Shaliah Fricas

”A big part of my success comes from the support system around me. No matter the distance, my mom, stepdad, friends, and family have always been there for me. I truly wouldn’t be where I am without them.

I’m also incredibly grateful for my mentors and professors who see me as more than just a student. They’ve helped me recognize my potential and continue to push me toward becoming the person I’m working to be.”

“The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mom: “Si es para ti, es para ti.” — if it’s meant for you, it will be yours.

She told me this during a time when I was really discouraged after an interview, and it completely shifted my perspective. In moments where I didn’t get the opportunity, didn’t move forward, or felt like I fell short, I started to realize that it wasn’t something being taken away from me—it just wasn’t meant for me. What’s meant for me cannot be taken.

It’s helped me move forward with confidence instead of doubt, trusting that every opportunity that’s meant for me will find its way to me and will stick. I remain loyal to my faith and carry that advice with me - if I did not receive that opportunity, it’s because God has something larger for me, and he did.”

“It may sound simple, but the biggest thing I can say is: it gets better.

There will be late nights where you feel exhausted, moments where you’re confused, and times where you question if you’re even good enough. You might even feel like walking away and choosing something easier. Don’t.

I moved to Boston to pursue my dream with the support of my family, and while that decision may seem simple to others, no one can truly understand what it means to you except you. Your journey is personal, and your struggles are valid—but they are not permanent.

Find your village—people who support you, encourage you, and grow with you. Lean on them, learn with them, and build alongside them. And most importantly, give yourself the chance to flourish.

Because you will.”

“A simple answer would be mental health—but it goes deeper than that.

One of the biggest challenges is learning how to make an impact while navigating this field as a woman, especially as a Hispanic woman, in a space that is rapidly evolving and increasingly shaped by men. There’s pressure not only to keep up, but to prove that you belong while doing it.

At the same time, that challenge is also an opportunity.

There will always be challenges—questions that feel too difficult, moments that test you, and spaces that feel hard to navigate. But within those challenges are opportunities. Whether it’s through research, clubs, or building your own community, it’s up to you to find your place.

And if you can’t find it—create it.”

“The values that matter most to me are loyalty, integrity, and passion.

When things get difficult—and they will—those are the values you fall back on. Integrity keeps you grounded. It means staying true to yourself, even when no one is watching.

Loyalty is just as important. You have to be loyal to yourself, your goals, and your growth, even in moments where it feels easier to give up. And at the same time, the people around you—your village—should reflect that same loyalty and support.

Passion is what carries you through everything else. It helps you push past the bad days, the doubts, and the moments where you question your path. It reminds you why you started in the first place and keeps you moving forward, even when it’s hard.

Together, those values shape how I move—not just in my work, but in my life.”