flex his acting muscles as an extra on several television shows and movies. Through interviews and open casting calls, he has explored his creative side and followed in his family’s footsteps, even earning a speaking role on the Netflix series Neon.
 
Just as Diego moved to Pittsburgh to pursue his dreams, Neon follows the story of an aspiring reggaeton star and his best friends who move to Miami and weather roadblocks throughout their quest for success.
 
After graduation in 2025, Diego hopes to pursue a master’s degree. As he considers whether to stay in Pittsburgh, return to Puerto Rico or venture elsewhere, he acknowledges the value and quantity of opportunities available in the Pittsburgh region and the life-changing experiences he’s had at Duquesne. 
 
“I’ve built my own life here for sure,” he said. “It’s much different from back home, and I wouldn’t change it—especially the people I’ve become close with. It would be a really different life if I didn’t meet them.”
 
Diego also appreciates that he’s never had to narrow his ambitions throughout his college career. He’s balanced his social life, school and love of acting—pursuing bigger goals at every step of his journey. He’s optimistic about his bright future and says he has no plans to stop doing any of the things he loves. 
 
“I could see this being an awesome reality, you know?”