Both López Delgado and Mattiola used the words ‘welcoming’ and ‘supportive’ when asked to describe their Arcadia student experience during the Pioneer Series event on Friday, March 3rd, in the University’s Stein Fireplace Lounge in the Commons.

The Pioneer Series is among many signature professional opportunities offered by the Honors Program to highlight value-driven, successful careers. This year’s theme was, “Using your voice and experience to effect change.” In their respective careers, López Delgado and Mattiola are both in a position to effect change on a substantive, national, and international level.

As an evening division student at Fordham University Law School, Mattiola currently works as Deputy Director of Special Projects for Development at the Human Rights Campaign, the Nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. Mattiola has also been recognized as a Stein Scholar for Public Interest Law and Ethics at Fordham. López Delgado serves as an advisor to the UN delegations of Paraguay, Afghanistan, and the European Union in New York City, a research analyst at NYU’s Center on International Cooperation, and a Government Relations Consultant at the United Nations Global Compact office.

While their backgrounds and lived-experiences are quite different from one another, both credit Arcadia’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusivity with creating an environment that made Mattiola learn to, “...pay attention to people who were treated differently in society just for being their authentic selves.” 

The two alumni pointed out that the inclusive campus culture helped to make them feel safe and at home. López Delgado immigrated from Paraguay, so he was pleased to discover an immediate connection with the Arcadia community. He said Arcadia’s international emphasis allowed him to be himself fully and “never feel alone.” 

López Delgado added that success starts with being, “...authentic, following your interests, networking, and being all about community. It’s a big world with a lot of opportunities, so your passion will fit. Take care of yourself, and always make time for things that are important like friends, family, and your mental health.”

Even today, they cite getting involved at Arcadia as instrumental in their career development. The ability to network, present authentically, and learn within a community that felt like home gave them both the chance to explore their truest desires and passions—helping and supporting others.

Assistant Dean of Honors and Accelerated Programs, Helene Klein, went on to say that, “Arcadia University's Honors Program is filled with highly motivated students, and our focus is enabling them to make the most of their strengths and future vision. Having access to thoughtful, and value-driven alumni like Chantel and Camilo lessens the stressful thought of how to launch careers as young alumni? Will I get the career and achieve the goals I imagine for myself? They can see that with a focused approach, trusting their intuition, applying their resources and mentors, and being authentic, the early success they seek can and will happen.”

If you want to be able to offer your professional experience and engage with our current Arcadia students, please reach out directly: alumni@arcadia.edu.