Career Connections – The Impact of the Islander Mentor Program

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Success isn’t just about what you know — it’s also about who’s in your corner.

At Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, the Islander Mentor Program empowers students by connecting them with alumni and community leaders who offer real-world insight, career guidance, and unwavering support. These mentors are more than advisors — they’re champions, helping turn college aspirations into achieving career accomplishments.

Since its launch in 2019, the Islander Mentor Program has built powerful, lasting connections between students and their mentors, who meet regularly throughout the academic year to navigate classroom to career — together.

“I want to help people make connections they may not have been able to make on their own,” said Sandy Rodriguez ’18, a first-time mentor. “I only wish this was available when I was an undergrad.”

Rodriguez, an environmental advisor with ExxonMobil, graduated from the Island University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. She was paired with Justin Lara ’26, a first-generation college student from Corpus Christi. Lara, a junior studying physics, has an interest in quantum physics research, and while Rodriguez is not an expert in physics, she was able to open doors for Lara by connecting him with colleagues who share similar interests.

“Sandy has introduced me to a lot of her coworkers from Exxon, which is a great step into getting a job with the oil and gas industry,” Lara said. “One of the main things she’s showed me was that just because I might get a job in industry doesn’t mean that I can’t also do research.”

Rodriguez also helped Lara better prepare for the job search that awaits him after graduation.

“She helped make my CV more concise and cleaner,” Lara said. “She also helped me set up a LinkedIn profile.”

Ila Pridgeon ’23, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies, was paired with Islander Mentor Darcy Schroeder, Public Affairs Manager for Valero Energy Corporation.

“My experience with the Islander Mentor Program provided me with invaluable insights and guidance,” Pridgeon said. “Darcy’s wealth of experience, deep knowledge, and passion for the profession were instrumental in broadening my horizons and strengthening my skills. What set Darcy apart as a mentor was her unwavering commitment to my growth and development. The mentorship was not limited to formal meetings or professional discussions; it was a holistic experience.”

Pridgeon is now studying to earn a Master of Arts in International Relations at St. Mary’s University and she and Schroeder stay connected via LinkedIn.

“Ila has a very bright future,” Schroeder said. “She’s a hard worker and a go-getter, and I’m excited to see where she lands in the next few years.”

Ali Ibrahimov ’20, ’22 was invited to be a mentee while he was earning his MBA at TAMU-CC. He was paired with Ricardo de los Santos ’20, Chief Financial Officer at Eagle Pass Pediatric Clinic, who transitioned their mentor-mentee relationship into a close friendship. Now a financial analyst at the Island University, Ibrahimov continues to pay it forward by serving as an Islander Alumni Mentor to Shreyash Chede ’25, a computer science graduate student.

“I’m in a good place in my career and I’m excited to give back to my Island community,” Ibrahimov said.

Not only do they share a passion for business, but Ibrahimov, originally from Azerbaijan, and Chede, from India, have the shared experience of being international students.

“Ali knows all the hurdles that I’m going to face, and he’s been able to navigate me through it accordingly,” Chede said.

Ibrahimov has also connected Chede with another mentor, Ruben Barrera, President of Barrera Business Ventures, a conglomerate that owns and operates technology companies in the Coastal Bend.

“Ruben and I have a shared interest in information technology and cybersecurity,” Chede said. “From him, I’ve learned more about industry trends and how to stand out during the job interview process.”

Beyond helping Chede in his job search, Ibrahimov believes the pair have forged a bond that will continue beyond their time in the program.

“Whether he likes it or not, I’ll still bug him and do my best to mentor him in any way that I can,” Ibrahimov joked. “I’d never say, ‘you’ve graduated, you’re on your own.’ I’m going to bet all the other Islander mentors feel the same way.”