From engineering to empowerment: Maldonado finds purpose in nonprofit leadership

Every graduate-to-be at Arizona State University is set on the path of success. Even if it’s the hardest one. New graduate Daniel Maldonado studied Non-profit Leadership Management at Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions with a minor in Medical Studies and a certificate in Special Events Management, Certified Nonprofit Professional. 

When Maldonado started ASU, he was originally a biomedical engineer. Then, he wanted to be a neuro orthopedic surgeon. As he continued through his schooling, he noticed that he no longer fit in  at the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering. 

“I was actually thinking about dropping out, but then I realized I like helping my community. Helping people has been my biggest drive, and people were telling me they think I’d be good at it.”

He ended up enrolling in the non-profit program and fell in love with it. 

“It’s been everything I’ve ever hoped for to help people throughout college, too. I don’t even have to wait for when I become a doctor.”

The most important thing he learned at ASU is to get involved. He worked with PAB and TRIO, and even joined the Ultimate Frisbee team for ASU. 

“That’s where I found my closest friends. Get involved.”

Another great piece of advice he would give is to “just ask for help. If you don’t understand something, ask for help. Everybody is here to support you. Your professors are here trying to support you.”

The professor who made the greatest impact on Maldonado is Megan McDermott. McDermott is known for “making an impact on students’ lives. She taught me the most important lesson, that I’m not here alone and I can ask for help,” Maldonado said.

After his graduation, Maldonado has a few jobs lined up for the summer, which will help pay for his MCAT and tuition for his masters. 

“My master’s will be in biomedical diagnostics and informatics at the College of Health Solutions.” 

He will be continuing his masters degree here, at ASU. That way, when ASU’s med school is built, he will roll right on in.

Photo by Jr De Chavez