Meet Mike Gutierrez, program coordinator for Project MALES, a K-12 initiative that prepares young men of color for academic success. He oversees daily operations for mentoring activities and plays an important role in building partnerships with Austin area school districts and community leaders.

Since Gutierrez joined the program as a graduate student in 2013, he has honed his leadership and mentoring skills while working alongside some of the university’s top leaders in higher education. Now he has come full circle, overseeing graduate assistants and undergraduate student employees as they work to guide middle and high school students into the college-going mindset.

His favorite aspect of the job? Watching his undergraduates develop all the skills they need to take on the professional world.

“I always enjoy having impactful conversations with undergraduate students about their plans during and after college,” says Gutierrez. “It’s great not only to be a resource and guide for undergraduate students, but to also have them impact my life. This past year has been a powerful experience.”

Outside of the classroom, Gutierrez enjoys going to the gym, watching movies (preferably with a plate of Pluckers wings) and traveling as much as possible. Growing up in a military family, he is no stranger to international travel. After living in Spain for six years, he plans to put more many more stamps in his passport.

A proud Longhorn, Gutierrez (M.Ed, Higher Education Administration, ’15/B.A., Psychology,’13) has attended every home football game since 2010. Needless to say, burnt orange is his favorite color and there’s no better work environment than his beloved alma mater. Read more about Gutierrez in this Access & Excellence story.

We caught Gutierrez on camera at the recent Leadership Summer Camp, which brought students from Project MALES and Con Mi MADRE together for four days of leadership-building activities.