UF MBA Student Spotlight: Devin Carrillo

Devin Carrillo (MBA ’22) recently graduated with his MBA as part of the UF MBA Online program. In honor of Pride Month, we asked him a little about himself and his time at the UF Warrington College of Business. 

Q: What does Pride Month mean to you?

A: For most of my life Pride Month was non-existent. Like many others, I denied my identity for a long time. So, as you can imagine, being unapologetically proud for being gay didn’t come naturally. I don’t think I truly felt “proud” until my first professional Pride event. I had been out for quite some time and was living in San Francisco, but something was still missing. I was still searching for connection. I stumbled upon a professional networking group for LGBTQ+ members called Out in Tech. It was my first real networking event in the city, and they hosted a panel on virtual reality and unconscious bias at the Google offices downtown. At first, I just really wanted to see the Google offices but at that event I met some incredible people – people just like me. I heard business and technology leaders openly talk about how they integrate their personal and professional lives. For the first time, I felt validated and seen.

And that’s what Pride Month means to me. It means that I’m validated for all aspects of my identity.

Q: What makes you proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community?

A: We are FIERCE. We’re resilient. Many of us were rejected and through rejection we found connection. This community is my second family. They were there for me when no one else was. Our identities still may be threatened but we will survive! As they say, “sashay the shade away”!

Q: What’s been the highlight of your time at Warrington?

A: Madrid!!! After two years of Zoom meetings and Slack calls I finally met some of my cohort in Madrid for the GIE trip – and what an experience. The connections we built after one week truly feel like lifelong friendships. If you ever get a chance to go on a GIE trip, do it! You won’t regret it!

Q: What are your post-graduation career plans?

A: Continuing to learn every day in the tech industry. Currently a Senior Digital Marketing Manager at OPSWAT.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

A: I’m a high school dropout, first generation student and I just finished my MBA at a top tier school. What is life?!

I was 16 when I came out, and learning was the last thing on my mind, so I dropped out. Although our relationship wasn’t the best, my dad said something to me that will always stick with me, “If you’re not learning, you’re dying.” At the time I brushed it off but I think back on that moment every day. That’s why I’m here today. 

So, to all my community members and allies, you can do it. However many times you felt rejected or inadequate, I’ve been there. The hurdles you experience in life make you who you are today, and who you are today is beautiful. Just remember, you can do it and #itgetsbetter 🙂