Genesis Britz

I attribute my success to my parents, who have been my strongest support system in every stage of my life. They taught me the value of hard work from a young age and made it clear that education was my pathway to a better life. As a first-generation college student, my parents were not always able to guide me through the academic or professional spaces I was entering, but they supported me in every way they could. That experience pushed me to become independent early and to learn how to navigate systems on my own. Now, as the oldest sibling, that role has shifted. I have become the guide that I did not have. Seeing my younger siblings look up to me and rely on me to navigate those same spaces is one of my biggest motivations. Everything I pursue is not just for myself, but to create a path that they can follow with more clarity and support. Growing up on the border and as the daughter of an immigrant also shaped my perspective. I saw firsthand how complex and inaccessible systems can be, which is what led me to pursue law and advocacy. At the core of everything I do is my family. Their sacrifices, their belief in me, and the responsibility I feel toward them are what drive my work and my success.

The best career advice I have ever received is to not be afraid to ask, because the worst thing someone can say is no. It is advice I live by now. I first heard it when I was applying to colleges. I did not think I would get into UT Austin, but a teacher told me to apply anyway. He told me that I belonged there, even if I did not fully believe it yet. I got in, and that moment really stayed with me because it showed me that just because you doubt yourself does not mean you are not deserving of the opportunity. That mindset has been especially important for me as a first-generation college student. It is easy to feel out of place in rooms where other people may have had more access, more guidance, or more familiarity with those spaces. But I have learned that if anything, having to overcome more barriers makes you more deserving of being there, not less. So now, even when I feel uncertain, I still apply, I still ask, and I still put myself in those spaces. Because at the end of the day, the only opportunities you are guaranteed to miss are the ones you never go after.

My biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid to ask. As women, we are often taught to be quiet, to not take up too much space, and to not ask for too much. I think that is one of the most limiting messages we can receive. A lot of the opportunities I have had came from simply asking. Whether it was securing sponsorships or pursuing professional opportunities, I reached out, even when it felt uncomfortable. I operate with the mindset that the worst thing someone can say is no, and that is not something to fear. At the same time, asking is not just about boldness, it is about preparation. I make sure that when I ask for something, I am showing that I am qualified, that I bring value, and that it is a mutually beneficial opportunity. I would encourage young women to be more bold, to ask more questions, and to advocate for themselves. Men do it all the time, and there is no reason why we should not. When you stop waiting for permission and start asking for what you deserve, you open doors that would have otherwise remained closed.

One of the biggest challenges right now is building a strong and sustainable foundation for the future of the 1967 Latina Run Club. From the beginning, we were intentional about creating something that would outlast our time as students. As I approach graduation, a major focus is on identifying and developing the next officer board to carry the organization forward and ensure it continues to be a safe and empowering space for women. At the same time, there are so many opportunities in this work. Being able to partner with brands like Gymshark and expand our reach has been incredibly rewarding, especially because it allows us to grow our impact and bring more visibility to what we are building. It has also added something very unique to my undergraduate experience. I never expected to start a run club or even become a runner in college. More than anything, this experience has shaped me as a leader. It has taught me how to build something from the ground up, manage partnerships, and create community with intention. Those are skills I know I will carry with me into law school and my future career in public service.

Discipline, empathy, and leadership are the values that guide everything I do. Discipline is what allows me to balance multiple responsibilities and still show up fully in each space. I am very intentional with my time and energy, and I make it a priority to give my full effort to anything I commit to. That also means knowing when to say no. I have learned that not every opportunity is meant for you, especially if you cannot give it your best, and being able to recognize that is part of being disciplined. Empathy is equally important to me, especially because I want to build a career in public service. My experiences working with immigrant communities have shown me how important it is to lead with understanding and to truly listen to people’s lived experiences. It is not enough to want to help, you have to understand the people you are advocating for. Leadership ties everything together. Through building the 1967 Latina Run Club and growing a platform, I have stepped into leadership in ways I did not always expect. Leading over 200 women has taught me that leadership is not just about taking charge, but about showing up consistently, creating community, and setting an example. I believe strong leadership comes from a combination of discipline and empathy. These values are what keep me grounded, and they shape how I lead, how I serve, and how I show up for others.